Festus Haggen

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Festus Haggen was Marshal Matt Dillon's deputy on the CBS television series Gunsmoke. He came to Dodge City in an episode titled "Us Haggens" to avenge the death of two of his brothers.

Festus' twin brother Fergus joined their outlaw uncle - Jack "Black Jack" Haggen - and was apparently wounded trying to escape a posse. When Jack's horse came up lame, he made Fergus take the lame horse and left Fergus for dead. Fergus, however, made it back to the Haggen place and told Festus what happened. Festus and his other brother Jeff rode out after Jack. Along the way, Jeff tried to rob a stage and was shot and later died. Festus joined Matt Dillon as he pursued Jack for shooting an old man that lived outside of Dodge City with his grandson.

Festus decided to stick around Dodge after the capture (and eventually death) of Jack. He can frequently be seen arguing with Doc Adams, or trying to get someone to buy him a beer at the Long Branch. During this period, Festus preferred the use of a mule for transportation. The name of his mule was Ruth.

Festus Haggen was portrayed by Ken Curtis for the 11 years between 1964 and 1975.