“Cock-Eyed” Frank Loving – Dueling Gunfighter
The annals of the American West are filled with figures larger than life, individuals who carved their names into history with daring deeds and sometimes, tragic ends. Among these figures stands Frank Loving, a gambler and gunman whose life was punctuated by moments of both notoriety and misfortune. Often referred to as “Cock-Eyed” Frank Loving, he participated in two significant gunfights, forever etching his story into the tapestry of the Old West. These confrontations, the Long Branch Saloon Shootout in Dodge City, Kansas, and the Trinidad, Colorado Shoot-out, would define his legacy, highlighting the perilous existence of those who lived by the gun.
Born in Jackson County, Missouri, around 1860, Frank Loving’s early life was marked by change. Following the death of his father, he relocated with his mother to Fort Worth, Texas, in the early 1870s. This move likely exposed him to the rough-and-tumble world of the frontier, where opportunities and dangers walked hand in hand. By his late teens, Loving had drifted north to Dodge City, Kansas, a burgeoning cow town known for its saloons, gambling halls, and a generally lawless atmosphere. It was here that he embraced the life of a professional gambler, a career that would ultimately lead him down a path of violence and ultimately, to his demise.
Dodge City in the late 1870s was a melting pot of cowboys, cattlemen, businessmen, and those seeking their fortunes in the burgeoning West. Saloons like the Long Branch served as social hubs, places where deals were struck, arguments erupted, and fortunes were won and lost. It was within this environment that “Cock-Eyed” Frank Loving established himself, making the Long Branch Saloon his primary place of business. He quickly became acquainted with a colorful cast of characters, including legendary figures such as Doc Holliday, Bat Masterson, Wyatt Earp, Charlie Bassett, John Allen, and Chalk Beeson, the owner of the Long Branch Saloon. These associations speak to Loving’s standing within the Dodge City community, a testament to his skill as a gambler and his reputation as a man not to be trifled with.
The Long Branch Saloon, with its swinging doors, boisterous atmosphere, and ever-present undercurrent of tension, provided the stage for Loving’s first major gunfight. The conflict arose from a simmering feud with Levi Richason, allegedly fueled by jealousy over Loving’s wife, Mattie. On April 5, 1879, the animosity reached its boiling point when Richardson entered the Long Branch Saloon with a clear intent to confront Loving. Accounts vary, but the ensuing events unfolded with lightning speed. Richardson drew his six-guns, initiating a deadly exchange of gunfire that would forever be known as the Long Branch Saloon Shootout or the Richardson-Loving Gunfight.
The saloon erupted in chaos as the two men emptied their weapons at each other. Witnesses described a scene filled with smoke, the acrid smell of gunpowder, and the thunderous roar of gunfire echoing through the room. Charlie Bassett, the Dodge City Marshal, responded swiftly to the sound of the gunshots, rushing to the scene to restore order. When the smoke cleared, both men were still standing, but the consequences of the gunfight were devastating. Richardson had fired all five rounds from his weapon, while Loving’s Remington No. 44 was empty. Despite this apparent disadvantage, it was Richardson who lay mortally wounded on the floor, struck by multiple bullets. He had suffered a fatal gunshot wound to the chest, another through his side, and a third through his right arm.
Frank Loving emerged from the gunfight with only a minor scratch on his hand, a testament to either his skill or his luck. He was immediately taken into custody, but the legal proceedings that followed would ultimately exonerate him. Two days later, on April 7, 1879, a coroner’s inquest ruled that the killing of Richardson had been an act of self-defense. Based on the evidence presented and witness testimonies, the authorities concluded that Loving had acted within his rights to protect himself from imminent danger. As a result, “Cock-Eyed” Frank Loving was immediately released from custody, free to resume his life in Dodge City.
The Long Branch Saloon Shootout cemented Frank Loving’s reputation as a gunfighter. While the inquest cleared him of any wrongdoing, the event undoubtedly left its mark on him. The experience of taking a life, even in self-defense, is a heavy burden to bear. Following the gunfight, Loving’s life took another turn. He would later leave his wife Mattie, along with their two young children, a son named John and a daughter named Mintie. This decision suggests a period of instability and perhaps a desire to escape the memories and associations that Dodge City held for him.
Seeking a fresh start, “Cock-Eyed” Frank Loving ventured further west, eventually finding himself in Trinidad, Colorado, in 1882. Like Dodge City, Trinidad was a frontier town with a rough-and-tumble atmosphere, attracting a diverse population of prospectors, cowboys, and gamblers. It was in Trinidad that Loving encountered John Allen, an acquaintance from his Dodge City days. The two men had reportedly been engaged in a dispute over loans, a disagreement that would ultimately lead to another violent confrontation.
The details surrounding the Trinidad shootout remain somewhat murky, but the outcome was tragically clear. On April 16, 1882, an argument between Loving and Allen escalated into a gunfight. This time, however, Frank Loving’s luck ran out. John Allen shot and killed him. The circumstances surrounding the shooting were disputed, but Allen was arrested and charged with murder. Several months later, he was acquitted of the charges, a verdict that likely reflected the prevailing attitudes towards violence and self-defense in the frontier West.
The death of “Cock-Eyed” Frank Loving at the young age of 22 brought an end to a life marked by both adventure and tragedy. He was a product of his time, a man who navigated the dangers and opportunities of the Old West with a combination of skill, courage, and perhaps, a touch of recklessness. His involvement in two significant gunfights cemented his place in the annals of Western lore, ensuring that his name would be remembered alongside other legendary figures of the era.
“Cock-Eyed” Frank Loving’s story serves as a reminder of the complex and often brutal realities of life on the American frontier. While romanticized in popular culture, the Old West was a place where violence was commonplace, and survival often depended on one’s ability to defend oneself. Men like Frank Loving, who lived by the gun, walked a precarious path, their lives constantly at risk. While he may have been known for his skill with a firearm, his story also underscores the human cost of violence and the fleeting nature of fame in a world where life could be extinguished in an instant.
Ultimately, the legacy of “Cock-Eyed” Frank Loving is one of a gambler and gunfighter who lived and died by the code of the West. His life, though short, provides a glimpse into a bygone era, a time when the lines between law and lawlessness were often blurred, and individuals were forced to forge their own destinies in a harsh and unforgiving land. He remains a fascinating figure in the history of the American West, a testament to the enduring allure and the inherent dangers of the frontier experience. He is a perfect example of a dueling gunfighter, an outlaw and a legend.
The nickname "Cock-Eyed" is an interesting aspect of Loving’s persona. While the exact origin of the moniker remains unclear, it likely referred to a physical characteristic, perhaps a slight misalignment of his eyes. In an era where physical appearance often played a role in shaping perceptions and reputations, such a nickname could have both contributed to and reflected Loving’s image as a tough and somewhat unconventional figure. Regardless of its precise meaning, the nickname has become inextricably linked to his name, further solidifying his place in the folklore of the American West.