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Town Constable & Saloon Owner
 Mining 1897.jpg)
Randsburg Town Constable (Saloon Owner) Mining 1897
When this photo is enlarged the badge says "Deputy Constable". John M. Crawford, who owned the St. Elmo Saloon, was a Kern County Deputy Sheriff, and Claude Bohannon, who owned the Capital Saloon, was appointed the town constable in October of 1896 at the same time E. B. McGinnis was appointed the Justice of the Peace. The town's people however felt that they needed some help so they formed what is commonly called a Vigilante Committee, but they termed it a "Committee of Arbitration". It is not known with certainty who was on this original committee, that was formed in late December or early November of 1896. However, The Mining and Electric Journal in early 1897 reported in an article discussing this committee that "There are in every new section a few individuals whose magnetic influence sways the crowd. In Randsburg is J. P. Carroll, genial honest, but determined in what he considers just; P. J. Hartt, the affable manager of the Kramer Stage Co., T. Weisendanger, D. C. Kuffel, Jolly Col. Hafford and a few others who are ready at all times to welcome strangers or suppress crime. It is the presence of men of such sterling qualities that has made Randsburg a law abiding camp." In 1897 when the original committee was established they posted a notice, which read "The Citizens of Randsburg have organized to enforce the Laws. Ten Deputy Constables have been appointed and any riotous and threatening conduct will be suppressed and punished. By Order of the Citizens Committee."
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