Event of 1889: Wham Paymaster robbery: An attack upon a U.S. Army paymaster and escort in the A

Background. In April 1889, Special Order 37 directed Arizona paymasters to pay troops mustered by April 30. Paymaster Wham was transporting a payroll of more than $28,000 in gold and silver coins from Fort Grant to Fort Thomas. Prior to May 1889, no highwaymen had attacked a paymaster within Arizona Territory, making this event unprecedented in the region.

The Ambush. On May 11, 1889, Wham and his escort of eleven Buffalo Soldiers were ambushed. During the attack, the bandits wounded eight of the soldiers, forcing them to retreat to cover. The robbers successfully stole the payroll, marking the first highwayman attack on a paymaster in Arizona Territory.

Investigation and Legal Proceedings. Following the robbery, troops were deployed to prevent the robbers from escaping into Mexico. Governor Lewis Wolfley announced a $500 reward on May 13, 1889. A federal grand jury convened in Tucson in late September, issuing indictments against eight suspects on September 27. The trial began in Tucson on November 11, 1889.

Medals of Honor. In recognition for their actions during the robbery, Sergeant Benjamin Brown and Corporal Isaiah Mays were awarded the Medal of Honor. The event was later documented in historical accounts focusing on politics, religion, race, and banditry in Arizona Territory.