Old West Outlaw List – O
The American West, a vast expanse of opportunity and hardship, inevitably spawned its share of lawlessness. From cattle rustlers to bank robbers, a colorful cast of characters carved their names into the annals of history, often etched in infamy. This article delves into the lives and exploits of several figures whose surnames begin with the letter "O," offering a glimpse into their motivations, crimes, and ultimate fates. We present a summary of Old West Outlaw List – O.
This is an overview of the rogues’ gallery of the Old West Outlaw List – O. These individuals, driven by desperation, greed, or a simple disregard for the law, contributed to the turbulent tapestry of the era. Their stories, often romanticized and embellished over time, remain captivating reminders of a bygone era. We present a summary of Old West Outlaw List – O.
The term "outlaw" itself is a broad one, encompassing a wide range of transgressions. Some were petty thieves, driven by poverty to steal livestock or supplies. Others were hardened criminals, orchestrating elaborate bank heists and engaging in violent shootouts. Still others were products of the tumultuous social and political climate, caught in the crossfire of range wars and land disputes. This is a summary of Old West Outlaw List – O.
The list below offers brief sketches of some of these "O" named outlaws, shining a light on their criminal careers and eventual downfalls.
Tom O’Day, aka: Peep, Court Jester, Joe Chancellor (18??-1930?)
Tom O’Day, a figure shrouded in some mystery regarding his exact birth and death dates, was a skilled safecracker and poker player who found himself entangled with the infamous Wild Bunch. His talents extended beyond the card table, as he possessed the dexterity and knowledge to crack open safes, making him a valuable asset to any gang. O’Day’s criminal resume includes participating in the daring bank robbery in Belle Fourche, South Dakota. He joined forces with notorious outlaws such as Kid Curry, George Curry, and the Sundance Kid. This heist cemented his place in the Wild Bunch’s history.
However, O’Day’s luck eventually ran out. On November 23, 1903, he was apprehended near Casper, Wyoming, in possession of a large herd of stolen horses. This arrest led to his conviction and subsequent imprisonment for horse theft. After serving his time, O’Day was released on June 1, 1908.
Following his release, O’Day seemed to have turned over a new leaf. He settled down, got married, and embraced a more settled lifestyle. In a surprising twist, he became a local celebrity of sorts in Deadwood, South Dakota, where he reportedly worked at a saloon. Despite his efforts to distance himself from his past, the allure of his outlaw days continued to fascinate those around him.
While the exact date of his death remains unknown, it is believed that O’Day passed away in South Dakota sometime around 1930. He is buried in the Pleasant Hill Cemetery in Dunlap, Iowa, within the O’Day family plot. However, his final resting place is unmarked, adding another layer of mystery to his already enigmatic life.
Albert O’Dell (1861?-1887)
Albert O’Dell, a name synonymous with a particularly brutal crime in Oklahoma’s history, met a tragic end at a young age. He, along with James Lamb, committed a double murder that shocked the region. The victims were Edward Pollard and George Brassfield, the husbands of Lamb and O’Dell’s mistresses, respectively. Adding a chilling element to the crime, both mistresses were pregnant with the outlaws’ children at the time of the murders.
The motive behind the murders was a complex web of illicit relationships and unwanted pregnancies. Driven by a desire to eliminate the husbands and secure their relationships with the mistresses, O’Dell and Lamb conspired to commit the heinous crime.
Their crime ultimately caught up with them, and both men were brought to justice. They were hanged at Fort Smith, Arkansas, on January 14, 1887, paying the ultimate price for their actions.
Alvin Odle
Alvin Odle’s story is one of brotherly loyalty and a desperate flight from justice. This Texas outlaw, along with his brother William, orchestrated a daring escape from the Burnet jail in 1889. Their escape marked the beginning of a perilous journey as they fled south toward Mexico.
The Odle brothers sought refuge across the border, hoping to evade the long arm of the law. However, their freedom was short-lived. Texas Rangers, determined to bring the outlaws to justice, pursued them relentlessly. In Edwards County, Texas, a confrontation ensued, resulting in Alvin Odle’s death at the hands of Texas Rangers Bass Outlaw and John Hughes.
