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Legendary Lawman's Legacy Lives On: Spokane Honors Pioneering Sheriff
14 Nov
Summary
- Spokane's first law enforcement leader, James Glispin, led the "Magnificent Seven" posse
- Glispin captured the infamous James-Younger gang in Minnesota 150 years ago
- His portrait and gold badge now displayed at Spokane Regional Law Enforcement Museum
In a ceremony held on November 13, 2025, the Spokane Regional Law Enforcement Museum unveiled a portrait and gold badge belonging to James Glispin, one of the city's first law enforcement leaders. Glispin, who served as both Spokane police chief and Spokane County Sheriff, is renowned for leading the "Magnificent Seven" posse that captured members of the infamous James-Younger gang in Minnesota nearly 150 years ago.
The portrait and badge, donated by the Owen family, who have collected historical items at the Owen Pioneer Museum for decades, now hang in the hallway across from the current Sheriff John Nowels' office. Nowels and Undersheriff Justin Lundgren expressed their gratitude for the generous donation, calling it a "bridge back in time" and a "connection to all those who served before us."
Glispin's law enforcement career was marked by his bravery and dedication. In 1876, he led a posse that captured the Younger brothers after a bank robbery in Northfield, Minnesota. The James-Younger gang had been terrorizing the Midwest for over a decade, robbing banks, railroads, and stagecoaches, and killing 25 men. Glispin's posse tracked the gang to the Watonwan River, where they engaged in a gun battle, leading to the capture of the Younger brothers and the death of gang member Charley Pitts.
After his time in Minnesota, Glispin and his wife, Ella, moved to the Spokane Falls area of the Washington Territory in 1883. He was elected city marshal in 1885 and later became the first titled police chief in April 1886. Glispin also served as a deputy U.S. marshal and was elected sheriff in 1887, making him the only person to hold both the Spokane police chief and Spokane County Sheriff positions.
Glispin's legacy continues to be celebrated in Spokane, with his portrait and badge now on display at the Spokane Regional Law Enforcement Museum, serving as a reminder of the city's rich history and the courageous individuals who have served to protect its community.
