Bob Hayes- Riding With the High Fives Gang
The annals of the American West are filled with tales of daring outlaws, hardened lawmen, and the constant struggle between order and chaos. Among these figures, Bob Hayes emerges as a shadowy character, a man of many names and shifting allegiances, forever linked to the notorious High Fives Gang. This article delves into the life and times of this enigmatic outlaw, tracing his path from horse thief to a participant in some of the Wild West’s most audacious crimes.
Born as Sam Hassell in Laporte, Iowa, the man who would later become known as Bob Hayes embarked on a westward journey that would lead him far from his humble origins. The lure of opportunity, or perhaps the escape from a troubled past, drew him to the vast landscapes of the American frontier. It was in Texas that Hassell’s transformation into an outlaw began to take shape. He became associated with several outlaw gangs, learning the ropes of criminal life and honing the skills that would define his future.
Hassell’s early criminal activities primarily revolved around horse theft, a common crime in the sparsely populated territories where livestock represented wealth and livelihood. However, his illicit activities eventually caught the attention of the law. In approximately 1889, Hassell was apprehended in Gonzales County, Texas, and convicted of horse rustling. He was sentenced to a five-year prison term at the Huntsville penitentiary, a stark reminder of the consequences of his chosen path.
Despite the harsh realities of prison life, Hassell remained defiant. Just four months shy of completing his sentence, he orchestrated a daring escape, shedding his former identity and disappearing into the anonymity of the West. This act of defiance marked a turning point in his life, solidifying his commitment to a life outside the boundaries of the law.
Fleeing to New Mexico, Hassell sought to reinvent himself once again. Under the alias of John West, he found work as a cowboy in Chavez County, immersing himself in the rugged lifestyle of the open range. It was during this period that he encountered two individuals who would significantly impact his future: George Musgrave and Code Young. These men, kindred spirits with a penchant for lawlessness, would become his partners in crime and fellow members of the High Fives Gang.
The encounter with Musgrave and Young proved to be a catalyst for Hassell’s final transformation. The three men, drawn together by their shared disregard for the law and their thirst for adventure, soon gravitated towards the orbit of William "Black Jack" Christian, the charismatic leader of the High Fives Gang. It was at this point that Sam Hassell officially adopted the name Bob Hayes, shedding his past and embracing a new identity as a full-fledged outlaw.
Bob Hayes‘ association with the High Fives Gang marked a period of heightened criminal activity and increased notoriety. The gang, known for their daring robberies and ruthless tactics, operated primarily in Arizona and New Mexico, preying on banks, trains, and unsuspecting individuals. Their exploits became legendary, contributing to the romanticized image of the Wild West as a lawless frontier.
One of the gang’s most ambitious endeavors was the attempted robbery of the International Bank of Nogales, Arizona, on August 6, 1896. The plan, meticulously crafted, aimed to seize a substantial sum of money and establish the High Fives Gang as a force to be reckoned with. However, the robbery was unsuccessful, thwarted by unforeseen circumstances and the resistance of the bank’s employees. Despite the setback, the gang managed to escape, evading capture and continuing their reign of terror.
Undeterred by their failure in Nogales, Bob Hayes and his fellow gang members set their sights on another lucrative target: the eastbound Atlantic and Pacific train in Rio Puerco, New Mexico. On October 2, 1896, they attempted to rob the train, hoping to capitalize on the valuable cargo it carried. However, their plans were once again foiled, this time by the unexpected intervention of U.S. Deputy Marshal Will Loomis. Loomis, traveling undercover as a passenger, emerged from a car and fatally shot Code Young with his shotgun, throwing the gang into disarray. The remaining members, including Hayes, scattered without securing any loot, their reputation as invincible outlaws tarnished by yet another failure.
The death of Code Young and the failed train robbery marked a turning point for the High Fives Gang. The pressure from law enforcement intensified, and the gang’s activities became increasingly desperate. On October 19th, Bob Hayes was with George Musgrave during the shooting of George T. Parker southwest of Roswell, New Mexico, a crime that further solidified their image as ruthless killers.
The law was closing in, and the gang’s days were numbered. In November, a posse finally caught up with Bob Hayes and his fellow outlaws at the Diamond A Ranch in the San Simon Valley of southwest New Mexico. A violent gunfight ensued, the air filled with the deafening roar of gunfire and the acrid smell of gunpowder. In the chaos of the battle, Hayes was fatally wounded by lawman Fred Higgins, bringing his criminal career to a violent end. His body was transported to the railroad station at Separ by a ranch cowboy known as "Sammy Behind the Gun," a final, ignominious journey for a man who had lived his life on the fringes of society.
While Bob Hayes met his demise at the Diamond A Ranch, Black Jack Christian and George Musgrave managed to escape, temporarily evading the grasp of the law. However, their freedom was short-lived. The following April, lawmen tracked the fugitives to a cave near Clifton, Arizona, where another gunfight erupted. Christian was killed in the shootout, while two other gang members managed to flee, further diminishing the ranks of the High Fives Gang.
The life of Bob Hayes, also known as Sam Hassell and John West, is a testament to the turbulent times of the American West. His journey from horse thief to member of the High Fives Gang exemplifies the allure and the dangers of the outlaw life. While his criminal activities brought him notoriety, they ultimately led to his violent demise. His story serves as a reminder of the complex and often contradictory nature of the Wild West, a land of opportunity and lawlessness, where legends were made and lives were lost.