Hays in Ellis County, Kansas — The American Midwest (Upper Plains)

Sheriff Bardsley's Home

Hays City, Kansas

Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, August 21, 2022

1. Sheriff Bardsley's Home Marker

Inscription. George Bardsley resided on this site from 1869 to 1879. An early-day saloonkeeper, restauranteur and County Commissioner, Bardsley was elected Ellis County Sheriff in 1875 in a bitter contest with Jack Bridges. Bardsley captured Isaac “Big Ike” Cramer and four other members of “Dutch Henry” Borne’s gang of horse thieves north of Park, Kansas, on September 1, 1876, and shortly thereafter was named Deputy U.S. Marshal. On September 26, 1877, just south of Park, Bardsley killed Joel Collins, leader of a gang of train robbers (later headed by Sam Bess) and recovered nearly a third of the $60,000 in gold the gang had robbed at Big Springs, Nebraska. In November, John Schlyer defeated Bardsley at the polls.

Erected by City of Hays Kansas Convention & Visitors Bureau.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Law Enforcement. A significant historical year for this entry is 1869.

Location. 38° 52.285′ N, 99° 19.987′ W. Marker is in Hays, Kansas, in Ellis County. Marker is at the intersection of Fort Street and 8th Street, on the right when traveling south on Fort Street. Marker is located beside the sidewalk at the northwest corner of the intersection. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 201 8th Street, Hays KS 67601, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance

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of this marker. Union Pacific House (within shouting distance of this marker); Santa Fe Mail Company Depot (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Kansas Pacific Depot (about 400 feet away); White's Barber Shop (about 400 feet away); Cy Goddard’s Dance Hall (about 400 feet away); The Sporting Palace (about 400 feet away); Jim Curry’s Restaurant (about 400 feet away); The Perry House (about 400 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Hays.

Also see . . .
1. George Washington Bardsley (Find A Grave).

Birth: 22 Feb 1844, Maysville, Mason County, Kentucky
Death: 25 Dec 1928, Antonito, Conejos County, Colorado
Burial: Antonito Cemetery, Antonito, Conejos County, Colorado
He was an early sheriff in Hays City, Ellis County, Kansas.

(Submitted on August 25, 2022, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.)

2. Old West Lawmen.

Kansas cowtowns quickly established a reputation for violence and for attracting the seedier elements of society. Saloons, dance houses, and brothels appeared in numbers unmatched by other Kansas frontier communities. It was the peace officers' job to keep order in these towns. Although many were honorable and heroic individuals, some found themselves on both sides of the law at different times in
Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, August 21, 2022

2. Sheriff Bardsley's Home Marker
(looking west along 8th Street)
their lives.

(Submitted on August 25, 2022, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.)

Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, August 21, 2022

3. Sheriff Bardsley's Home Marker

(marker is located at the northwest corner of the intersection, facing east)

Credits. This page was last revised on August 25, 2022. It was originally submitted on August 25, 2022, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida. This page has been viewed 112 times since then and 14 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on August 25, 2022, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.