Old West Outlaw List – M
The American West, a land of vast horizons and untamed spirit, also harbored individuals who strayed from the path of law and order. This list, focusing on outlaws whose surnames begin with the letter "M," offers glimpses into the lives and misdeeds of these figures, etching their names into the annals of frontier history. These summaries, far from exhaustive, provide snapshots of their activities, motivations, and ultimate fates, contributing to the complex tapestry of the Old West. The Old West Outlaw List – M presents a diverse array of individuals, from horse thieves and stagecoach robbers to hired guns and members of notorious gangs, all contributing to the turbulent narrative of the era.
Cat Mace: A figure shrouded in brevity, Cat Mace was known as both an outlaw and a gambler, two pursuits often intertwined in the boomtowns and dusty trails of the West. Wanted for the killings of two men in Texas, Mace’s life of crime came to an abrupt end in Colorado, where he was shot and killed by Jim McClease sometime in the 1890s. His story, though concise, speaks to the transient and often violent nature of outlaw life.
John W. Mackey, aka "Buttermilk John": "Buttermilk John," as he was commonly known, was a member of the Christian Gang operating in Oklahoma. His outlaw career was cut short following the killing of Deputy Sheriff W.C. Turner in 1895, after which he was captured. His association with the Christian Gang suggests a level of organization and shared purpose among these outlaws, even if their motives remain obscured by time.
Juanito Maes: In the sparsely populated landscapes of New Mexico, horse theft was a common offense, often driven by necessity or opportunity. Juanito Maes earned his place on the Old West Outlaw List – M through his involvement in stealing horses around Boquilla, New Mexico. While the details of his activities are scarce, his inclusion highlights the prevalence of this crime and the challenges faced by law enforcement in the vast territories of the Southwest.
Patricio Maes: The Vicente Silva White Caps Gang of Las Vegas, New Mexico, was a formidable organization known for its violence and intimidation tactics. Patricio Maes was a member of this gang, operating within the shadows of its power. His story took a grim turn when he was suspected of being a traitor and hanged by his fellow gang members on October 23, 1892. This internal strife reveals the inherent instability and paranoia that often plagued outlaw groups.
Zenon Maes: Like Patricio, Zenon Maes was also a member of Vicente Silva’s White Caps Gang, further illustrating the gang’s influence and reach in the Las Vegas area. His presence on this list serves as another reminder of the volatile environment and the blurred lines between law and lawlessness that defined much of the Old West.
German (Herman) Maestas: Another member of the ill-fated Vicente Silva White Caps Gang, German Maestas met a particularly gruesome end. He was hanged on May 25, 1894, in Las Vegas, not for his activities as a White Cap, but for the murder of his common-law wife and her lover. This act of violence, seemingly unrelated to his gang affiliation, underscores the complex and often brutal nature of individuals who chose a life outside the law.
Tomas Madril (18??-1875): The landscape of the Old West was often marred by rivalries and conflicts between competing gangs. Tomas Madril was a member of the Mes Gang, a group vying for power with the John Kinney Gang in New Mexico. On August 8, 1875, Madril, along with Jermin Aguirre, Jesus Mes, and Pas Mes, fell victim to an ambush orchestrated by the John Kinney Gang and Jessie Evans near the San Augustin Ranch. This event highlights the deadly consequences of gang warfare and the constant threat of violence that loomed over those involved.
John Mahoney: The small town of Wallace, New Mexico, became the scene of a brutal crime in December 1883 when Jock Harriman was murdered. John Mahoney was identified as one of the gang members responsible for the killing, adding another layer to the already complex web of outlaw activities in the region.
Manuel Maldonado: Continuing the theme of the Vicente Silva White Caps Gang’s pervasive influence, Manuel Maldonado was yet another member of this organization. His involvement further solidifies the gang’s reputation for ruthlessness and its significant presence in Las Vegas, New Mexico.
Smoker Mankiller: The Old West Outlaw List – M acknowledges that outlawry was not confined to any particular race or ethnicity. Smoker Mankiller, a Cherokee Indian, was hanged at Fort Smith, Arkansas, on September 3, 1875, for the murder of his neighbor in Indian Territory. His story underscores the complex relationship between Native American communities and the encroaching legal system of the United States.
Abler Manley: The motives behind some outlaw acts remain shrouded in mystery, as exemplified by the case of Abler Manley. He and his brother, Amos, repaid the hospitality of Oklahoma farmer Ellis McVay by killing him and mutilating his hired man on December 3, 1880. Their senseless act of violence led to their conviction and execution at Fort Smith, Arkansas, on September 9, 1881.
