Frank B. “Pistol Pete” Eaton – Fastest Draw in Indian Territory
Frank Boardman Eaton, a name synonymous with the rugged spirit of the Old West, remains etched in the annals of American history as “Pistol Pete,” a moniker earned through his unparalleled skill with a firearm and his legendary exploits. Born in an era of tumultuous change and frontier justice, Frank B. “Pistol Pete” Eaton embodied the courage, resilience, and unwavering determination that defined the era. His life story, a tapestry woven with threads of tragedy, vengeance, law enforcement, and enduring legacy, continues to captivate and inspire generations.
The life of Frank B. “Pistol Pete” Eaton unfolded against the backdrop of a rapidly evolving nation, transitioning from the ashes of the Civil War to the dawn of the 20th century. He was more than just a gunslinger; he was a cowboy, an Indian fighter, a U.S. Deputy Marshal, a scout, and, later in life, an author who chronicled his experiences and the vanishing world he inhabited. His story offers a glimpse into the harsh realities of life on the frontier, where survival often depended on quick wits, a steady hand, and unwavering resolve.
Born on October 26, 1860, in Hartford, Connecticut, Eaton’s early life took a dramatic turn when his family relocated to a homestead in Twin Mounds, Kansas, when he was just eight years old. This move westward placed the Eatons squarely in the heart of the American frontier, a land rife with opportunity but also fraught with danger. The year of their arrival marked a turning point in young Frank’s life, an event that would shape his destiny and propel him towards the legend he would become.
Tragedy struck the Eaton family when Frank’s father, a veteran of the Union Army, became embroiled in a conflict with a group of Confederate men, former members of Quantrill’s Raiders, a notorious band of Confederate guerrillas known for their brutal tactics during the Civil War. This conflict escalated quickly, culminating in a horrific act of violence. One fateful day, six of these men arrived at the Eaton homestead and, in a cold-blooded act of murder, shot Frank’s father dead in front of the young boy. This traumatic experience ignited a fire within young Frank, a burning desire for justice and revenge that would fuel his actions for years to come.
Following the tragic death of his father, a family friend, recognizing the pain and anger consuming the young boy, stepped in to guide him. This friend, whose name is lost to history but whose impact on Eaton’s life is undeniable, encouraged him to avenge his father’s death and began to teach him the art of gun handling. This marked the beginning of Eaton’s journey towards becoming the legendary “Pistol Pete.” The friend instilled in him not only the technical skills of marksmanship but also the principles of honor, courage, and self-reliance that would define his character.
By the age of fifteen, Frank B. “Pistol Pete” Eaton had already earned the nickname "Pistol Pete" due to his extraordinary gun-handling skills and deadly accuracy. This was no small feat, considering Eaton was born with a crossed left eye, a condition that would have been a significant impediment to most aspiring marksmen. However, Eaton refused to let this perceived disability define him. He meticulously developed a unique method of aiming, learning to compensate for his crossed eye by instinctively aiming without sighting down the barrel. This unorthodox technique, coupled with relentless practice, transformed his perceived weakness into a strength. It was said that he could "shoot the head off a snake with either hand," a testament to his remarkable skill and unwavering dedication.
Driven by a thirst for further refinement of his skills, Eaton ventured to Fort Gibson, Oklahoma, that same year, seeking to learn from the experienced cavalrymen stationed there. However, instead of being taught, he quickly surpassed the skills of even the most seasoned marksmen. He began to compete with them in shooting contests, consistently outperforming them and solidifying his reputation as a formidable gunslinger. It was at Fort Gibson that the legend of Frank B. “Pistol Pete” Eaton truly began to take shape, and his name became synonymous with speed, accuracy, and unwavering resolve. His reputation as “packing the truest and fastest guns in Indian Territory” was born, a testament to his unparalleled skill and unwavering dedication.
