Old West Outlaw List – F
The American West, a land of vast landscapes and untamed frontiers, fostered a unique breed of individuals. Among them were the outlaws, figures who defied the law and carved their own paths, often leaving a trail of notoriety in their wake. This list delves into the lives of some of those individuals whose surnames begin with the letter "F," offering a glimpse into their exploits, their motivations, and their ultimate fates. This Old West Outlaw List – F is a compendium of brief biographies, each a testament to the turbulent times and the diverse characters who shaped the history of the American West.
Philip Fall: Brother to the notorious gunman Albert Fall, Philip chose a different path, albeit one still outside the boundaries of the law. He gained a reputation as a cattle rustler, a crime rampant in the burgeoning cattle industry of the West. These rustlers would steal cattle from ranches, often re-branding them and selling them as their own. Philip Fall’s story takes an unexpected turn, however, as he later transitioned from outlaw to lawman, becoming a deputy marshal. This transformation highlights the fluid nature of morality and opportunity in the Old West, where individuals could shift allegiances and identities as circumstances dictated.
Hutch Farley: Farley’s story is one of revenge and frontier justice. An Indian scout by profession, Farley was driven by a personal vendetta stemming from the death of his father at the Battle of Beecher’s Island in Colorado in November 1868. This battle, a clash between the U.S. Army and Cheyenne, Arapaho, and Sioux warriors, left a lasting scar on Farley’s life. Consumed by grief and a desire for retribution, he tracked down and killed the Native American warrior responsible for his father’s death. While his actions might be considered criminal by modern standards, in the context of the Old West, where personal justice often superseded formal legal systems, Farley’s actions were viewed by some as justifiable.
Hillary Farrington: Hillary Farrington’s life was intertwined with the turmoil of the Civil War and its aftermath. Alongside his brother Levi, Hillary rode as a Confederate guerrilla under the command of the infamous William Quantrill. Quantrill’s Raiders were known for their brutal tactics, most notably their raid on Lawrence, Kansas, in August 1863, which resulted in the deaths of hundreds of unarmed civilians. After the war, unable to reintegrate into a peaceful society, the Farrington brothers turned to a life of crime, becoming outlaw train robbers. Hillary’s criminal career came to a violent end when he attacked his captor, William Pinkerton, resulting in his death.
Levi Farrington: Like his brother Hillary, Levi Farrington’s path was forged in the crucible of the Civil War. He too served as a Confederate soldier under William Quantrill, participating in the brutal raids and skirmishes that characterized the conflict in the border states. After the war, Levi, along with Hillary, transitioned to a life of crime, specifically train robbery, operating primarily in Tennessee. However, their criminal enterprise was short-lived. Levi met his end at the hands of vigilantes, highlighting the dangers faced by outlaws in a society increasingly determined to establish law and order. The story of the Farrington brothers is a cautionary tale of how war can breed violence and how difficult it can be for individuals to return to a peaceful life after experiencing the brutality of conflict. This Old West Outlaw List – F wouldn’t be complete without their mention.
William B. Farris: As a member of the Cook Gang, William B. Farris was a participant in organized crime in the Old West. The Cook Gang, like many others, specialized in a variety of criminal activities, including bank robbery. Farris’s involvement in a bank robbery ultimately led to his capture, underscoring the risks associated with a life of crime and the increasing effectiveness of law enforcement in the West.
Frederick Falkner: Falkner’s entry on this list is brief and stark, a testament to the often-brutal consequences of a life lived outside the law. He was an outlaw who met his end on the gallows on August 19, 1892. His story serves as a reminder of the ultimate price that many outlaws paid for their transgressions.
Jake Felshaw: Felshaw’s criminal activity centered around train robbery, a daring and often lucrative crime in the Old West. He participated in a train robbery near Bowie, New Mexico, on January 6, 1894. Train robberies were a significant problem for railroads and law enforcement, as they disrupted commerce and posed a threat to passengers and crew.
John Fessenden: As an outlaw member of the Christian Gang, Fessenden was part of an organized criminal group operating in the West. The Christian Gang, like other outlaw groups, likely engaged in a variety of criminal activities, including robbery, cattle rustling, and possibly even murder.
Isaac Filmore: Filmore’s story is a tragic example of the harsh realities of life in the Indian Territory. A young Choctaw Indian, only 17 years old, Filmore killed a California traveler for his shoes and a meager $1.50. His crime, driven by poverty and desperation, resulted in a death sentence. He was hanged at Fort Smith, Arkansas, on September 3, 1875. Filmore’s execution highlights the severe punishments meted out by the legal system in the Old West, even for relatively minor crimes.
Tom Fields: Fields’s crime was train robbery, a popular target for outlaws seeking quick riches. After robbing a train near Samuels, Texas, in 1891, he was captured by the Texas Rangers, a renowned law enforcement agency known for its effectiveness in tracking down and apprehending criminals. Fields received a life sentence for his crime, a harsh punishment that reflected the severity of his offense and the determination of law enforcement to maintain order in the West.
