Harry Head – Arizona Outlaw – Legends of America
The American West, a land of vast landscapes and untamed frontiers, holds tales of legendary figures who shaped its history. Among the many characters who roamed the rugged terrains of Arizona during the late 19th century, Harry Head, also known as Harry the Kid, stands out as a notorious outlaw. His involvement in cattle rustling and stagecoach robberies, particularly his association with the infamous Clanton Gang, cemented his place in the annals of the Wild West.
Early Life and Association with the Clanton Gang
Details about Harry Head’s early life remain scarce, shrouded in the mists of time and legend. However, it is known that he operated primarily in southern Arizona, where he became entangled with the Clanton Gang. This notorious group of outlaws, led by the Clanton family, was notorious for their involvement in cattle rustling, robbery, and other criminal activities. Harry Head’s association with the Clanton Gang marked a turning point in his life, leading him down a path of lawlessness and violence.
The Contention Stagecoach Robbery
One of the most infamous episodes in Harry Head’s criminal career was the attempted robbery of a stagecoach on March 15, 1881. The stagecoach, carrying a significant sum of $26,000 in Wells Fargo money and eight passengers, was ambushed just outside Contention, Arizona. Harry Head, along with fellow outlaws Bill Leonard and Jim Crane, planned to intercept the stagecoach as it navigated a steep grade, making it vulnerable to attack.
To conceal their identities, the robbers donned wigs and false beards, hoping to evade detection and capture. However, their plans were thwarted by the presence of lawman Bob Paul, who was guarding the stagecoach. As the robbers launched their assault, a fierce gun battle erupted, shattering the tranquility of the Arizona landscape.
The Aftermath of the Robbery
During the shootout, tragedy struck as stagecoach driver Budd Philpot and a passenger were killed, caught in the crossfire. Bill Leonard, one of Harry Head’s accomplices, was also wounded in the exchange. Amidst the chaos, the horses pulling the stagecoach bolted, adding to the pandemonium. Despite the setbacks, Bob Paul managed to regain control of the stagecoach, preventing the robbers from making off with the loot.
Frustrated and defeated, Harry Head and his cohorts were forced to flee the scene, leaving behind a trail of death and destruction. The failed robbery sparked a massive manhunt, led by Bob Paul and the legendary Wyatt Earp. The lawmen were determined to bring the perpetrators to justice and restore order to the troubled territory.
Investigation and Pursuit
As the investigation unfolded, suspicion fell upon Luther King, who was believed to have been involved in the robbery. Morgan Earp, Wyatt’s brother, apprehended King, who confessed to his role in the crime. However, King claimed that he had only been tasked with holding the horses and implicated Harry the Kid, Crane, and Leonard as the masterminds behind the operation.
Following his confession, King managed to escape from jail, further complicating the pursuit of the outlaws. In response to the escalating situation, Wells Fargo offered a substantial reward of $2,000 for each of the three remaining suspects, dead or alive. The reward money fueled the determination of lawmen and bounty hunters alike, intensifying the search for Harry Head, Crane, and Leonard.
The Eureka Store Robbery and Subsequent Deaths
A few months later, in June, Harry Head and his fellow outlaws attempted another robbery, this time targeting a store in Eureka, New Mexico. However, their plans were once again foiled when the store owners, Bill and Ike Haslett, put up a fierce resistance. In the ensuing gunfight, Harry Head and Bill Leonard were killed, bringing their criminal careers to an abrupt end.
Jim Crane, the sole survivor of the failed robbery, managed to escape and sought revenge for the deaths of his comrades. He orchestrated the killings of both Haslett brothers, plunging the region into further turmoil and bloodshed.
The Haslett Brothers’ Revenge and the Arizona Star Report
In a twisted turn of events, Crane, along with a posse of outlaws that included Curly Bill Brocius, Frank Stillwell, Pony Diehl, Pete Spence, and at least five other men, hunted down the Haslett brothers. When they finally caught up with them, a fierce gunfight erupted, resulting in the deaths of the Haslett brothers. According to reports, the Hasletts fought valiantly, killing two and wounding three of Crane’s party before they were overwhelmed and killed.
The Arizona Star newspaper reported the gunfight on June 23, 1881, stating that "The killing of Bill Leonard and Harry, the Kid, at Eureka, New Mexico, by the Haslett brothers has been summarily avenged. It appears that a cowboy named Crane organized and led a band of congenial spirits in the work of vengeance. They followed the Haslett boys for some twenty-six miles from Eureka before overtaking them, and as soon as they came up with them, the fight to the death commenced. The Haslett boys were game and made a brave fight, killing two and wounding three of the Crane party, but being overpowered, were finally killed."
Conclusion
Harry Head’s life as an outlaw was short-lived, marked by violence, robbery, and ultimately, death. His association with the Clanton Gang and his involvement in the Contention stagecoach robbery cemented his reputation as a dangerous criminal. While his story may be just one chapter in the vast history of the American West, it serves as a reminder of the lawlessness and violence that plagued the frontier during this era.