Book Review: A Terrible Glory, By James Donovan.

 

  Art work from xAI.

Book Review:

A Terrible Glory 

by James Donovan

Review by G.C. Stevens 
James Donovan’s A Terrible Glory: Custer and the Little Bighorn – The Last Great Battle of the American West (2008, Little, Brown and Company) is a meticulously researched and engaging account of the infamous Battle of the Little Bighorn in June 1876. This 500-plus-page work delves into George Armstrong Custer’s “Last Stand,” where he and 210 men of the Seventh Cavalry were defeated by a coalition of Lakota Sioux, Cheyenne, and Arapaho warriors. Donovan, known for The Blood of Heroes, aims to provide a comprehensive narrative, incorporating 25 years of fresh research—archaeological findings, eyewitness accounts, and scholarly reassessments—to move beyond myths and offer a nuanced history. This review evaluates the book’s strengths, narrative style, and contribution to Little Bighorn historiography.

The book traces the broader context of U.S.-Native American tensions during westward expansion, Custer’s flamboyant military career, and the battle’s climactic events, concluding with its aftermath and legacy. Donovan starts with the historical backdrop of the Indian Wars, then focuses on Custer’s journey from Civil War hero to frontier commander. The heart of the narrative reconstructs the battle using forensic evidence and diverse perspectives, including those of Native leaders like Sitting Bull and Crazy Horse. The final sections explore the U.S. Army’s attempts to deflect blame, framing Custer as a scapegoat.
Donovan claims A Terrible Glory is the first to fully integrate recent scholarship, such as battlefield archaeology and revised assessments of tactical decisions, offering a fuller picture than earlier works. This ambition drives its detailed exploration of not just the battle, but the personalities, strategies, and institutional failures that shaped it.

Donovan excels at merging rigorous research with a novelistic flair. The book is accessible yet scholarly, appealing to both casual readers and historians. Custer emerges as a bold, flawed figure—ambitious and brave, yet undone by overconfidence. Sitting Bull is a resolute visionary, Crazy Horse a tactical genius, and Major Marcus Reno a conflicted officer whose hesitation remains debated. These vivid portrayals bring the story to life.
The research is a standout feature, drawing on military records, Native oral histories, newspapers, and over 100 pages of notes and bibliography. Donovan uses battlefield evidence—like cartridge case patterns—to clarify troop movements, challenging myths that pin the disaster solely on Custer. He highlights poor communication, divided command, and underestimation of Native strength as key factors, offering a balanced critique. The aftermath, with its revelations of an Army cover-up, adds depth, showing how officials manipulated narratives to protect their image.
This blend of storytelling and evidence makes A Terrible Glory a compelling read. Donovan’s ability to present complex historical data—such as the chaotic final moments on Last Stand Hill—in a clear, gripping way ensures the book resonates beyond academic circles.

Despite its strengths, the book has limitations. Donovan’s focuses on Custer. However he presents the Native American perspective, while he humanizes Sitting Bull and Crazy Horse, the broader cultural stakes for the Plains Indians. 
The wealth of detail, while a boon for scholars, occasionally slows the pace. Early chapters on Custer’s career and U.S.-Indian conflicts delve into minutiae, delaying the battle’s momentum. A tighter edit could have streamlined the narrative without losing substance.
Donovan also avoids firm conclusions on some mysteries, like Custer’s final actions—heroic stand or panicked collapse? This restraint reflects his evidence-based approach, but may leave readers wanting clearer resolution. Still, it aligns with his goal of presenting facts over speculation, letting the evidence speak.
Contribution and Relevance
A Terrible Glory bridges romanticized tales (e.g., Libbie Custer’s hagiographies) and vilifying portrayals (e.g., Little Big Man), offering a balanced Custer: a courageous soldier felled by hubris and circumstance. By integrating modern research—like forensic studies and Native accounts—it surpasses earlier works, earning its claim as a landmark study. It’s a valuable resource for understanding the battle’s complexities and the American frontier’s violent legacy.
Beyond history, the book offers lessons in leadership, decision-making, and cultural misjudgment, relevant to modern discussions of power and conflict. Military enthusiasts will appreciate its tactical breakdown, while those interested in Native resistance will find the warriors’ resilience compelling.

A Terrible Glory is a triumph of historical narrative, blending deep research with a gripping tale of ambition, bravery, and tragedy. Its Custer focus and occasional pacing issues are minor compared to its clarity, depth, and fresh perspective. For anyone seeking to move beyond Hollywood’s Little Bighorn, this book is essential. Donovan illuminates a pivotal moment and invites reflection on the forces that shaped it, securing A Terrible Glory as a modern classic.

Tin Jesus on Horse-back, Buffalo Bills Bitter Business: By Matthew Kerns

Buffalo Bill and Nate Salsbury displayed on Buffalo Bill's Wild West, promotional poster

Photo courtesy of Matthew Kerns

 Tin Jesus on Horseback:

 Buffalo Bill’s Bitter Business and Personal Feuds: 

By Matthew Kerns

Buffalo Bill Cody was a legend, but legends are not built alone. His rise to fame depended on key business partnerships, yet those partnerships were often fraught with conflict. Cody’s inability to manage money, his loyalty to problematic associates, and his drinking habits created tensions that led to dramatic fallouts with some of his closest allies. Nowhere was this more evident than in his feuds with two of his most notable partners—Nate Salsbury and Dr. William “Doc” Carver.

