Ben Thompson and Other Noted Gunmen
The American West, a land etched with hardship and opportunity, birthed a unique breed of individuals: the gunfighter. These figures, often romanticized and sometimes demonized, lived by a code of their own, where quick reflexes and a steady hand could mean the difference between life and death. W.R. (Bat) Masterson, a lawman, gambler, and himself a figure of the West, offered insights into the qualities that defined these men, separating those who merely possessed courage from those who survived the brutal realities of the frontier. Masterson’s observations, penned in 1907, provide a fascinating glimpse into the psychology and skillsets of some of the West’s most notorious figures, including the legendary Ben Thompson.
Masterson argued that courage alone was insufficient for survival in the world of the gunfighter. Proficiency with firearms and, perhaps most importantly, deliberation – the ability to remain calm and focused under pressure – were equally crucial. He illustrated this point with several compelling examples, highlighting instances where brave and skilled men fell victim to those who possessed superior composure.
One such example was the tragic encounter between Charlie Harrison and Jim Levy in Cheyenne, Wyoming, in 1876. Harrison, renowned for his speed and accuracy with a pistol, was widely favored to win the duel. However, in the heat of the moment, Harrison’s eagerness proved to be his undoing. He fired rapidly, expending his ammunition without taking proper aim. Levy, in contrast, maintained his composure, carefully lining up his shot, and fatally wounded Harrison. The Ben Thompson era of gunfighters was starting.
Similarly, Johnny Sherman, another accomplished marksman, failed to inflict any harm on a dentist he intended to kill in a St. Louis hotel. Sherman, consumed by anger and haste, neglected the fundamentals of marksmanship and emptied his pistol without effect. These incidents underscored Masterson’s point: raw talent and courage were no match for a steady hand and a clear mind.
The story of Levi Richason and Frank Loving in Dodge City, Kansas, further reinforces this concept. Richason, a seasoned buffalo hunter and skilled marksman, publicly threatened to kill Loving on sight. However, when the confrontation occurred, Richason’s rage clouded his judgment. He fired five shots in rapid succession, missing each time, while Loving remained calm and collected, delivering a single, fatal shot. Masterson, who was the sheriff at the time, recognized Loving’s actions as self-defense and refused to incarcerate him.
These anecdotes serve as a prelude to Masterson’s central focus: the life and career of Ben Thompson, a man he considered to be among the most remarkable gunfighters of his era. Thompson possessed not only courage and skill but also a rare combination of intelligence, resourcefulness, and unwavering composure.
Ben Thompson‘s early life was marked by adventure and service. Born in England, he immigrated to the United States with his family and settled in Austin, Texas. He learned the printing trade but soon found himself drawn to the tumultuous events of the Civil War. Enlisting as a private in the Confederate Army, Thompson quickly distinguished himself through acts of bravery and daring. He served in General Kirby Smith’s command, performing dangerous missions such as crossing enemy lines to deliver vital dispatches. His courage and initiative at the Battle of Sabine Cross Roads earned him a promotion to the rank of captain.
After the war, Thompson’s restless spirit led him to Mexico, where he joined the forces of Emperor Maximilian. He was commissioned as a captain in the Imperial Army but saw little action before Maximilian’s downfall. Thompson’s ability to navigate dangerous situations allowed him to escape Mexico and return to his home in Austin.
Masterson portrays Ben Thompson as a man of exceptional intelligence and strategic thinking, qualities that set him apart from many of his contemporaries. He was known for his unwavering nerve and his ability to shoot with precision and deliberation, even in the most stressful circumstances. Thompson’s reputation was such that his mere presence often deterred potential adversaries.
Unlike some gunfighters who engaged in indiscriminate violence, Thompson was said to have adhered to a strict code of honor. He reportedly disdained those who committed murder and refused to take unfair advantage in a fight. According to Masterson, Thompson only shot those who had attempted to kill him, and unarmed or non-combatant individuals were safe in his company.
Standing at approximately five feet nine inches tall and weighing around 180 pounds, Thompson was described as a handsome and well-dressed man. He often wore a silk hat and a Prince Albert suit, projecting an image of refinement despite his reputation as a gunfighter.
Masterson recounts a specific incident that illustrates Thompson’s audacity and willingness to take risks. Following a dispute with the proprietor of a vaudeville house in Austin, Thompson entered the establishment during a performance and fired a shot into a chandelier, causing broken glass to rain down on the audience. This act of disruption caused a stampede, but Thompson calmly left the scene without further incident.
The vaudeville proprietor, enraged by Thompson’s actions, vowed revenge. Rumors spread throughout Austin that the proprietor was plotting to kill Thompson. Initially, Thompson dismissed these threats, but as the reports persisted, he decided to investigate the situation himself.
Accompanied by his friend Zeno Hemphill, Thompson entered the vaudeville house one evening. As he approached the swinging doors leading to the theater, Hemphill shouted a warning. The bartender, Mark Wilson, ambushed Thompson, firing both barrels of a shotgun at close range. Miraculously, Thompson escaped unscathed.
In the ensuing chaos, Thompson drew his pistol and killed Wilson. He then noticed Sam Mathews, a friend of Wilson, standing nearby with a Winchester rifle. Assuming that Mathews was also involved in the plot to kill him, Thompson fired through the end of the bar, fatally wounding Mathews.
Thompson was arrested and charged with murder, but he was later acquitted after Hemphill testified on his behalf. This incident, according to Masterson, was just one of many that demonstrated Thompson’s extraordinary courage and skill in the face of danger.
Masterson acknowledges that while Ben Thompson was a formidable gunfighter, there were other men of his time who would have been willing to challenge him in a duel. He mentions figures such as Wild Bill Hickok, Wyatt Earp, Billy Tilghman, Charley Bassett, Luke Short, Clay Allison, Joe Lowe, and Jim Curry, all of whom possessed nerves of steel and a willingness to risk their lives. However, Masterson believes that Thompson would have likely emerged victorious in any such encounter.
Ben Thompson‘s life came to a tragic end on March 11, 1884, in San Antonio, Texas. He and his friend King Fisher were ambushed and killed in a vaudeville theater. Both men were shot multiple times by assailants concealed in the wings of the stage. The murders were considered cold-blooded and premeditated, and no one was ever brought to justice for the crime.
In conclusion, Masterson’s account of Ben Thompson and other noted gunmen provides valuable insights into the realities of life on the American frontier. He emphasizes the importance of courage, skill, and deliberation in the world of the gunfighter, highlighting the stories of those who succeeded and those who failed. Ben Thompson, in Masterson’s view, was a unique and remarkable figure, possessing all the qualities necessary to thrive in a dangerous and unforgiving environment. His life, though ultimately cut short by violence, remains a testament to the enduring allure of the Old West.