William Sidney "Cap" Light

Who was William Sidney "Cap" Light?

William Sidney "Cap" Light was a Texas lawman from 1884 until his death in 1893, when he accidentally shot himself. He had a shining reputation, except for the period when he worked for his brother-in-law, the infamous badman, Soapy Smith in Denver and Creede, Colorado.

Light was born in late 1863, or possibly early 1864, near Belton, Texas. The son of W. R. Light, a merchant, and Eliza Hyatt Light, both from Tennessee. William Light's first calling was that of a barber, but at age 20, he accepted a position as a deputy marshal in Belton. It is believed he was a member of the posse that tracked down and fatally shot a local desperado, William Northcott. on March 24, 1884.

Light married the sister of Soapy Smith, Eva Katherine Smith, of Temple, Texas in June 1887. They had a son, William Jeff Light in 1890 and a daughter, Emma Ruby Light in 1892.