Charles “Charlie” Bryant – Trigger Finger Outlaw
The annals of the American West are filled with figures both romanticized and reviled, individuals who carved their names into the historical landscape through acts of daring, defiance, and often, violence. Among these figures stands Charles “Charlie” Bryant, a man shrouded in the mystique of the outlaw era, forever linked to the notorious Dalton Gang. His life, though tragically short, was a whirlwind of cowboy adventures, gunfights, and ultimately, a violent end that cemented his place in the legends of the Wild West. The story of Charles “Charlie” Bryant is a testament to the tumultuous times and the allure of a life lived outside the bounds of the law.
Born in Wise County, Texas, a region known for its rugged terrain and independent spirit, Charles “Charlie” Bryant began his life as a working cowboy in his early teens. The life of a cowboy during this period was demanding, filled with long days in the saddle, tending to cattle, and facing the unpredictable elements of the open range. It was a life that forged resilience, self-reliance, and a certain degree of toughness – qualities that would later define Bryant’s outlaw persona. Little is known about his early life beyond this, but it’s clear that the cowboy lifestyle instilled in him a familiarity with firearms and the harsh realities of frontier life.
The event that dramatically altered the course of Bryant’s life and earned him his infamous nickname, "Black Face Charlie," occurred during a gunfight in his youth. A pistol fired at close range left him permanently disfigured by grains of black powder, imbuing his face with a dark, almost mask-like appearance. This disfigurement, while undoubtedly traumatic, became a defining characteristic, setting him apart and contributing to his growing reputation as a formidable and perhaps even dangerous individual. It’s a stark reminder of the ever-present dangers and consequences that accompanied life in the Old West, where violence was often a harsh reality.
In 1890, Charles “Charlie” Bryant joined the ranks of the Dalton Gang, a band of outlaws led by the infamous Dalton brothers. The Daltons were known for their audacious train and bank robberies, quickly becoming a significant thorn in the side of law enforcement across Oklahoma and beyond. The gang’s membership fluctuated, but at its core were the brothers Grat, Bob, and Emmett Dalton, along with other hardened criminals seeking fortune and notoriety. Joining such a group was a clear indication of Bryant’s own willingness to embrace a life of crime and violence.
Bryant’s association with the Dalton Gang placed him squarely in the midst of some of the gang’s most daring exploits. He participated in the train robbery near Wharton, Oklahoma, on May 9, 1891, an event that further solidified the gang’s reputation and instilled fear in the hearts of railroad employees and passengers alike. Weeks later, he was also involved in another train robbery near Red Rock, further cementing his status as a committed member of the Dalton Gang. These robberies were characterized by meticulous planning, ruthless execution, and a willingness to use violence to achieve their goals.
Within the Dalton Gang, Charles “Charlie” Bryant earned a reputation for being impetuous and overly eager with his firearm. He was described as loving "gunplay of any kind," a trait that often made him unreliable in the eyes of the Dalton brothers. While a quick trigger finger might have been an asset in some situations, it also made him unpredictable and prone to escalating situations unnecessarily. This impulsiveness would ultimately contribute to his downfall.
The events leading to Bryant’s capture began when he fell ill while the gang was camped near Buffalo Springs, Oklahoma. Unable to continue with their activities, he was taken to a doctor near Hennessey for treatment. While recuperating in a hotel, his whereabouts were discovered by U.S. Deputy Marshal Edward Short, a lawman known for his tenacity and determination. Short, recognizing the opportunity to capture a notorious outlaw, swiftly moved to arrest Bryant.
On August 3, 1891, Short began the process of transporting Bryant to the federal district court in Wichita, Kansas, where he would face charges for his crimes. The journey involved travel by train, a common mode of transportation in the era, but also one fraught with potential dangers. Short, perhaps overconfident or simply needing a brief respite, made a critical error in judgment. He entrusted Bryant’s temporary supervision to the express car messenger while he attended to personal needs.
The express car messenger, likely unfamiliar with the true nature of the outlaw in his charge, made a fatal mistake. Assuming Bryant was asleep, he laid down his gun and resumed his duties. This lapse in vigilance provided Bryant with the opportunity he needed. He had been feigning sleep, waiting for the opportune moment to regain control of the situation.
As Marshal Short re-entered the express car, Charles “Charlie” Bryant sprang into action. He seized the messenger’s revolver and, without hesitation, shot Short in the chest. The sudden attack caught Short completely off guard, but the seasoned lawman reacted instinctively. Despite being mortally wounded, Short managed to draw his rifle and return fire.
Short’s shot was devastatingly accurate. The rifle bullet struck Bryant in the chest, severing his spinal column and inflicting a fatal wound. The confined space of the express car became a scene of chaotic violence, filled with the deafening roar of gunfire and the acrid smell of gunpowder. The train rattled onward, carrying its deadly cargo towards its destination.
By the time the train reached Waukomis, Oklahoma, both Charles “Charlie” Bryant and U.S. Deputy Marshal Edward Short were dead. The violent confrontation had brought their lives to an abrupt and tragic end. Bryant, the trigger-happy outlaw, had met his match in a determined lawman who refused to back down, even in the face of death. Short, in turn, had paid the ultimate price for his dedication to upholding the law.
The death of Charles “Charlie” Bryant, while marking the end of a criminal career, also served as a grim reminder of the lawlessness and violence that plagued the American West. His story, though brief, encapsulates the allure and dangers of the outlaw life, the constant threat of violence, and the unwavering dedication of law enforcement officials who sought to bring order to a chaotic frontier. Bryant’s legacy as the "Trigger Finger Outlaw" continues to resonate in the annals of Western lore, a testament to the enduring fascination with the characters who shaped the history of the American West.