Old West Outlaw List – H
The American West, a land of vast landscapes and boundless opportunity, also harbored a darker side – a breeding ground for outlaws and desperados. These individuals, often driven by desperation, greed, or a disregard for the law, left their indelible mark on the history of the era. This article delves into the lives and exploits of some of the Old West’s most notorious figures whose surnames begin with the letter "H." From cattle rustlers to train robbers, gunfighters to con men, these individuals represent a diverse array of criminal activity that plagued the frontier.
Bill Halderman: The Halderman brothers, Bill and Tom, met their end on the gallows in Tombstone, Arizona, on November 16, 1900. Their crime: the fatal shooting of a man. Tombstone, a town synonymous with the Wild West, witnessed its fair share of violence, and the Halderman’s hanging served as a stark reminder of the consequences of lawlessness. The dusty streets of Tombstone, once echoing with the sounds of gunfights and boisterous saloons, bore witness to the final chapter of their outlaw lives.
Tom Halderman: Sharing the same fate as his brother, Tom Halderman was hanged alongside Bill for the same crime in Tombstone. The brothers’ story is a somber tale of how a single act of violence could lead to a swift and unforgiving justice in the unforgiving landscape of the Old West.
"Haltbreek Jack": The moniker "Haltbreek Jack" likely referred to a cattle rustler, a common criminal in the open ranges of the West. His story ended abruptly at the hands of the Montana Stranglers, a vigilante group operating near Yellowstone. In 1884, they took the law into their own hands and lynched him for his crimes. The vast expanse of Montana, with its sprawling ranches and herds of cattle, was a prime target for rustlers, and the Stranglers’ actions reflected the frustration and desperation of ranchers trying to protect their livelihoods.
Bill Hall: Bill Hall holds the dubious distinction of being the first prisoner of Yuma Territorial Prison in 1875. This infamous prison, located in the harsh Arizona desert, was known for its brutal conditions and served as a deterrent to potential criminals. Hall’s incarceration marked the beginning of his confinement within the prison’s formidable walls, a testament to the long reach of the law even in the remote territories.
Caleb Hall (aka: The Prowler, John Collins, Sam Collins): Caleb Hall, operating under various aliases, was a former member of the John Kinney Gang. He participated in New Mexico’s bloody Lincoln County War, a conflict fueled by political and economic rivalries. This war, marked by violence and bloodshed, shaped the landscape of Lincoln County and etched the names of its participants, including Caleb Hall, into the annals of the Old West.
Silas Hampton: In December 1886, 18-year-old Silas Hampton, a Cherokee Indian, committed a robbery and murder near Tishomingo, Oklahoma. His crime was the killing of a farmer named Abner N. Lloyd, from whom he stole a meager $7.50. Hampton’s ill-gotten gains were quickly spent on frivolous items, leading to his arrest. Despite his pleas to avoid Fort Smith, he was tried before Judge Isaac Parker and hanged in 1887. Fort Smith, known as "Hell on the Border," was the seat of justice for Indian Territory, and Judge Parker was renowned for his harsh sentences.
Orlando Camillo Hanks (aka: Charley Jones, Deaf Charley): Considered the last and toughest member of Butch Cassidy’s Wild Bunch, Orlando Camillo Hanks, known as Deaf Charley, was a notorious train robber in Montana and New Mexico during the 1880s. His criminal career came to an end in 1902 when he was killed by Sheriff Pink Taylor after fatally shooting a lawman. The Wild Bunch, a legendary outlaw gang, terrorized the railroads and banks of the West, and Hanks’ association with them cemented his place in outlaw history.
John Wesley (Wes) Hardin: John Wesley Hardin, often hailed as Texas’ most deadly gunman, claimed to have killed over thirty people. His reputation as a quick-draw artist and ruthless killer preceded him. After spending 18 years in prison, he met his end in a hail of bullets on August 19, 1895, at the hands of John Henry Selman. Hardin’s life was a whirlwind of violence, and his death served as a final, brutal punctuation mark on his turbulent existence.
Joseph "Joe" Hardin: As the brother of John Wesley Hardin, Joseph "Joe" Hardin followed a similar path of lawlessness. He too became an outlaw but was lynched in June 1874, a grim testament to the dangers of a life lived outside the law.
Mart Hardin: Mart Hardin was accused of conspiracy in the murder of Bud Frazer, who was killed by Jim Miller in 1893. The intricate web of relationships and accusations highlights the complex and often treacherous nature of life in the Old West.
