Plummer was viewed very favorably by most town residents and , in May , he was elected sheriff of Bannack .
The altercation took place in a crowded saloon , and observers agreed that Plummer had killed his foe in self - defense .
Plummer was viewed very favorably by most town residents and , in May , Plummer was elected sheriff of Bannack .
The altercation took place in a crowded saloon , and observers agreed that Plummer had killed his foe in self - defense .