Farrington Brothers – Confederate Train Robbers – Legends of America

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Farrington Brothers – Confederate Train Robbers – Legends of America

Farrington Brothers – Confederate Train Robbers – Legends of America

The annals of American history are replete with tales of daring outlaws and audacious heists. Among these narratives, the story of the Farrington brothers, Levi and Hillary, stands out as a testament to the volatile era following the American Civil War. These men, once Confederate guerrillas, transitioned into train robbers, leaving their mark on the landscapes of Tennessee, Kentucky, and beyond.

From Guerrillas to Outlaws

In the early 1870s, the Farrington brothers, hailing from the vicinity of Gilliam Station, Tennessee, embarked on a path of crime that would etch their names into the chronicles of the Wild West. However, their journey into outlawry was preceded by their involvement in the tumultuous years of the Civil War.

Prior to their train-robbing exploits, both Hillary and Levi had served as Confederate guerrillas, aligning themselves with the Partisan Rangers under the command of the infamous William Quantrill. Their association with Quantrill led them to participate in the brutal raid on Lawrence, Kansas, on August 21, 1863, an event that solidified their reputation as ruthless fighters.

As the Civil War drew to a close, the Farrington brothers found themselves adrift in a society struggling to rebuild. Unable to reconcile with the changing times, they turned to a life of crime, joining the ranks of outlaws who roamed the American frontier.

Early Exploits

The Farrington brothers’ foray into train robbery began in July 1871, when they joined forces with William Taylor, George Bertine, and William Barton, a former railroad brakeman. Together, they targeted a Southern Express car on the Mobile and Ohio Railroad at Moscow, Kentucky. Their daring raid yielded a substantial sum of $1600, marking their successful entry into the world of train robbery.

Emboldened by their initial success, the same group orchestrated another heist on October 21, 1871, this time targeting the northbound Mobile & Ohio Railroad at Union City, Tennessee. After overpowering a guard and the messenger, they looted the safe of the Southern Express Company, making off with approximately $6000.

Pursuit and Capture

The Farrington brothers’ brazen acts did not go unnoticed. William Pinkerton, a renowned detective, and Patrick Connell, Special Agent of the Southern Express Company, were tasked with tracking down the elusive outlaws. Their investigation led them to the Mississippi River, where they discovered an overturned skiff, suggesting the bandits had attempted to cross the waterway.

Undeterred, Pinkerton and Connell meticulously scoured the surrounding countryside, eventually uncovering information about a group of suspicious men operating a small store near Lester’s Landing, Tennessee. This store served as a front for their train-robbing activities.

Gathering additional support, Pinkerton and Connell surrounded the store, leading to a fierce gunfight. During the shootout, Henry Bertine was killed, while the remaining outlaws managed to escape.

The Net Closes In

The pursuit of the Farrington brothers continued relentlessly. Hillary Farrington was eventually tracked to Verona, Missouri, where law enforcement officials, aided by local residents, surrounded his hideout. When Farrington refused to surrender, the building was set ablaze, forcing the outlaw to emerge and face arrest.

Meanwhile, in Union City, Marshal Robert A. Pinkerton apprehended Levi Farrington and William Barton at the home of Levi’s cousin, Kate Graham. A significant amount of money was recovered from Levi’s belongings, further implicating him in the train robberies. Barton also revealed that they had entrusted money to Mary Farrington, Hillary and Levi’s mother, who resided on a farm outside Waverly, Tennessee, with her younger son, Peter.

A Desperate Rescue Attempt

As the prisoners were being transported to Union City, a group of Farrington’s associates, led by a man named David Toler, launched a daring rescue attempt. The ensuing battle resulted in the death of the Assistant City Marshal of Union City and serious injuries to a railroad watchman. Despite their efforts, the rescuers were ultimately driven away, with Mr. Pinkerton capturing one of the band.

Toler was subsequently apprehended, and a Vigilance Committee was formed, effectively surrounding the authorities. Recognizing the potential for mob justice, the authorities managed to spirit William Barton and William Taylor out of the hotel where they were being held. However, they were unable to secure the release of the other prisoners.

The Vigilance Committee overpowered the local officers guarding Levi Farrington and Toler, summarily executing them.

The Final Showdown

While chaos reigned in Union City, Patrick Connell and William Pinkerton were escorting Hillary Farrington back to Tennessee on a steamboat. As they approached Cairo, Illinois, Hillary made a desperate attempt to escape, seizing Pinkerton’s revolver.

A fierce struggle ensued, during which the gun discharged, grazing Pinkerton’s skull. Despite his injury, Pinkerton managed to deliver a powerful uppercut, sending Farrington reeling backward over the paddleboat. The outlaw landed on the paddlewheel and was tragically torn to pieces.

Justice Served

Following the demise of the Farrington brothers, William Taylor and William Barton were taken to the Memphis, Tennessee, jail. They eventually pleaded guilty to train robbery and were sentenced to five years of hard labor at the penitentiary in Nashville, Tennessee.

The saga of the Farrington brothers serves as a reminder of the turbulent times that followed the American Civil War. Their transformation from Confederate guerrillas to train robbers highlights the challenges faced by individuals struggling to adapt to a changing society. Their story, filled with daring heists, relentless pursuit, and violent confrontations, has become a part of the enduring folklore of the American West.