                                          Nate Salsbury, Photo courtesy of Matthew Kerns

Nate Salsbury was the driving business force behind Buffalo Bill’s Wild West show, handling logistics, finances, and promotion. Without Salsbury, the show might not have achieved its enormous success, but the partnership was strained. Salsbury grew frustrated with Cody’s reckless spending and poor financial decisions, particularly when Buffalo Bill invested heavily in the irrigation project that founded the town of Cody, Wyoming. Their relationship was further tested by Cody’s drinking and his tendency to surround himself with friends who drained money from the operation. Before his death in 1902, Salsbury documented his grievances in a memoir he never published, referring to his years working with Buffalo Bill as “Sixteen Years in Hell.” He derisively described Cody as a “Tin Jesus on Horseback,” a man with a grand vision but little control over his affairs.

Buffalo Bill and Doc Carver, photo courtesy of Matthew Kerns

Salsbury’s unpublished manuscript was filled with venom. “Buffalo Bill makes a virtue of keeping sober most of the time during the summer season, and when he does so for an entire season, he looks on himself as a paragon of virtue,” he wrote. “But when the fever gets into his brain, he forgets honor, reputation, friend, and obligation in his mad eagerness to fill his hide with rotgut of any kind.” He went on to accuse Cody of breaking promises, saying, “He becomes so utterly lost to all sense of decency and shame that he will break his plighted word and sully his most solemn obligation.” Even in death, Salsbury’s words remained a testament to the bitter dissolution of their once-lucrative partnership.

As Salsbury’s health failed, he became increasingly paranoid that Buffalo Bill would find a way to cut his family out of the profits of the Wild West show. “All the brutal things that Cody is capable of are well known to me,” he wrote. “I want this record to stand so that when he starts in to malign me, as he will do, my friends will have my answer.” The mistrust between them had become irreparable, yet Salsbury remained with the Wild West show until his dying day, unwilling—or perhaps unable—to sever ties completely. His family, however, did not share his attachment. When he passed in 1902, his heirs moved quickly to protect what was left of his legacy, selling off his interests in the show and ensuring that Buffalo Bill would no longer have control over Salsbury’s share of the profits.

Another significant rift occurred between Cody and Doc Carver, a sharpshooter and showman who initially partnered with him to launch the Wild West spectacle. Carver’s ego matched Cody’s, and their differing visions for the show led to an early split. While Carver saw himself as an equal partner, Cody ultimately sought a larger spotlight. Carver, embittered, went on to create his own show, claiming that he was the true mastermind behind the Wild West performance. The rivalry between the two became personal, with Carver challenging Cody’s version of events and attempting to outdo him in the show circuit. Carver’s bitterness persisted long after their partnership dissolved, and he spent years trying to compete with the Wild West’s enduring popularity.

Despite these conflicts, Buffalo Bill’s charisma kept his name at the forefront of entertainment. However, his poor business sense and fractured relationships left him vulnerable. After Salsbury’s death, Cody’s financial troubles worsened, forcing him into questionable business deals that led to the eventual loss of control over his own show. He had once been the undisputed star of a global phenomenon, but by the twilight of his career, he was a performer in another man’s circus, haunted by the ghosts of his past feuds and failures.

About The Editor

 

Gene Stevens, was born in Chicago, Illinois, in 1959, is an American author, historian, and blogger known for his work in historical crime literature and his engaging online presence under the pseudonym G.C. Stevens. With a deep passion for uncovering the untold stories of America's past, Stevens has carved a unique niche as a writer and researcher, blending meticulous historical detail with gripping narrative storytelling. His most notable work, A Fiendish Crime, explores the true story of the first train robbery in the American West, showcasing his ability to bring forgotten events to life with vivid prose and a keen eye for historical context.
Stevens’ journey to authorship was shaped by a diverse and adventurous life. After serving in the U.S. Navy and Naval Reserves during the early 1980s, where he earned accolades such as the Navy Battle "E" and the Humanitarian Service Medal, he transitioned into a career in law enforcement. Over the years, he worked with multiple agencies, including the Fox River Grove Police Department and the Spring Grove Illinois Police Department, where he served as a patrol officer, juvenile officer, and D.A.R.E. instructor. His experiences in security and law enforcement—later including roles with Monsanto Corporation, the Transportation Security Administration, and military police training—provided him with a unique perspective on crime and justice, which he channels into his writing.
As G.C. Stevens, he maintains a blog titled Central States, Lawman and Outlaws Historic Association, where he delves into topics ranging from Wild West mysteries to Civil War history. His posts reflect his extensive travels across the United States, visiting historic sites, and his dedication to genealogy, tracing his family’s roots back to Ireland and England. Stevens’ love for history extends beyond the page—he spent over a decade as a living historian, reenacting periods from the Revolutionary War to World War II.
In addition to A Fiendish Crime, Stevens has authored other works, including Red Flag of Defiance, about the Black Hawk War, and the semi-fictional Ten Eycke Chronicles: Return to Tombstone. Now residing in Des Moines, Iowa, where he runs a private investigative company, Stevens continues to explore the intersections of history, crime, and human experience. Married in Tombstone, Arizona, in 2017, he lives with his wife and remains an avid researcher, traveler, and storyteller, committed to preserving the past for modern readers.

John Wayne Birthday Bulletin. May 23th, 24th & 25th

 

Save the date for the 10th Anniversary of the John Wayne Birthplace Museum in Winterset Iowa.

For more details visit the John Wayne Birthplace Museum web page

Now Available: Dusty Trails of the Old West Anthology

Now available from Dusty Trails Books;

Dusty Trails of the Old West Anthology.