William Finch: Finch’s story is one of desertion, horse theft, and murder. He had deserted from the U.S. Army and was also wanted for horse theft. While being transported to Fort Sill, Oklahoma, to face charges, he killed the two soldiers escorting him. This act of violence resulted in a murder conviction and a death sentence. Finch was hanged at Fort Smith, Arkansas, on June 29, 1883. His story illustrates the desperation and brutality that could drive individuals to commit extreme acts of violence in the Old West.
Jessie Findlay: Findlay’s involvement in the outlaw world came through her association with Bill Christian, an outlaw and leader of the Christian Gang. She played a role in the jailbreak of the Christian Brothers, demonstrating her loyalty to Christian and her willingness to break the law to aid her companions.
Jim Finley: Finley’s criminal activity was centered around cattle rustling, a widespread problem in the cattle-rich areas of the West. He operated around Socorro, New Mexico, and met his end at the hands of Joel Fowler. Finley’s story is a reminder of the dangers faced by cattle rustlers, who often faced violent confrontations with ranchers and lawmen.
Bill Fisher: Fisher was wanted in Texas in 1886 for the murder of J.S. Vaughn. He was later arrested and stood trial for the crime. Fisher’s story is a testament to the persistence of law enforcement in pursuing criminals, even across state lines.
Dick Fisher: Fisher’s story is shrouded in mystery. A wanted outlaw in Texas, he was found dead near Cimarron, New Mexico, in 1871. The circumstances surrounding his death remain unclear, leaving open the possibility of foul play or accidental demise.
John King Fisher: King Fisher’s life was a complex and contradictory one. He was a gunman, an outlaw, and a lawman. He initially gained notoriety as an outlaw, but later reformed and became the sheriff of Uvalde County, Texas, in 1881. His transition from outlaw to lawman is a testament to the possibility of redemption and the changing dynamics of the Old West. However, his past caught up with him, and he was killed in an ambush in San Antonio, Texas, in 1884, along with his friend Ben Thompson. This Old West Outlaw List – F highlights the complexities of the Old West through the life of John King Fisher.
Mike Fitzpatrick: Fitzpatrick’s criminal activity involved violence and confrontation with the law. He shot Judge Halliday in the 1870s and was later killed by Marshal Jack Johnson. Fitzpatrick’s story is a reminder of the dangers faced by both outlaws and lawmen in the Old West, where violence was often a way of life.
John Flint: Flint’s story is one of post-Civil War violence and lawlessness. He killed several men in Doaksville, Indian Territory, and was convicted of murder and hanged by federal authorities. Flint’s case highlights the challenges faced by law enforcement in maintaining order in the aftermath of the Civil War, when many individuals turned to violence and crime.
Juan Flores: Flores, along with Pancho Daniel, led the notorious Flores-Daniel Gang in raids across southern California. He was hanged on February 14, 1857, for his crimes.
Henry Floyd: Floyd was an outlaw member of Bill Henderson’s gang. He was arrested in Dodge City, Kansas, and lynched by a mob in Albany, Texas.
W.S. Floyd: Also known as William Wardell, Taylor, or Simmons, Floyd was a New Mexico outlaw who was killed near Flora Vista in May 1884.
John Flynt: An outlaw member of the Wallington gang, Flynt participated in a train robbery in Val Verde County, Texas, in 1891, and committed suicide during the resulting gun battle.
Lyman Follett and Warren Follett: These brothers were involved in the robbery of an Army paymaster on May 11, 1889.
Samuel Fooy: An Indian outlaw, Fooy murdered a schoolteacher for $250 and was hanged at Fort Smith, Arkansas, on September 3, 1875.
Charles Ford: Charles Ford, brother of Robert Ford, was a member of the James Gang and involved in the Blue Cut, Missouri, train robbery. He was also involved in the conspiracy to kill Jesse James. He committed suicide on May 4, 1884.
Robert Ford: Robert Ford, known as the "dirty little coward," shot Jesse James in the back of the head to collect a reward. He was later killed by Edward O’Kelley in Creede, Colorado. This Old West Outlaw List – F wouldn’t be complete without mentioning Robert Ford.
Arthur Fraley: A bank robber in Indian Territory.
James French: Also known as Big Jim or Frenchy, French operated with Belle Starr’s gang and was involved in the Lincoln County War. His ultimate demise is unknown.
Cesario Frescan: A New Mexico outlaw, Frescan killed Nicanor Garcia near La Mesilla on December 10, 1886.
Edward "Tandy" Fulsom: A murderer and horse thief in Indian Territory, Fulsom was hanged at Fort Smith, Arkansas, on June 30, 1882.
This Old West Outlaw List – F provides a glimpse into the lives of individuals who, for various reasons, found themselves on the wrong side of the law in the American West. Their stories, often filled with violence, desperation, and tragedy, offer a complex and nuanced understanding of this turbulent period in American history.