Old West Outlaw List – C
The era of the Old West, a period romanticized in countless stories and films, was also a time of significant lawlessness. Among those who roamed the territories, challenging the nascent justice systems, were figures who have become ingrained in American folklore. This article delves into the lives and deeds of some of the outlaws whose names begin with the letter "C," offering a glimpse into their motivations, crimes, and ultimate fates. The Old West Outlaw List – C offers a roll call of those individuals whose exploits, whether grand or grim, contributed to the complex tapestry of the American West.
This Old West Outlaw List – C is not a comprehensive record, but rather a collection of summaries that attempts to shed light on some of the individuals who operated outside the law.
Guadalupe Caballero, aka The Owl: Guadalupe Caballero, better known as "The Owl," was a key player in the Vicente Silva White Caps Gang. Operating in the turbulent landscape of Las Vegas, New Mexico, Caballero served as the gang’s chief spy. His role involved gathering intelligence and monitoring the movements of potential targets and law enforcement. However, his criminal career was cut short when he was captured and convicted for his involvement in the murder of Pat Meas. Caballero received a ten-year prison sentence, marking the end of his days as a shadowy figure within the White Caps.
Andrew Cameron: Andrew Cameron’s notoriety stems from a single, violent act. In New Mexico, on April 25, 1881, Cameron fatally shot Donaciano Tafoya. The circumstances surrounding the shooting remain somewhat obscure, but the act cemented Cameron’s place as an Old West Outlaw List – C.
Edmund Campbell (18??-1875): Edmund Campbell’s story is one of revenge and racial tension in the Indian Territory. Campbell, a black man, sought retribution for an unspecified insult by murdering Lawson Ross and his wife. His actions led to his capture and trial. On September 3, 1875, Campbell was hanged at Fort Smith, Arkansas, paying the ultimate price for his crime. His case underscores the volatile social dynamics of the time.
William “Wild Bill” Campbell (18??-1881): William Campbell, better known as "Wild Bill," associated with the infamous Jesse Evans. Riding alongside Evans, Campbell participated in various outlaw activities. His career culminated when he was lynched by a mob in Arizona in 1881, marking a violent end to his life.
William Campbell, aka The Kid: Another outlaw known as "The Kid," William Campbell operated in Montana as a member of the Ashly Gang in 1884. His time as an outlaw was brief, as he was killed by lawmen, ending his criminal activities.
Frank M. Canton, aka Joe Horner (1849-1927): Frank M. Canton’s life was a complex one, blurring the lines between law and lawlessness. He lived in Oklahoma, Wyoming, Alaska, and Montana. He experienced a life as a gunman, outlaw, lawman, and rancher. Canton’s ability to navigate both sides of the law made him a controversial figure, and his inclusion on the Old West Outlaw List – C serves as a reminder that the lines between good and bad were not always clear-cut in the West.
Louis Cardis: Louis Cardis was a significant figure in the El Paso Salt War, a conflict rooted in the control of valuable salt deposits. As the leader of the Mexican faction, Cardis played a central role in the dispute. His life came to an end in 1877 when he was killed by Judge Howard.
“Laughing” Sam Carey: "Laughing" Sam Carey, also possibly known as Laughing Dick Carey, was associated with the infamous Hole-in-the-Wall Gang. This loosely organized group of outlaws operated primarily in Wyoming during the late 19th century. Carey’s nickname suggests a particular demeanor, but details about his specific crimes and activities remain sparse.
Peter Carl: Peter Carl’s crime was a violent act in a saloon. In Rincon, New Mexico, on August 31, 1884, Carl shot and killed Harry Huber. This single act of violence placed Carl on the wrong side of the law, making him part of the Old West Outlaw List – C.
Thomas “Kye” Carlile: Thomas Carlile, better known as "Kye," was an early leader of the Cookson Hills Gang. This gang was suspected of multiple bank robberies in Bixby, Oklahoma, and Springdale, Arkansas. Carlile was also suspected of murdering a woman named Susie Sharp and four Oklahoma lawmen. His criminal career ended in September 1932, when he was killed by lawmen in Cherokee, Oklahoma.
"Carlisle Kid": See Nah-deiz-az.
John Carlisle: John Carlisle’s story is one of conspiracy and capital punishment. In Texas, Carlisle was hanged in 1893 for conspiracy to commit murder.
William L. “Bill” Carlisle: William Carlisle, known as "Bill," holds the distinction of being one of the last Old West train robbers. Operating in California and Wyoming, Carlisle continued his criminal activities into the 1900s. He was eventually captured and imprisoned, marking the end of an era.
Patrie Carmondy: Patrie Carmondy was involved in a deadly conspiracy in New Mexico. Jailed along with Mexican conspirators Jagola and Gonzales for the murder of William Wiggins, Carmondy participated in a daring escape from jail in Socorro, New Mexico, in October 1888.
