62:. Widely considered honest, dutiful, and capable, they were responsible for suppressing much of the outlaw element in the Indian Territory and environs, reportedly arresting in excess of some 300 desperadoes during the next decade, and killing several others. All three had the reputation of being dauntless in their pursuit, ignoring bad weather, and each was known for their unique tracking abilities. Ironically the nickname "Three Guardsmen" was given to them by outlaws they pursued. Heck Thomas' relentless pursuit of the Dalton Gang was specifically mentioned by gang member
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literature describing three lawmen who became legendary in their pursuit of many
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Tilghman retired in 1910 and was elected to the Oklahoma State Senate. On
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night, 1924, and at the age of 70, Tilghman was murdered by a corrupt
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Madsen had retired in 1905, and died in 1944 at the age of 93.
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They are most famous for their relentless pursuit of the
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ended the gang with the deaths of most of its members.
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Heck Thomas retired in 1905, and in 1907 accepted a
16:For the Biblical story of the three guardsmen, see
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278:History of Oklahoma Territory
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