Hilario Mares: As with several others on this list, Hilario Mares was associated with the notorious Vicente Silva White Caps Gang, solidifying their presence in the Las Vegas, New Mexico area.
Marlowe Brothers: The bonds of brotherhood could both strengthen and corrupt, as seen in the case of the Marlowe brothers – Boone, Alf, Epp, Charley, and George. These siblings engaged in horse theft and ultimately killed a lawman in 1889. The ensuing gunfight resulted in the deaths of Alf and Epp, while Boone was later poisoned by bounty hunters. George and Charley managed to escape to California, but their story serves as a cautionary tale of family loyalty twisted into criminal enterprise.
Stephen Marshland: The gold rush era in Montana attracted not only prospectors but also those who sought to profit from their misfortune. Stephen Marshland was a road agent suspected of being a member of Henry Plummer’s gang of Innocents. He met his end at the hands of the Montana Vigilantes, a testament to the swift and often brutal justice meted out in the absence of formal law enforcement.
William Martin, aka Wild Bill Jones: The name "Wild Bill" was often associated with frontier figures, both lawmen and outlaws. William Martin, known as Wild Bill Jones, was an outlaw in Lincoln County, New Mexico, who met his demise at the hands of John Perry in June 1887.
Samuel "Wolfman" Mason: Samuel Mason’s story offers a stark contrast between honorable beginnings and a descent into lawlessness. He began as a militia captain during the American Revolution but later turned to piracy on the Ohio and Mississippi Rivers, leading highwaymen along the Natchez Trace. This transformation highlights the corrupting influence of power and opportunity in the sparsely regulated frontier.
Robert Massey (18??-1883): Betrayal and greed were often at the heart of outlaw activities. Robert Massey, while driving a cattle herd from Dodge City to Dakota Territory in 1881, murdered his partner, Edmond Clark, stealing his possessions and the proceeds from the cattle sale. Massey’s crime led to his arrest, conviction, and execution at Fort Smith, Arkansas, on April 13, 1883.
Dave H. Mather, aka Mysterious Dave: The line between lawman and outlaw could often be blurred, as exemplified by Dave H. Mather, also known as Mysterious Dave. He served as a marshal in Dodge City, Kansas, and as an assistant marshal in El Paso, Texas, as well as a U.S. Deputy Marshal in New Mexico. However, he was also involved with the lawless Dodge City Gang in Las Vegas, New Mexico, and was suspected of horse and cattle rustling. Mather’s dual affiliations highlight the moral ambiguities and shifting allegiances that characterized the Wild West.
Clarence L. "Gunplay" Maxwell, aka: James Bliss, Thomas Bliss, William Seaman (1860?-1909): James Otis Bliss, better known as "Gunplay" Maxwell, lived a life of varied pursuits, working as a bank and stagecoach robber, gunfighter, and miner. His career came to an end in Price City, Utah, where he was killed by Deputy Sheriff Edward Johnstone in August 1909. This entry in the Old West Outlaw List – M emphasizes that even the most hardened outlaws eventually face the consequences of their actions.
John McCall, aka Jack, Broken Nose Jack, Bill Sutherland: Infamy often stemmed from a single, decisive act. John McCall, also known as Jack, Broken Nose Jack, and Bill Sutherland, secured his place in history by shooting and killing Bill Hickok on August 2, 1876. He was subsequently hanged for murder on March 1, 1877.
David C. McCanles (18??-1861): The story of David C. McCanles is shrouded in controversy and conflicting accounts. McCanles owned the property on which the Rock Creek Station sat on the Oregon Trail in Nebraska. He was shot and killed by Bill Hickok on July 12, 1861, an event that became known as the "McCanles Massacre." While Hickok claimed McCanles was a ruthless outlaw, others portrayed him as a local bully and unethical businessman. Regardless of the truth, the incident solidified Hickok’s frontier legend and contributed to the mythology of the Wild West.
Bill McCarty: As with the Marlowe Brothers, the McCarty family also had ties to crime. Bill McCarty, brother of Tom McCarty and brother-in-law of Matt Warner, joined his brother in the McCarty Gang. He was killed during a bank robbery in Delta, Colorado, marking a tragic end to his outlaw career.