John Jefferson Harlin (aka: Off Wheeler): John Jefferson Harlin, also known as Off Wheeler, was among the many "bad men" who were driven out of Las Vegas, New Mexico. The town, struggling to maintain order, attempted to cleanse itself of its criminal element, highlighting the ongoing battle between law and lawlessness.
Adolf Harmon: Adolf Harmon was shot and killed by Gabriel Gonzolez a decade after Harmon murdered Deputy Sheriff Esteban Trujillo on January 22, 1897. This incident illustrates the long memories and enduring grudges that often fueled violence in the Old West.
Augustin Harmon: Augustin Harmon, a gunman, received a twenty-five-year prison sentence for killing Ricardo Lovato of Springer, New Mexico. His conviction served as a reminder that even in the wild and untamed West, justice, though sometimes delayed, could eventually be served.
Harpe Brothers: The Harpe Brothers, operating in Tennessee, Kentucky, and Illinois in the late 1700s, are considered by some to be America’s first serial killers. Their gruesome acts of violence shocked and terrorized the frontier communities.
Chas Harper: Chas Harper, a member of the Plummer gang, met his end on the gallows in Florence, Idaho, in 1891. His association with Henry Plummer’s notorious gang, known for its robberies and murders, sealed his fate.
Charles A. "Jack" Harris: Charles A. "Jack" Harris, a saloon keeper and highwayman, lived a double life in Nevada. He projected the image of a respectable citizen while secretly robbing stagecoaches, demonstrating the duplicity that could thrive in the unregulated environment of the West.
Edward Hart: Edward Hart, another former member of the John Kinney Gang, fought in the Lincoln County War. He later joined Selman’s Scouts, a particularly vicious gang. He was killed by John Selman in Lincoln County in September 1878, allegedly for trying to take over the gang.
Splay Foot Hartnett: Splay Foot Hartnett met a similar fate to "Haltbreek Jack," being lynched by the Montana Stranglers in 1884. His story reinforces the prevalence of vigilante justice in the West, where formal law enforcement was often lacking or ineffective.
Pearl Hart: Pearl Hart, one of the few female stagecoach robbers in the American West, stands out as a unique figure in outlaw history. Her story challenges traditional gender roles and highlights the diverse motivations that drove individuals to a life of crime.
L. B. Hasbrouck: L. B. Hasbrouck, a horse thief operating in Kansas, was captured with other thieves near Caldwell. On July 29, 1874, a lynch mob stormed the Caldwell jail and lynched Hasbrouck along with two other horse thieves. The summary justice underscores the impatience of settlers with perceived threats to their property.
Sam Hasley: Sam Hasley, an outlaw who killed several men, joined the war against the Texas reconstructionists in Bell County. This involvement in political violence underscores the blurring lines between personal grievances and larger conflicts in the post-Civil War era.
Henry Hawkins: Henry Hawkins led a band of outlaws known as the "Mesa Hawks," who robbed trains in the New Mexico Territory in 1897. The railroads, vital arteries of commerce and transportation, became frequent targets for outlaws seeking to enrich themselves.
C.B. Hawley: C.B. Hawley confessed to stagecoach robbery near Globe, Arizona, in 1882 and was subsequently lynched. His confession, coupled with the swift execution of vigilante justice, illustrates the lack of due process that often characterized the era.
Bob Hayes: Bob Hayes, also known as Sam Hassell and John West, began as a horse thief before joining Black Jack Christian’s High Fives Gang. He met his end in a gunfight with lawmen in New Mexico, a common demise for outlaws operating in the territory.
Harry Head: Harry Head, also known as Harry the Kid, was a cattle rustler and stage robber in southern Arizona. Known to associate with the Clanton Gang, he was killed while attempting to rob a store. His story is intertwined with the infamous Clanton family, who were prominent figures in the events leading up to the Gunfight at the O.K. Corral.
John Heath: John Heath received only a life sentence for a brutal robbery and murder, a sentence deemed insufficient by the residents of Tombstone, Arizona. He was subsequently lynched, demonstrating the community’s outrage and their willingness to bypass the formal legal system.
Marion Hedgepeth: Marion Hedgepeth, known as the "Handsome Bandit" and the "Debonair Bandit," was a dapper-dressing outlaw train robber, hired gun, and killer who operated throughout the American West. His elegant appearance and sophisticated demeanor contrasted sharply with his violent profession.
