Jim Murphy – Betrayer of the Bass Gang
The saga of the American West is replete with tales of daring outlaws, lawless escapades, and the often-blurred lines between right and wrong. Among the many figures who populated this turbulent era, the name Jim Murphy stands out as a symbol of betrayal and deceit within the infamous Sam Bass Gang. This is the story of Jim Murphy, a man whose actions irrevocably altered the course of the gang’s history, leading to its demise and cementing his place as a controversial figure in the annals of Texas outlaw lore.
The Sam Bass Gang, a name that struck fear into the hearts of bankers and railroad men across North Texas, was a band of outlaws known for their audacious train robberies and daring escapes. Sam Bass, the charismatic leader, had assembled a crew of hardened men, each with their own motivations and desires for fortune. But within this close-knit group, loyalty was paramount, and betrayal carried the ultimate price.
Joining the Ranks:
Jim Murphy’s journey into the world of outlaws began through his association with Frank Jackson, a fellow Texan who worked on the Murphy Ranch in Denton County. Jackson, already connected to the Sam Bass Gang, introduced Murphy to the allure of the outlaw life. It was a decision that would forever alter the trajectories of all involved. The gang soon found themselves embroiled in a heated confrontation at Salt Creek in Wise County. This encounter proved disastrous for the gang, as Captain June Peak and his Texas Rangers unleashed a deadly assault, resulting in the death of Arkansas Johnson, Sam Bass’s most trusted lieutenant. Amidst the chaos, Jim Murphy and another gang member named Pipes Herndon were captured by the Rangers. This event forced Bass and his remaining companions to flee North Texas, leaving behind a trail of bloodshed and shattered camaraderie.
The Salt Creek debacle left the Sam Bass Gang severely depleted. Only Sam Bass, Seaborn Barnes, and Frank Jackson remained of the once-formidable crew. Their train robberies in North Texas had yielded meager returns, and the relentless pursuit by law enforcement agencies left them desperate. Facing immense pressure, Bass reluctantly decided to abandon their operations and seek refuge in Mexico. However, unbeknownst to Bass, his plans were about to be compromised by a treacherous act of betrayal.
The Seeds of Betrayal:
General John B. Jones, Commander of the Texas Rangers, learned of Bass’s intention to flee to Mexico through informants posing as friends of the gang. Recognizing an opportunity to dismantle the Sam Bass Gang once and for all, Jones, along with Captain Peak and other officers, approached Jim Murphy, who was awaiting trial by Federal authorities for train robbery. In exchange for his cooperation, they promised to secure his release if he would betray Bass and provide information about the gang’s movements.
Faced with the prospect of imprisonment, Jim Murphy succumbed to the temptation of freedom and struck a deal with the Texas Rangers. He agreed to betray his comrades and provide them with the information they needed to capture Sam Bass and his remaining gang members. This decision would forever brand him as a traitor in the eyes of history.
A Double Game:
Following his agreement with the Rangers, Jim Murphy rejoined Bass and his crew in the Elm Bottoms. However, suspicions began to arise among Bass’s loyal followers regarding Murphy’s sudden release and the individuals who had vouched for him. Whispers of betrayal reached Bass, who was immediately wary of Murphy’s true intentions.
Confronted with these accusations, Bass confronted Jim Murphy, demanding an explanation. Barnes, ever loyal to his leader, urged Bass to eliminate Murphy immediately. However, Jim Murphy vehemently denied any intention of betraying Bass, offering to lead any robbery Bass planned and be the first to take action.
Frank Jackson, who had known Murphy since childhood, intervened on his behalf, vouching for his sincerity and loyalty. Jackson’s influence over Bass was significant, and his plea ultimately swayed the leader’s decision. Bass and Barnes, against their better judgment, allowed Murphy to remain with the gang, a decision that would prove fatal.
The Road to Round Rock:
In early July 1878, Sam Bass, Seaborn Barnes, Frank Jackson, and Jim Murphy departed Denton County, embarking on a fateful journey towards Round Rock, Texas. Unbeknownst to Bass and Barnes, Jim Murphy had seized an opportunity to send a clandestine message to General Jones, informing him of their destination and their intention to rob the bank in Round Rock.
As the gang approached Round Rock, the Texas Rangers were already lying in wait, prepared to ambush them. While Jim Murphy feigned interest in gathering information from locals about the presence of lawmen, Bass, Barnes, and Jackson hitched their horses in an alley behind the bank and proceeded to a nearby store to purchase tobacco.
The Ambush:
As the three bandits entered the store, Deputy Sheriff Moore, standing on the sidewalk with Deputy Sheriff Grimes, noticed that one of the newcomers appeared to be armed. Approaching Bass, Moore attempted to search him, prompting Bass to declare, "Yes, of course, I have a pistol." With those words, the situation erupted into a chaotic gunfight.
The robbers drew their weapons, fatally shooting Grimes as he retreated towards the door. They then turned their attention to Sheriff Moore, shooting him in the lungs as he attempted to draw his own weapon. The outlaws then fled. Seaborn Barnes was killed in the ensuing shootout, while Bass was severely wounded but managed to escape with Frank Jackson. However, Bass’s injuries were too severe, and he succumbed to them the following day. Frank Jackson managed to evade capture and returned to Denton County, consumed by a desire for revenge against Jim Murphy.
The Traitor’s Demise:
Jim Murphy, having played his part in the downfall of the Sam Bass Gang, returned to Denton, only to discover that Frank Jackson was lurking in the Elm Bottoms, seeking to avenge Bass’s death. Fearing for his life, Murphy sought refuge in the county jail, requesting protection from the sheriff.
While confined within the prison walls, Murphy developed an eye infection. A physician prescribed medication to treat the ailment, cautioning him that the fluid was a deadly poison. In a tragic turn of events, Murphy accidentally ingested a large portion of the poisonous solution and died. While some accounts suggest that it was suicide, the circumstances surrounding his death remain shrouded in mystery.
A Legacy of Betrayal:
Jim Murphy’s name will forever be associated with betrayal and treachery within the context of the Sam Bass Gang. His decision to cooperate with the Texas Rangers led to the demise of the gang and the deaths of several of its members. While some may argue that he was simply acting in self-preservation, his actions had devastating consequences for those who had once considered him a comrade.
The story of Jim Murphy serves as a cautionary tale about the perils of loyalty and the consequences of betrayal in the unforgiving world of the American West. His name will forever be etched in the annals of outlaw history as the man who betrayed Sam Bass and his gang, forever altering the course of their destiny.