A tribute Uncle Joe, shot in the line of duty November 16, 1911
memorial for Deputy Sheriff Joseph S “Joe” Brannin
The door slammed behind him
As he rode from the jail,
Horse mane blowing in the breeze,
Joe’s face set and pale.
The mission set before him
Was to bring in old Mel
Fate was now before him
Of which time would tell.
Ride Joe, ride
Face to the wind
Time is running short
Fate is closing in.
He rode like the wind,
Warrant in his vest
To the little town of Melville
Where he’d put the thief to rest.
He walked into the saloon
And nodded at the men
He found old Mel at the bar
And vowed to take him in.
Turn Joe, turn
Face to the wind
Time is running short
Fate is closing in.
Mel walked from the back room
Belongings now in tow
But beneath his worn out clothes
A gun began to show.
A shot rang out, Joe fell
Blood spilled to the floor
Men stared in disbelief
As Mel ran out the door.
Run Mel, run
Face to the wind
Time is running short
Fate is closing in.
Word spread like wildfire
As Mel rode away
Deputy Brannin ended his watch
That fateful November day.
Fate had found its target
Joe now was gone
Yet his legacy continues
Through his family, it lives on.
Ride Joe, ride
Face to the wind
Time is running short
Fate is closing in.
Joseph Brannin
Read more of the stories of Uncle Joe
Join in the chase in the story of Mel Jowell and Chasing Outlaws
Mel Jowell, wanted for the murder of Deputy Sheriff Joseph Brannin, escaped from a moving train near Pipestone Pass