Gunfighter List
The era of the gunfighter, a volatile chapter in American history, emerged from the ashes of the Civil War. This period, characterized by its unique blend of lawlessness and frontier justice, witnessed the rise of individuals whose reputations were forged in the crucible of violence. The landscape was populated by men who, often displaced by the war and accustomed to its brutality, found themselves in a world where a quick draw could be the difference between life and death. The transition from soldier to gunfighter was, for many, a disturbingly seamless one.
While a significant portion of these individuals succumbed to the harsh realities of their lifestyle, meeting their end in gunfights, lynchings, or through legal executions, a surprising number managed to evade violent demise, succumbing instead to what were euphemistically termed "natural causes." The average age of death for a gunfighter hovered around 35, a testament to the perilous nature of their existence. However, those who chose to wield their skills in the service of the law often enjoyed considerably longer lifespans than their outlaw counterparts.
The backgrounds of these figures were as diverse as the landscapes they roamed. The ranks of the gunfighter included lawmen and cowboys, ranchers and gamblers, farmers and teamsters, bounty hunters and, of course, outlaws. Their motivations were equally varied, ranging from the pursuit of justice (or revenge) to the simple necessity of survival in a world where traditional structures of authority were often absent or ineffective.
The epicenter of this violent era was concentrated in a handful of states, each grappling with its own unique challenges of frontier expansion and societal upheaval. Texas, Kansas, New Mexico, Oklahoma, California, Missouri, and Colorado served as the primary stages upon which these dramas of life and death played out. These territories, characterized by rapid growth, economic opportunity, and a corresponding lack of established law enforcement, provided fertile ground for the emergence of the gunfighter archetype.
Gunfighter List:
This compilation offers a glimpse into the lives and legends of some of the most notable figures from this era. The list is organized alphabetically for ease of navigation.
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Jeff Ake – A gunfighter during the tumultuous period of Texas Reconstruction, Jeff Ake claimed intimate acquaintance with some of the most notorious figures of the time. His purported associates included John Wesley Hardin, Jesse James, Cole Younger, Bill Doolin, Sam Bass, and Ben Thompson, a veritable rogues’ gallery of the Old West. Whether these claims were entirely accurate or embellished for effect, they speak to the pervasive atmosphere of lawlessness and the allure of the outlaw life.
William Ake – Brother to Jeff Ake, William carved his own path as a gunfighter, participating in the violent Mason County War in Texas from 1874 to 1876. This conflict, fueled by deep-seated rivalries and disputes over land and resources, exemplified the brutal nature of frontier justice and the willingness of individuals to resort to violence to protect their interests.
Bill Allen – A member of the Jesse Evans Gang, Bill Allen played a role in the infamous Lincoln County War in New Mexico. This conflict, characterized by its complex web of political and economic motivations, pitted rival factions against each other in a bloody struggle for control of the region. Allen’s fate following the conclusion of the war remains shrouded in mystery.
Billy "The Kid" Allen – Distinguished by the moniker "The Kid," Billy Allen earned a reputation as a gunfighter in the rough-and-tumble towns of Deadwood, South Dakota, and the sprawling landscapes of New Mexico. His legend is built upon accounts of numerous killings, solidifying his image as a dangerous and unpredictable figure.
Frank Allen (18?? -1881) – Frank Allen’s life was cut short in El Paso, Texas, in March 1881. The circumstances surrounding his death paint a picture of the dangers inherent in the life of a gunfighter, where a sudden encounter could prove fatal.
John Allen – John Allen’s trajectory took him from the bustling streets of Dodge City, Kansas, to the burgeoning town of Trinidad, Colorado. A gambler and gunfighter, Allen’s path crossed with Frank Loving, an "old" Dodge City acquaintance, igniting a simmering dispute over loans. The conflict escalated into the notorious Trinidad, Colorado Shoot-out on April 16, 1882, resulting in Loving’s death at Allen’s hand. Though charged with murder, Allen was acquitted and later returned to Dodge City, undergoing a remarkable transformation to become a street preacher and traveling evangelist. This dramatic shift highlights the potential for redemption, even in the lives of those who had embraced violence.
