Gambler, fighter, saloonkeeper, cop: Chief James Lappeus had an unusual resume | Offbeat Oregon History




Offbeat Oregon History podcast show

Summary: Lappeus came to Portland from the gold fields of California, where he was a gambler, saloonkeeper and general mining-town rowdy. His career as a cop was dogged by rumors he'd offered to spring a murderer for a $1,000 bribe.