Jose M. Carrolla, aka: Portuguese Jo: Jose Carrolla, known as "Portuguese Jo," was an outlaw member of the Wild Bill Martin Gang. His criminal career was cut short when he was shot and killed by John Perry on June 19, 1877.
Alexander Carter: Alexander Carter’s criminal activities centered around Montana. He was a road agent and suspected member of Henry Plummer’s infamous gang of Innocents. Carter’s association with this notorious group ultimately led to his demise, as he was hanged by the Montana Vigilantes.
William Carver: William Carver was an outlaw and Texas cowboy who rode with several notorious gangs, including the Black Jack Ketchum Gang, the Wild Bunch, and the High Fives Gang. He was killed by a posse led by Sheriff Lige Briant in 1901 outside Sonora, Texas. His life of crime and association with some of the West’s most notorious figures solidified his place in outlaw history.
James P. Casey: James P. Casey was the editor of the San Francisco Times newspaper, and he shot James King, proprietor of the rival Evening Bulletin. King died six days later. In what was probably the largest vigilante committee ever formed, some 2,600 men marched to the jail, broke Casey out, and lynched him along with his unfortunate cellmate on May 14, 1856.
Jim Casey: Jim Casey’s story is one of alleged murder and attempted escape. As an Oklahoma outlaw, Casey was jailed for the alleged killing of a Yukon deputy. He was shot while attempting to escape from jail on June 30, 1895.
Joe Casey: Joe Casey was jailed by Sheriff Bob Paul in 1882 in Tucson, Arizona. After escaping, he was captured and hanged.
James C. Casharego: See George Wilson.
Butch Cassidy: Butch Cassidy was the leader of the Wild Bunch, the gang robbed trains and banks in Utah, Nevada, Wyoming, Colorado, New Mexico, and other states. He and Harry Longbaugh, the Sundance Kid, were allegedly killed in Bolivia or Argentina in 1908.
Candido Castillo: Candido Castillo was a wanted man with rewards on his head totaling $2,400. He was shot and killed by a posse near Espanola, New Mexico, in 1884.
Catfish Kid: The "Catfish Kid" reportedly killed deputy Sheriff L.S. Pierce in a gunfight and was imprisoned for murder.
Jim Catron, aka The Pagnas Stage Robber: Jim Catron was shot and killed by a guard in the 1880s at Fort Garland, Colorado.
Cattle Kate: See Ellen Watson.
Icnacio Chaco: Ignacio Chaco was an outlaw member of the Castillo Gang.
Augustine Chacon: Augustine Chacon led a gang who murdered and robbed in Arizona. He escaped jail and execution twice before being captured by the deputy sheriff of Cochise County, Burton Alvord. He was hanged on November 21, 1901.
William “Bill” Chadwell, aka Bill Stiles: William Chadwell rode with the James-Younger Gang robbing trains and banks. He was killed in the attempted robbery at the First National Bank in Northfield, Minnesota.
Wade Chamberlee: Wade Chamberlee was an Oklahoma train robber arrested by Grant Johnson.
Joe Chancellor: See Tom O’Day.
Antonio Chavez: Antonio Chavez was shot and killed during a holdup outside San Simon, New Mexico, on May 21, 1880.
Carlos Chavez: Carlos Chavez was hanged for slaying Yum Kee in Silver City, New Mexico, in 1884.
Fernando Chavez: Fernando Chavez was lynched in Las Lunas, New Mexico, on October 6, 1881.
Josefito Chavez: Josefito Chavez was an outlaw and horse thief, and a gunman in the Lincoln County War of New Mexico.
Pedro Chavez: Pedro Chavez was an outlaw and member of Augustin Chacon’s gang in the 1890s. He was arrested for robbery, escaped prison at Tuscon, Arizona, and was killed in a gun battle with Sheriff Wakefield.
Jose Chavez y Chavez: Jose Chavez y Chavez was an outlaw member of the Vicente Silva White Caps Gang of Las Vegas, New Mexico. The last surviving gang member, he was sentenced to life imprisonment.
Cherry, aka The Kid: Cherry was an outlaw member of Ike Stockton’s gang. Dyson Eskridge shot him in the back.
John Childers, Jr.: John Childers, Jr. robbed and murdered Rayburn Wedding in October 1870 in the Cherokee Nation of Indian Territory. Though he was immediately arrested, he escaped from a federal jail in Van Buren, Arkansas. He was recaptured in 1871. On August 15, 1873, he became the first man to be hanged at Fort Smith, Arkansas.
Robert “Bob” Christian, aka Tom Anderson: Robert Christian was a member of the High Fives Gang. Will Christian was killed by a posse in Arizona in 1897. Bob Christian escaped and was known to have been jailed in Fronteras, Senora, Mexico, in 1897 for “shooting up the town.” After his release, he disappeared.
