By Jim Pettengill

Many lawmen in the old west had short careers. Some served for a couple of years, or a few months. One southwestern Colorado lawman served his communities for more than 30 years, mostly in Ouray. He was fearless, a superb marksman, and steadfast in was also a successful businessman and a devoted family man. In his time and place he was a legend; today he is largely forgotten. His name was Jesse Benton.

Born March 21, 1834 in Bainbridge, New York, William Jasper Ben...