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Today in History: Bandits rob Army paymaster in Arizona, $28,000 taken.

5/11/2026

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Summary

Story summary

On May 11, 1889, bandits ambushed Major Joseph W. Wham, a U.S. Army paymaster, and his eleven Buffalo Soldier escort in the Arizona Territory while transporting over $28,000 in gold and silver from Fort Grant to Fort Thomas. The attackers wounded eight soldiers, forced a retreat, and escaped with the payroll.

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Story summary

On May 11, 1889, bandits ambushed Major Joseph W. Wham, a U.S. Army paymaster, and his eleven Buffalo Soldier escort in the Arizona Territory while transporting over $28,000 in gold and silver from Fort Grant to Fort Thomas. The attackers wounded eight soldiers, forced a retreat, and escaped with the payroll.