James Masterson was the younger brother of Bat Masterson. In my opinion he was the BEST lawman of the Mastersons. He was the Assistant Marshal of Dodge City in 1878 under Charlie Bassett. He had several hundred arrests in 1878 and 1879. He was promoted to City Marshal after Charlie Bassett's resignation in 1879. He lost the job in 1881 when city government changed. He jointed the Police Force in Trinidad, Colorado in 1881. He became under sheriff in 1885 in Colfax County, New Mexico. He was involved in the Gray County War in Kansas and later the battle of Cimarron.
He moved to Oklahoma Territory. He became a Deputy Sheriff of Logan County, Oklahoma. On September 1, 1893, as a Special Deputy U.S. Marshal he was involved in the Battle of Ingalls against the Doolin-Dalton gang and helped capture "Arkansas Tom" Jones.
He died in Guthrie of tuberculosis on March 31, 1895. He was only 39 years old. His entire adult life was essentially in law enforcement, unlike Bat who spent many years as a newspaper and sports reporter.
History says he was a rather shy man, not very outgoing like Bat was. He spoke in a low voice and spoke seldom. He was fearless under fire. He was not brash or boastful and did not court fame or notoriety. He was a GOOD man.