William Hedges: William Hedges, also known as Pawnee Bill, was listed on a Las Vegas, New Mexico, poster warning "Thieves, Thugs, Fakirs and Bunko-Steerers" to leave town. The poster highlights the efforts of communities to rid themselves of undesirable elements.
Art Hefferman: Art Hefferman shot a man in Virginia City, Montana, in March 1871 and was lynched by vigilantes. His story exemplifies the swift and often brutal justice meted out by vigilante groups in the absence of effective law enforcement.
Bill Heffridge: Bill Heffridge, an outlaw member of the Sam Bass Gang in 1877, was killed in Kansas during a gun battle. His involvement with the notorious Sam Bass Gang, known for its train robberies and bank heists, marked him as a dangerous and wanted man.
Augustus "Gus" Heffron: Augustus "Gus" Heffron, a friend of the outlaw Dave Crockett, was captured in a gun battle with lawmen at Cimarron, New Mexico, in October 1876, where Crockett was killed. He escaped and disappeared, leaving his fate uncertain.
Boone Helm: Boone Helm, an outlaw member of Henry Plummer’s gang known as the Innocents, was hanged in Virginia City, Montana, by vigilantes. His gruesome reputation as a cannibal and ruthless killer contributed to his notoriety.
Davenport Helm: Davenport Helm, a cousin of Boone Helm, was killed in Sonoma County, California. The Helm family’s involvement in outlaw activity suggests a pattern of lawlessness that spanned generations.
Jack Helm: Jack Helm, a lawman, gunfighter, and outlaw, fought for the Suttons in the Sutton-Taylor Feud in Texas. His complex role as both lawman and outlaw highlights the moral ambiguities and shifting allegiances that characterized the Old West.
Bill Henderson: Bill Henderson led a rustling gang near Fort Griffin, Texas. After stealing horses, they fled to Dodge City, Kansas, where Sheriff Charlie Bassett arrested them. They were returned to Albany, Texas, and lynched.
Wall Henderson: Wall Henderson was shot and killed on November 14, 1871, by John W. Stinson in Elizabethtown, New Mexico. His death adds to the long list of violent encounters that punctuated life in the territory.
Mariano Hernandez: Mariano Hernandez was lynched in 1850 after killing a man in San Jose, California. His case reflects the early stages of vigilante justice in the rapidly growing state.
Albert Herndon: Albert Herndon was an outlaw member of the Sam Bass Gang who participated in the train robbery in Mesquite Springs, Texas. He was sent to Sing Sing prison in New York and afterward disappeared in history.
Nestor Herrera: Nestor Herrera was an outlaw member of Vicente Silva’s White Caps Gang in Las Vegas, New Mexico. The White Caps, a vigilante group composed primarily of Hispanic residents, sought to protect their land and rights against encroachment by Anglo settlers.
Bob Herring: Bob Herring, a Texas outlaw and member of Joe Baker’s gang, stole horses from 1885-1894 and was imprisoned for 35 years following a gunfight at Dallas in 1899. His long criminal career and subsequent imprisonment underscore the long arm of the law.
Joe Hetherington: Joe Hetherington, an Englishman, was lynched by vigilantes in San Francisco, California, on July 29, 1856. His case highlights the xenophobia and prejudice that sometimes fueled vigilante violence.
Milt Hicks: Milt Hicks was an outlaw in Arizona and New Mexico.
George Hilderman: George Hilderman, also known as The Great American Pie-Eater, was an outlaw who belonged to Henry Plummer’s gang of Innocents.
Frank Hill: Frank Hill, an outlaw and rustler, was killed by a posse in New Mexico in March 1880. His death demonstrates the determination of law enforcement to combat cattle rustling.
Owen D. Hill: Owen D. Hill, a black outlaw in Indian Territory, murdered his wife and mother-in-law. Convicted of murder, he was hanged in Fort Smith, Arkansas, on April 27, 1888.
Tom Hill: Tom Hill, also known as Tom Chelson, was an outlaw and gunfighter who became Jesse Evans’ right-hand man. He was killed on March 13, 1878, while robbing a sheep camp.
Clarence Browler Hite: Clarence Browler Hite, a cousin of Frank and Jesse James, joined the James Gang. He was arrested for the Winston robbery and sentenced to 25 years in prison.
Robert Woodson Hite: Robert Woodson Hite, another cousin of Frank and Jesse James, rode for "Bloody Bill" Anderson during the Civil War. He later joined the James Gang and was killed by Robert Ford.
Joseph Hlavaty: Joseph Hlavaty was an accomplice to Pretty Boy Floyd and Fred Hildebrand.
