Trew: 'Tumbleweeds' took outlaws to prison

Among the more famous conveyances adapted and used by man were the "tumbleweed wagons." Actually, they were only common canvas covered farm wagons put to use hauling captured prisoners being taken to the Fort Smith prison. This Western District Prison, presided over by Federal Judge Parker, oversaw the Indian Lands, consisting of 19 counties in rough wild country. It contained the dregs of the outlaw world having fled the fast dwindling law-abiding West. The judge had 200 federal marshals hired to clean up the problem. The miscreants were so numerous and the marshals so tough and successful, that expeditions were organized with prison wagons, accompanied by chuck wagons to feed the prisoners and guards and supply wagons to haul food and water. The country was thinly settled with few towns around for service. The entourage followed the hard-riding marshals who scattered across the rough timbered lands acting on tips by the public who mostly wanted the outlaws removed. The title of tumbleweed wagons came from the erratic turns and side trips made as word came of arrests made by the marshals. Most expeditions began with one wagon loaded with handcuffs, leg shackles and log chains. Next came a chuck wagon, supply wagon and a tough selection of guards mounted on horseback and heavily armed...more