Frontier history is woven into the fabric of Sheridan’s identity. Reminders of a hardscrabble, bygone era are found etched into the wall of historic buildings, whispered about along century-old mountain trails, and recounted at interpretive sites from the Little Bighorn Battlefield National Monument to Fort Phil Kearny State Historic Site. Sheridan County has played host, sometimes unwillingly, often unwittingly, to cadres of nefarious and notorious outlaws like Butch Cassidy, the Sundance Kid, Big Nose George, and even the outlaw Jesse James. Icons, too, have staked claims at the base of the Bighorn Mountains, with the most celebrated of all being none other than William Frederick “Buffalo Bill” Cody. While Sheridan’s history is often entwined with the legends that shaped the American West, some of the most interesting chapters were written by more obscure, unknown, or unheralded characters. One such character is Dr. William Frackelton, also known as the Sagebrush Dentist.
In the rugged landscapes of 19th-century Wyoming, where the Bighorn Mountains rose like sentinels guarding the frontier, Frackelton carved out a reputation as one of the most colorful and influential figures in the history of northeast Wyoming. A dentist, adventurer, and raconteur, Frackelton embodied the spirit of the Wild West—a blend of grit, intellect, and an unyielding sense of duty to the community he called home. His legacy is as much a part of Sheridan’s story as the cattle ranches and railroad tracks that built the town.
A Physician on the Frontier
Frackelton’s early days in Wyoming were marked by a blend of professional ambition and adventurous spirit. Born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, on June 24, 1870, he graduated from Northwestern University’s dental school in 1891. After practicing briefly in Milwaukee and Chicago, Frackelton ventured westward in 1893, seeking new opportunities. His initial stop was in Sundance, Wyoming, a frontier town where he aimed to establish his dental practice. Upon his arrival in Sundance, Frackelton encountered a community engrossed in a boxing match at the local fire hall. The town banker, known for his pugilistic prowess, had just defeated a local cowboy and, spotting the newcomer in his professional attire, challenged Frackelton, derisively calling him a “dude.” Unbeknownst to the townsfolk, Frackelton had previously fought in Chicago under the name Willie Riley to finance his dental education. He accepted the challenge for the following morning. During the bout, Frackelton strategically feigned concern about the banker’s untied shoe, and when the banker glanced down, Frackelton delivered a right to the solar plexus followed by a left to the chin, knocking him out. This unexpected victory earned Frackelton the town’s respect, leading to an invitation to establish his dental practice in Sundance.
Frackelton left Sundance for Sheridan because he saw greater opportunity in the fast-growing town and wanted to be part of a more dynamic community. While he had gained respect in Sundance after his unexpected boxing victory and successful start in dentistry, Sheridan’s booming cattle industry, expanding railroad access, and need for medical professionals drew him in. The town was rapidly transforming from a frontier outpost into a key regional hub, and Frackelton, with his frontier spirit and medical expertise, recognized that Sheridan offered the perfect stage for his ambitions.
His move also reflected his desire for a broader impact. In Sheridan, Frackelton wasn’t just another doctor—he became a civic leader, public health advocate, and chronicler of Western life. The town’s evolving infrastructure and larger population allowed him to not only treat more patients but also champion community-wide improvements. Sheridan, with its blend of grit and promise, became the place where Frackelton could fully realize his vision—not just to practice medicine, but to help shape the future of a town.
In an era before antibiotics and modern surgical techniques, Frackelton relied on his resourcefulness and a deep understanding of practical medicine. Stories of his exploits include performing life-saving surgeries under the dim glow of lanterns in makeshift operating rooms and riding horseback for hours to reach patients in remote homesteads. His dedication to his craft earned him widespread respect, and his presence became a beacon of hope in an otherwise harsh environment.
Of The Outlaw Spirit
Frackelton’s life was not without its share of danger and excitement. The frontier was a place where lawlessness often reigned, and Frackelton’s work frequently brought him into contact with both the best and worst of humanity. One story recounts how he treated a notorious outlaw after a gunfight, demonstrating his unwavering commitment to his Hippocratic oath. Another tale describes his involvement in a community effort to mediate a dispute between feuding cattle ranchers, showcasing his knack for diplomacy.