The Anthology is 88 pages of stories of the wild west

Paperback Edition

$14.99 

(Includes shipping)

Payment

 

Jesses James Wins 3 to 1 by G.C. Stevens

     Note the card on the right, this is known as the "guerilla photo" and is widely recognized as  a confirmed photo Jesse James.

All photos taken by the Author 

*Location: I-35 SB, on the Iowa/ Missouri Border. 

With the weather getting better, from sub zero temps to 55 degrees here in central Iowa. I decided to take a short road trip into Missouri. Just off I-35 on the Missouri Iowa border is a great visitor center with an on duty receptionist. This visitor center is packed wall to wall with travel tourist booklets and brochures. I took a few minutes looked around for stuff on historical sites and civil war battle fields.  Missouri played an important part in the war. As did other historical events.  But I found that once you entered Missouri,  you were in Jesse James Territory. After looking the visitor center room, I found that most historic sites but one brochure.  And Jesse James had three, each for different sites. Jesse's Birthplace, the Jesse James Bank Museum  and the his home in St. JO Where he was killed.

Jesse James : Kin folk by G.C. Stevens

                             The following information was provided by Patrick Meguiar. 

                                       William Martin 

                     Was a Confederate, and he helped (Cousin) Jesse James with 

                                       training his horses He was a 2nd cousin 

                              of Robert Sallee James who was Jesse's father. 

                                 

 

Jesse James and The Great Train Robbery ebook. By G.C. Stevens

      A revised and edited ebook now available on Lulu.com

              -  Jesse James and the Great Train Robbery-

                                                   By

                                           G.C. Stevens

                                  Edited by Holly Michaels

$7.75

 Jesse James and the Great Train Robbery

The Dragoon Trail Epitaph

 Greetings Lawman and Outlaws. I've given our news letter a new title.  "The Dragoon Trail Epitaph." Please feel free to share this page.

Dusty Trails of the Old West Anthology; By G.C. Stevens

 

INFORMATION COMING SOON 

Dusty Trails Anthology

Cattle Annie and Little Britches, Lady Outlaws of Oklahoma. By G.C. Stevens

 

Cattle Annie and Little Britches

Photo from A pictorial history of the Wild West Crown Publishers 1955

Once upon a time in the rugged landscapes of the Oklahoma Territory, where the law was as wild as the land itself, there roamed two notorious outlaws known far and wide as Cattle Annie and Little Britches. Cattle Annie, whose real name was Anna McDoulet, was a fiery young girl with a sharp wit and an even sharper tongue. Born in Oklahoma, she grew up hearing tales of the notorious Bill Doolin and his Wild Bunch, which fueled her dreams of adventure. She was barely in her teens when she decided to join the outlaws, drawn by the thrill of the outlaw life and the freedom it promised. Little Britches, or Jennie Stevenson, was Annie's partner in crime. Younger but equally daring, Jennie was known for her diminutive size and her penchant for wearing oversized britches, hence the nickname. She was an orphan who found kinship with Annie; together, they became an inseparable duo, notorious for their escapades in rustling cattle and running messages for the outlaws.

The two girls met in a small, dusty town where the wind whipped through the streets, carrying whispers of lawlessness and freedom. They bonded over their shared love for the outlaw life, quickly becoming known for their audacity. They would disguise themselves as boys, sneaking into cattle pens to cut out the best steers, which they'd then guide to waiting outlaws who would take the cattle across state lines.

Annie and Jennie weren't just horse thieves or cattle rustlers; they were also lookouts and informants, gathering intelligence on lawmen movements. Their youthful appearances often led people to underestimate them, which they used to their advantage, slipping through the cracks of society where no one expected trouble from children. But their luck couldn't last forever. As the law began catching up with the Wild Bunch, the heat also turned on Annie and Jennie. Marshal Bill Tilghman, known for his relentless pursuit of Doolin's gang, eventually set his sights on these young outlaws. Their capture was as much a matter of legend as their deeds; Tilghman, with his cunning, managed to corner them in a barn, where they were finally arrested.

They would later be featured in a film created by Lawman Bill Tilghman, in his film creation, "The Passing of the Oklahoma Outlaws" made in 1915.

  The passing of the Oklahoma Outlaws. found on youtube

Despite their crimes, there was a certain charm to these young girls, a kind of Robin Hood spirit in the wild west. Their story captured the imagination of many, blending the lines between villainy and the romanticized life of an outlaw. They were sentenced to reform school rather than prison, a testament to their youth and perhaps a nod to the wild spirit of the times. After their release, the stories of Cattle Annie and Little Britches diverged. Annie married, took up a quiet life away from her past, though the tales of her youth lingered in local lore. Jennie, however, faded into history, her later life less documented, but the legend of Little Britches lived on in the tales of the Old West.

Their story, a blend of history and myth, serves as a reminder of a time when the lines between law and lawlessness were as blurred as the horizon over the Oklahoma plains, where two young girls could become legends in their own right.

Passing of the Oklahoma Outlaw; The Story of Lawman Bill Tilghman BY G.C. Stevens

 

        Lawman Bill Tilghman  from the Authors Collection. 

The Legacy of Bill Tilghman: A True Lawman of the American West.  

In the annals of American frontier history, few figures loom as large as Bill Tilghman, a name synonymous with the Wild West's transition from lawlessness to civilization. Known for his roles as a lawman, deputy U.S. Marshal, and even a film director, Tilghman's life story is a fascinating blend of action, justice, and the inevitable march of progress.

