Isaac Black – Oklahoma Outlaw
The annals of the American West are filled with tales of daring outlaws, desperate times, and the relentless pursuit of justice. Among these figures stands Isaac Black, an individual whose life, though relatively brief, left an indelible mark on the history of Kansas and Oklahoma in the late 19th century. This is the story of Isaac Black, a man who traversed the line between petty thief and notorious desperado, leaving behind a legacy shrouded in legend and punctuated by violence.
From Kansas Cattle Thief to Oklahoma Outlaw
Isaac "Ike" Black’s criminal trajectory began in Kansas, where he first ran afoul of the law for the offense of cattle rustling. This act, a serious crime in the agrarian society of the time, resulted in a stint in the Kansas Penitentiary. Upon his release, rather than choosing a path of reform, Black headed south to the burgeoning territory of Oklahoma, a region characterized by its vast open spaces and a law enforcement presence that often struggled to keep pace with the influx of settlers and those seeking to exploit the opportunities – both legal and illegal – that the territory presented.
The early 1890s found Isaac Black aligning himself with another fugitive from justice, Zip Wyatt. Wyatt was a man wanted for a double-wounding incident in Oklahoma, as well as the murder of Deputy Sheriff Andrew Balfour in Kansas. This fateful partnership marked a turning point in Black’s life, propelling him from a relatively minor offender to a prominent figure in the Oklahoma outlaw scene.
Together, Black and Wyatt formed a gang, embarking on a series of robberies that terrorized the region. Their activities included the brazen robbery of the Hightower Store and post office in Arapaho, Oklahoma, in November 1893. This act, targeting both a commercial establishment and a vital communication hub, highlighted the gang’s audacity and their willingness to strike at the heart of the community.
As Black and Wyatt escalated their criminal activities, they sought refuge in the rugged terrain of the Gypsum Hills. This area, characterized by its distinctive geological formations and sparse population, provided them with a natural sanctuary, allowing them to evade the increasingly persistent pursuit of law enforcement. Aiding and abetting them in their flight were their wives, who bravely or perhaps reluctantly, supplied them with essential provisions, food, and other necessities, playing a crucial role in sustaining their fugitive lifestyle.
The gang’s escalating infamy soon led to them being blamed for nearly every crime committed in the territory. Whether they were responsible for all the attributed misdeeds is debatable, but the perception solidified their image as a significant threat to the peace and stability of the region. Lawmen, both local and federal, intensified their efforts to capture Black and Wyatt, recognizing the need to bring them to justice and restore order to the increasingly lawless territory.
Connections to the Doolin-Dalton Gang and Further Depredations
The legend of Isaac Black becomes further entwined with the narrative of one of the most notorious outlaw gangs in American history: the Doolin-Dalton Gang. It was suspected that Black and Wyatt joined forces with this infamous group, participating in the Rock Island train robbery that occurred in Dover, Oklahoma, on April 3, 1895. However, concrete evidence to definitively prove their involvement in this specific event remains elusive, leaving it as a tantalizing, yet unconfirmed, element of their story.
Regardless of their potential association with the Doolin-Dalton Gang, Black and Wyatt continued their own reign of terror. On June 3, 1895, their gang targeted the store and post office in Fairview, Oklahoma, robbing the establishment of everything of value and making off with three horses. This act of blatant disregard for the law spurred a swift response from law enforcement.
A posse was quickly assembled, comprised of U.S. Deputy Marshals Gus Hadwinger and J.K. Runnels, Woods County Sheriff Clay McGrath, and Deputy Marion Hildreth. These men, representing the authority of both the federal government and the local community, embarked on a determined pursuit of the fleeing outlaws.
The following day, the posse caught up with the gang, surprising them as they were hiding in a cave near the county line. This encounter resulted in a fierce gunfight, a hallmark of the Old West. During the exchange of gunfire, Isaac Black sustained a gunshot wound to the foot, while Zip Wyatt was hit in the left arm. Despite their injuries, the outlaws managed to escape, demonstrating their resilience and their familiarity with the terrain.
The close call only intensified the pressure on Black and Wyatt. The posse, now numbering almost 200 men, relentlessly scoured the territory, determined to bring the fugitives to justice. The hunt for Black and Wyatt became a symbol of the struggle between law and lawlessness in the Oklahoma Territory.
A Desperate Chase and a Final Confrontation
The relentless pursuit continued throughout the summer of 1895. On July 26th, Black and Wyatt robbed the Oxley, Oklahoma post office and store. The haul was meager – only about $35 and some supplies – but the robbery proved to be a costly mistake. They were recognized during the crime, and the next day, a posse was hot on their trail, tracking them to a location near Salt Creek, approximately six miles northwest of Oxley.
Another gunfight erupted. This time, Isaac Black suffered a flesh wound to the head. Once again, both men managed to evade capture, but their situation was becoming increasingly dire. Their horses had fled during the chaos, leaving them stranded and vulnerable on foot.
Desperate for transportation, Black and Wyatt made their way to a farm about five miles west of Okeene, Oklahoma, where they stole horses and a cart. This act of desperation further fueled the determination of law enforcement to bring them down.
Robert Callison, the constable of Forrest Township, led another posse in pursuit of Black and Wyatt. On July 28th, the posse cornered the outlaws in a canyon. The ensuing gunfight resulted in posse member Frank Pope being shot in the right leg. Despite this setback, Black and Wyatt managed to escape yet again, solidifying their reputation as remarkably elusive and "lucky" outlaws.
The original posse was joined by another from Alva, Oklahoma, led by Deputy Sheriff Marion Hildreth. Together, they pursued the fugitives southeast, closing in on their prey.
Black and Wyatt sought refuge in a shack about four miles east of present-day Canton. On August 1st, the posse finally caught up with them, leading to a final, decisive confrontation. During the gunfight, Isaac Black was fatally shot in the head. Zip Wyatt was also wounded, shot in the left side of his chest, but he managed to escape, only to be apprehended a few days later, marking the end of their criminal partnership.
A Pauper’s Grave and a Lasting Legacy
U.S. Deputy Sheriffs Marion Hildreth and J.W. Mueir transported Isaac Black’s body to Alva on a horse-drawn wagon. A grim testament to his life, the only personal effects found on his person were a picture of his wife, Belle, $1.50 in silver, and copies of two ballads.
Isaac Black was buried in a pauper’s grave, without ceremony, at the Alva Municipal Cemetery, the expense borne by the county. His final resting place, unmarked and humble, stands in stark contrast to the dramatic and violent life he led. While his life ended in obscurity, the story of Isaac Black, the Oklahoma outlaw, continues to be told, a reminder of the turbulent times and the enduring legends of the American West.