Big Jim

By David W. Bailey

This is the story of Big Jim Bowdry, an ex-City Marshal of Hays, Kansas.
He had gained a reputation with his fists, as well as the lightning speed of his .45 caliber pistol, if, and when it was necessary. He took no guff from anybody. Although he was a good-natured man, he saw things logically, and looked only at the facts, and the evidence. He had always said, "I'm not the judge, or jury. I just carry out the letter of the law for the state of Kansas." When he went after a man, he was like a dog on a bone. He wouldn't let go until he brought that man, or men in to jail for trial.
He was City Marshal of Hays for 5 years, then he gave it up. His reason? A woman named, Esther. Esther Stiles. She wandered into town, and captured the heart of Big Jim Bowdry. 'Big Jim', as he was often called, stood well over six feet, with broad shoulders, and the stamina of a running horse. He never forgot a friend, nor turned his back on a man who needed his help. He always met you with a smile, and a vigorous handshake.
Now, he's aged some, and he and Esther are married. They moved around a few times, trying to outrun his reputation with a gun, bu, his reputation always caught up with him.
Leaving Atchison, Kansas, they moved to an out of the way small town of Cottonwood, bought a small farm, and tried to live a normal life. They bought a few head of cattle. Even seeds to grow wheat to subsidize the income from the cattle. He bought himself a bull to sire calves in hopes of growing a large herd, but with his reputation, it has caused a small rift between him and Esther. The heat that hit Kansas didn't help matters any. He lost a few cows, and the thought of selling the bull, bothered him greatly.
Then, the shooting in Cottonwood jeopardized his life with Esther, again.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Outlaws Publishing LLC
• Release date: May 9, 2024
• ISBN: 9798224325641

David W. Bailey

David W. Bailey was born in Parkersburg, West Virginia on February 3 1951. He has traveled across the U.S and back with his family. He is a Navy Vietnam veteran and proudly so.  He now lives in Bakersfield, California with his wife of 40 years He is the middle son of three boys. At an early age, he and his family traveled the U.S., from Parkersburg, West Virginia to Bowie Maryland down to Tampa, Florida. From Wellsville, Ohio west to Casper, Wyoming and all points in between. When his family landed in California in the mid-60s, they set roots in Ventura County. David is a Navy Vietnam veteran. Six years after his discharge, he joined the Army, spending six years with a total of twelve years military service. He and his wife, Sandy, married on July 4, 1981 in Casitas Springs, California and now lives in Bakersfield, California. They have three grown children and three grandchildren. His favorite quotation is, "I'm here 'cause I'm not all there."

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BIG JIM

JIM BOWDRY

EX-CITY MARSHAL

DAVID W. BAILEY

Copyright © 2019 by David W. Bailey

ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted, in any form, or by any means, electronic, mechanical, recorded, photocopied, or otherwise, without the prior written permission of both the copyright owner and the publisher, except by a reviewer who may quote brief passages in a review.

The scanning, uploading, and distribution of this book via the Internet or via any other means without the permission of the publisher is illegal and punishable by law. Please purchase only authorized electronic editions and do not participate in or encourage piracy of copywritten material.

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places and incidents either are a product of the author's imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, business establishments, events, or locales is purely coincidental.

This book may contain views, premises, depictions, and statements by the author that are not necessarily shared or endorsed by Outlaws Publishing LLC.

For information contact: [e-mail]

Cover design by Outlaws Publishing LLC

Published by Outlaws Publishing LLC

April 2021

10987654321 

Prologue

There are times when your past catches up with you. The good deeds you have done, the people you have helped, even those you didn’t. Only time will tell if, and when your past will catch up to you, is when the opportunity arises.

The story of, ’Big Jim’, is about a man known as Jim Bowdry. At one time, he had been the city marshal of Hays City, Kansas in 1881. He had built quite a reputation in his position as city marshal. His reputation of being tough, fast on the draw grew quickly. He suddenly had the nickname of, ‘Big Jim’, because of his size. He was city marshal for five years, then, a chance meeting with a woman named, Esther Logan. She had captured the eye, and the affection of, Jim Bowdry. 

Over time, Esther finally gave in to his advances, and they were soon married. 