Early Life and the Call to Law Enforcement

Born on July 4, 1854, in Fort Dodge, Iowa, Tilghman's early years were shaped by the very environment of the frontier. His idolization of legendary lawman Wild Bill Hickok set the stage for his own career in law enforcement. By the age of 24, Tilghman had already become a full-time lawman, first serving as a deputy sheriff in Dodge City, Kansas, a notorious hotspot for outlaws and gamblers. His time in Dodge City was marked by his reputation for being both fearless and fair, traits that would define his career. Tilghman's most notable period came when he joined forces with fellow lawmen.

The Three Guardsmen 

Tilghman joined Heck Thomas and Chris Madsen, forming what became known as the "Three Guardsmen." Operating out of Fort Smith, Arkansas, under the stern eye of Judge Isaac Parker, known as "The Hanging Judge," they were tasked with bringing order to the lawless Indian Territory. Their mission was monumental: to capture or kill some of the era's most dangerous outlaws, including members of the Doolin gang. Tilghman's contribution was pivotal in tracking down and capturing several notorious members, significantly reducing crime in the area.

After the territories became more settled, Tilghman did not rest on his laurels. He continued his law enforcement career in various capacities, eventually becoming the Sheriff of Lincoln County in Oklahoma. However, his life took an unexpected turn when he ventured into silent films, directing and starring in "The Passing of the Oklahoma Outlaws" in 1915, which was a dramatized account of his own experiences. This film not only served as an entertainment piece but also as a historical document of the time.

Tilghman's 1915 film

A Tragic End

Tilghman's life ended abruptly and tragically on November 1, 1924, at the age of 70. While serving as City Marshal in Cromwell, Oklahoma, he was shot by a corrupt law enforcement officer named Wiley Lynn, who was later acquitted of the crime. The incident underscored the dangers lawmen faced, even in a supposedly "tamed" frontier. 

According to another source, Tilghman was shot on Halloween night, 1924, and died in the early morning of November 1st, 1924, Cromwell Town Marshal and legendary Old West lawman Bill Tilghman was shot outside of a cafe called "Ma Murphy's", by the corrupt prohibition agent Wiley Lynn. Tilghman died in the early morning hours of the first of November.   Tilghman had been brought in to help bring the town under control. One month later the town of Cromwell was torched, with every brothel, bar, flop house and pool hall burned to the ground, allegedly by friends of Tilghman. There was no investigation into the massive fire, and Cromwell never recovered its former wild status, or size. According to a video produced by the videographer / Vlogger Jerry Skinner, Lawman from around the state, converged on Cromwell and burned the town down.

Legacy and Influence

Bill Tilghman's legacy is multifaceted. He was not just a lawman but also a symbol of the Old West's evolution into the modern United States. His stories, whether through his own films or the countless books and movies inspired by his life, keep the spirit of the West alive. Historians and enthusiasts alike remember Tilghman for his bravery, his dedication to justice, and his role in shaping the narrative of the American West.

Tilghman's life was more than just the pursuit of outlaws; it was about the pursuit of order, peace, and the establishment of law in places where chaos reigned. His contributions to law enforcement in the Oklahoma Territory paved the way for Oklahoma's statehood in 1907, marking the end of an era and the beginning of another.

In reflecting on Tilghman's life, one can't help but appreciate the complexity of a man who lived through one of the most transformative periods in American history, embodying the transition from the lawless frontier to a structured society. His story, filled with action, bravery, and a commitment to justice, remains a captivating chapter in the epic saga of the American West.

References

Marshal Bill Tilghman: The Truth behind the Movie (Jerry Skinner Documentary) - YouTube

Cromwell, Oklahoma - Wikipedia

Bill Tilghman – Long Term Lawman – Legends of America

About the Cowboy by G.C. Stevens

 Underneath the wide brimmed hat, Sits a man where the tumbleweeds roam, With a heart as vast as the prairie flat, And a spirit that calls the West his home. He rides with the dawn, his horse and he, Through canyons of rust where the echoes play, and cactus bloom, Chasing the dreams that are wild and free, Under the endless, starlit sky. His spurs jingle with every step, A melody of freedom, wild and true, He's a poet of the plains, a sage of the steppe, and a gunslinger of olde, With stories as old as the hills. He sings of love lost to the wind's cruel jest, Of cattle drives and the lonesome trail, Of nights by the fire, where he found rest, And the coyote's howl, a mournful wail. So here's to the cowboy, six gun packin, with his lariat and song, To the life he chose, so rugged and bold, May his legend live long, may his spirit belong, To the vast, untamed stories the West wild and free.

GC Stevens 

Dusty Trails Anthology Book update

 

Book update; Over the past year, I've been working a new book, which is compilation of some of my previous works. My book called "Dusty Trails of the Old West Anthology" was edited by Holly Michaels and  I'm trying to publish the book through Publisher "The History Press" The book is an anthology of western themed stories, both fact and fiction. Chapter one is called "The Train Robbery That Shook the Nation" Which is the true story of the first train robbery in the west which was committed by Jesse James and his gang here in Iowa. It tells the story and details about that famous robbery. Chapter two is called "The Gunfighters, Luke Short and Charley Storms. Which is a true story of another gunfight incident that occurred in the wild city of Tombstone Arizona. Chapter three is called" The Lawmen; Dodge City and Ford County, Kansas which talks about the lawman of the western cow-towns. The last chapter is a fictional account based upon a true story and perhaps the truth about the death of the infamous outlaw Johnny Ringo, it's called," Ten Eycke Chronicles Who Killed Johnny Ringo?" I'm hoping to have the book published by this summer.