Henry McCarty, aka Billy the Kid: The name "Billy the Kid" evokes images of a legendary outlaw, but there were actually multiple individuals who used this alias. Henry McCarty, an outlaw and member of the Albee gang in South Dakota, was frequently confused with the more famous Billy the Kid of New Mexico. This confusion highlights the challenges of accurately documenting the lives and activities of outlaws in the Old West.
Patrick McCarty (18??-1887): The Cherokee Nation was the scene of a brutal double murder committed by Patrick McCarty, who killed Thomas Mahoney and his brother while they slept, stealing their possessions. His crime led to his capture, conviction, and execution at Fort Smith, Arkansas, on April 8, 1887.
Tom McCarty (1855-1900?): Tom McCarty’s life was steeped in outlawry from an early age. Raised on a Mormon ranch in Utah, he is credited with introducing Butch Cassidy to the life of banditry. His criminal career included bank robberies and gunfights, culminating in his death in a gunfight in Bitterroot County, Montana, around 1900. His narrative enriches the Old West Outlaw List – M.
Arthur C. McCoy (1825-1880?): Arthur C. McCoy’s life took a dramatic turn from coppersmith and painter to Confederate captain and alleged member of the James-Younger Gang. Accusations of involvement in robberies and the killing of a Pinkerton agent cast a dark shadow over his later years, adding another layer to the complex history of the Old West.
"One-Legged Jim" McCoy: The Old West Outlaw List – M also includes figures known by distinctive nicknames. "One-Legged Jim" McCoy earned his moniker through a physical disability but also gained notoriety for killing Sheriff Charles McKinney in La Salle County, Texas. He was eventually hanged in San Antonio in 1887, highlighting the harsh consequences of violence.
J. McDaniels: The Pitts-Yeager Gang was another outlaw group that operated in the West. J. McDaniels was a member of this gang who met his end in Texas in 1884, further contributing to the gang’s violent history.
John McDaniel (18??-1844): John McDaniel’s story dates back to the era of the Texas Republic. He reportedly plundered Mexican wagon trains on the Santa Fe Trail before being hanged in St. Louis, Missouri, on August 16, 1844.
William "Bud" McDaniels: William "Bud" McDaniels’ past as a Quantrill’s Raider during the Civil War led him to a life of outlawry as a member of the James Gang. This connection highlights the lingering impact of the Civil War on the social and political landscape of the West.
J. McDonald: A fatal encounter in Clayton, New Mexico, on January 13, 1890, resulted in J. McDonald shooting and killing his friend, Robert Taylor. This incident underscores the dangers of alcohol and firearms in the often-lawless environments of the Old West.
Walter McDonald: Another instance of violence in the West occurred in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, in 1884, when Walter McDonald shot Thomas Richards.
Annie McDougal (or McDoulet), aka Cattle Annie: Outlawry was not exclusively a male domain. Annie McDougal, known as Cattle Annie, was an eighteen-year-old outlaw who associated with the Doolin Gang. Suspected of stealing livestock and selling whiskey, she was eventually captured and sent to reform school, demonstrating that even young women could be drawn into a life of crime.
"Three-Fingered Jack" McDowell (18??-1864): "Three-Fingered Jack" McDowell led a gang of violent offenders before being lynched in Aurora, Nevada, in February 1864.
Orpheus McGee (18??-1876): Orpheus McGee claimed he killed Robert Alexander out of revenge for the murder of a friend. Regardless of his motive, he was hanged at Fort Smith, Arkansas, on April 21, 1876, for his crime.
Patrick McGowen: Patrick McGowen’s claim of self-defense in a killing in Oklahoma was rejected by the courts, leading to his conviction for murder and execution at Fort Smith, Arkansas, on September 9, 1881.
James McIntire (1846-1902): James McIntire’s life was a complex tapestry of law and lawlessness. He served as a Texas Ranger, city marshal, and deputy sheriff, but also had a $1,000 reward on his head for the deaths of two men. His career exemplifies the shifting roles and moral ambiguities that could exist on the frontier.
Amos McIntosh: Amos McIntosh’s story revolves around the killing of U.S. Deputy Marshal Lee Atkins, leading to his arrest by Grant Johnson.
William J. McGrew: William J. McGrew’s life took a dark turn from potential hero to scalawag.
Robert McKemie, aka Little Reddie (18??-??): Robert McKemie, known as Little Reddie, was an outlaw member of the Sam Bass Gang, riding with them in the Dakotas in the 1870s.
M. "Red" McLaughlin: M. "Red" McLaughlin’s story is brief, noting his escape from jail in Springer, New Mexico, on July 4, 1884.
