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<h1>Old West Outlaw List – N</h1>
The era of the Wild West, a period romanticized in countless tales and films, was also a time of lawlessness and legendary figures who defied the established order. This article, part of a larger series, delves into the lives and deeds of outlaws whose names begin with the letter "N," exploring their motivations, exploits, and ultimate fates. From Native American warriors resisting encroachment on their lands to opportunistic bandits preying on vulnerable settlements and stagecoaches, the **Old West Outlaw List – N** presents a glimpse into the diverse tapestry of individuals who operated outside the law.
Before examining specific individuals, it's crucial to understand the context of outlawry in the Old West. The vast territories, often sparsely populated and lacking robust law enforcement, created an environment ripe for criminal activity. Economic hardship, coupled with a sense of injustice, drove some to a life of crime. Others were simply drawn to the thrill of it all, the allure of quick riches, and the notoriety that came with defying authority. The **Old West Outlaw List – N** is not just a list of names; it's a portal into understanding a complex period in American history.
The following entries provide brief summaries of individuals associated with outlawry in the American West, whose surnames begin with the letter "N". While some achieved widespread infamy, others remain relatively obscure figures, their stories pieced together from fragmented historical records and local lore.
* **Nah-deiz-az, aka "Carlisle Kid" (1865-1889):** This individual, often referred to as the "Carlisle Kid," presents a complex case. Nah-deiz-az was an Apache, and his actions are frequently categorized as outlawry. However, it's essential to consider his actions within the context of the Apache Wars, a period of intense conflict between Native American tribes and the U.S. government. He is often confused with the infamous "Apache Kid," another figure whose story is intertwined with the struggle for survival and resistance against forced assimilation. Whether Nah-deiz-az was truly an outlaw or a freedom fighter defending his people is a matter of historical interpretation. The **Old West Outlaw List – N** seeks to present information that allows readers to form their own conclusions.
* **Charles Nangway:** Nangway's story is a stark and simple tale of violence. In June 1885, near Lake Valley, New Mexico, he committed a brutal act of murder, taking the life of a rancher. This act of violence firmly places Nangway within the category of outlaw, a man who disregarded the law and inflicted harm upon others. His story, though brief, serves as a reminder of the harsh realities of life on the frontier, where justice was often swift and unforgiving.
* **Hyman G. Neill, aka Hoodoo Brown:** Hyman G. Neill, more commonly known as Hoodoo Brown, occupied a curious position in the landscape of the Old West. He was not only an outlaw but also a justice of the peace, a figure meant to uphold the law. This duality highlights the corruption that sometimes plagued frontier towns. Hoodoo Brown was a member of the Dodge City Gang, a notorious group that exerted significant influence in Las Vegas, New Mexico. Their reign of terror came to an end when the citizens of Las Vegas finally rose up in rebellion, driving the gang out of town. Hoodoo Brown's story is a cautionary tale of power abused and justice subverted. His presence on the **Old West Outlaw List – N** signifies the blurred lines between law and lawlessness in the Wild West.
* **Bo Nelson:** Bo Nelson's inclusion on this list marks him as a member of a specific outlaw gang. He rode with Wild Bill Martin's gang, operating in the volatile territory of Lincoln, New Mexico. Lincoln County was notorious for its violent conflicts, most notably the Lincoln County War, a bloody feud that pitted rival factions against each other. As a member of Martin's gang, Bo Nelson undoubtedly participated in the lawlessness and violence that characterized this period.
* **John Nelson:** John Nelson's fate was intertwined with the aftermath of the Lincoln County War. Following the turmoil, he became a member of Selman's Scouts, a group formed in the wake of the conflict. However, his past caught up with him. On October 10, 1878, near Fort Sumner, New Mexico Territory, a posse led by Juan Patron cornered Nelson and ultimately killed him. His story underscores the dangers faced by those who chose a life outside the law, where death could come swiftly and unexpectedly.
* **George "Bitter Creek" Newcomb, aka Slaughter Kid (1866?-1895):** George Newcomb, better known as "Bitter Creek," was a prominent figure in the world of bank and train robbery. He gained notoriety as a member of both the Dalton Gang and the Doolin Gang, two of the most infamous outlaw groups of the era. These gangs terrorized the Southwest, robbing banks and trains with ruthless efficiency. Bitter Creek's involvement in these high-profile crimes solidified his reputation as a dangerous outlaw. His exploits, though criminal, have become part of the lore of the Wild West, ensuring his place in history. The image of George "Bitter Creek" Newcomb dead, often circulated, serves as a stark reminder of the violent end that awaited many outlaws.
