Alvord-Stiles Gang of Outlaws – Legends of America
The Alvord-Stiles Gang, a notorious band of outlaws, carved its mark into the annals of the American West, operating primarily within the rugged terrain of the Arizona Territory. What set this gang apart was its leadership: two former lawmen, Burton Alvord and Billy Stiles, who traded their badges for a life of crime, forever altering their legacies.
From Lawman to Outlaw: The Transformation of Burton Alvord
Burton Alvord’s journey began on the side of the law. He initially served as a respected lawman, upholding justice in the burgeoning settlements of Arizona. His reputation was that of an honest and dedicated officer. However, a turning point came when he accepted a position as a deputy sheriff in Willcox, Arizona.
Willcox, in the late 19th century, was a town struggling to maintain order. Saloons thrived, and the allure of the Wild West lifestyle was strong. It was in this environment that Alvord’s path began to diverge. He developed a penchant for alcohol and spent increasing amounts of time in the company of outlaws who frequented the local saloons. This association gradually eroded his commitment to the law.
In a move that would forever change the course of his life, Alvord began to deputize his newfound outlaw acquaintances. Men like Matt Burts, Bill Downing, and, most notably, Billy Stiles, were given badges and authority, blurring the lines between law enforcement and criminal activity.
The Formation of a Gang: Alvord and Stiles Join Forces
The alliance between Burton Alvord and Billy Stiles proved to be the catalyst for the formation of the Alvord-Stiles Gang. They recruited a motley crew of individuals, each with their own reasons for embracing a life outside the law. The gang included figures like Bravo Juan Yoas, brothers George and Louis Owens, the infamous "Three Fingered Jack" Dunlap, and Bob Brown.
The gang’s initial activities revolved around cattle rustling, a common crime in the sparsely populated Arizona Territory. However, their ambitions soon grew, and they escalated to armed robberies, targeting vulnerable settlements and transportation routes.
The Cochise Train Robbery: A Bold and Daring Heist
The Alvord-Stiles Gang achieved notoriety with a daring train robbery on September 9, 1899. They targeted a train in Cochise, Arizona, making off with a substantial sum of money in gold coins and bills. The heist was meticulously planned and executed, demonstrating the gang’s growing sophistication.
Law enforcement responded swiftly. Sheriff Scott White and the legendary George Scarborough led a posse in pursuit of the Alvord-Stiles Gang. However, the outlaws proved elusive, utilizing their knowledge of the terrain to evade capture.
A String of Robberies and Close Encounters
Emboldened by their success, the Alvord-Stiles Gang continued their spree of armed robberies throughout Cochise County. They became a constant threat to the region, instilling fear and uncertainty among the residents.
However, their luck began to run out. Alvord and Stiles were eventually apprehended after attempting to rob a Southern Pacific Railroad train. Despite this setback, their time in custody was short-lived, as they managed to orchestrate a daring escape.
The Fairbank Train Robbery and Jeff Milton’s Intervention
On February 15, 1900, the Alvord-Stiles Gang attempted to rob a train in Fairbank, Arizona. This time, they encountered a formidable adversary in the form of Jeff Milton, a renowned lawman known for his toughness and unwavering dedication to justice.
The confrontation between the gang and Milton was brief but decisive. In the ensuing shootout, Milton fatally wounded "Three Fingers Jack" Dunlap and injured Juan Yoas. The Fairbank train robbery was a failure, and the gang suffered a significant loss.
Shortly after the Fairbank incident, Burton Alvord was captured and taken to the Cochise County Jail in Tombstone, Arizona. It seemed that the reign of the Alvord-Stiles Gang was coming to an end.
A Daring Jailbreak: Stiles’ Loyalty and Bravin’s Sacrifice
On April 7, 1900, Billy Stiles orchestrated a daring jailbreak to free his partner in crime, Burton Alvord. Stiles arrived at the Cochise County Jail under the guise of a visitor. Once inside, he drew a weapon on Deputy Marshal George Bravin and demanded the release of all the prisoners.
Bravin, faced with an impossible situation, refused to comply. Stiles, in a moment of desperation, shot Bravin in the foot, severing two of his toes. The act of violence shocked the town and demonstrated the lengths to which Stiles was willing to go to free Alvord.
In the chaos that followed, twenty-five prisoners, including Alvord, escaped from the jail. The Alvord-Stiles Gang was once again at large, and the Arizona Territory was plunged back into a state of lawlessness.
The Final Showdown: Capture and Imprisonment
The Arizona Rangers, a newly formed law enforcement agency, took on the task of tracking down Alvord and Stiles. After an extensive manhunt, the Rangers finally cornered the two outlaws in Mexico in February 1904.
In a final showdown, Alvord was shot twice and surrendered. Stiles, despite being wounded, managed to escape, disappearing into the rugged terrain. Alvord was subsequently imprisoned in the Yuma Arizona Territorial Prison, where he served two years for his crimes.
A New Beginning and a Violent End
Following his release from prison, Burton Alvord announced his intention to start anew in Central America. He reportedly worked as a canal employee and was last seen in 1910. His fate remains a mystery, leaving a sense of ambiguity surrounding his life after his outlaw days.
Billy Stiles, on the other hand, embarked on a different path. He traveled to the Orient for several years before returning to the United States and settling in Nevada. There, he assumed the alias William Larkin and became a deputy sheriff in Humboldt County.
However, Stiles’ past caught up with him. On December 5, 1908, while attempting to arrest a man, he was killed in the line of duty. His life, marked by both lawlessness and law enforcement, came to a violent end.
The Alvord-Stiles Gang, though short-lived, left an indelible mark on the history of the American West. Their story serves as a reminder of the complex and often blurred lines between law and crime in a region struggling to establish order and justice.