Frank McLaury (1848-1881): The Gunfight at the O.K. Corral is one of the most iconic events in Old West history. Frank McLaury, a member of the Clanton Gang, was one of the three cowboys killed by the Earps in that infamous shootout on October 26, 1881.
Tom McLaury (1853-1881): Like his brother Frank, Tom McLaury was also a member of the Clanton Gang and met his end at the Gunfight at the O.K. Corral.
Irving McManus: Irving McManus rode with the Black Jack Ketchum gang in the 1890s.
Sherman W. McMasters (1853-??): Sherman W. McMasters was an outlaw turned lawman who became one of the six men involved in the Earp Vendetta Ride.
Bill McNew: Bill McNew fought with Oliver Lee in the Lee-Good feud in Tularosa, New Mexico.
Martin McRose: Martin McRose was a cattle rustler killed by El Paso city marshal Jeff Milton.
Sam McWilliams, aka The Verdigris Kid (1876?-1895): Sam McWilliams, known as The Verdigris Kid, was an outlaw and member of the Bill Cook Gang who operated in Indian Territory. Lawmen killed him in 1895.
Harvey Meade: Harvey Meade was a road agent in Montana, suspected of being a member of Henry Plummer’s gang of Innocents. He was hanged by Montana Vigilantes.
"Colonel" Thomas Means (??-1867): "Colonel" Thomas Means was lynched in Taos, New Mexico, on January 1, 1867, for almost killing his wife and for being a bully.
John Medlock: John Medlock was hanged on May 25, 1906, in Raton, New Mexico.
Florentino Medran: Florentino Medran was a member of Vicente Silva’s White Caps Gang.
Henry Wilbur "Bob" Meeks: Henry Wilbur "Bob" Meeks was an outlaw member of the Wild Bunch, imprisoned in the 1900s and died in an insane asylum on November 22, 1912, in the State Hospital in Evanston, Wyoming.
Augustus "Gus" Menczer (1856-1882): Augustus "Gus" Menczer was a gunman and saloon owner who killed several men after a shoot-out in Raton, New Mexico, in 1882. He was lynched on June 28, 1882.
Nica Meras: Nica Meras stole horses in Lincoln County, New Mexico, and was shot in 1877.
Charles Merideth: Charles Merideth killed "Red" Dent Kyes in Clayton, New Mexico, in March 1890.
David Merrill: David Merrill rode with Harry Tracy, who killed him in 1899 after escaping prison.
Cruz Mes: Cruz Mes was killed with Roman and Pancho Mes on a road near White Sands, New Mexico, in 1876.
Jesus Mes (18??-1875): Jesus Mes was ambushed and killed by the John Kinney Gang and Jessie Evans near the San Augustin Ranch.
Pancho Mes: Pancho Mes was killed with Roman and Cruz Mes on a road near White Sands, New Mexico, in 1876.
Pas Mes (18??-1875): Pas Mes was ambushed and killed by the John Kinney Gang and Jessie Evans near the San Augustin Ranch.
Roman Mes: Roman Mes was killed with Pancho and Cruz Mes on a road near White Sands, New Mexico, in 1876.
"Wild Bill" Metcalfe: "Wild Bill" Metcalfe fled Lorna Parda, New Mexico, in November 1877 after killing a man. He was later jailed and lynched.
Mexican Frank: Mexican Frank was a road agent in Montana, hanged by Montana Vigilantes.
Chas Middleton: Chas Middleton was wanted by the sheriff of Bastrop County, Texas, in 1886.
John Middleton: John Middleton killed Sheriff J.H. Black in Texas and was shot and killed southwest of Fort Smith, Arkansas.
John Middleton: Another John Middleton was a gunman who, along with Billy the Kid, became a part of the posse of Regulators in Lincoln County, New Mexico.
David Charles "Doc" Middleton, aka James Riley, Texas Jack Lyons (1851-1913): David Charles "Doc" Middleton was a member of a gang of horse thieves in Nebraska in the 1870s-1890s.
Pantaleon Miera: Pantaleon Miera stole horses and killed several men in New Mexico. He was lynched in Albuquerque, New Mexico, on December 29, 1880.
"Wild Bill" Miller: "Wild Bill" Miller was killed by lawmen in Corwell County, Texas, on January 13, 1869.
Bill Miller, aka: Bill Smith, Bill Bryant, Martin Roers: Bill Miller was killed near Wilburton, Indian Territory on July 18, 1905, by U.S. Deputy Marshal Davis.