* **Ed Newcome:** Ed Newcome's criminal activities extended beyond bank and train robbery. He was also involved in whiskey running, a lucrative but illegal trade. His associations with other notorious outlaws, such as Jesse Jackson and Henry Starr, further cemented his reputation. Ultimately, U.S. Deputies Gideon White and J. C. Wilkerson apprehended Newcome, bringing his criminal career to an end.
* **Bud Newman (18??-??):** Bud Newman's story is a particularly dramatic one, highlighting the betrayals and violence that often characterized the lives of outlaws. He was a member of the Taylor Gang of Texas, a group known for robbing trains during the 1890s. In June 1898, Newman, along with fellow gang members Pierce Keaton and brothers Bill and Jeff Taylor, attempted to rob a train at Coleman Junction, Texas. However, lawmen on the train put up a fierce resistance, resulting in a bloody gunfight. Newman and Keaton were wounded, and train fireman Lee Johnson was killed. The outlaws fled, but a posse tracked them down, capturing all but Jeff Taylor. Later, Bill Taylor escaped from jail. In a twist of fate, lawmen offered Bud Newman his freedom in exchange for helping them track down Bill Taylor. Newman agreed, but in a subsequent gunfight between the two former allies, Newman was killed. Before his death, Newman managed to wound Bill Taylor, leading to his re-arrest. However, Taylor later escaped again and was never recaptured. Bud Newman's story is a complex web of betrayal, violence, and ultimately, a tragic end. The **Old West Outlaw List – N** features stories like Newman's to illustrate the often-unpredictable nature of the outlaw life.
* **Jim Newman:** Jim Newman's story presents another example of the blurred lines between lawman and outlaw. He consorted with the notorious John Wesley Hardin in the 1860s, indicating a potential involvement in criminal activities. Later in life, he resided in Texas and New Mexico, suggesting a possible attempt to leave his outlaw past behind. Whether he truly reformed or continued to operate outside the law remains a matter of speculation.
* **William Nicholson, aka Flap Jack Bill:** William Nicholson, known as "Flap Jack Bill," met a violent end in New Mexico. In October 1881, he was lynched by a mob in Sanders, New Mexico. This act of mob justice highlights the often-brutal nature of frontier justice, where accused criminals were sometimes denied a fair trial and instead subjected to the wrath of vigilantes.
* **Jim Nite:** Jim Nite's association with the Dalton Gang places him squarely within the realm of outlawry. He was eventually captured by Deputy U.S. Marshal Dee Harkey near Sacramento Sinks, New Mexico, in 1908. His capture, long after the Dalton Gang had been largely dismantled, suggests that he may have been lying low for many years, attempting to evade the authorities.
* **Tom Nixon:** Tom Nixon was a member of the Black Hills Bandits, a group responsible for Nebraska's infamous Big Springs train robbery. During the robbery, Nixon managed to escape with a substantial sum of $10,000. What became of him after that remains a mystery. He vanished without a trace, leaving behind only the legend of his audacious heist. The **Old West Outlaw List – N** often contains incomplete narratives, reflecting the challenges of documenting the lives of those who operated in the shadows.
* **Francisco Nolan:** Francisco Nolan is listed as a member of the Castillo Gang, suggesting that he was involved in the gang's criminal activities. Further details about his specific role or fate are currently unavailable.
* **Aristotle Nonmjo:** Aristotle Nonmjo's story mirrors that of William Nicholson. He was lynched in Las Lunas, New Mexico, on October 6, 1881. His case further illustrates the prevalence of mob justice in the Old West and the dangers faced by those accused of crimes.
The **Old West Outlaw List – N** provides a glimpse into the lives of individuals who challenged the established order in the American West. Their stories, though often violent and tragic, offer a valuable perspective on a complex and fascinating period in American history. While the romanticized image of the Wild West often overshadows the harsh realities of life on the frontier, these accounts serve as a reminder of the lawlessness, violence, and social unrest that characterized this era.
©Kathy Alexander/Legends of America, updated March 2025.
See Sources.
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