Gene (Dragoon Trail Bob)

In Search of Outlaw Treasure in the Flint Hills of Kansas, By Doc Hinck

 

The following story is from a friend of mine, Doc Hinck, who lives in the Flint Hills, along the Santa Fe Trail in Kansas. Doc is true adventurer, explorer and cowboy.  -The Editor

So about 5 years ago, Steph and I were out searching for arrowheads/deer antlers in the Flint Hills not far from the old Santa Fe Trail. We were informed by the property owner that he was told by his father many years ago that the particular location had a man that lived in a one room cabin. The story was, this fella was part of the Infamous Dalton/Doolin gang. He recalls hearing that he was not a Dalton brother but rode with the gang, and they used his cabin for an unknown hideout. He told us that when he was younger his father had come across an antique spur from the 1800s! The Dalton museum had offered to purchase it but his father refused to part with it. 

I know…I know…a neat story no doubt! However…I started really thinking about it. So I spoke with him later about it again. I gathered more details that started getting my curiosity on the rise! 

The location of the “hideout” was said to have been at the top of a bluff with a stream running below. There was suppose to be a big flat rock out front of the cabin. From the cabin, you could see a great distant across the prairie and easily spot danger arriving in plenty of time to make a daring escape! From the cabin, there was to be 3 or 4 easy escape routes from the cabin.

Long story short, my curiosity overtook me and Steph and I began exploring the area. After the next few years of grid searching, not having the slightest clue where this “so called hideout” would have possibly been located, I used an aerial map from a birds-eye view of the general area. We marked several areas of interest on our map and continued our search.

One day, Steph called me over to a big flat rock at the top of a large bluff. Instantly we thought it could be the one that might have stood out front of the cabin. While investigating it, we noticed a carving in the rock that appeared like a boat anchor or a J and a backwards J.??? 

Photo by Doc Hinck

We began metal detecting the area and quickly started to find some AWESOME sign of artifacts! First we started finding several square nails to prove something had obviously stood there once upon a time. Next we found several pearlike buttons. We searched under the big rock and found a fly tox cork bottle from the 1870/80s era. We also found a big cork whiskey bottle in excellent shape! We later discovered an 1848 penny. I found a big rock and stood on it and my detector picked up a 12 gauge brass shotgun shell on one side of the rock and not far away was a second matching one. We also found several brass shotgun shell remnants of old paper shells of that era as well! 

All photos courtesy of Doc Hinck

We searched that general area several times and later while hiking around with my buddy, he discovered another boulder over the hill with more carvings in it! Being pushed for time, we have yet to detect that area or explore further.  Once this weather clears and the snow and ice thaw I fully intend to get back to exploring. Could this be an actual outlaw hideout!? 

In the last year I have been spending a lot of time doing some major research and purchased two of Emmett Dalton’s books he had written himself. As most historians know and believe, the Dalton/Doolin gang were an Oklahoma/South Kansas based gang. However, they did have a brother that lived in California and spent time there. However, everyone knows of their hideout in Oklahoma as well as their sister’s house and tunnel in Meade, but why on earth would they have one clear up here in our area you ask? 

Could there be any sort of evidence of the Daltons traveling to Northeast Kansas south of Topeka area so to speak?

While reading one of Emmett’s books, he flat stated that while they were Marshals, they began a man hunt for a Cherokee man that had committed murder. They chased him clear up north through the “Flint Hills” hmm….first thing that really struck my curiosity.  Later he states that the gang had another “hideout” that as of then had not been discovered….hmm second strike of curiosity. 

Now everyone knows that the Daltons were kin to the James and Youngers. So what does that have to do with this particular location you ask? 

Capt. Bloody Bill Anderson’s farm was not far down the trail from this exact location. This was his particular stomping grounds. He was reported to have stolen horses less than a half mile from the location! We all know who looked up to Bill and rode with him. Frank and Jesse James…..another interesting strike of curiosity! 

I began my research on the James gang and was blown away when I found newspaper articles of a Wild West show in a town not 20 minutes from the location! Frank was the main attraction! Hmm…I had discovered that Frank continued to spend a lot of time in this general area for some unknown reason. What is funny is the fact that a friend/relative had once told me that his grandfather told him that his great great grandfather use to drink and play cards with Frank James in that nearby town. We both thought it to be a neat little tall tale. That was however, until we discovered that Frank had been there at the time his great great grandfather woulda lived there!

So what on earth would bring Frank to this countryside? 

Bloody Bill made several raids in this area and several of his “gang” were “unamed”…

I recently discovered that some Kin of my very own rode with Capt. Anderson and Capt. Quantrill themselves! One of them that rode with Anderson just happened to be on a posse that was searching for Anderson and the gang after they murdered Judge A.I. Baker near Rock Creek Crossing about 20 min from this “hideout location”. Whats funny is, my Kin, and his posse never located Anderson yet, is seen on the roster of Anderson’s men in Missouri shortly after.  Could Frank and Jesse have rode with Anderson and Quantrill through these Flint Hills? There’s no way to know but a person can and will always wonder. 

Now what really got me is this! So I was at an antique auction a couple years ago and purchased a book that had a neat photo and story of Bloody Bill! I had to get to reading! When I opened up and began reading I was blown away to say the very least! It talks about “outlaws robbing some travelers along the Santa Fe Trail and burying the loot somewhere along the prairie.” It explains in detail the area where it was supposedly buried but never discovered. I literally got chills when I read it! It explains the area to a T! Exactly the same as the location where we had discovered our finds.