Day after day, terrifying thoughts entered Esther’s mind about the position Jim had as city marshal. She worried about his safety, and dreaded the day when he could be killed, using a gun in his position. She soon let her feelings be known to Jim, who answered that it was his job. He argued that a gun doesn’t kill people, people with guns kill people. 

She finally gave him an ultimatum. Either the gun and his position of being city marshal, or Esther Logan. Both was not an option. So, having been given that ultimatum, Jim loved Esther more than his position of city marshal of Hays. He terminated his city marshal position but, his reputation had been set. They eventually moved around from town to town to run from his reputation but, eventually it caught up with him, again. They, then moved to Atchison, Kansas trying to live a life of peace.

And, once again, it happened. His past caught up with him, and the time to prove himself with his fast draw had come. He tried to talk himself out of it but, the other man would have none of it. Then, the blaze of guns. Jim Bowdry proved himself. He was still alive, and breathing. Esther pleaded with Jim to move to a smaller, out of the way town, and to give up his gun. Jim agreed to the move but, not in giving up his gun.

They, then moved to Cottonwood, Kansas. An out of the way, small town hoping to live that life of peace. They bought a farm five miles from Cottonwood, where Jim and Esther soon became a well-respected part of the local community. Then, by an unhappy chance, Jim had to prove himself, again. His reputation was starting to cause Big Jim some grief, and Esther, with her hatred of guns was not helping the matter any. 

So goes the story of, ‘Big Jim’.

Chapter One

Rock Strewn Hill

Big Jim Bowdry reined his horse at the hitching rack in front of the saloon. The board above the door read, ‘Buck Horn Saloon’. He stepped down, tethered his horse, then went to the batwings. Pushing them aside, he entered, and sauntered over to the bar. 

The bartender walked over, asking, What can I get for ya, Jim?

Jim replied, I’ll have a beer, Mel.

The bartender, took a beer mug, filled it from the beer dispenser, then placed it down in front of him, saying, There ya go.

Jim replied, Thanks. 

As Jim took a swig from his beer, Mel said, I’m glad I’m not out there in this heat.

Jim took another swig, then said, Yeah. Jim licked his lips, then said, It’s hotter than a pepper patch out there. I hope it don’t last too long. Keeps you beggin’ for your next breath.

At a table near the center of the room, sat three men drinking their beer. 

One man motioned with his head, asking, Ain’t that Big Jim Bowdry standin’ there?

The two men with him, turned in their seats, when one man replied, That be him, alright. Turning back to the man who asked the question, the man, said, Seen him once in Hays. He was town marshal then. Built himself somewhat a reputation with his toughness. He took no guff from anyone, and he backed it up with his fists, or a .45 bullet. He’s fast. Real fast. Seen it done once. That’s been eight, nine years now.

The man, then said, Eight, or nine years, huh? He paused, then said, He’s gotten older, huh? I wonder how fast he is now? He’s probably slowed down some.

You itchin’ to find out, are ya, Reese? He was asked.

Reese, then said, I bet I can beat him, Ben. You know how fast I’ve gotten.

Ben replied, That would not be a good thing, Reese. Sure you’re purdy fast, but I’m not sure you’re fast enough. Goin’ up against Big Jim Bowdry would be a death wish.

Reese started to rise from his chair, saying, I think I’ll give him a try.

Ben grabbed Reese’ left arm, quickly looked at him, saying, I wouldn’t, were I you.

Shaking Ben’s hand from his arm, Reese said, You ain’t me, Ben.

The other man sitting at the table, questioned, Reese?

Quit worry’n, Trace. Reese replied. He wiped his mouth with his hand, then said, I’ll be right back.

Very much concerned, Trace replied, I’m not too sure, Reese.

Ah. Reese replied, then walked over to where Jim Bowdry stood drinking his beer.

Reese, then said, You’re Big Jim Bowdry, ain’t ya.

Jim took another swallow of his beer, then said, I am.

Reese gave him the once over, which Jim paid little mind to.

Reese said, I hear you’re fast. Real fast with that leg iron. Is that true.

Jim answered, So, why does that interest you, mister?

Oh, just curious, is all. Reese replied

Jim, then said, Well, curiosity never hurt anyone, so...