Fueled by the burning desire to avenge his father’s murder, Eaton embarked on a relentless pursuit of the men responsible for the heinous act. Legend has it that he tracked down and killed five of the six men involved in the murder of his father in 1868. The last man, according to the tales, met his end in a card game, adding another layer of intrigue and danger to Eaton’s already legendary status. All of these men, it was said, had lived lives of crime, suggesting that Eaton saw himself as a force for justice, ridding the world of those who preyed on the innocent.
At the remarkably young age of seventeen, Eaton’s reputation as a skilled and fearless lawman preceded him, leading to his commissioning as one of the youngest U.S. Deputy Marshals in the Western District at Fort Smith, Arkansas. He served under the infamous "hanging judge," Isaac Parker, whose court was known for its strict enforcement of the law and its high number of executions. Eaton’s territory stretched from southern Kansas to northern Texas, a vast and lawless expanse where he was tasked with maintaining order and bringing criminals to justice.
During his time as a Deputy Marshal, Eaton faced countless dangers and participated in numerous gunfights, solidifying his reputation as a fearless and effective lawman. He always carried a pair of loaded Colt .45 pistols on his hips, ready to defend himself and uphold the law. He once described his best insurance as "Throwin’ a lot a lead fast and straight," a testament to his belief in the power of quick action and accurate shooting.
Beyond his life as a lawman, Frank B. “Pistol Pete” Eaton was also a man of personal connections and deep emotions. He made his home in Bartlesville, Oklahoma, where he met a woman named Jennie, who gave him a crucifix to wear around his neck for protection. On one occasion, the crucifix actually saved Eaton’s life when it deflected a bullet that would have struck him in the chest. Eaton later wrote, "I’d rather have the prayers of a good woman in a fight than half a dozen hot guns: she’s talking to Headquarters." Tragically, Jennie died of pneumonia, and Eaton buried the cross at the head of her grave, a poignant symbol of his love and loss.
When he was 29, Eaton participated in the Oklahoma Land Rush, a historical event that saw thousands of settlers vying for land in the newly opened territory. He settled southwest of Perkins, Oklahoma, where he served as sheriff and later became a blacksmith, demonstrating his versatility and his commitment to building a community. In August 1893, he married Orpha Miller of Guthrie, Oklahoma, and the couple had two children. Sadly, Orpha died of a lung disease seven years into their marriage. Eaton remarried in December 1902 to Anna Sillix, and they eventually had another eight children, making him a father to ten in total.
Eaton continued to serve as a marshal, sheriff, or deputy sheriff well into his later years, dedicating his life to upholding the law and protecting the innocent. By the end of his career as a lawman, it was said that he had some 15 notches on his gun belt, each representing a life taken in the line of duty.
In his later years, Eaton turned to writing, documenting his experiences and sharing his stories with the world. He wrote two books, the first being an autobiography entitled Veteran of the Old West: Pistol Pete, which recounted his life as a U.S. Deputy Marshal and cowboy. His second book, Campfire Stories: Remembrances of a Cowboy Legend, was published 30 years after his death.
Even in his old age, Eaton remained true to his legendary persona. He continued to carry his loaded pistols until his death and was said to be extremely quick on the draw even when he was in his nineties. He died on April 8, 1958, at the remarkable age of 97, leaving behind a legacy that continues to inspire and fascinate.
During his lifetime, Frank B. “Pistol Pete” Eaton was married twice and had ten children, 31 grandchildren, and several great-grandchildren, leaving behind a large and loving family.
The phrase "hotter than Pete’s pistol" is said to trace back to Eaton’s shooting skills and his legendary pursuit of his father’s killers, solidifying his place in American folklore. Today, Frank B. “Pistol Pete” Eaton is honored as the mascot for Oklahoma State University, symbolizing the spirit of the Old West and the indomitable spirit of Oklahoma. In March 1997, he posthumously received the prestigious Director’s Award at the National Cowboy Hall of Fame, further cementing his legacy as a true American icon.