Ben Thompson – Lawman and Gunman
The American West, a canvas painted with tales of rugged individualism, frontier justice, and the ever-present shadow of the six-shooter, produced figures whose lives straddled the line between upholding the law and dispensing their own brand of justice. Among these figures stands Ben Thompson, a name whispered in saloons from Texas to Kansas, a man who embodied the complex and often contradictory spirit of the era. Born in England but forged in the crucible of the American frontier, Thompson’s life was a whirlwind of gambling, gunfights, and brief stints as a lawman, leaving behind a legacy as controversial as it is captivating. He shared the stage with iconic figures like Buffalo Bill Cody, Bat Masterson, John Wesley Hardin, and "Wild Bill" Hickok, men who navigated the same treacherous landscape of fame, fortune, and fleeting morality.
Benjamin "Ben" Thompson, sometimes referred to as "Shotgun Ben," entered the world on November 2, 1843, in Knottingley, Yorkshire, England. His early years offered little hint of the tumultuous life that lay ahead. In 1851, the Thompson family sought new opportunities across the Atlantic, immigrating to the United States and settling in Austin, Texas. There, young Ben found employment as a printer, working for various local newspapers. This occupation, typically associated with intellectual pursuits, seemed at odds with the violence that would soon become synonymous with his name. However, the frontier had a way of shaping individuals, often in unpredictable ways.
The seeds of Thompson’s future were sown early. At the tender age of 15, he became embroiled in an argument regarding his shooting prowess. The disagreement escalated, culminating in Thompson wounding another man – his first documented foray into violence. This incident foreshadowed a pattern that would define much of his life: a quick temper, a willingness to resort to firearms, and a knack for finding himself in deadly confrontations. By 1859, seeking new prospects or perhaps fleeing the consequences of his actions, Thompson relocated to New Orleans, Louisiana. He found work as a bookbinder, a seemingly peaceful trade, but his propensity for violence resurfaced. In a dramatic turn of events, Thompson fatally shot a man he witnessed abusing a woman, claiming to defend the victim. This act, whether motivated by genuine chivalry or simply a volatile disposition, marked his first documented killing.
When the drums of the Civil War began to beat, Thompson’s loyalties drew him back to Texas. He enlisted in the 2nd Texas Cavalry, joining the Confederate cause. While the war provided a legitimate outlet for his aggressive tendencies, it also offered further opportunities for violence and bloodshed. After the war, in May 1865, he shot and killed a teamster during an argument. Facing the potential consequences, Thompson fled to Mexico, adding another layer of complexity to his already checkered past. This escape underscored a recurring theme in his life: a willingness to evade responsibility for his actions, often through flight or violence.
Upon his return to Texas, Ben Thompson found himself embroiled in another family affair that would further stain his reputation. He wounded his brother-in-law, who he claimed was abusing his pregnant sister. This act, again presented as a defense of a loved one, resulted in a two-year stint in the Texas State Penitentiary. The prison sentence served as a temporary pause in his violent trajectory, but it did little to alter his fundamental character. Upon his release, Thompson set his sights on Abilene, Kansas, a bustling cow town known for its saloons, gambling halls, and frequent outbreaks of violence. He hoped to change his fortunes, perhaps seeking to escape the shadow of his past.
For the next several years, Ben Thompson drifted through Kansas and Colorado, primarily earning his living as a professional gambler. The transient lifestyle of a gambler suited his restless nature, allowing him to move from town to town, seeking opportunities and evading trouble when necessary. However, his reputation as a skilled gunfighter preceded him, and he inevitably found himself involved in numerous shootouts. These encounters solidified his image as a dangerous man, a figure to be both feared and respected in the rough-and-tumble world of the Old West. He existed in a gray area, blurring the lines between lawman and outlaw.
Later in life, Ben Thompson returned to Austin, where he surprisingly assumed the role of city marshal in December 1880. This appointment seemed incongruous, given his history of violence and disregard for the law. However, the frontier often demanded pragmatism, and perhaps the authorities believed that Thompson’s reputation as a tough gunfighter would deter crime. Regardless of the motivation, his tenure as a lawman was short-lived and ultimately overshadowed by his past.
In 1882, while still serving as an Austin marshal, Thompson’s volatile temper led him to San Antonio, where he became embroiled in a dispute over a card game. The argument escalated, culminating in the death of Jack Harris, the owner of the Vaudeville Theatre. Thompson allegedly claimed Harris as his 21st victim. The killing further cemented his notoriety, transforming him into a figure of legend, albeit a dark and controversial one. Despite the evidence against him, Thompson was acquitted of murder, a testament to his ability to navigate the legal system or perhaps to the prevailing attitudes of the time.
However, the acquittal did not grant him immunity from the consequences of his actions. On March 11, 1884, Ben Thompson met a violent end in the very same Vaudeville Theatre where he had killed Jack Harris. He was assassinated in a hail of gunfire, a clear act of revenge for the death of Harris. His demise underscored the unforgiving nature of the Old West, where vendettas were often settled with bullets and where reputations, once tarnished, were difficult to restore.
Ben Thompson‘s life was a paradox, a blend of lawlessness and law enforcement, violence and (arguably) justice. He was a product of his time, a man shaped by the harsh realities of the American frontier. While some considered him a friend, others viewed him as a dangerous enemy. His legacy remains a subject of debate, a reminder of the complex and often contradictory nature of the Old West. Was he a cold-blooded killer, a defender of the innocent, or simply a man caught in the crossfire of a violent era? The answer, like the man himself, is far from simple. His story continues to fascinate, a testament to the enduring allure of the American West and its larger-than-life figures.