Legends of the Old West

Episode: BUFFALO SOLDIERS Ep. 6 | “Wham Paymaster Robbery”

Host: Chris Wimmer, Black Barrel Media
Date: December 31, 2025

Overview

This episode tells the dramatic and true story of the Wham Paymaster Robbery, one of the most infamous heists of the American West. Set in 1889 Arizona Territory, it explores the attack on a U.S. Army payroll convoy guarded by Buffalo Soldiers, the elaborate ambush that led to the theft of a fortune in gold and silver, the aftermath for Major Joseph Wham and his men, and the contentious trial that followed. The episode also places the event within the broader context of post-Civil War frontier settlement, lawlessness, and the powerful legacy of the Buffalo Soldiers.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Setting the Stage (01:13–05:00)

• Arizona’s turbulent history: The context follows the recent end of major Apache resistance, shifting danger from Native warfare to lawless outlaws.
• Major Joseph Wham’s assignment: “He was in charge of delivering money to forts so soldiers could receive their salaries.” – Chris Wimmer (01:58)
• The dangerous convoy route: The convoy avoids populated towns for secrecy but must cross “Bloody Run,” a notorious ambush site from both previous Apache and outlaw attacks.

2. Pioneer Arizona and Pima’s Foundation (05:00–11:58)

• Discussion of Arizona’s second wave of settlers, drawn by silver mining and land.
• Strategic settlements: Towns like Pima (formerly Smithville) are built close to forts and supply routes; the blending of Mormon enclaves with broader frontier expansion is noted.

3. Attack on the Convoy: The Robbery Unfolds (15:01–24:10)

• Convoy details and personnel (15:01–16:00):
  • Two wagons (one Doherty wagon for gold/silver), 16 people (soldiers, Major Wham, civilian driver), and an unexpected companion: Frankie Campbell.
  • Frankie Campbell, a former cook and gambler’s wife, joins to collect debts, adding an unpredictable element.
  • Route includes two key ranches before the ambush site.
• The Ambush at Bloody Run (18:30–24:10):
  • The attackers plan the hold-up days in advance, building fortifications above the route.
  • Soldiers, with rifles laid aside, are caught unprepared as two gunmen burst forth, calling out and then opening fire.
  • “At one o’clock in the afternoon, with the temperature rising to 85 degrees Fahrenheit in a desolate patch of desert, 12 soldiers stood in the road, none of them holding weapons.” – Chris Wimmer (09:25)

4. Desperate Defense and Tragic Aftermath (24:43–33:45)

• The soldiers scramble for cover, suffering multiple wounds but fighting fiercely.
• Sergeant Benjamin Brown is a standout for bravery:
  • “Sergeant Benjamin Brown, who was the most accurate shooter in the group, also returned fire with his pistol... until a bullet thudded into Brown’s side and knocked him to the ground.” (23:55)
• Frankie Campbell narrowly escapes and later helps the wounded.
• Major Wham, though unarmed, joins the firefight, grabs a wounded soldier’s weapon and leads the defense.
• After roughly 30 minutes, most soldiers are wounded; the defenders are forced down a hillside, leaving the strongbox behind.
• The bandits escape with $28,345.10 in gold and silver coins—close to $1 million in today’s value.

5. Investigation and National Scandal (30:00–33:00)

• Rapid identification of suspects by Frankie Campbell and soldiers. “The attackers didn’t bother to hide their faces, so the chances of recovering the payroll should have been high.” (30:10)
• Prominent local figures—like Pima’s mayor, Gilbert Webb—are implicated.
• A sensational 33-day trial follows, marked by allegations of judicial bias and national media attention.
• Despite strong witness testimony, all accused are acquitted—nobody is punished, and the money is never recovered.

6. Legacy and Recognition (33:00–33:45)

• Public criticism initially falls on Major Wham, but a year and a half later, Congress formally exonerates him.
• The Buffalo Soldiers’ exceptional bravery is acknowledged:
  • Seven or eight privates receive the Certificate of Merit.
  • Corporal Isaiah Mays and Sergeant Benjamin Brown are awarded the Medal of Honor for their valor.
• Major Wham’s tribute:
  • “I have never witnessed better courage or better fighting than shown by these soldiers on May 11, 1889.” (33:40)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “Few bandits in the West had ever planned a better robbery.” – Chris Wimmer (09:50)
• “[The] two non-commissioned officers, Corporal Isaiah Mays and Sergeant Benjamin Brown, received the Medal of Honor… for bravery in action in the American West.” (33:20)
• “Major Wham was harshly criticized in public for the loss… but he successfully lobbied Congress... and was formally absolved of responsibility.” (32:55)
• Describing the aftermath:
  “Six wounded men [were] loaded into the wagon and [driven] the 18 miles to Fort Thomas. The physical journey was over, but the saga of the robbery was far from done.” (30:50)

Important Timestamps

• 01:13 – Introduction to Major Wham and the dangerous mission
• 05:00–11:58 – Early Arizona settlements and the foundation of Pima
• 15:01–18:29 – Details of the Army payroll convoy and the leadup to the ambush
• 18:30 – The bandits' preparations and the beginning of the Bloody Run attack
• 24:43 – Aftermath of the gunfight; the robbers escape with the payroll
• 30:00 – The investigation, identification of suspects, and community scandal
• 32:55 – Congressional exoneration of Wham and soldiers' honors
• 33:40 – Major Wham's official praise and closing remarks

Tone and Style

The episode is rich in narrative detail and respectfully aware of its historical subjects, blending suspense, admiration for the Buffalo Soldiers, and a touch of wry commentary on Western lawlessness and judicial failings. Host Chris Wimmer maintains a vivid, story-driven style, making historical events feel immediate and consequential. The cited words and anecdotes are often drawn directly from official reports, witness accounts, and period language.

Summary

The Wham Paymaster Robbery stands as a testament to both legendary courage and remarkable injustice in the Old West. In this episode, listeners learn of the Buffalo Soldiers’ valor, the cunning and success of the robbers, and the subsequent legal and cultural fallout. Despite public and institutional criticism, the soldiers’ bravery is immortalized with uncommon honors, while the missing gold—and the truth of the crime—remain shrouded in western mystery.