Charles Francis Colcord - Oklahoma Leaders

Charles Francis Colcord was a notable figure of the Old West—a cattle rancher, U.S. Marshal, chief of police, businessman, and pioneer. The community of Colcord, Oklahoma, bears his name.

He was also the grandfather of Tulsa philanthropist Walt Helmrich.

During the Oklahoma boom of the 1890s, Colcord served as Oklahoma City's first sheriff and as Chief of Police for two years. Later, he spent five years as a deputy U.S. Marshal, striving to bring order to a lawless region. Colcord played a key role in apprehending notorious outlaws like Bill “Tulsa Jack” Blake, the Dalton Gang, and Richard “Little Dick” West, even overseeing the hanging of five Dalton Gang members.

This special series revives the historic book Oklahoma Leaders: Biographical Sketches of the Foremost Living Men of Oklahoma, sharing the stories of these influential figures. Narrated, transcribed, and freely available on our website and podcast platforms, the wisdom and legacies of these transformative leaders will continue to educate and inspire future generations.