Joseph Allen (18?? -1909) – Joseph Allen found himself embroiled in a bitter feud in Ada, Oklahoma. Accused of murdering Gus Bobbitt, he was incarcerated, but justice was denied by a vigilante mob. On April 19, 1909, a force of 150-200 men stormed the jail, extracting Allen along with Jim Miller, Jesse West, and D.B. Burrell. The four were subsequently hanged in an abandoned barn, a stark illustration of the extrajudicial violence that often characterized frontier justice.
Robert A. "Clay" Allison (1840-1877) – Clay Allison was a feared figure who reportedly killed at least fifteen men across Colorado, New Mexico, and Texas. His life, defined by violence and constant movement, ended tragically near Pecos, Texas, on July 1, 1887, when he was run over by his own wagon.
Perry Altman – Perry Altman, a gunfighter operating in New Mexico, is notable for being the half-brother of Oliver Lee, placing him within a network of familial connections that often played a significant role in the dynamics of the Old West.
Ham Anderson (18?? -1874) – A cousin of the infamous John Wesley Hardin, Ham Anderson engaged in gunfights in Kansas and Texas before meeting his end in 1874. His association with Hardin underscores the prevalence of family ties within the gunfighter community and the potential for violence to be passed down through generations.
Hugh Anderson (18??- 1873) – Hugh Anderson, a Bell County, Texas cowboy, participated in the violent Hide Park Gunfight in Newton, Kansas, in 1871. During the skirmish, Anderson killed Mike McCluskie but was himself wounded. Two years later, Arthur McCluskie, Mike’s brother, exacted revenge, resulting in a duel where both men perished.
Reese Anderson – Reese Anderson, a cowboy and vigilante, played a significant role in maintaining order in Montana. Employed by the Granville Stuart Ranch, he faced the challenge of rampant cattle rustling and banditry. In 1884, Granville Stuart formed a vigilante group, later known as "Stuart’s Stranglers," with Anderson as its leader. Within weeks, Anderson led a group of volunteers to track down outlaws between the Musselshell and Judith Rivers, capturing and hanging approximately 23 men caught with stolen livestock.
Scott L. Anderson – Scott L. Anderson worked as a gunfighter and stage guard in South Dakota, successfully defending against numerous hold-up attempts. His role highlights the dangerous conditions faced by those responsible for transporting goods and passengers across the often-lawless territories of the West.
Tom Anderson – Tom Anderson, a gunfighter, was the brother of William "Black Jack" Christian, further demonstrating the familial connections within the world of outlaws and lawmen.
William Anderson – William Anderson lived in Delano, Kansas, a small town outside of Wichita. Known as a drunken gunfighter, Anderson was blinded in a gunfight. He spent his remaining days begging for coins outside saloons, a stark and cautionary tale of the potential consequences of a life of violence.
Serafin Aragon – Serafin Aragon was another member of the Jesse Evans Gang during the Lincoln County War in New Mexico. His life following the conflict remains unknown.
"Arkansas Bill" – "Arkansas Bill" boasted of killing twenty-two men while operating as a gunfighter in Dodge City, Kansas, during the late 1870s. Whether his claims were accurate or simply the product of bravado, they reflect the culture of violence and the emphasis on reputation that characterized the era.
"Arizona Jack" – "Arizona Jack," a gunfighter and teamster, was lynched at Wagon Bed Springs, Kansas Territory, for fatally shooting another teamster. This tragic incident underscores the prevalence of vigilante justice and the swift, often brutal, punishments meted out in the absence of formal legal structures.
John Barclay Armstrong (1850-1913) – John Barclay Armstrong enlisted with the Travis Rifles in 1871 and joined the Texas Rangers in 1875. He played a key role in capturing John King Fisher in 1874 and tracking and capturing John Wesley Hardin in 1877. Armstrong retired as a captain in 1882 and died on May 1, 1913, having served on the side of the law.
Charles Askins (1907-1999) – Charles Askins was an American lawman, U.S. Army officer, and writer. He was renowned for his marksmanship and his work with the American Border Patrol.
Ira Aten (1862–1953) – Ira Aten joined the Texas Rangers in 1883, rose to the rank of captain, and famously tracked and killed outlaw Judd Roberts, an associate of Butch Cassidy’s Hole-in-the-Wall gang. He served as a sheriff in Fort Bend County, Texas, during the Jaybird-Woodpecker War and later as the sheriff of Castro County, Texas, demonstrating a commitment to law and order in a turbulent region.
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