Bite Your Tongue!- The Allan Pinkerton Death Story

If you have ever watched much on the Civil War or on the Wild West, you have probably heard the term "Pinkerton". Back in the 19th century there really was no real nation wide law enforcement agency. There were U.S. Marshals, but they were not organized as a true federal agency until the 1960's. U.S. Marshals in the 18th and 19th century were often ordinary lawmen in territories as well as those who would escort prisoners of the court. The FBI was not started until 1908. This left no nation wide federal law enforcement agency for much of the nation's existence. One man, Allan Pinkerton saw the need for such a well organized agency and created a lucrative business as detectives and security for hire in 1850. The Pinkerton Detective Agency soon found itself feared and respected. Pinkerton agents were employed by private citizens as well as governments at the local and federal level. They apprehended wanted men as bounty hunters, provided personal security fo