Now back to the hideout location. Not far from where we found everything, we dug up an all iron hatchet, an 1850s half dime and what appears to be the front of a pot bellied wood stove? We also discovered buckles off a horse harness and a couple of old ink wells. One was glass and one was pottery. We also found a few 1800s horse shoes!

There’s likely no way we’ll ever know unless we strike it rich  but my curiosity has me losing sleep at night wanting to get out and go exploring again and try to piece this story together.  The more research we do, the more the story is starting to play out and the more the dots are connecting! I haven’t had a full night’s sleep in months!

I’d love everyone’s thoughts on this!  If anyone may have any leads, or knowledge that might be of assistance I’d greatly appreciate your thoughts.

Bob Ford, Villain or Patsy? By G.C. Stevens

 

                                              Bob (right) and Charley (left) Ford were both 

were present at 1318 Lafayette St, in St. Jo Missouri when Bob Ford

shot Jesse James in the back of the head, killing him, on April 03rd, 1882.

Photos courtesy the Missouri state Historic Society and Find A Grave.

03/01/20252

                                                This is an update of this article. 

As I looked back on this article and the initial incident of the killing of Wood Hite by Dick Liddil and Bob Ford . I realized that I didn't make my narrative clear enough, in that I failed to address the killing of Wood Hite. I'd like to thank Patrick Meguiar who is the VP of CSL&OH.A. for talking me through this phase of what precipitated their arrest and the eventual killing of Jesse James.

The Killing of Wood Hite for The Record

Dick Liddil and Bob Ford’s killing of Wood Hite is a gritty chapter in the story of the James Gang, rooted in personal tensions and tangled loyalties. It happened on December 4, 1881, at the home of Martha Bolton, Bob Ford’s widowed sister, in Ray County, Missouri. Wood Hite, a cousin of Jesse James and a member of the gang, had been staying there alongside Liddil and Ford. The three were part of the shrinking circle around Jesse James after the gang’s heyday had faded.

The trouble started over a mix of rivalry and resentment. Hite and Liddil both had eyes for Martha Bolton, which had been simmering for a while. But that morning, things boiled over during breakfast. Liddil later said it kicked off when Hite spoke to him, and he snapped back, refusing to talk. The spark was an old grudge—Hite had accused Liddil of pocketing $100 extra from the Blue Cut train robbery earlier that year, a claim Liddil denied. Words turned to weapons fast. Both men drew their pistols and fired almost at once. Hite’s shot hit Liddil in the leg, while Liddil’s bullet grazed Hite’s arm.

That’s when Bob Ford stepped in. Standing nearby, he pulled his own gun and shot Hite square in the head. Hite dropped, dead within minutes. Ford’s move wasn’t just about backing Liddil—some reckon he had his own score to settle, since Hite had bullied him before. Plus, Ford and Liddil were tight, and with Hite being Jesse’s cousin, keeping it quiet was urgent.

They didn’t waste time. Ford and his brother Charley (or possibly another brother, “Cap”) wrapped Hite’s body in a blanket, hauled it out on a mule, and buried it in a shallow, unmarked grave about half a mile away in the woods. Liddil, nursing his wounded leg, couldn’t help with the digging. The cover-up held for a bit, but word got out eventually—Martha’s 13-year-old son helped authorities find the body in April 1882.

This killing set off a chain reaction. Liddil, scared Jesse would come for him over his cousin’s death, surrendered to Sheriff James Timberlake in January 1882, spilling details about the gang in exchange for a pardon. Ford, meanwhile, saw a chance to cash in on the growing bounty for Jesse. Just months later, on April 3, 1882, he shot Jesse in the back, cementing his infamy. Hite’s death wasn’t just a side note—it was a domino that helped topple the James Gang for good

G.C. Stevens

Ref Good Bye Jesse James: The Jesse James Bank Museum 1967

 

In the annals of American outlaw history, few names resonate as powerfully as Jesse James. Known for his daring bank and train robberies, his Robin Hood-like mythos, and his cunning escapes from the law, Jesse James became a legend. However, his life came to an abrupt and ignominious end at the hands of one of his own gang members, Robert Newton "Bob" Ford.  But was Bob Ford a villain, or a patsy for the Governor of Missouri Thomas Crittenden?

Born on January 31, 1862, in Ray County, Missouri, Bob Ford grew up in the shadow of the Civil War, a time that shaped many of the outlaws of the era. His brother, Charley Ford, was also involved in the criminal underworld. The Ford brothers' paths crossed with Jesse James' when they joined his gang, lured by the promise of fame, money, and adventure, but also by the danger and notoriety that came with associating with such a figure.

By 1882, Jesse James was a wanted man, but he had managed to evade capture for years. He trusted few, and his paranoia was well-founded. On April 3, 1882, in St. Joseph, Missouri, under the alias Thomas Howard, Jesse James was betrayed by Bob Ford, who had secretly made a deal with the Governor of Missouri, Thomas T. Crittenden. The deal promised Ford a full pardon for his past crimes and a reward for bringing Jesse to justice. In a house at 1318 Lafayette Street, while Jesse was adjusting a picture on the wall, Bob Ford shot him in the back of the head. The shot was fatal, and Jesse James died instantly, thus ending one of the most famous criminal careers in history.

 Ford was but twenty years old at the time of Jesse's killing. One can only see Bob Ford as  naive young man who was manipulated by the "new establishment" in Missouri that came to power after the civil war. A state government who not only refused to pardon the guerillas for their actions during the war, but also banned former confederate supporters from earning a living on their own soil. Thus painting the government in its own corner.  And like so many cases in modern times that have shined a light on the dubious and corrupt habits of  government to use unwitting, blackmailed or compromised operatives to accomplish their dirty work. Its easy to see the same scenario played out in the case of Jesse James and his assassination.

