Jesse Evans Gang – The Boys
The annals of the American West are replete with tales of daring outlaws, simmering feuds, and lawless territories. Among the numerous gangs that roamed the landscapes of the late 19th century, the Jesse Evans Gang, also known as "The Boys," occupies a notable, if often overlooked, position. This band of outlaws, led by the enigmatic Jesse Evans, carved a niche for themselves through cattle rustling and armed robbery, primarily operating in the volatile territory of New Mexico from 1872 to 1879. Their story, intertwined with the notorious Lincoln County War and even a brief association with Billy the Kid, offers a glimpse into the turbulent era of frontier justice and survival.
The backdrop against which the Jesse Evans Gang emerged was one of rapid expansion, economic competition, and a tenuous grip on law and order. New Mexico, at this time, was a land of opportunity and conflict, attracting ambitious entrepreneurs and desperate individuals alike. The burgeoning cattle industry became a focal point of contention, with rival factions vying for control of valuable grazing lands and lucrative markets. This environment provided fertile ground for outlaw gangs like the Jesse Evans Gang to flourish, preying on the vulnerabilities of the established order.
Jesse Evans himself remains a figure shrouded in some mystery. Historical records offer scant details about his early life and background. What is known is that he possessed a charisma and leadership ability that allowed him to assemble and command a group of hardened men. The moniker "The Boys" suggests a certain camaraderie and perhaps even a youthful exuberance among the gang members, though their actions were undoubtedly serious and often brutal. The Jesse Evans Gang quickly established a reputation for audacity and ruthlessness, becoming a force to be reckoned with in the New Mexico Territory.
Their primary activity was cattle rustling, a crime that struck at the heart of the region’s economy. By stealing cattle from ranches and driving them to market for profit, the Jesse Evans Gang directly challenged the established ranchers and fueled the growing tensions in the territory. Armed robbery was another key component of their criminal enterprise, further contributing to the atmosphere of lawlessness and fear. The gang’s success in these endeavors depended on their ability to operate with impunity, exploiting the weaknesses of the local law enforcement and the vastness of the sparsely populated landscape.
A significant turning point in the gang’s history came with the outbreak of the Lincoln County War. This bloody conflict pitted two powerful factions against each other: the Dolan-Murphy faction and the John Tunstall faction. The Dolan-Murphy group, led by James Dolan and Lawrence Murphy, sought to maintain their dominance over the local business interests and the lucrative cattle trade. John Tunstall, an ambitious English immigrant, challenged their control, leading to a bitter and escalating feud.
In this volatile environment, the Dolan-Murphy faction saw an opportunity to utilize the Jesse Evans Gang as "enforcers." They hired the gang to harass and intimidate their rivals, disrupt their business operations, and generally create chaos. This alliance marked a significant escalation of the Lincoln County War, as the Jesse Evans Gang brought their proven skills in violence and intimidation to bear on behalf of the Dolan-Murphy faction.
Interestingly, the Jesse Evans Gang’s association with the Lincoln County War also led to a brief but notable connection with William H. Bonney, better known as Billy the Kid. For a time, Billy the Kid rode with the Evans Gang, participating in their rustling and robbery activities. However, this alliance was short-lived. As the Lincoln County War intensified, Billy the Kid found himself increasingly drawn to the Tunstall faction, eventually joining their ranks as a Regulator. This shift placed him in direct opposition to the Jesse Evans Gang, further complicating the already tangled web of allegiances and rivalries in Lincoln County.
The Jesse Evans Gang’s involvement in the Lincoln County War reached a critical point when some of its members joined the "posse" formed by Sheriff William Brady to confront John Tunstall. This confrontation resulted in Tunstall’s death, an event that ignited the full-blown violence of the Lincoln County War. The Jesse Evans Gang, by participating in this act, became deeply implicated in the bloodshed and further cemented their reputation as ruthless outlaws.
Following the conclusion of the Lincoln County War, the Jesse Evans Gang remained in the area for a time, but their presence became increasingly untenable. The authorities were determined to bring them to justice, and the local population was weary of their lawless activities. In February 1879, Jesse Evans and gang member Billy Campbell were involved in another murder, prompting them to flee New Mexico and seek refuge in Texas.
However, the gang’s criminal activities did not cease upon crossing the state line. They continued their rustling and robbing spree in Texas, further expanding their reach and notoriety. But their luck was running out. The Texas Rangers, renowned for their tenacity and effectiveness, began to pursue the Jesse Evans Gang, determined to bring them to justice.
The confrontation between the Texas Rangers and the Jesse Evans Gang finally occurred near Presidio, Texas, on July 3, 1880. A fierce gunfight erupted, resulting in the death of Texas Ranger George Bingham, who was killed by Jesse Evans himself. Gang member John Gross also perished in the shootout. Faced with overwhelming force and the loss of their comrades, the remaining members of the Jesse Evans Gang were forced to surrender.
Jesse Evans was subsequently sentenced to prison in Huntsville, Texas. However, his outlaw spirit remained unbroken. In May 1882, he managed to escape from a work detail and vanished into the vastness of the American West. His fate remains a mystery to this day. Some accounts suggest that he was killed in a subsequent shootout, while others claim that he lived out his days in anonymity, forever evading the grasp of the law.
The story of the Jesse Evans Gang offers a compelling glimpse into the lawless era of the American West. Their exploits, though often brutal and criminal, reflect the complex dynamics of a society undergoing rapid transformation. The gang’s involvement in the Lincoln County War, their association with Billy the Kid, and their ultimate demise at the hands of the Texas Rangers all contribute to their enduring legacy as one of the more notorious outlaw gangs of the American frontier. While their actions cannot be condoned, their story serves as a reminder of the challenges and complexities of life in the Wild West, where survival often depended on a willingness to bend, or break, the rules.