Daniel “Dynamite Dick” Clifton – A Wanted Man
The annals of the American West are replete with figures who, for better or worse, etched their names into the historical tapestry. Among these individuals, some stand out for their audacity, their defiance of the law, and the colorful nicknames that became synonymous with their outlaw personas. One such character was Charles Daniel Clifton, better known as "Dynamite Dick," a moniker that hinted at both his explosive temper and his alleged penchant for using dynamite in his criminal endeavors. This is the story of Daniel “Dynamite Dick” Clifton, a man whose life was a whirlwind of robberies, gunfights, and daring escapes, ultimately culminating in a violent end.
Before he ever aligned himself with the notorious Doolin Gang, Daniel “Dynamite Dick” Clifton had already established himself as a man on the wrong side of the law in the burgeoning territory of Oklahoma. His rap sheet included a litany of offenses: robbery, the precarious art of safecracking, and the ever-popular (and lucrative) crime of cattle rustling. These transgressions made him a person of interest to the lawmen patrolling the Oklahoma landscape, constantly looking over his shoulder and plotting his next move. He was already a wanted man, setting the stage for his eventual association with one of the most infamous outlaw gangs of the era.
The origin of Clifton’s explosive nickname, "Dynamite Dick," is shrouded in a degree of ambiguity, with several accounts vying for the title of truth. One tale, perhaps the most dramatic, recounts an incident where Clifton’s ambition got the better of him. While attempting to crack a safe aboard a moving train, he reportedly used too much dynamite, resulting in an explosion that blew him clean out of the side of the carriage. Whether this story is fact or embellished folklore, it certainly contributes to the legend of Daniel “Dynamite Dick” Clifton.
Another, more mundane explanation suggests that the nickname stemmed from a childhood accident. According to this version of events, Clifton lost three fingers while carelessly playing with dynamite as a child. While less sensational than the train robbery gone wrong, this account offers a more plausible, if less exciting, origin story.
However, a newspaper article published after Clifton’s death offers a different, and perhaps more intriguing, insight into the source of his fiery moniker. This report suggests that Clifton customized his Winchester rifle cartridges, loading them with dynamite and plugging them with lead. This modification, according to the article, transformed his weapon into a "double death-dealing instrument," a phrase that perfectly encapsulates the danger and unpredictability associated with Daniel “Dynamite Dick” Clifton.
Regardless of the true origin of his nickname, "Dynamite Dick" Clifton lived up to the moniker. He possessed a volatile nature and a willingness to use force to achieve his aims. These qualities made him a valuable, if unpredictable, asset to the Doolin Gang.
In 1892, Clifton joined forces with the Doolin Gang, a collection of outlaws led by the charismatic and ruthless Bill Doolin. The gang quickly gained notoriety for their audacious bank robberies and train heists, terrorizing the states of Oklahoma, Kansas, and Missouri. Clifton, with his experience in safecracking and his alleged expertise with dynamite, became a key member of the gang, providing both firepower and a certain level of explosive ingenuity.
The Doolin Gang’s activities inevitably attracted the attention of law enforcement, leading to a series of increasingly violent confrontations. One of the most famous of these encounters occurred in 1893 in the town of Ingalls, Oklahoma. In this dramatic gunfight, the Doolin Gang found themselves surrounded by a posse of lawmen. A fierce exchange of gunfire ensued, resulting in casualties on both sides. Clifton himself was wounded during the battle, but despite his injury, he managed to escape with the rest of the gang. The Ingalls gunfight solidified the Doolin Gang’s reputation as a formidable force, and it further cemented Clifton’s image as a dangerous and determined outlaw.
Despite the constant threat of capture, the Doolin Gang continued their criminal activities. On May 20, 1895, Clifton, along with Bill Doolin and Bill Dalton, participated in a bank robbery in Southwest City, Missouri. During the heist, a local resident named J.C. Seaborn was tragically killed. The robbery and the subsequent killing further intensified the manhunt for the Doolin Gang, placing even more pressure on Clifton and his fellow outlaws.
In 1896, both Doolin and Clifton found themselves behind bars in Guthrie, Oklahoma. However, their imprisonment proved to be short-lived. In a daring escape, Doolin and Clifton, along with 13 other prisoners, managed to overpower a prison guard and break free from their confinement. This audacious escape further enhanced their legendary status and demonstrated their ability to evade the clutches of the law.
After their escape, Clifton and Doolin sought refuge at a farm outside of Newkirk, Oklahoma. However, their hideout was soon discovered by a posse of lawmen, including U.S. Deputy Marshals. On December 4, 1896, the posse surrounded the farm, trapping Clifton inside. As he attempted to flee, Deputy Marshal Alford Lund shot him down, bringing an end to the life of Daniel “Dynamite Dick” Clifton.
Clifton’s body was buried at the government’s expense in the town cemetery at Muskogee, Oklahoma. His death marked the end of a turbulent life marked by crime, violence, and daring escapades. While his actions were undoubtedly illegal and harmful, Daniel “Dynamite Dick” Clifton‘s story has become a part of the folklore of the American West, a reminder of a time when outlaws roamed the frontier and the line between law and lawlessness was often blurred. His legacy, though controversial, continues to fascinate those interested in the history of the Wild West.
The tale of Daniel “Dynamite Dick” Clifton serves as a compelling illustration of the complexities and contradictions inherent in the history of the American West. He was a product of his time, a man who chose a life of crime in a region where opportunity and desperation often went hand in hand. While his actions cannot be condoned, his story offers a glimpse into the lives of those who lived outside the boundaries of conventional society, forever etched into the legends of the Old West.