Famously, Frackelton had a run-in with “Laughing Sam Carey,” a lesser-known but feared outlaw and one of the last of the Hole-in-the-Wall gang. When Carey was badly injured in a skirmish near the Montana border, Frackelton was called in by nervous ranchers. He tended to Carey’s gunshot wounds and, in a surprising twist, convinced the outlaw to turn himself in, arguing that continuing on the run would only lead to a worse fate. His calm demeanor and refusal to show fear or judgment earned him grudging respect from even the most hardened men. These stories not only reveal the dangerous edge of frontier medicine but also show Frackelton’s unique role as both healer and moral compass in a lawless land.
On other occasions, he recalled patching up wounded men in the aftermath of saloon brawls or helping to identify bullet calibers for law enforcement. His ability to walk the line between healer and peacemaker gave him a unique place in the volatile landscape of the American West.
According to the good doctor himself, [he was] once among the hangers-on of one of the most notorious outlaw gangs of the day;” Chapter Nine, “We Keep a Poke in a Hog Ranch,” of Frackelton’s book, Sagebrush Dentist, details his dalliance with none other than Louderbaugh, Cassidy, Logan, the Perry boys, McKenzie, and Tom O’Day – otherwise known as Butch Cassidy, the Sundance Kid, and the Wild Bunch.
Frackelton’s encounters with outlaws were as dramatic and compelling as anything out of a dime novel, and his interactions with notorious figures added an almost mythic edge to his reputation. One of the most well-known stories involved Tom Horn, the infamous Pinkerton detective turned outlaw. Frackelton crossed paths with Horn after the latter was arrested for murder, and while the doctor didn’t treat him medically, he observed the outlaw during his incarceration in Cheyenne and wrote about the experience with sharp psychological insight. Another memorable encounter occurred when Frackelton treated Walt Stringer, a wounded member of a gang involved in cattle rustling. Despite knowing Stringer’s criminal background, Frackelton upheld his medical oath, stitching up his wounds and ensuring he was stable before authorities arrived.
These experiences not only shaped Frackelton as a person but also cemented his reputation as a man of principle and courage. He became a symbol of stability in a region where unpredictability was the norm.
The Renaissance Man of Sheridan
Beyond his role as a doctor, Frackelton was a man of many talents. His book, “Sagebrush Dentist,” told to author Herman Gastrell Seely, remains a fascinating chronicle of his adventures and observations. The book offers readers a vivid glimpse into the challenges and triumphs of life on the frontier. From encounters with outlaws to navigating the complexities of frontier justice, Frackelton’s stories paint a rich tapestry of a bygone era.
Frackelton was also known for his storytelling prowess. His ability to captivate an audience with tales of his experiences made him a beloved figure at social gatherings. Whether recounting a harrowing medical emergency or a humorous anecdote about life in Sheridan, Frackelton’s stories brought the frontier to life in a way few others could.
A Pillar of the Community
As Sheridan grew from a rough-and-tumble frontier town into a thriving community, Frackelton played an integral role in its development. He was deeply involved in civic affairs, advocating for better infrastructure, public health initiatives, and community institutions. His efforts helped lay the groundwork for many of the amenities that modern residents of Sheridan enjoy today.
One of Frackelton’s notable contributions was his work in improving public health. Recognizing the need for sanitation and preventative measures, he spearheaded campaigns to combat outbreaks of diseases such as typhoid and diphtheria. His proactive approach saved countless lives and set a standard for public health in the region.
Dr. Will Frackelton was more than just a doctor; he was a true pioneer in every sense of the word. His life – marked by service, adventure, and a deep connection to the community – captures the essence of Sheridan’s early days. Frackelton’s story is not just a chapter in the history of Sheridan; it is a testament to the enduring spirit of the American frontier. The legacy of the Sagebrush Dentist is honored today by the eponymous Main Street restaurant in the heart of downtown Sheridan. You can find copies of “The Sagebrush Dentist” at local book shops.
History aficionados will find Frackelton’s simple headstone in the Sheridan Municipal Cemetery Elks Plot, Block 1, Lot 18. The Museum at the Bighorns coordinates annual cemetery tours led by expert guides and historians.