                                        

                               The following photos were taken by the Author 

                               at the Patee House Museum in St. Jo Missouri

                                   The location where its believed that Jesse James was killed

Bob Ford's actions were indeed controversial. While some viewed him as a traitor for killing a man in such a dishonorable way, others saw him as having done the state a service by removing a dangerous outlaw, which is a fact that cannot be overlooked. Jesse James was a cold blooded killer who engaged in war crimes during the civil war and committed many crimes before he was finally killed in St, Jo.  However, Ford's life post-assassination, was far from peaceful or prosperous.

He and his brother Charley initially received only part of the reward money and pardon from the governor who used them, and then cheated them. But the public's reaction was overwhelmingly negative. Ford faced ridicule, threats, and was ostracized. Songs and stories painted him as a coward, and the fame he sought turned into infamy. And yet his governmental handlers were never blamed for their role. They conveniently escaped accountability behind a curtain of deceit, and plausible deniability. Much in the way that Lee Harvey Oswald became the only name that would be spoken to place the label of blame for the Kennedy assassination.

In a misguided attempt to capitalize on his notoriety,  Bob Ford performed in a traveling show, reenacting the murder of Jesse James, but as could have been expected, public disdain only grew. He moved to Colorado, where he opened a saloon, but his past continued to haunt him. On June 8, 1892, Ford was shot and killed by another career criminal, Edward O'Kelley in his tent saloon in Creede, Colorado, an act that some saw as revenge for Jesse James, or simply an expression of the deep-seated contempt many felt for Ford. O'Kelly was arrested and sentenced to life in prison, but a petition was created and signed by seven thousand people in Missouri begging for O'Kellys release, he was erroneously pardoned by the governor of Colorado and released back into the public. In an Ironic twist O'Kelly got into an altercation with a Police Officer in Oklahoma City, and was shot and killed.

Little is known of O'Kelley's past, although his birthplace is reported as Harrisonville, Missouri. His mother was Margaret Ann Capehart (July 6, 1836 – July 27, 1903), but at the time of her July 14, 1857, marriage to Dr. Thomas Katlett O'Kelley (October 20, 1833 – October 9, 1923) she was already pregnant with Edward. It is believed that Thomas was not Edward's father. Edward was a child during the American Civil War. In Thomas' Civil War Veteran Pension File, where Thomas was required to list all his children and their dates of birth, Edward is not included on the list

Bob Ford's legacy is a complex one. And, history seems to have been unfair to that legacy. The fact however remains that both Bob Ford and Dick Liddil had placed themselves in a very bad situation with the murder of Wood Hite and the subsequent concealment of his corpse. He is most certainly remembered less for any heroism and more for the act of betrayal against one of America's most infamous criminals. His life illustrates the thin line between fame and infamy, honor and disgrace, in the Wild West. The tale of Bob Ford and Jesse James has been retold in numerous books, films, and songs, each adding layers to the myth of these characters.

Bob Ford's life, the murder of Jesse James and Bob Ford's subsequent murder by Ed O'Kelley, are emblematic of a times when lawlessness, government deviance, and legend intertwined in the American frontier. His story serves as a cautionary tale about the consequences of cooperating with corruption in government, betrayal, the fleeting nature of fame, and the harsh judgment of history on those who choose the path of treachery. While Jesse James' name has become synonymous with the misguided outlaw spirit of the Old West, Bob Ford's name is forever linked with the act that ended that legend, painting him as both a figure of historical significance and a pariah in the folklore of America. On an end note; After a period of deep depression following James' death, terminal illness from tuberculosis, and a debilitating morphine addiction, Charles Ford died by suicide on May 6, 1884.

The Author is the Editor of the CSL&OH.A. and Associate Member of 

the Western Writers of America.

Doc Holliday by G.C. Stevens

                             The Legend of Doc Holliday: 

                      Gunslinger, Gambler, Dentist, Enigma

                                         Photo from the Authors Collection
There I was standing on the street in Tombstone, when I was invited into the rear door of an old saloon and suddenly found myself face to face with a man at a faro table who began to tell stories of the famed gun slinger, Doc Holliday. What he told me, made realize that Doc was both a mystery and legend.

-Gene Stevens

In the tapestry of American folklore, few characters are as enigmatic and captivating as John Henry "Doc" Holliday. Born on August 14, 1851, in Griffin, Georgia, Doc Holliday was not only known for his prowess with a gun but also for his complex personality shaped by both his education and his diseases. We actually know very little about Doc except that he made his way west under mysterious circumstances, and according the one lone historian that I met on the dusty trail, Doc was not what anyone thought he was. But this is what we think we know.

Holliday was the son of Henry Burroughs Holliday, a prominent planter, and Alice Jane McKey. His upbringing was marked by privilege; he was educated at the prestigious Pennsylvania College of Dental Surgery, where he graduated in 1872. Initially, Holliday practiced dentistry in Atlanta but soon his life took a dramatic turn, and to the best of our knowledge, being diagnosed with tuberculosis. This diagnosis was a death sentence at the time, apparently pushing him westward in search of a drier climate, which was believed to be beneficial for those with lung conditions, or so the story goes.

Upon arriving in the West, Holliday found his dental practice waning in popularity, perhaps due to his own deteriorating health or the rough-and-tumble life of frontier towns. He turned to gambling, a profession that suited his quick mind and even quicker hands. His reputation grew not only as a cardsharp but also as a man not to be trifled with. His skill with firearms and a knife became legendary, though it's worth noting that much of the mythos surrounding Holliday has been embellished by Hollywood and dime novels.

