Central States Lawman and Outlaws Historic Assoc.
Just passing this on from Bear Tooth Bill ( John Hoker). The National Congress of Old West Shootists is putt'n on an Old West Show & Sale! It's over by the Mississippi river in Davenport Iowa. See the flyer below, or check out their website at NCOWS.COM.
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year From the Central States Lawman and Outlaws Historic Assn.
(c) CSLOHA
All photos are in the public domain
I'm proud to be a new member of the John Wayne Birthplace Museum!
Card From the Authors collection. Produced by the LL Cook Co.
The L.L. Cook Company was founded in 1921 and was one of the two largest postcard publishing companies in Milwaukee, Wisconsin up to the 1960s,
This is my first-ever article on Billy The Kid. I've written quite a bit about the intrigue in Tombstone AZ in the 1880s, and the gut wrenching story of Jesse and Frank James and their unfortunate but adventurous lives. But the story of Billy The Kid, is very different, unlike the stories of Wyatt Earp and Tombstone, which was in many ways, like a game of chess, and the Story of Jesse and Frank James was a matter of family bloodlines and the civil war. Billy's story is almost melancholy in nature, and one can find an easy connection to Henry and his circumstances, because he was a young guy caught up in a bad situation.
BILLY THE KID
Billy the Kid, born Henry McCarty, is one of the most notorious outlaws of the American Old West, whose life story has been romanticized through countless books, films, and songs. Known for his youth, charm, and deadly gun skills, Billy's legend outgrew the young man himself, making him an enduring figure in American folklore.
He was born in New York City around 1859, Henry McCarty’s life was marked by hardship from the start. After his father's death (or disappearance), he moved with his mother, Catherine, to Indianapolis, then to Wichita, Kansas, and eventually to Santa Fe, New Mexico Territory. After his mother died of tuberculosis in 1874, he was left to fend for himself, leading him into a life of petty crime. Adopting the alias "William H. Bonney" or "Kid Antrim," he quickly escalated from small thefts to horse thievery and murder. His transformation into "Billy the Kid" was sealed during the Lincoln County War (1878-1879), a conflict that involved rival factions in New Mexico fighting for economic control. Billy sided with the Regulators, a group formed to counter the corruption of the "House" faction. His involvement in the war included the killing of Billy's fame grew not just from his criminal activities but from his daring escapes. After the conflict, he was captured but managed an audacious escape from jail in Lincoln, New Mexico, where he killed two deputies. This escape, among others, contributed to his legend as both cunning and dangerous.
Pat Garrett, a former friend turned lawman, was determined to capture Billy. In 1880, Garrett managed to arrest him, but Billy escaped yet again. However, his freedom was short-lived. On July 14, 1881, Garrett shot and killed Billy at Fort Sumner, ending the life of the 21-year-old (or possibly 19, as his exact age is debated) outlaw.
Billy the Kid's death might have ended his physical existence, but his legend was just beginning. Over the years, his image has transformed from a simple outlaw to a symbol of the Wild West's untamed spirit:
Billy has been the subject of numerous films, including "The Left Handed Gun" and "Young Guns." His story also inspired countless novels, songs, and even video games.
There are numerous myths surrounding Billy, including claims that he was left-handed (debunked by photo analysis showing his gun belt on his left side, indicating he was right-handed) and tales of surviving his reported death. Some claim that Billy faked his death, leading to sightings and stories well into the 20th century. His grave in Fort Sumner remains a tourist attraction, symbolizing his undying legend.
Billy the Kid represents the duality of the American frontier: a place where lawlessness could coexist with the pursuit of freedom. His story questions the nature of heroism, villainy, and the thin line between the two in the lawless landscapes of the Old West. Whether seen as a cold-blooded killer or a victim of circumstance, Billy the Kid's legacy continues to captivate the imagination, embodying the untamed spirit of an era long gone but forever etched in history.
Civil War Christmas
"I'm sorry to write,
Our ports are blockaded, and Santa, tonight,
Will hardly get down here; for if he should start,
The Yankees would get him unless he was smart,
They beat all the men in creation to run,
And if they could get him, they'd think it fine fun
To put him in prison and steal the nice toys
He started to bring to our girls and boys.
But try not to mind it - tell over your jokes -
Be gay and be cheerful, like other good folks;
For if you remember to be good and kind,
Old Santa next Christmas will bear it in mind."
-From the collection of
O.J. Fargo.
John Clum: The Crusading Mayor of Tombstone
Early Life and Career
John Philip Clum was born on September 1, 1851, near Claverack, New York, into a family of German and Dutch descent. His early life was marked by education at Rutgers University, though financial difficulties led him to leave before graduation. His journey west began when he joined the U.S. Army Signal Corps and was assigned to Santa Fe, New Mexico, as a weather observer. This was the start of an adventurous life that would lead him to become one of the most notable figures in the Old West.
Apache Agent and Capture of Geronimo
In 1874, Clum was appointed as an Indian agent for the San Carlos Apache Reservation in Arizona, a role where he introduced innovative governance methods including the establishment of an Apache police force and court system. His most famous act during this tenure was the peaceful capture of the Apache leader Geronimo in 1877, making him the only agent to achieve this feat without bloodshed. This period of his life showcased his ability to negotiate and manage complex intercultural relations.
The Tombstone Epitaph and Mayoral Position
The discovery of silver in Tombstone, Arizona, in 1877, attracted Clum, who saw an opportunity to start a newspaper. On May 1, 1880, he launched "The Tombstone Epitaph," which quickly became a voice for law and order in the turbulent town. Clum's involvement in local politics led to his election as Mayor of Tombstone in 1881, under a new city charter. His administration was characterized by efforts to combat lawlessness and corruption, aligning himself with the town's reformist elements.
Friendship with Wyatt Earp and the Gunfight at the O.K. Corral
Clum's tenure as mayor coincided with one of Tombstone's most infamous events: the Gunfight at the O.K. Corral on October 26, 1881. As a supporter of the Earp brothers, Clum's newspaper defended the actions of Wyatt, Virgil, and Morgan Earp, along with Doc Holliday, in the shootout against the Clanton and McLaury brothers. His editorial stance made him a target of those who opposed the Earps, leading to an alleged assassination attempt on him in December 1881 when his stagecoach was attacked.
Later Years and Legacy
After leaving Tombstone in 1882, Clum's career took him to various postal service roles across the U.S., including a significant stint in Alaska where he helped expand postal services during the gold rush. He also worked as a lecturer for the Southern Pacific Railroad, sharing stories of his adventures in the West. His later years were spent in California, where he passed away on May 2, 1932. Clum's legacy is not only in his administrative and journalistic contributions but also in his portrayal in numerous films and TV series, reflecting his colorful life in the Wild West.
John Clum's story is one of courage, reform, and the spirit of the American frontier. His efforts in Tombstone to instill law and order during a time of chaos, his friendship with key historical figures, and his dedication to public service across different roles highlight a life lived with both adventure and purpose. His contributions to the narrative of the Old West remain a testament to his enduring impact on American history.