Chris Madsen
(February 25, 1851 - January 9, 1944)
Christian Madsen was born in Denmark, fought in the Danish-Prussian and Franco-Prussian War, came to the United States in 1876, and joined the U.S. Cavalry. In 1891, he went to Oklahoma and became a U.S. deputy marshal.. Chasing down fugitives and outlaws, Chris along with Bill Tilghman and Heck Thomas became collectively known as the 'Three Guardsman'. He was a fearless officer with integrity and keen judgement. Chris Madsen personified what the western peace officer was suppose to be.
At the outbreak of the Spanish-American War, he joined Teddy Roosevelt's Rough Riders. Later he was appointed United States Marshal for Oklahoma and then special investigator for the governor of Oklahoma.
Chris Madsen died peacefully at the age of ninety-three in Guthrie, Oklahoma.
Chris Madsen is buried in the Frisco Cemetery in Yukon, Oklahoma.
Information compiled by Steve Grimm
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