Local author Curtiss Kull wrote his first book about Sheriff S. Graham Lamb, the longest-serving sheriff in Humboldt County, which was recently published. Kull said he identified with Sheriff Lamb in that they shared a strong commitment to their wives, and have an affinity for wearing vests. But the quality they have the most in common is their work as lawmen. Kull is not just a writer, he is the Humboldt County Undersheriff.
The book is titled "The Last Horseback Lawman: The Story of Sheriff S Graham Lamb" and is published by Jack Bacon & Company of Reno.
Kull said he received his first 100 copies, and 20 books have already been sold. Locals will have an opportunity to purchase a limited-edition, signed and numbered copy of "The Last Horseback Lawman" at the Martin Hotel where Kull will be signing copies of his book in person on Saturday, Sept. 6 at 4 p.m.
Kull began researching Lamb about six years ago when local historian and archivist, Jay Marden, gave him two discs of newspaper clippings of historical crimes in the area. Marden had organized the clippings and presented copies of his work to Kull.
"We weren't here very long and I guess he heard I was a history buff," said Kull of Marden. Throughout the clippings of train robberies and other Wild West-type crimes, one name appeared time and time again. That name was Sheriff S. Graham Lamb. Lamb was the longest serving sheriff in Humboldt County, although his terms were split. He served from 1903 to 1919, and from 1929 to 1933.
Kull had also read the book "Shoshone Mike" in which Lamb is a peripheral character. Kull discovered that no one had written exclusively about Lamb and his expansive career, and he thought, "Well, no one else has done it. Okay, I'll do it."
In addition to the clippings from Marden, Kull amassed a collection of historical documents on Lamb. On his days off, he researched ancestory.com and newspaperarchive.com, and made copies of coroner inquests and many courthouse documents. He interviewed a distant relative, and explored the Humboldt County museum.
The book is captioned as a work of "historical faction." Faction, said Kull, is a historical account with some embellished details such as dialogue. The facts of the story are true but without actually witnessing what occurred between historical figures, conversations would be fiction. And hence, the term faction.
Kull said the book is written from Lamb's perspective and begins with the end. Lamb was killed in the line of duty while he was investigating what nowadays would be called a domestic disturbance. The first chapter details Lamb's murder. Lamb's election into office, which he narrowly won by two votes, is the focus of Chapter Two.
The book also includes photographs, which Kull said have not yet been publicly viewed.
Kull said he was pleased with how the book came out, and liked how the graphic artist incorporated small details such as chapter numbers in sheriff badges, and small star borders for thought breaks.
Kull said it was important to have Nevadans work on his book. "I tried to keep everything local, within Nevada," said Kull. The illustrations inside the book were done by Marilyn Newton, a photojournalist from Reno. The front cover illustration was drawn by local artist Cody Jensen, and the back map illustration was done by Chris Sjoblom, another local artist and sheriff's deputy.
Kull said he was grateful to many people in the community who helped with his research. He is especially grateful to Beverly Wilson, his former office manager at the HCSO, who proofread the book.
Future book signings are being planned for Sundance Books and Music and the Artists Co-op Gallery, both in Reno. Kull said he thinks "The Last Horseback Lawman" will appeal to those in law enforcement and Nevada history buff. He said he hoped the book would be well-received by locals, who have lived in Winnemucca from eight minutes to 80 years.
Kull is writing a second book about John Thacker, a Wells Fargo detective. A third book in the works is a tribute to the people who work in county law enforcement.
Contact Stephanie Morton at s.morton@winnemuccapublishing.net.[[In-content Ad]]