Reese chuckled, then said, I hear you were once town marshal in Hays. Is that true?

Jim, then turned fully to face Reese, saying, Well, you’ve got me at a disadvantage, mister. You seem to know more about me, than I know about you. That don’t bother me. What does, is the questions, and where this might lead to.

Reese backed up a few feet, then said, I don’t think you’re all that fast anymore. You’ve aged some, and most likely slowed down some, too. I tend to find out.

Jim squared himself, then with narrowed eyes, he said, That would be the worst mistake of your life, mister. This could be a life changing event for no reason.

I got my reasons. Reese replied.

Jim said, The reasons you have are no good, mister. So, were I you, I’d slowly walk away, and forget about your reasons.

No more talk. Reese demanded. Let’s just see how fast you really are.

Jim sighed heavily, then said, Well, then, make your play.

Reese smile a crooked smile, then drew his pistol. As the pistol bucked in his hand, Jim watched as the man jerked sideways, then fall to the floor. 

Jim walked over to the dead man, asking, Anybody know this man?

Trace stood from the table, saying, Yeah. He’s my brother.

And, you intend on takin’ revenge, is that right? Jim asked as he holstered his pistol

He, again squared himself to Trace. Trace stood shaking like a tree leaf.

Ben stood, grabbing Trace’ arm, saying, Let it go, Trace. Reese caused his own death. You can’t outdraw him, so, let it go.

Trace stared at Jim with hatred in his eyes, then said, I can’t, Ben. He was my brother, and I have to try.

Jim stared at Trace, then said, I wish you wouldn’t, mister. This was for no reason.

Trace replied, spitting out his hate, Now, I have one.

Ben, then went and stood between Jim, and Trace, saying, You can’t outdraw him, Trace. For God’s sake, let it go. He’ll kill you.

Shoving Ben out of the way, Trace said, I have to try, Ben.

Trace stood staring at Big Jim Bowdry, shaking from the inside, then his eye went down to the weapon sitting in its holster, with Jim’s hand hovering over it. 

He licked his lips, then backed down from testing his luck against Big Jim Bowdry.

Ben breathed out, Thank God.

As Ben reached and grabbed hold of Trace’ arm, Trace spit out, This ain’t over, mister. Not on your life, it ain’t.

As Big Jim kept his eyes on Trace, Ben led him out of the saloon. 

As the batwings flapped back, and forth, Mel, the bartender said, You can bet your life, Jim, it ain’t over.

Jim sighed, then replied, It is for now, and that’s all that matters.

Mel, then said, Were I you, I’d grow eyes in the back of my head.

Jim turned to Mel, asking, Just who are they, Mel?

Just then, the batwings flapped back, and forth rapidly, as the sheriff came bounding through them with his gun drawn.

The sheriff asked, What’s goin’ on, Mel? What’s with the gunfire? Then, the sheriff noticed the dead man on the floor, and asked, He dead?

Jim answered, He’s dead, Jubal.

You kill him, Jim? The sheriff asked.

Jim replied, Yeah, I killed him. In self-defense.

Jubal asked, Mel, Is that the way it went, Mel?

Mel answered, Just like he said, Jubal. That fella there drew first.

Jubal holstered his weapon, then turned to a group of men standing nearby, saying, A couple of you fellas take that man to the undertaker.

Soon, a crowd gathered to see what happened. The sheriff turned to the crowd and sighed, then said, Alright, folks. Go on about your business, now. There’s been a shootin’, but there’s no immediate danger, so, go on, now. Go on.

As the crowd began to dissipate, Jubal turned back to Big Jim, asking, What was the shootin’ about, Jim?

Jim started to answer, but Mel interrupted, saying, The man wanted to know how fast Jim was, after he’d aged some. I reckon he found out, eh, Jubal?

Jubal gave a twitch of his neck, then said, I’m afraid so, Mel.

Jim said, I can’t tell you how sorry I am this happened, Jubal, but I had no other choice. I tried to talk him out of it, but he’d have none of it.

These want to be gunslingers keep me purdy busy. Jubal said. Let’s sit down, Jim and we’ll talk.