Edward "Ed" T. Miller (1856?-1881): Edward "Ed" T. Miller was killed by Jesse James in December 1881.
Eli "Slick" Miller: Eli "Slick" Miller was captured by A.J. Fountain.
James B. Miller, aka: Killin’ Jim, Killer Miller, Jim the Killer, Deacon Miller (1866-1909): James B. Miller was hanged by vigilantes in Ada, Oklahoma.
McClelland "Clell" Miller (1850-1876): McClelland "Clell" Miller was killed in a bank robbery in Northfield, Minnesota.
William Miller, aka Bill Zeke: William Miller was a bank robber and bootlegger in Indian Territory.
William "Bill" Miner, aka: Old Bill (1847-1913): William "Bill" Miner robbed stages for decades before being arrested and sent to a Georgia prison.
William Mitchell, aka John W. King: William Mitchell escaped from prison at the age of 70.
Jose F. Montoya: Jose F. Montoya was a member of Vicente Silva’s White Caps Gang.
Narciso Montoya: Narciso Montoya was lynched in Taos, New Mexico, on June 10, 1881.
Jim Moon: Jim Moon led a gang that stole mules from Texas and New Mexico army posts in 1870.
Charlie Moore: Charlie Moore was robbed and killed by unknown persons in the White Sands, New Mexico Territory, in December 1878.
Jim Moore (18??-1875): Jim Moore had allegedly killed seven people before he murdered Officer William Spivey.
William Moore, aka: Outlaw Bill (18??-1881?): William Moore rode with John Casey in New Mexico, stealing horses and committing murder.
William "Gad" Moore: William "Gad" Moore was hanged by Montana Vigilantes.
Frank Morgan: Frank Morgan held up the San Marcial, New Mexico stage on May 15, 1881, and was killed.
Ed Morrell: Ed Morrell aided the escape of Chris Evans from a California jail in 1893.
George Morris: George Morris was sentenced to life in prison for the murder of Ed Davis.
Harvey Morris: Harvey Morris was killed during the McSween gunfight on July 19, 1878.
W.C. Morris: W.C. Morris killed "Editor Shannan" at Visalia, California, in 1860.
Peter Morrissey: Peter Morrissey was killed in June 1877 by a posse.
William Morton: William Morton was killed by Billy the Kid in March 1878.
"Scar Face" Mosely: "Scar Face" Mosely was killed by the Montana Stranglers near Glendive, Montana, in 1884.
Henry Mosier: Henry Mosier participated in the killing of Jock Harriman in Wallace, New Mexico.
George Moss (18??-1888): George Moss was hanged in Fort Smith, Arkansas, on April 27, 1888.
Ace Moyer: Ace Moyer was hanged with his brother Con in 1868.
Con Moyer: Con Moyer was hanged with his brother Ace in 1868.
Herman Webster Mudgett (1861-1896): See H.H. Holmes
Redmond "Red" Munkirs (or Munkers) (1845-1867): Redmond "Red" Munkirs was shot and killed by the Missouri State Militia.
Joaquin Murrieta (1830-1853): Joaquin Murrieta was killed in 1853 by a posse.
Procopio Murietta: Procopio Murietta terrorized Santa Cruz, California, and rode with Timbucio Vasquez.
Zeke Murillo: Zeke Murillo led a gang of rustlers headquartered in Shakespeare, New Mexico.
Jim Murphy (1861-1879): Jim Murphy turned informer causing the deaths of Sam Bass and Seaborn Barnes.
John A. Murrell, aka The Great Western Land Pirate: John A. Murrell was a vicious cutthroat and robber who operated along the Natchez Trace.
George West Musgrave, aka Jeff Davis, Jesse Miller, Jesse Johnson, Jesse Williams (1874-1947): George West Musgrave was a member of the High Fives Gang.
Lee H. Musgrove (?-1868): Lee H. Musgrove was hanged by a vigilante mob.
The Old West Outlaw List – M reveals a diverse array of individuals who, for various reasons, found themselves on the wrong side of the law. From horse thieves and stagecoach robbers to hired guns and gang members, their stories contribute to the complex and often contradictory narrative of the American West. While their actions may have been reprehensible, their lives offer a glimpse into the turbulent times and the challenges of establishing law and order in a vast and untamed land. The Old West Outlaw List – M is a reminder that the history of the West is not simply a story of heroes and pioneers, but also of those who chose a different path, leaving their mark on the landscape of legend and lore.