Pink Higgens – Texas Gunfighter
John Calhoun Pinckney "Pink" Higgens, a name synonymous with frontier justice and the volatile era of the Old West, remains a figure shrouded in both fact and legend. His life, marked by conflict, cattle drives, and alleged gunfights, offers a glimpse into the harsh realities of 19th-century Texas. This article delves into the life of Pink Higgens, exploring his origins, his involvement in the infamous Horrell-Higgins Feud, and the legacy he left behind.
Born in Georgia in 1848, Higgens’ early life was characterized by westward migration. His family, seeking new opportunities and a life on the frontier, relocated to Texas while he was still a boy. They initially settled near Austin, a burgeoning hub of activity in the young state. In 1857, the family established a ranch in Lampasas County, a region known for its rugged terrain and independent spirit. This move would prove pivotal in shaping the trajectory of Pink Higgens‘ life.
Growing up in the untamed landscape of Lampasas County, Higgens engaged in various occupations, reflecting the resourcefulness required for survival on the frontier. He owned a meat market, catering to the needs of the growing community, and also ventured into the saloon business, a common social gathering place for cowboys, ranchers, and travelers alike. It was during this period that Higgens honed his skills with firearms. Accounts suggest he gained experience fighting Native Americans, a grim reality of the era as settlers encroached upon traditional tribal lands. He also briefly served as an officer in the Ku Klux Klan, a controversial aspect of his history that reflects the turbulent social and political climate of the post-Civil War South. The narrative surrounding Pink Higgens is complex and multifaceted, encompassing both the entrepreneurial spirit and the darker elements of the time.
By the early 1870s, Higgens was deeply involved in the lucrative cattle driving industry. He drove herds of cattle north to the railheads in Kansas, a vital economic activity that connected Texas ranchers to national markets. On at least one occasion, Higgens collaborated with the Horrell brothers, who also ranched in the Lampasas County area, combining their herds for the long and arduous journey. This seemingly amicable partnership would soon dissolve into deadly conflict, forever linking the names of Higgens and Horrell in Texas history. The seeds of the Horrell-Higgins Feud, a brutal and protracted struggle, were sown in the rugged landscape where Pink Higgens made his home.
The event that ignited the Horrell-Higgins Feud occurred in March 1873. A saloon shootout in Lampasas involving the Horrell brothers and Texas State Police resulted in the deaths of three law officers. Tragically, Pink Higgens’ son-in-law was also killed in the melee. This incident sparked a vicious cycle of violence and retaliation between the two families, plunging Lampasas County into a state of near-anarchy. The Horrell-Higgins Feud became a symbol of the lawlessness and personal vendettas that plagued the Texas frontier. The story of Pink Higgens cannot be fully understood without examining his central role in this bloody conflict.
Over the next several years, the Horrell-Higgins Feud escalated, marked by numerous shooting scrapes and acts of violence. The culmination of this animosity occurred on June 14, 1877, in a dramatic shootout in the Lampasas town square. The gunfight resulted in multiple fatalities, further fueling the flames of the feud. Although a few more skirmishes occurred, the intensity of the conflict eventually subsided. The Horrell-Higgins Feud stands as a stark reminder of the volatile nature of life on the frontier, where disputes were often settled with guns and violence.
Around the turn of the century, Higgens relocated his ranch south of Spur, Texas, seeking a fresh start and perhaps an escape from the lingering shadow of the Horrell-Higgins Feud. Despite the passage of time, Higgens’ reputation as a gunfighter persisted. Accounts suggest that he was involved in numerous shootings throughout his life, allegedly killing between 14 and 18 men. While the accuracy of these claims is difficult to verify, they contribute to the enduring legend of Pink Higgens.
John Calhoun Pinckney "Pink" Higgens died of a heart attack at his ranch on December 18, 1914. His death marked the end of an era, a time when the Texas frontier was slowly transitioning from a land of outlaws and gunfights to a more settled and law-abiding society. Higgens’ life, though marked by violence and controversy, reflects the complexities and contradictions of the Old West. He was a product of his time, a man shaped by the harsh realities of frontier life, the cattle driving industry, and the ever-present threat of conflict. The legend of Pink Higgens, the Texas gunfighter, continues to fascinate and intrigue, offering a glimpse into a bygone era. His story, while rooted in historical events, has been embellished and romanticized over time, contributing to the enduring mystique of the American West.