Will “Black Jack” Christian, aka Ed Williams: Will Christian led a gang of robbers called the High Fives Gang, he and his brother Bob would roam Oklahoma, New Mexico, and Arizona where they robbed banks, trains, and stagecoaches in earnest.
Willard Erastus Christianson, aka Matt Warner, Ras Lewis: Willard Erastus Christianson started as an outlaw changing his name to Matt Warner. He rode with Butch Cassidy and wound up in prison. Afterward, he served as Justice of the Peace and deputy sheriff in Carbon County, Utah.
Ned Christie: Ned Christie was a Cherokee Indian outlaw Christie was a horse thief who killed Marshal Dan Maples and others. He was killed by a posse on November 2, 1892, in the Cherokee Nation of Indian Territory.
William F. “Billy” Claiborne: William Claiborne moved to Cochise County, Arizona, where he became a member of the Clanton Gang. He survived the O.K. Corral gunfight and was killed by Buckskin Frank Leslie in Tombstone in November 1882.
Eddy “Newt” Clanton: Eddy Clanton was an outlaw member of the Cookson Hills Gang, participating in numerous bank robberies in Oklahoma, Kansas, Nebraska between 1932-34. Also suspected of two murders, he was killed by police officers in Chelsea, Oklahoma, in February 1934.
Finneas Clanton: Finneas Clanton was a member of the Clanton Gang. Although not as active an outlaw as his brothers, he did serve a prison sentence for cattle rustling.
Isaac “Ike” Clanton: Isaac Clanton was a gunman and member of the Clanton Gang of Cochise County, Arizona. He was unarmed when the Earps and Doc Holliday advanced on them at the O.K. Corral.
Newman Haynes “Old Man” Clanton: Newman Haynes Clanton was the head of the Clanton Gang in Cochise County, Arizona, and was accused by the Earps of rustling, ambushing smugglers, and harboring outlaws. He was never prosecuted or arrested for these alleged crimes.
Robert Clanton: Robert Clanton killed Jerome and Dick Maddox, and Lew Coates in a gunfight in Portland, Missouri, in 1863. He escaped to Texas but was apprehended 25 years later for murder.
William “Billy” Clanton: William Clanton participated in the Gunfight at the O.K. Corral and was killed with Frank and Tom McLowery.
Barnard Clark: Barnard Clark rode with Al Spencer and Jelly Nash.
Thomas Clark, aka Pennsylvania Butch: Thomas Clark was an outlaw and member of the gang that held up a train outside Marcus, Illinois. He was arrested and sent to the prison at Joliet.
Newton Clayton: Newton Clayton was a murderer and bank robber in Oklahoma.
Archibald J. “Little Archie” Clement: Archibald Clement was a federal guerilla under William Anderson in the Civil War, and the first leader of the James-Younger Gang. He was killed by Missouri State Militia on December 13, 1866.
Emanuel Clements, Sr., aka Mannen: Emanuel Clements killed two men in July 1871 in Indian Territory. He was later jailed in Kansas by Wild Bill Hickok but was released on request of Hardin. He was killed at Ballinger, Texas, on March 29, 1887.
George Cleveland: George Cleveland was a member of Kit Joy’s gang and was killed by the gang after escaping from jail at Silver City, New Mexico, in March 1884.
Daniel “Dynamite Dick” Clifton: Daniel Clifton was a wanted man before joining the Doolin Gang in 1892, for robbery, safecracking, and cattle rustling in Oklahoma.
Tilton Cockerill: Tilton Cockerill led a group that robbed a train at Verdi, Nevada, on November 4, 1870.
Chas Coe: Chas Coe killed two men in Grayson County, Texas, in 1884 and was indicted for murder.
William “Bill” Coe: William Coe was the leader of the Oklahoma Bill Coe Gang, he headquartered in an area now known as Robber’s Roost in the Oklahoma Panhandle. Vigilantes lynched him in 1868.
George Collins: George Collins killed a Pinkerton detective and was hanged on March 26, 1904.
Henry Collins: Henry Collins helped Sam Bass rob a train in 1878 at Mesquite, Texas.
Joel Collins: Joel Collins joined Sam Bass in a train robbery near Big Springs, Nebraska, and was killed by soldiers near Hays City, Kansas.
William Collins: William Collins participated in a train robbery. He was arrested, escaped, and fled to Canada, where he and U.S. Marshal Bill Anderson shot and killed each other.
Jim Cook: Jim Cook was wounded while resisting arrest in the Cherokee Nation of Indian Territory.
William “Bill” Tuttle Cook, aka The Cherokee Kid, John Williams; John Mayfield: William Cook led the Cook Gang, which committed several bold robberies throughout the Indian Territory. On January 11, 1895, he was sentenced to 45 years imprisonment in the federal prison at Albany, New York. He died there on February 15, 1900.
