A FORSYTH WITH A BADGE: THE WILD WEST LIFE OF DEPUTY JOE
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A Forsyth with a Badge: The Wild West Life of Deputy Joe
When I hear the name Forsyth, I think of my grandfather, Scotland, and the sound of bagpipes—not shootouts and outlaws in the American West. But sometimes Forsyth history comes with spurs and six-shooters.
While reviewing old family papers collected by Eddie Forsyth, I stumbled on a letter that opened the door to one of the most colorful Forsyths I’ve ever researched—Joseph Forsyth, U.S. Marshal, deputy sheriff, and frontier lawman. From Kentucky to Texas and New Mexico, Joe faced bandits, gamblers, and desperados... and lived to tell the tale (barely).
His story includes newspaper clippings of gunfights, manhunts, undercover assignments, and even a gold medal awarded by the New Mexico government.
🔍 Want to know what finally ended his career—or if it ever really did?
👉 Read the full story in the April 2018 issue of the Griffin Newsletter. This is one Forsyth tale you don’t want to miss!