Harry Love: A Tough Lawman Who Fought Banditos

He led a group of California Rangers to put an end to the notorious Murrieta gang.

American folk figure Harry Love was the head of California's first state-wide law enforcement agency, the California Rangers, and was reputed to have killed and beheaded the legendary bandit Joaquin Murietta in 1858. Here, he (C) poses for a daguerreotype with William Henderson (L) and an unidentified California Ranger. Public Domain

After proving his toughness and independence at a young age, Harry Love (1810–1868) went on to become one of the most popular lawmen of California’s early days. His claim to fame came later in life when he led a group of California Rangers to track down Joaquin Murrieta, the infamous leader of a violent outlaw gang. 

Love was born in Vermont in 1810. After losing his mother at a young age, he dreamed of brighter horizons. His dreams became real as disagreements with his stepmother sent the young boy packing. He traveled the country for a while, and it was reported he even captained a ship at the age of 15.