Montie Lumpkin

Path of the Buffalo Montie Lumpkin

A historically accurate work of fiction, this story details the desperate times and hard men that served the Federal Court of the Western District of Arkansas in Fort Smith, Arkansas. It portrays the life events and courage of a United States Deputy Marshal serving the "Hanging Judge," Judge Issac C. Parker. Based in the late 1800's, it conveys the contributions made by the United States Deputy Marshals to the arrest and conviction of thousands of criminals from within Western Arkansas and the Indian Territories. During this period, 65 Deputy Marshals were killed and hundreds wounded in the line of duty. Considered "Hell on the Border," Judge Issac C. Parker's Jail and Court were infamous as he sentenced 168 criminals to be put to death including four women. Of these, 88 were hung by the neck until dead and one shot while trying to escape. Mathew Bell was raised along the Buffalo River Valley in Northern Arkansas. He was a kind hearted husband, maintaining a farm to provide a meager existence for his family. Affected by brutal criminal events, he sets off on a journey to discover what has become of the men that changed his life forever. During his journey, he encounters the broad realm of emotions so common to those that have lost everything that is important in their life. Hate, revenge, fear, courage, insensitivity, empathy, kindness and love all become part of his future and healing process. This is a story similar to others throughout history. It is a representation of the strength and resilience of man. The ability for those with hatred to find resolution, compassion and a new life.