Doolin-Dalton Gang – Oklahombres
The saga of the American West is replete with tales of daring outlaws, relentless lawmen, and the untamed spirit of a burgeoning nation. Among the most notorious figures of this era was the Doolin-Dalton Gang, also known as the Oklahombres and sometimes referred to as the Wild Bunch. This band of outlaws, operating primarily out of the rugged Indian Territory, later to become Oklahoma, carved a fearsome reputation for themselves through a series of audacious robberies and violent confrontations. Their story is a complex tapestry woven with threads of desperation, loyalty, and the struggle for survival in a harsh and unforgiving landscape.
The seeds of the Doolin-Dalton Gang were sown in the aftermath of the disastrous Coffeyville, Kansas raid on October 5, 1892. This ill-fated venture, undertaken by the Dalton Gang, resulted in the deaths of several of its members, effectively dismantling the once formidable outlaw group. From the ashes of this tragedy rose William "Bill" Doolin, a former associate of the Daltons, who would become the charismatic and often romanticized leader of the Doolin-Dalton Gang.
Bill Doolin, a figure shrouded in both admiration and condemnation, possessed a certain charisma that attracted a diverse group of individuals to his cause. The ranks of the Doolin-Dalton Gang swelled with men hardened by circumstance, disillusioned with the law, or simply drawn to the allure of a life outside societal norms. Among the notable members were George "Bitter Creek" Newcomb, a skilled marksman and loyal lieutenant; Charlie Pierce, known for his reckless courage; Oliver "Ol" Yantis, a seasoned outlaw with a knack for evading capture; and William Marion "Bill" Dalton, a surviving member of the original Dalton Gang seeking to continue his outlaw ways.
The composition of the gang evolved over time, with individuals joining and leaving as circumstances dictated. Other notable figures who at one point or another rode with Doolin included William "Tulsa Jack" Blake, a quick-witted and resourceful outlaw; Dan "Dynamite Dick" Clifton, a demolitions expert whose skills proved useful in train robberies; Roy Daugherty, also known as "Arkansas Tom" Jones, a young and impetuous outlaw eager to prove himself; George "Red Buck" Waightman, a formidable presence known for his fiery temper; Richard "Little Dick" West, a wiry and agile outlaw with a penchant for daring escapes; and William F. "Little Bill" Radler, a cunning strategist who often planned the gang’s operations.
For approximately three years, from 1893 until Doolin’s capture in 1896, the Doolin-Dalton Gang terrorized the states of Arkansas, Oklahoma, and Kansas. Their primary targets were banks, stagecoaches, and trains, all symbols of the encroaching civilization that they sought to resist. The gang’s methods were often brutal and their raids were characterized by a level of violence that shocked and outraged the public. Yet, despite their criminal activities, Doolin and his men cultivated a certain image, some even saw him as a "Robin Hood" figure, earning them a degree of sympathy and support from some segments of the population.
This perceived "Robin Hood" persona stemmed, in part, from the gang’s ability to evade capture for so long. They were adept at utilizing the rugged terrain of the Indian Territory to their advantage, disappearing into the vast expanses of wilderness after each successful raid. Furthermore, they relied on a network of informants and sympathizers who provided them with shelter, supplies, and vital information about the movements of law enforcement. This network of support, coupled with Doolin’s charismatic leadership, allowed the gang to thrive despite the relentless pursuit of U.S. Marshals and local lawmen.
One of the most significant and violent encounters between the Doolin-Dalton Gang and law enforcement occurred in the small town of Ingalls, Oklahoma, on September 1, 1893. This event, known as the Ingalls Gunfight, pitted a handful of gang members against a large posse of U.S. Marshals in a bloody and protracted shootout. The gunfight erupted when the Marshals, acting on a tip, attempted to apprehend the gang members who were holed up in George Ransom’s saloon. The ensuing battle raged for hours, leaving nine people dead or wounded, including one deputy who died immediately and two others who succumbed to their wounds the following day. Three of the outlaws were wounded, and Arkansas Tom Jones was captured, marking a significant blow to the gang.
Despite the setback at Ingalls, the Doolin-Dalton Gang continued their campaign of robbery and violence. The pressure from law enforcement, however, was unrelenting. U.S. Marshals, driven by a determination to bring the outlaws to justice, pursued the gang across the vast and unforgiving landscape of the West. The hunt for the Doolin-Dalton Gang became a personal vendetta for many of these lawmen, who viewed the outlaws as a threat to the stability and progress of the region.
In January 1896, a stroke of luck finally befell Deputy U.S. Marshal Bill Tilghman. Tilghman, a seasoned lawman known for his courage and tenacity, managed to capture Bill Doolin in a Eureka Springs, Arkansas bathhouse. The capture of Doolin was a major victory for law enforcement and a significant blow to the gang’s morale. Doolin was subsequently transported to the jail in Guthrie, Oklahoma, to await trial.
However, Doolin’s incarceration proved to be short-lived. In a daring escape, Doolin, along with Dynamite Dick Clifton and several other inmates, managed to break out of the Guthrie jail. This escape further emboldened Doolin and his remaining followers, who once again took to the outlaw trail. The pursuit of Doolin intensified, with law enforcement agencies across the region mobilizing to track him down.
The final chapter in the life of Bill Doolin and the demise of the Doolin-Dalton Gang came on August 25, 1896. A posse led by the legendary lawman Heck Thomas tracked Doolin to a location near Lawson, Oklahoma Territory. Thomas, a no-nonsense lawman known for his unwavering dedication to duty, confronted Doolin and demanded his surrender. Doolin, however, refused to go down without a fight. He drew his six-gun and fired twice at Thomas, but his shots missed their mark. In response, Deputy Bill Dunn unleashed a devastating blast from his shotgun, while Thomas and other members of the posse fired their rifles. The combined firepower proved too much for Doolin, who was cut down in a hail of bullets. His death signaled the end of an era, marking the passing of the Wild Bunch and the gradual taming of the American West.
The other members of the Doolin-Dalton Gang met various fates. Some were killed in shootouts with law enforcement, while others were captured and sentenced to lengthy prison terms. The story of the Doolin-Dalton Gang serves as a reminder of a turbulent period in American history, a time when the lines between law and lawlessness were often blurred, and the struggle for survival was a constant reality. Their legacy continues to fascinate and intrigue, ensuring that the tales of the Oklahombres will be recounted for generations to come.