ADOLPH CUNY

Laramie County Sheriff's Department

Adolph Cuny was deputized by Deputy Marshal Charles Hays on July 22, 1877 in order to assist in the apprehension of Clark Pelton alias Billy Webster.

Deputy Marshal Hays was dispatched to the Fort Laramie, territory of Wyoming in regards to numerous state coach robberies involving the Cheyenne to Deadwood Stage.  Clark Pelton and his gang were identified as the perpetrators of the robberies.

While in pursuit of Clark Pelton and his partners in crime, Deputy Cuny apprehended Pelton; and according to historical account of the time, Deputy Marshal Hays continued to pursue the additional fleeing members of the Pelton Gang who were also wanted in connection with the stage coach robberies.  Upon Deputy Marshal Hays return to where Deputy Cuny had apprehended Pelton, Deputy Hays discovered Deputy Cuny had suffered a mortal gun shot would inflicted by Clark Pelton who had now escaped.

Two years later, Sheriff Draper of Laramie County learned Clark Pelton, alias Billy Webster had been incarcerated in the Minnesota penitentiary for the past 2 years for horse stealing and was set to be released.  Upon his release, Pelton was immediately arrested by Sheriff Draper on May 21, 1879 for the murder of Deputy Marshal Adolph Cuny.

Clark Pelton was subsequently convicted of manslaughter for the shooting of Deputy Sheriff Adolph Cuny and served four (4) years in prison.