24, July 1933
The Bonnie and Clyde
Dexfield Iowa Shootout
It's been 92 years since Henry Ney, a resident of Dallas County Iowa, decided to take a stroll in search of black berries on a warm summer day, by the old Dexfield amusement park, which closed doors in 1932 because of the great depression. It was now a remote location. While Henry was looking for berries, he stumbled upon a group of rough looking people, who looked all bloodied up, and had blood covered rags on the ground. Henry knew something was deeply wrong, he did not make eye contact with the people and exited Dexfield Park in haste. He contacted Dexter town Constable John Love and notified him of what he had seen. He told Love that he had found some unusual things, including a partially burned road map with blood all over it, and a shirt with bullet holes in the back covered with blood stains. John Love then accompanied Henry Ney back to the area to check on the situation there. Upon seeing the presence of two autos, Constable Love was immediately suspicious and returned to Dexter to contact people for additional help, and he called Sheriff Clint Knee. Suspecting that the trespassers might be the notorious Barrow gang, a large posse made up of locals and law enforcement was assembled.
On Sunday evening the posse met at Webb's lunch stand in Dexter Iowa to discuss a plan. At 06:00 AM the following Monday on July 24th, In the morning, Constable Love returned to Dexfield Park with several other men armed with weapons. Constable Love, said he saw a man he identified as Clyde Barrow, roasting a hotdog over a fire. one of the Lawman yelled "You're surrounded raise your hands." Clyde immediately put down the hot dog and picked up one of the Browing automatic rifles that had been stolen from a National Guard Armory, and opened fire, spraying gun fire all around the woods.
The people of Dexter would go down in history by becoming involved in the biggest gunfight to ever occur in Iowa. Bigger than the gunfight at the OK Corral. And the townspeople were facing off with a very dangerous gang, armed with 20th century military grade full auto weapons. The following article, video(s), and photos are part of my research on my book "Scoundrels of Iowa"
This is the Dexter Historic Museum. This is where I met Historian and Author Rod Stanley, who is a Bonnie and Clyde, / Dexter Iowa Historian. He has assembled an extensive collection of Bonnie and Clyde memorabilia ,and artifacts. The collection includes many documents and photos of the Barrow gang and that includes their activities in Iowa.
Thanks to Rod Stanley of Dexter Iowa for taking his time to talk to me and to allow me to use his narration here.
-Gene Stevens
Watching the video(s) first is highly recommended
PART I Of my interview with Rod Stanley
From the beginnings of Dexfield Park, to the day that
the Barrow gang was detected there.
Clyde frequently Dexter Iowa.
Blanche Barrow
Part III
The Shootout, About Bonnie and Clyde. Artifacts Found, Witness stories and more
A famous photo of the aftermath of the shootout Buck Barrow lay on the ground.
He is dying, but does not die in Dexter. He dies later in Perry Iowa
Picture by the author, taken at the Dexter historic museum
Included in the posse, were two state police officers, Bill Arthur and "Rags" Riley, a small force from the DesMoines Police Department and a National Guard Officer Dr. H.W. Keller.
Keller has brought with him a Thompson .45 caliber machine gun, which he borrowed from the National Guard. Constable John Love with Dallas County Sheriff Clint Knee and two deputies were also present. Also present were a number of Dexter residents, including Virgil Musseman, Jim Young, Harry Leeper and Kirt Piper. The group was armed with Winchesters, revolvers and shotguns.
Framed photos at the Dexter Historic Museum. Three views of Dexfield Park in its heyday.
The main attraction of Dexfield Park. The Olympic size spring fed pool.
Another view of Dexfield Park
Dexfield Park was a popular attraction as one might guess from
the numbers of automobiles in this photo
The Barrow gang was at Dexfield Park for several days. No knows the exact reason of how the Barrow gang ended up there. But locals have speculated on several theories. Clyde may have been there in the past, possibly attending a rodeo, or he may have simply seen a sign for Dexfield park. But that information is lost to history.
While hiding out there Clyde frequented Dexter several times buying food, clothing, and medical supplies. It's the middle of the great depression, so the people of Dexter are probably happy with Clydes money. But they do not know who he is. And due to the location being on the "White Pole Road," it wasn't unusual for strangers to be in town
The Above photos are of the historical marker north of Dexter on Dexfield Road
Photos by the author
A view of Dexter Iowa looking north
Pohles Pharmacy where Clyde Barrow bought medical supplies.
On the East of the street.
-James L Graham Bonnie and Clyde and the Iowa Connection
The Dexter Iowa Train Depot Year unknown
Members of the Posse after the shootout Photo by the author at the Dexter Hist. Museum
The Stevens .410 single shot, shotgun, carried by Doyce Pitts. A young member of the posse.
Outlaw W.D. (Deacon) Jones
Bonnie and Clyde, Date unknown
Constable John Love. The lawman who sounded the alarm
Bonnie and WD Jones
WD Jones and Clyde Barrow
Military grade weapons stolen by the Barrow gang from National Guard Amories.
The Barrow had in their possession, .45 cal, automatic pistols, and multiple Browning Automatic full auto rifles
More weapons
"Rags" Riley at the Grave of Clyde and Buck Barrow
Captured at Dexfield Park
The meeting location of the posse
A "BAR" Recovered after the shootout
An unverified letter allegedly sent to Henry Ford by Clyde Barrow signed
"Clyde Champion Barrow"
The Saga of Bonnie And Desperate Clyde
By Bonnie Parker
You have read the story of Jesse James, of how he lived and died.
If you still are in need of something to read. Here is the story of Bonnie and Clyde.
Now Bonnie and Clyde are the Barrow gang, I'm sure you all have read how they robbed and stal, And how those who squeal, are usually found dying or dead.
There are lots of untruths to their write-ups,
They are not merciless as that:
They hate all the laws, the stool pigeons, spotters and rats.
They class them as cold blooded killers, they say they are heartless and mean, But I say this with pride, that I once knew Clyde when he was honest and upright and clean.
Someday they'll go down together, and they'll bury them side by side. To few it'll be grief, to the law a relief.
But its death for Bonnie and Clyde.
-Bonnie Parker
