Adolph P. Barrier was a Deputy Sheriff of San Miguel County, New Mexico, during the Lincoln County War.

Barrier was born in France in 1844 but immigrated to the United States sometime later. He worked as a paper hanger and painter before being made a deputy sheriff. Though not a Lincoln County official, he got involved when Judge Warren Bristol, a Murphy/Dolan proponent, ordered Alexander McSween into court.

Barrier was tasked with arresting McSween and turning him over to Lincoln County Sheriff William J. Brady for transport to La Mesilla, New Mexico, in January 1878. However, rather than turning him over to Brady, he brought him in himself, which probably saved McSween’s life. After McSween’s hearing, Barrier accompanied him back to Lincoln County and intervened when James Dolan and Jesse Evans approached John Tunstall on February 6, trying to goad him into a fight. This action likely saved a life again when Deputy Barrier ordered James Dolan away. Soon after, Barrier placed Alexander McSween on John Chisum’s ranch for his security, for which he was charged with contempt of court. Though Barrier’s actions were noble, they would be in vain for both Tunstall and McSween. John Tunstall was killed on February 18, 1878, which “officially” started the Lincoln County War. Alexander McSween was killed on July 19, 1878, when the Murphy/Dolan faction besieged his home.

 

©Kathy Alexander/Legends of America, updated October 2026.

Also See:

Complete List of Old West Gunfighters

Lincoln County War.

New Mexico – Land of Enchantment

Tales & Trails of the American Frontier

See Sources.