Joseph Slade – Hanged By Vigilantes
The annals of the American West are replete with figures of myth and legend, individuals whose lives, whether through fact or embellishment, have become enduring narratives of a bygone era. Among these characters, few are as complex and controversial as Joseph (Jack) A. Slade. This article delves into the life and times of Joseph Slade, a man who rose to prominence as an agent for the Overland Stage Line, only to meet a violent end at the hands of vigilantes in the burgeoning territory of Montana.
By 1907, when Emerson Hough penned his account of Slade, the West had already begun its transition from a raw frontier to a region romanticized and, at times, misrepresented in popular culture. Authors like Bret Harte and Mark Twain had captured the public’s imagination with tales of adventure and hardship, while countless journalists sought to chronicle the realities of life beyond the Mississippi. However, the stories they often relayed were based on hearsay and speculation, creating a distorted image of figures like Joseph Slade.
Slade’s story is intertwined with the history of the Overland Stage Line, a vital transportation network that connected the East and West Coasts in the mid-19th century. As an agent for the line, Slade was responsible for a vast and challenging territory, a region rife with potential for conflict and lawlessness. He was tasked with ensuring the safe passage of stages, passengers, and mail across hundreds of miles of rugged terrain, a responsibility that demanded both courage and ruthlessness.
Born in Carlisle, Illinois, Slade’s early life remains somewhat shrouded in mystery. He served in the Mexican War in 1848, an experience that undoubtedly shaped his character and prepared him for the challenges he would later face. By 1859, he had joined the Overland Stage Line, quickly establishing himself as a force to be reckoned with. He was known for his unwavering dedication to his job and his willingness to confront those who threatened the line’s operations.
Contrary to the image of a cold-blooded killer, Slade’s reputation as a "desperado" was largely exaggerated. While he was certainly a man of action, willing to use force when necessary, the notion that he was a remorseless murderer is not supported by historical evidence. In fact, it is believed that Slade killed only one man in his lifetime, a stark contrast to the countless stories that painted him as a bloodthirsty fiend.
The most infamous incident in Slade’s life was his confrontation with Jules Beni, a French rancher who had become a thorn in the side of the Overland Stage Line. Beni was suspected of engaging in livestock theft and other criminal activities, and he had repeatedly threatened Slade’s life. The conflict between the two men reached a boiling point when Beni ambushed Slade, shooting him multiple times and leaving him for dead.
Miraculously, Slade survived the attack, though he was left with numerous bullet wounds. Fueled by a thirst for revenge, he vowed to make Beni pay for his treachery. The legend says that Slade promised to wear one of Beni’s ears on his watch chain. After Beni was captured, Slade confronted him in the corral of a stage station. Without hesitation, Slade shot Beni, though not fatally. Accounts vary, but after a delay that saw a man running back and forth with writing supplies for Beni to make his will, Slade finished the job.
This act of violence solidified Slade’s reputation as a ruthless and unforgiving figure, but it also sparked debate about the circumstances surrounding the killing. Some argued that Slade was justified in his actions, given Beni’s previous attempts on his life and the lack of legal recourse in the lawless territory. Others condemned Slade for taking the law into his own hands and executing a defenseless prisoner. The incident with Jules Beni undoubtedly contributed to the mythology surrounding Joseph Slade.
Following the death of Jules Beni, Slade’s behavior became increasingly erratic and unpredictable. He grew more turbulent and was guilty of high-handed outrages. He was arrested by the officers at Fort Halleck and discharged from the stage line. Out of work, he took to drink and drifting. While he was quiet enough when sober, Slade was a maniac when he drank. His heavy drinking exacerbated his already volatile personality, leading to numerous acts of violence and intimidation. He would often engage in drunken brawls, vandalize property, and terrorize the residents of the towns he frequented.
Despite his descent into alcoholism and violence, Slade remained a complex and multifaceted character. He was known for his business acumen and his ambition to succeed, traits that were often overshadowed by his darker impulses. He was also deeply devoted to his wife, a woman of remarkable beauty and courage, who remained by his side despite his increasingly erratic behavior.
In 1863, Slade found himself in the Beaverhead diggings, not much different from many of the bad folk to be found there. He settled on a ranch a dozen miles or so from Virginia City, Montana, where he lived with his wife. However, his past soon caught up with him. His reign of terror in the mining camps of Montana eventually drew the attention of the vigilantes, a group of self-appointed law enforcers who sought to restore order in the lawless territory.
The vigilantes, frustrated by the lack of formal legal institutions, decided that Slade was a menace to the community and that the only way to ensure the safety of the residents was to execute him. They accused him of numerous crimes, including assault, robbery, and public intoxication, and after a brief trial, they sentenced him to death.
When Joseph Slade learned of the vigilantes’ decision, he was overcome with fear and desperation. He begged for his life, pleading with his captors to spare him for the sake of his wife. However, the vigilantes were unmoved by his pleas, convinced that he was beyond redemption.
On March 10, 1864, Slade was led to a makeshift gallows in Virginia City and hanged before a crowd of onlookers. His death marked the end of a tumultuous life filled with both heroism and villainy. Slade’s wife, who arrived in town shortly after his execution, was devastated by his death. She cursed the vigilantes and expressed her belief that Slade deserved a more honorable death.
Slade’s body was preserved in alcohol and kept at his ranch cabin throughout the winter. In the spring, it was sent to Salt Lake City and buried there. The story of Joseph Slade quickly spread throughout the West, becoming a cautionary tale about the dangers of lawlessness and the consequences of unchecked violence.
The legacy of Joseph Slade remains a subject of debate to this day. Was he a hero who helped to tame the Wild West, or a villain who terrorized innocent people? The truth, as is often the case with historical figures, lies somewhere in between. Slade was a product of his time, a man who lived in a world where violence was often the only means of survival. He was both a victim and a perpetrator, a complex and contradictory figure whose story continues to fascinate and intrigue.