Thomas J. Hodges: Thomas J. Hodges, also known as Tom Bell and the "Outlaw Doc," was a physician, stagecoach robber, and leader of an outlaw gang in California.
Foster "The Kid" Holbrook: Foster "The Kid" Holbrook, an outlaw member of the Christian Gang, was captured shortly after the killing of Deputy Sheriff W.C. Turner.
Lewis Holder: Lewis Holder, an Oklahoma outlaw, was convicted of robbing and killing George Bickford and was hanged at Fort Smith, Arkansas, on July 25, 1894.
H.H. Holmes: H.H. Holmes, a prolific serial killer, operated in the late 19th century.
Russ Holloway: Russ Holloway killed a man in 1879 in Earth County, Texas, and fled. He returned in 1927 and surrendered but was released as no indictment was standing.
Reimund Holzhay: Reimund Holzhay, also known as Black Bart, was captured in 1889 while robbing a train single-handedly. He received a life sentence.
Joe Horner: Joe Horner is associated with Frank M. Canton.
Thomas Horn: Thomas Horn, also known as James Hicks, was a gunfighter and lawman who turned outlaw and was hanged on November 20, 1903.
Eddie House: Eddie House, a New Mexico outlaw, was charged with the murder of a Lincoln County sheepherder but was acquitted in 1881.
Thomas Jefferson House: Thomas Jefferson House, also known as Tom Henry, was an outlaw and horse thief who killed Joe Carson, constable of Las Vegas, New Mexico, and was lynched.
Walter Hovey: Walter Hovey, also known as Fatly Ryan, was an outlaw member of the Black Jack Ketchum Gang.
Charles Howard: Charles Howard, an outlaw member of the Robert McKemie Gang, was captured in 1878 along with McKemie.
James "Tex" Howard: James "Tex" Howard, also known as Tex Willis and Jack Howard, was the scout for a Bisbee, Arizona, robbery in 1883, during which several people were killed. He was arrested and hanged in 1884.
Joe Howard: Joe Howard, an alleged outlaw and horse thief, was lynched in 1873 at Franklin, Missouri.
"Big Dan" Howland: "Big Dan" Howland murdered J.W. Lacy, a relative of Ike Stockton, at the insistence of vigilantes in Farmington, New Mexico.
Joe Hubert: Joe Hubert, also known as Joe Roberts, rustled cattle in 1877 near Hillsboro, New Mexico, and was convicted of mail robbery.
Jim Hughes: Jim Hughes was an Arizona and New Mexico outlaw.
Wilson "Texas Jack" Hughes: Wilson "Texas Jack" Hughes was an outlaw member of the Ike Stockton Gang.
Della Humby: Della Humby, a black outlaw in Indian Territory, was wanted for murdering his wife and killing Sergeant James Guy. He was tried at Fort Smith, Arkansas, and acquitted.
O.V. Humphreys: O.V. Humphreys killed a man named John Allen, wounded his wife, and committed suicide in Apache, Oklahoma.
"Humpy Jack": "Humpy Jack," an alleged outlaw, was shot and killed in his cabin in 1884 by the vigilante Montana Stranglers.
Richard "Zwing" Hunt: Richard "Zwing" Hunt robbed the Tombstone Mining and Milling Co. with Billy "the Kid" Grounds and killed M.C. Peel. He was killed by Apache Indians.
Bill "Tex" Hunter: Bill "Tex" Hunter was an outlaw and member of Ike Stockton’s Gang.
Bill Hunter: Bill Hunter was an outlaw and member of the Henry Plummer’s gang of Innocents and was the last of the gang to be lynched by the Montana Vigilantes.
The tales of these individuals provide a glimpse into the complex and often brutal realities of life in the Old West. Their stories, filled with violence, desperation, and fleeting moments of notoriety, continue to fascinate and intrigue us today. These Old West Outlaw List – H figures represent a small fraction of the countless individuals who shaped the history of the American frontier. They were products of their time and environment. These Old West Outlaw List – H desperados sought fortune outside the bounds of law. The Old West Outlaw List – H shows a glimpse of how life was during the wild, wild west. Some of the Old West Outlaw List – H figures found redemption. Many Old West Outlaw List – H figures lived fast and died young. The Old West Outlaw List – H stories serve as cautionary tales of the dangers of a life lived outside the law.
Also See:
Outlaw Gangs
Outlaws on the Frontier
Outlaw & Scoundrel Photo Galleries
Story of the Outlaw – Study of the Western Desperado