Erastus “Red” Yager – Another Innocent Man?
The windswept landscapes of Montana in the 1860s held both the promise of fortune and the ever-present threat of lawlessness. In this volatile environment, justice was often swift and unforgiving, meted out by vigilantes rather than established courts. One such case is that of Erastus "Red" Yager, a man whose life was abruptly cut short by the noose of the Montana Vigilantes in January 1864. Accused of being a member of Sheriff Henry Plummer’s notorious gang, known as the "Innocents," Yager’s guilt remains a subject of debate to this day, fueling the question: was Erastus “Red” Yager another innocent man caught in the crosshairs of frontier justice?
Born in Indiana in 1831, Erastus Yager, sometimes spelled Yeager, spent his formative years near Moscow, Iowa. He was remembered as an intelligent and diligent student, sharing a classroom with Granville Stuart, a future Montana cattle baron. Little did they know that their paths would diverge so dramatically, with Stuart later becoming a vocal advocate for Yager’s innocence, albeit posthumously.
In 1850, Yager ventured westward to Washington Territory, joining his older brother, William. Initially, he assisted with the family farm before transitioning into the burgeoning freighting business, which catered to the needs of the rapidly expanding mining camps. This experience provided him with valuable skills and connections, setting the stage for his eventual relocation to Montana. In August 1863, driven by the lure of gold and opportunity, Erastus “Red” Yager joined a group bound for the bustling mining town of Bannack, Montana.
Upon arriving in Bannack, Yager secured a position as a bartender at Rattlesnake Ranch, a saloon situated approximately 15 miles east of town. The saloon’s location along the stage road that crossed Rattlesnake Creek made it a popular stop for travelers, and Yager quickly gained a reputation for his quiet demeanor and courteous service. He was described as a loner, a man who kept to himself and had never been formally accused of any crime.
However, Yager’s seemingly uneventful life took a turn when he had a falling out with his employer, Bill Bunton. Bunton, who had a reputation as an outlaw and gambler, soon found himself out of a job, leaving Yager to seek new opportunities. He traveled to Virginia City and made a stop at the Dempsey Ranch near present-day Twin Bridges. While at the saloon, the bartender requested that Yager deliver a letter to a man named Alex Carter. This simple act of kindness would prove to be fateful, as Carter was wanted by the Montana Vigilantes for murder. Was Erastus “Red” Yager simply in the wrong place at the wrong time?
As Yager continued on his journey, he encountered the vigilantes, who had in their custody a man named Long John Franck. Franck was believed to possess knowledge of the identities of the road agents associated with the "Innocents" gang. However, Franck did not recognize Yager nor identify him as being involved. Despite this, the vigilantes’ pursuit of Alex Carter led them to Deer Lodge, where they discovered that Carter had evaded capture due to a warning. The vigilantes connected Carter’s escape to the letter that Yager had been carrying, further fueling their suspicions.
Determined to apprehend Yager, the vigilantes tracked him to the Stinkingwater Valley in Madison County. Initially, they informed Yager that he would be taken to Virginia City to stand trial. However, their intentions were far from just. On January 4, 1864, Erastus “Red” Yager and another man named George Brown were summarily hanged. Although no written record of a confession exists, the vigilantes later claimed that Yager, before his execution, had implicated several gang members and identified Sheriff Henry Plummer as their leader.
The circumstances surrounding Yager’s life and death remain shrouded in conflicting accounts. Some portray him as a seasoned road agent with a history of criminal activity predating his arrival in Montana. Others vehemently maintain his innocence, arguing that he was a victim of circumstance and vigilante justice. Granville Stuart, who knew Yager from their school days in Iowa, staunchly defended his character, expressing doubt that Yager possessed any knowledge of the outlaw gang’s members. The question remains: Did Erastus “Red” Yager die an innocent man?
The case of Erastus "Red" Yager serves as a stark reminder of the complexities and uncertainties of frontier justice. The absence of a formal trial, the reliance on unsubstantiated accusations, and the conflicting testimonies all contribute to the enduring ambiguity surrounding his guilt or innocence. In the annals of Montana history, Yager’s story remains a cautionary tale, prompting reflection on the potential for injustice in the pursuit of order and security.
The legacy of Erastus “Red” Yager is a reminder of the dark side of vigilante justice in the American West. Without due process, innocent people could be swept up in the fervor of the moment, their lives tragically cut short. This case forces us to consider the fine line between justice and vengeance, and the importance of upholding the principles of fairness and impartiality, even in the face of perceived threats.