One of the most pivotal relationships in Holliday's life was his friendship with Wyatt Earp. A relationship, which would have a tarnishing effect of Wyatt. Their paths crossed in Fort Griffin, Texas, and their bond was sealed in Tombstone, Arizona, where they would become embroiled in one of the most famous gunfights in American history: the Gunfight at the O.K. Corral. This incident which lasted a mere thirty seconds occurred, On October 26, 1881, Holliday and the Earps faced off against the Clantons and McLaurys. This event cemented Holliday's place in the annals of the Wild West.

Doc Holliday was known for his cool demeanor under pressure, his loyalty to friends, and his sharp wit. He was said to have had a dry sense of humor, often using it to diffuse tense situations. Despite his numerous legal troubles and brushes with the law, Holliday was never convicted of any serious crime, which adds layers to his character – was he a villain or a victim of circumstance?

The tuberculosis that drove Holliday West eventually caught up with him. By the late 1880s, his health had significantly declined. On November 8, 1887, Doc Holliday died in Glenwood Springs, Colorado, at the age of 36. His last words, according to legend, were "This is funny," a testament to his enduring sense of humor even in the face of death.

Holliday's life has been immortalized in countless books, films, and TV shows, with portrayals by actors like Kirk Douglas, Dennis Quaid, and Val Kilmer, whose performance in "Tombstone" is often cited as definitive. His story resonates not only because of his association with the Wild West but also due to the human elements of tragedy, resilience, and the quest for redemption.

Doc Holliday remains a symbol of the complexity of human character — a man who was both a product of his time and someone who transcended it through his actions, friendships, and the myths that have grown around him. His legacy is a reminder of the multifaceted nature of history's figures, where truth and legend often interweave to create something larger than life.

Announcement, Western Writers of America

 

I am very proud to announce that I have been accepted as an Associate member of the Western Writers of America. I feel very humbled and will continue to work to preserve our history through reenacting and writing. These are two things that have been my true north for over 30 years.

-Gene Stevens

Editor of the CSL&OH.A.

The Greatest Western Movies Made; The Magnificent Seven 1960

 

     Photo is in the public domain 

The Timeless Charm of "The Magnificent Seven"

Introduction

In 1960, Hollywood delivered an enduring classic with "The Magnificent Seven," a Western that has captivated audiences for over six decades. Directed by John Sturges, this film is an American adaptation of Akira Kurosawa's 1954 Japanese samurai epic, "Seven Samurai." Here, we delve into the making, impact, and legacy of "The Magnificent Seven."

Plot Overview

"The Magnificent Seven" follows the story of a small Mexican village oppressed by the bandit Calvera (played by Eli Wallach) and his gang. Desperate for help, the villagers seek out mercenaries to defend them. They find Chris Adams (Yul Brynner), a seasoned gunslinger, who agrees to help for a price. Chris then recruits six more men, each with unique skills but all with personal demons, forming an unlikely team to protect the village.

The Cast and Characters

• Yul Brynner as Chris Adams, the stoic leader with a moral compass.
• Steve McQueen as Vin Tanner, a charming drifter with sharpshooting skills.
• Charles Bronson as Bernardo O'Reilly, an aging, thoughtful gunman with a tragic past.
• Robert Vaughn as Lee, a nervous, refined gunslinger with a secret.
• Brad Dexter as Harry Luck, the mercenary driven by greed.
• James Coburn as Britt, the laconic, deadly knife-thrower.
• Horst Buchholz as Chico, the hot-headed young man seeking to prove himself.

Each actor brought a unique flavor to their role, contributing to the film's rich tapestry of personalities, which mirrored the original dynamics in "Seven Samurai."

Production and Direction

John Sturges' direction was pivotal in translating the essence of Kurosawa's film into a Western setting. The film was shot in Cuernavaca, Mexico, providing an authentic backdrop that enhanced the movie's atmosphere. The cinematography by Charles Lang captured the rugged beauty of the Mexican landscape, making the setting a character in itself. Elmer Bernstein's score became iconic, defining the sound of Westerns for generations with its rousing main theme.

Cultural Impact and Legacy

"The Magnificent Seven" was not just a commercial success but also critically acclaimed, earning nominations for several awards, including two Academy Award nominations for Best Music, Scoring of a Dramatic or Comedy Picture, and Best Costume Design, Black-and-White.

The film's influence extends beyond its immediate success:

• Cultural Impact: It inspired numerous remakes, adaptations, and homages, including a direct sequel, TV series, and a 2016 remake directed by Antoine Fuqua.
• Genre Influence: It helped define the "gunslinger team-up" trope in Westerns, which has been echoed in countless films and series.
• Music: The theme has become synonymous with Western genre music, often parodied or homaged in other works.

On a deeper level, "The Magnificent Seven" explores themes of courage, redemption, and the fight for justice against overwhelming odds. It showcases the transformation of mercenaries into protectors, highlighting personal growth and the human spirit's resilience. The film also subtly comments on the nature of heroism, questioning whether true heroism is found in the act or in the aftermath of the deed.

"The Magnificent Seven" remains a landmark in cinema, not just for its genre but for storytelling. Its blend of action, character development, and moral questioning continues to resonate with new generations. The film's legacy is not only in its direct influences but in how it exemplifies the power of cinema to transcend cultural and temporal boundaries, making it a magnificent watch even today.
Akira Kurosawa's Seven Samurai
Western film genre
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