John Cooper: John Cooper was a road agent in Montana and thought to have been a member of Henry Plummer’s gang of Innocents. Montana Vigilantes hung him.
James Copeland: James Copeland was the co-leader of a 60-man gang known as the Wages and Copeland Clan. He was captured and executed at Augusta, Mississippi, on October 30, 1857.
Burt Corman: Burt Corman shot and killed Matt Craig on December 27, 1886, in Fairview, New Mexico.
Silveria Coma: Silveria Coma murdered Tavian Pacheco on July 15, 1882, in Sabinal, New Mexico.
Brack Cornett: Brack Cornett co-led the Bill Whitley or Brack Cornett Gang, Cornett robbed banks and trains in southwest Texas in the late 1880s. Cornett was doggedly pursued by Texas Ranger, Alfred Allee, who caught up with him. When gunplay erupted Cornett was killed.
Gregorio Cortez: Gregorio Cortez killed Kames County Sheriff Morris and Gonzales County Sheriff Robert Glover. After serving just eight years in prison, he was pardoned.
Juan Nepomucena Cortinas, aka Juan Cortina, Cheno: Juan Nepomucena Cortinas led raids against towns north of the Rio Grande during the 1850s. He captured the U.S. Army garrison at Brownsville, Texas. After Texas Rangers killed several of Cortina’s leaders, the Mexican bandit retired and died in 1892.
Pat Coughlin: Pat Coughlin was apprehended by John W. Poe but released after the only witness was gunned down.
Ed Coulter: Ed Coulter was lynched by vigilantes in New Mexico in October 1881.
James H. Craft: James Craft murdered William Shook near Ojo Caliente, New Mexico. Both he and Walrath were lynched on June 30, 1879.
Jim Crane: Jim Crane died in a shoot-out in 1881.
Ben Cravens: Ben Cravens was jailed for rustling cattle but escaped. He was again captured in July 1894 and given a lengthy prison term but escaped by killing a guard. He was recaptured in November 1896 but escaped again.
Foster Crawford: Foster Crawford robbed and murdered in Texas. The pair were captured by Texas Rangers, jailed, and lynched on February 27, 1896.
David “Davy” Crockett: David Crockett killed three black soldiers in cold blood. He was later shot dead while resisting arrest.
Zacariah Crompton: Zacariah Crompton killed Isidoro Patron, Isidoro Padilla, Dario Balazar, and Jose Candelaria in Lincoln County, New Mexico, on December 20, 1873.
Tom Crook: Tom Crook killed U.S. Deputy Marshal Charley Pettit in the Osage Nation of Indian Territory.
Charles H. Crosthwaite: Charles Crosthwaite was hanged for killing George W. Johnson in January 1889.
Jackson Crow: Jackson Crow killed a prominent merchant named Charles Wilson in the Choctaw Nation of Indian Territory in 1884. He was hanged in Fort Smith, Arkansas, on April 27, 1888.
Patrick Crowe: Patrick Crowe robbed a train in 1894 and stole diamonds in Denver, Colorado. He was captured in Cincinnati, Ohio, and sentenced to three years in prison.
Boudinot Crumpton, aka Bood Burris: Boudinot Crumpton maintained his innocence. He was hanged at Fort Smith, Arkansas, on June 30, 1891.
Florentino Cruz: Florentino Cruz was killed by Wyatt Earp in 1882.
Ed Cullin, aka: Shoot ‘em Up Dick: Ed Cullin was killed during a train robbery in December 1897.
Jim Cumming, aka James Cunnieus: Jim Cumming killed Captain Will Fields in the Creek Nation of Indian Territory.
James Robert Cummins or Cummings, aka: “Windy Jim,” James Johnson, “Old Jim”: James Cummins was involved in the train robberies at Winston and Blue Cut, Missouri.
George Curry, aka Flat Nose, Big Nose, Tom Dilly: George Curry taught robbery skills to Harvey Logan (Kid Curry,) whom he raised. He was shot and killed after a bank robbery in 1900 by the lawmen from Vernal, Utah.
Kid Curry: See Harvey Logan.
John Curry: John Curry was killed attempting to help a prisoner escape from the Springer, New Mexico jail.
Old John Cush: Old John Cush was captured by Jeff Milton and sent to prison.
This Old West Outlaw List – C offers a glimpse into the diverse backgrounds and criminal activities of individuals who operated outside the law in the American West. From spies and murderers to train robbers and gang leaders, these figures left their mark on the history of the Old West, contributing to its enduring mystique and complex legacy. The Old West Outlaw List – C offers a glimpse into the history of those who lived on the margins of society, challenging the established order and shaping the narrative of the Wild West.