The "Goshen Horse-Thief Detectives" was organized on January 16, 1892 and chartered their Constitution & By-Laws on February 3, 1900.
They were an official arm of law enforcement and had the power to "arrest horse thieves and other felons" (Bill No. 467, Volume 84, O.S. and Amendments)
Recently, an original Constitution was discovered and preserved by the Goshen Township Trustees in Ohio. (click on the Horse-Thief patch, left, to view the original Constitution)
Until 2008, the organization had been dormant. To learn more about the organization, please read the news articles located on our NEWS page.
In all, we anticipated the first trail segment will extend over 12 miles.
A Historical account
In 1906, the national organization numbered over
30,000 members, arranged in divisions. Some organizations used the name "Anti Horse Thief Association", others used "Horse Thief Detectives". But they all were connected.
The Anti Horse Thief Association/Horse Thief Detectives was in no sense a vigilance committee, and the
organization never found it necessary to adopt the mysterious methods of
"Regulators," "White Caps" or kindred organizations. Its deeds were done in the
broad open light of the day. When a theft or robbery was committed in any portion
of the vast territory covered by the association and the direction taken by the
offender was ascertained, local associations were notified to be on the lookout
for the fugitive, and his capture was almost a certainty. Although the original
name was retained, bankers, merchants and manufacturers were to be found among the
members, courts recognized its value, criminals feared it, and press and pulpit endorsed and praised its work in the apprehension of criminals.
Vicky Rhein and her paint Paco
on "Light Up Goshen" Parade Day, 2008
Tallest down.... Posse members Grant Numrich, Lisa Allen, Jim Allen SR. Debbie Britt - "Light Up Goshen" Parade Day 2008
"Goshen Horse Thief Detective"
Aidan Corcoran
