Milton Creek Election Week
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Judge Horner issued a decree that elections take place this week
For the positions of mayor and sheriff in the town of Milton Creek
It had now been nearly four years and was somewhat overdue
Some known names were mentioned and some nobody knew.
Rumour had it John Scultz of the Cactus Ranch was running for mayor
It was also rumoured he’d ridden with the notorious outlaw Jack Nayer
Jim Brown his foreman was running for town sheriff, another lowlife
Although it was never proved, there was talk he murdered his wife.
Posters of Mayor Tom, Sheriff Koplin, John Scultz and Jim Brown
Were now appearing in prominent places all over Milton Creek town
John and Jim came into town and headed for Jan's Saloon, The Manx
And tried buying everyone drinks but many townsfolk said, "No thanks".
John Scultz was telling people about all the changes that he'd make
Putting posters of himself all over town though was his big mistake
Two Pinkerton men were passing through on their way to Santa Fe
And they both checked into Lin's Aces hotel for an overnight stay.
One took a close look at a poster of John Scultz that was on a post
And then turned to his partner who looked like he'd seen a ghost
They checked in with Lin then headed over to see Sheriff Koplin
One said, "We think Scultz is Jack Nayer's side kick, Marcus Damin".
The Sherrif said, "He rarely comes into town; sends his men to the store
And it’s said that he hails from Maryland from a small farm in Baltimore “
One of the Pinkerton men said "I'll telegraph our office in Sacramento
And ask them to send over an update and everything that they know".
They left Sheriff Koplin's office and then headed for Jan's Saloon
Scultz's men were there, and they heard that he'd be coming soon
An hour later Scultz walked in and started buying folks whiskey
The Pinkertons just observed, an approach would have been risky.
The next day a telegram arrived with some valuable information
From the description they'd sent it confirmed Scultz was Damin
The Pinkertons told Sheriff Koplin that we'll need armed men
To ride out to the Cactus Ranch and apprehend Marcus Damin.
Judge Horner then called on Duke, Mike, and Sheriff Koplin
Along with, Ranger David, Terry, and Winchester toting Lin
Along with the two Pinkerton’s, Bob Drew, and Ned Forrest
They would ride out to the ranch that day to make an arrest.
Mayor Tom said "I'll get some beds ready at Lin's hotel
Because it won't be easy and you might be riding into hell
I'll ask Tania, Deb, Jan, and Anne-Lise to be on standby
Because I guarantee it will be bloody, and bullets will fly".
The eight riders mounted their horses and headed out of town
And they hoped to get to the Cactus Ranch just before sundown
They had supplies and Winchesters and enough ammo for a week
After an hour they stopped for a rest and coffee at Cactus Creek .
Feeling refreshed they carried on and then the ranch came into view
The tension was now mounting; how it would end nobody knew
They were about fifty yards from the house when a shot rang out
Quick as lightening they dismounted diving for cover in a dugout.
They returned fire and the strong smell of gun smoke filled the air
The Pinkerton's were trigger happy and fired without any care
Bob shouted out, "We've got a warrant for you Marcus Damin
And one for you Jim Brown and the rest of your low life vermin".
Someone from the ranch shouted" Burn in hell, we're not surrendering
None of you are welcome here, It’s private land and you're trespassing"
"I've an idea," said Sheriff Koplin with a grin on his face, " I'll smoke em out
And trust me this siege will soon be at an end and of that I've no doubt".
He said, "Cover me" and then started running quickly, firing as he went
The posse kept on firing their Winchesters until their ammo was spent
There was no response from inside the ranch, the ruse had worked well
So, he climbed on top of the ranch house roof; prepared to give them hell.
He covered the hot chimney with his Stetson and held it firmly in place
And he found it quite amusing and struggled to keep a straight face
Down below he could hear coughing from the effects of the smoke
And it wouldn't be too long before those down below started to choke.
His idea had worked as he’d planned then heard someone shout
“Hold your fire, we are all surrendering and we're coming out”
The posse moved forward ready to take them all into custody
Then one of the gang drew a weapon but Lin was quicker than he.
He fell on the ground holding his leg that was bleeding profusely
Lin didn't take any chances, and she moved forward cautiously
Bob shouted out, "Put your hands up in the air and keep still
Anyone who dares makes a move I'll send them to Boot Hill".
The posse checked them for concealed weapons only finding a knife
Sheriff Koplin's brilliant idea had no doubt prevented any loss of life
It was now late evening and quite dark; the sun had long gone down
So, they secured the prisoners with chains and headed back to town.
They locked up the prisoners in the jail and then headed for the saloon
All were keen to hear the results for the election; they'd be ready soon
Judge Horner stood up and said "All votes have been counted and are in
For the position of Mayor, it's Tom Cunningham; for Sherrif, Mark Koplin.
The saloon erupted with loud cheers everyone was in a celebratory mood
For one night only Jan declared a free bar until midnight with plenty of food
Mayor Tom then got up to thank everyone present and then had this to say
“I've ordered a new Stetson for Sheriff Koplin because he saved the day”.
The sheriff’s trick was the talk of the town, Tom nicknamed him ‘Smokey’
But for his quick thinking that day it could have easily ended in tragedy
Everyone was in a jubilant mood with lots of whiskey and cold beer flowing
And with her angelic voice Tania was on top form with her beautiful singing.
Written on 4th July 2025
Copyright © Tom Cunningham | Year Posted 2025
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