They took a seat close to them, and as they sat there, Jubal said, Ya, know, Jim, Jubal chuckled, then said, Esther will have a conniption fit when she hears of this. I wouldn’t be in your boots for anything, Jim.

Jim sighed, then said, Weren’t nothin’ I could do, but defend myself. I hope Esther will understand that. I doubt it, though. It seems this happens all the time.

Jubal replied, So do I, but you know how she feels about guns, Jim. Especially with the reputation you have from Hays.

Jim chuckled, then said, That’s been ages ago, Jubal. I tire from havin’ to prove myself, over, and over again. When will it end?

Jubal stared at Big Jim, then said, When you’re six feet under, I think. Jubal rubbed the back of his neck, then said, One day, Jim, you won’t have to prove yourself.

Jim replied, Well, let’s hope it isn’t too soon, Jubal. I have a lot of livin’ to do. Before I met Esther, I really didn’t care. Since then, I do. That’s been near 6 years now.

Jubal said, And, ever since then, you’ve moved from one town to the next tryin’ to outrun your reputation.

Jim answered, Yeah. It seems to catch up to me wherever I go. Runnin’ doesn’t seem to do me much good.

And, that’s why you settled here, in this little known out of the way town, called, Cottonwood, huh? Jubal asked.

I tried it here, Jubal. Jim said. Looks like I may have to move on, which I’m gittin’ tired of doin’. He sighed heavily, then said, I know Esther is, for sure. She has said so many times.

Jubal asked, How do they know where to find you, Jim?

Jim pushed his hat back on his head, then said, Word of mouth, I reckon. Someone sees me, or hears tell of where I am, then, they come lookin’.

Jubal asked, Do you think that’s what this was? Revenge, maybe?

Jim shook his head slightly, then replied, It’s hard to say, Jubal. Revenge? No. I think it was just a spur of the moment. He recognized me, and it went from there.

Huh. Jubal said. Well. I have no more questions. I’m satisfied it was self-defense, so.

Jim asked, "Did you think otherwise, Jubal?’

Jubal answered, I honestly didn’t know what to think, Jim, but I’m satisfied.

Good. Jim said. Then, I can go home, and tell Esther what happened. She’ll hear of it sooner, or later, and listen to her rant and rave of the dangers of guns, so, I’ll see ya later.

Jubal asked, You, uh, want me to go with you, Jim, and kinda explain things?

Explain things? Jim asked. I’ve been explaining things for years now, but it doesn’t seem to matter, and no, I don’t want her to rant, and rave with you there. That would embarrass her to no end but, He chuckled, it sure wouldn’t stop her though.

Jubal chuckled, then said, Like I said, I wouldn’t be in your boots for anything.

When Jim had reached the batwings, he turned, saying, And, here I was gonna ask if ya wanted to trade boots.

Jubal replied, humorously, Your feet are bigger than mine.

Jim, then gave the sound of a clucking chicken, as he pushed through the batwings, to leave Jubal staring after him, chuckling. Jim mounted his horse, and headed home. When he, and Esther had moved to Cottonwood, from Atchison, they bought a small farm, invested in a few cattle. Started planting some vegetables, and bought seeds for wheat to subsidize their income from the cattle. Their farm was located five miles west of Cottonwood. Then, this heat wave hit Kansas making it hard to raise their vegetables, or even plant their wheat. They even lost a couple head of cattle due to the heat with hardly no water available. He only had the one bull, and he hated the thought of having to sell him, but if things got much worse, he would have no choice, that is, if there were any buyers. 

From what he heard, it was this way all over Kansas, Oklahoma, and Missouri, and even parts of Texas. It seemed the sky refused to give up its watery substance for a parched, dry, thirsty land. He had heard of farmers, and even small ranch owners selling out due to no rain. Water holes had dried up, creeks were running dry. Ranchers were having to drive their cattle to rivers, losing some on the drive, causing the ranchers to have a deficit for the year, thus having to lay off their hands. It was hard times for everyone, and it came to be a desperate time to be alive. Along with all this that was happening, he had to tell Esther what happened in town. He knew she would not be happy. None whatsoever, but there had never been any secrets between them, no matter how bad the news was. He rode along in the sweltering heat with all these things bouncing around in his head. It was enough to make any man feel depressed, and not worth his salt. A man