Patrick F. and Michael Sughrue
Pat Sughrue worked as a blacksmith in Dodge City when not serving as a peace officer. Elected sheriff of Ford County in 1884, he was in office during the final days of the cattle era. An epidemic of splenic fever among the Texas longhorns sent local cattle growers and eastern buyers into a panic. Under orders from the governor, Sughrue had the unsavory task of turning back trail-hardened drovers from the Kansas border.
Mike Sughrue served as deputy sheriff of Ford County under his twin brother, Pat. For his heroic efforts in capturing a murderer, the citizens of Ashland elected him town marshal in 1884.
Entry: Sughrue, Patrick F. and Michael
Author: Kansas Historical Society
Author information: The Kansas Historical Society is a state agency charged with actively safeguarding and sharing the state's history.
Date Created: February 2011
Date Modified: February 2011
The author of this article is solely responsible for its content.