William Odle
William Odle’s fate mirrored that of his brother Alvin. He, too, was a Texas outlaw who participated in the jailbreak from Burnet in 1889. Together, the brothers fled to Mexico, seeking to escape the consequences of their crimes.
However, the Texas Rangers, led by Bass Outlaw and John Hughes, were relentless in their pursuit. In Edwards County, Texas, the Rangers cornered the Odle brothers. Like his brother Alvin, William Odle was killed in the ensuing confrontation.
Thomas “Big Foot” O’Folliard (1858-1880)
Thomas "Big Foot" O’Folliard, a prominent figure in the Lincoln County War, was more than just an outlaw; he was a close confidant and loyal companion to the infamous Billy the Kid. As second-in-command in Billy the Kid’s gang, O’Folliard played a significant role in the violent conflicts that defined the era.
O’Folliard’s allegiance to Billy the Kid was unwavering. He participated in numerous cattle rustling operations, raids, and shootouts, solidifying his reputation as a formidable outlaw.
Ike Ogg
Ike Ogg’s name is associated with two other notorious outlaws: Al Spencer and Jelly Nash. This Oklahoma outlaw rode alongside them, engaging in various criminal activities that plagued the region. Ike Ogg was part of the Old West Outlaw List – O.
Edward O’Kelley (1858-1904)
Edward O’Kelley achieved a peculiar kind of notoriety for his role in the death of Robert Ford. On June 8, 1892, O’Kelley shot and killed Robert Ford, the man who had murdered Jesse James. Ford was operating a saloon in Creede, Colorado, at the time of his death.
O’Kelley’s motives for killing Ford remain a subject of debate. Some believe he was seeking revenge for the murder of Jesse James, while others suggest he was motivated by personal animosity or a desire for fame. Regardless of his reasons, O’Kelley’s act thrust him into the spotlight.
He was subsequently arrested and convicted of manslaughter. After serving eight years in prison, he was released. However, his life continued to be plagued by violence. In 1904, he was killed in Oklahoma City by a lawman, bringing his turbulent life to an end.
Jimmy O’Laughlin
Jimmy O’Laughlin is another outlaw who briefly appears in the historical record. He is noted for breaking out of jail in June 1885, joining the ranks of those who sought to evade the law.
Jake Owens
Jake Owens’ story is intertwined with the tumultuous events of the Lincoln County War in New Mexico. He was a former employee of the Murphy-Dolan faction, a key player in the conflict. Following the war, Owens joined Selman’s Scouts, a notorious gang that terrorized the county.
Robert “Bob” A. Olinger, aka Big Indian, Pecos Bob (1841?-1881)
Robert "Bob" Olinger, also known as Big Indian and Pecos Bob, was a crooked lawman and member of the Seven Rivers Warriors. He fought in New Mexico’s Lincoln County War. His life came to a violent end at the hands of Billy the Kid during the Kid’s escape from jail in Lincoln, New Mexico, on April 28, 1881.
Morris O’Malley
Morris O’Malley, an Oklahoma outlaw, was associated with the Jennings Gang and the Little Dick West Gang. His criminal activities eventually led to his capture by U.S. Deputy Marshal Bud Ledbetter.
Pat O’Malley
Pat O’Malley, like Morris, was an Oklahoma outlaw who belonged to the Jennings Gang and the Little Dick West Gang. He shared the same fate as Morris, as he was also apprehended by U.S. Deputy Marshal Bud Ledbetter.
John Orr, aka: Donaldson
John Orr, also known as Donaldson, was an outlaw who rode with Wild Bill Martin’s Gang. He met a violent end at the hands of a rival gang led by John Perry in June 1877.
George Owens
George Owens was an outlaw affiliated with the Alvord-Stiles Gang, operating in Arizona. He was imprisoned for his involvement in a train robbery in 1899.
Louis (Lewis) Owens
Louis (Lewis) Owens, the brother of George Owens, followed a similar path of lawlessness. He participated in train robberies with the Alvord-Stiles Gang in Arizona. He was captured and imprisoned in 1900.
The stories of these outlaws, whose names begin with "O," offer a glimpse into the complexities of the Old West. Their lives, often marked by violence and hardship, reflect the challenges and opportunities that defined the era.