Charlie Utter – Bill Hickok’s Best Pard
The American West, a landscape etched with rugged beauty and brimming with tales of pioneers, prospectors, and gunslingers, holds a special place in historical lore. Amidst the legends of iconic figures like Wild Bill Hickok and Calamity Jane, a less celebrated but equally compelling character emerges: Charles H. Utter, affectionately known as "Colorado Charlie." More than just a sidekick, Charlie Utter played a significant role in the life of Wild Bill Hickok, acting as a steadfast friend, protector, and partner during the tumultuous days of the Black Hills gold rush.
Born around 1838 near Niagara Falls, New York, Charles H. Utter spent his formative years in Illinois before venturing westward. The allure of the frontier beckoned, and by the 1860s, he was carving out a living as a trapper, prospector, and guide in the vast expanse of Colorado. It was during this period that he earned the moniker "Colorado Charlie," a testament to his expertise and familiarity with the rugged terrain. While the West was populated by individuals seeking fortune and adventure, Charlie Utter distinguished himself not only through his skills but also through his distinctive personal style.
Standing at a modest five and a half feet tall, Charlie Utter compensated for his stature with an impeccable sense of fashion and a meticulous attention to personal grooming. He was a dandy amidst the dust and grime of the mining camps. Imagine a figure adorned in hand-tailored fringed buckskins, crafted with care and attention to detail. Picture fine linen shirts, a stark contrast to the roughspun garments worn by many, and beaded moccasins that whispered of Native American influence. A large, gleaming silver belt buckle accentuated his waist, while a pair of revolvers, intricately mounted in gold, silver, and pearl, completed his ensemble.
Utter’s dedication to cleanliness was legendary, bordering on obsessive. He insisted on bathing every morning, a ritual unheard of in the often-unsanitary conditions of the Old West settlements. His tent was his sanctuary, a haven of order and refinement amidst the chaos. Inside, fine California blankets provided comfort, while a mirror, combs, razors, and whisk brooms ensured he maintained his polished appearance. So fiercely did he guard his personal space that he forbade entry to anyone, even his close friend Wild Bill Hickok, threatening to use deadly force against intruders. This eccentricity only added to his mystique, solidifying his reputation as a unique and memorable character. The image of Charlie Utter meticulously grooming himself in the harsh environment of the frontier paints a vivid picture of his personality.
In 1866, while working in Colorado, Charlie met Tilly Nash, the 15-year-old daughter of a baker from Empire, Colorado. Her attention was caught by his boyish good looks and charisma, and they soon married. Their union marked a turning point in Utter’s life, though the marriage would eventually succumb to the pressures of frontier life.
The lure of gold drew Utter to the Black Hills of South Dakota. Hearing whispers of a "real lallapaloozer," he and his brother Steve organized a wagon train in Georgetown, Colorado, in the spring of 1876, bound for Deadwood. As the caravan passed through Cheyenne, Wyoming, a chance encounter reunited Utter with his old acquaintance, Wild Bill Hickok. Hickok, drawn by the promise of fortune and adventure, joined the wagon train, adding his legendary presence to the group of prospectors, gamblers, "working girls," and other individuals seeking their destiny in the gold rush. Later, at Fort Laramie, the infamous Calamity Jane also joined the group, adding more color to the already vibrant journey.
The exact circumstances of their initial meeting remain shrouded in the mists of time, but it is believed that Utter and Hickok first crossed paths in Kansas sometime in the mid-1850s. Their paths intertwined through Colorado, forging a bond that would withstand the trials and tribulations of the West. By the time the wagon train reached Deadwood in mid-July, Utter and Hickok had become partners, sharing the responsibilities and risks of the journey.
Utter, keenly aware of Hickok’s vulnerabilities, took it upon himself to look after his friend. He understood Hickok’s propensity for excessive drinking and gambling, habits that often led him into trouble. Acting as a self-appointed guardian, Utter attempted to shield Hickok from his own destructive tendencies, though his efforts were often met with limited success. He knew that Wild Bill’s recklessness could be his downfall, and Charlie Utter tried his best to mitigate the risks.
Upon arriving in Deadwood, Utter wasted no time in establishing a mail express service between Deadwood and Cheyenne. His riders braved the perilous plains and mountains, transporting letters for 25 cents apiece. Each rider often carried over 2,000 letters, vital for maintaining communication with the outside world.
On August 2, 1876, tragedy struck. While Utter was occupied with his business affairs, Wild Bill Hickok was shot and killed in a saloon by Jack McCall. Upon hearing the news, Utter rushed to the scene and claimed Hickok’s body, ensuring his friend received a proper burial.
Utter placed a notice in the Black Hills Pioneer, informing the community of Hickok’s death and announcing the funeral service. He ensured that Hickok was laid out in a coffin, allowing the people of Deadwood to pay their respects to the fallen legend. Before the burial, Utter took a lock of Hickok’s hair, which he later sent to his widow, Agnes Lake, a poignant gesture of friendship and respect.
The following day, Hickok’s funeral was held. Utter provided a marker for the grave, a simple inscription that spoke volumes: "Wild Bill, J. B. Hickok killed by the assassin Jack McCall in Deadwood, Black Hills, August 2, 1876. Pard, we will meet again in the happy hunting ground to part no more. Good bye, Colorado Charlie, C. H. Utter."
As Hickok was being buried, Jack McCall’s trial was underway. In a shocking turn of events, McCall was acquitted, a decision that sparked outrage and disbelief. However, the verdict was later deemed illegal, as the Deadwood camp lacked the authority to conduct a trial. McCall was subsequently apprehended by U.S. Marshals, retried, and hanged in Yankton, South Dakota, on March 1, 1877.
In 1879, Utter returned to Deadwood to oversee the relocation of Hickok’s body to the Mt. Moriah Cemetery. He purchased the Eaves Saloon in nearby Gayville, South Dakota, but soon ran into legal trouble for selling liquor without a license. He was found guilty of maintaining a nuisance dance hall and faced further misfortune when a devastating fire destroyed much of Deadwood on September 26, 1879, causing him to lose all his possessions.
Following the fire, many miners abandoned Deadwood in search of richer gold deposits elsewhere. By February 1880, Utter was exploring mining camps in Leadville, Colorado. He separated from Tilly that same year and moved to Durango, Colorado, before eventually settling in Socorro, New Mexico, where he operated a saloon and gambling den. It was rumored that he fell in love with a faro dealer named Minnie Fowler.
Beyond New Mexico, Utter’s trail becomes increasingly faint. According to biographer Agnes Wright Spring, records indicate that a Mr. C.H. Utter traveled to Panama, with some accounts suggesting he worked as a doctor and pharmacist. This was supported by a friend, Upton Lorentz, who claimed that Utter settled in Panama around 1888, operating a pharmacy, practicing medicine among the local Indians, and even delivering babies. Lorentz claimed he last saw Utter, blind and grizzled, in 1910, sitting in a rocking chair in front of his pharmacy.
Whether this was indeed "Colorado Charlie" remains a mystery. The details of Utter’s final days are lost to history, leaving a lingering question mark over the end of his adventurous life. The story of Charlie Utter is a compelling one.
While Wild Bill Hickok’s name remains etched in the annals of the Wild West, it is important to remember the contributions and character of those who stood beside him. Charles H. "Colorado Charlie" Utter was more than just a friend; he was a complex individual who lived a life of adventure, loyalty, and unwavering dedication to his own unique code. His story deserves to be remembered as an integral part of the rich tapestry of the American West.