Other Characters in U.S. History
Beyond the celebrated figures of the American West – the outlaws, the lawmen, the trailblazers, and the gunfighters – existed a diverse tapestry of individuals who, while not always achieving iconic status, contributed significantly to the shaping of the nation’s narrative. These Other Characters in U.S. History represent a broad spectrum of professions, personalities, and experiences, painting a richer, more nuanced picture of life on the frontier.
This article aims to shed light on some of these Other Characters in U.S. History, the eccentrics, the entrepreneurs, the entertainers, and the everyday people whose stories often remain untold. They were the ministers offering solace, the doctors providing care, the photographers capturing the evolving landscape, the historians documenting the unfolding events, and the writers crafting the tales that would become the lore of the West. While they may not have all achieved lasting fame, each possessed a unique story, a distinct perspective on a pivotal era in American history.
Delving into the lives of these Other Characters in U.S. History reveals a fascinating glimpse into the social, economic, and cultural dynamics of the time. Their contributions, whether grand or seemingly small, collectively shaped the communities and landscapes of the burgeoning nation. From individuals with colorful monikers like Poker Alice and Potato Creek Johnny to figures like Levi Strauss and Sam Aaron, their lives offer a compelling counterpoint to the often-romanticized narratives of the Wild West. This Other Characters in U.S. History list will continue to expand.
Other Frontier Characters:
A
Sam Aaron (1866-1940): A Pioneer’s Perspective
Sam Aaron’s life embodies the spirit of early Arizona. Born in Salt Lake City, Utah, the first Jewish boy in the city, his family’s journey took him across the country, from Galveston, Texas, to New York and Philadelphia, before finally settling in Butte, Montana, in 1877. Aaron’s unique experiences as a child of the frontier and his later memoirs provide valuable insights into the challenges and triumphs of pioneer life, offering a personal touch to the historical record and capturing the essence of the Other Characters in U.S. History.
Thomas Adams: Surveyor and Advocate
Thomas Adams embarked on his Western adventure in 1853 as a civil engineer with the Isaac I. Stevens railroad survey expedition. His expertise and dedication led to his promotion as expedition leader John Mullan’s assistant and topographer and artist for the survey. Adams’s role extended beyond engineering, as he served as a temporary Indian Agent for the Flathead people in Montana’s Bitterroot Valley, participating in the crucial Flathead Treaty Council of 1855. His multifaceted contributions exemplify the diverse roles individuals played in the expansion and development of the West.
B
Albert Gallatin "A.G." Boone: A Complex Figure
Albert Gallatin "A.G." Boone was a man of many facets, a trapper, trader, pro-slavery advocate, and Indian Agent. His life reflects the complex and often contradictory nature of individuals operating within the turbulent landscape of the American frontier. Boone’s story highlights the ethical dilemmas and political complexities that defined the era.
Samuel Brannan (1819-1889): The Gold Rush Millionaire
Samuel Brannan was a key figure in the California Gold Rush. As a Mormon newspaper publisher, store owner, and politician, he capitalized on the influx of prospectors and settlers to become California’s first millionaire. Brannan’s story embodies the entrepreneurial spirit and the rapid economic transformation that characterized the Gold Rush era.
Wayne Brazel (1876-1915?): The Mysterious Accuser
Wayne Brazel’s name is forever linked to the death of Pat Garrett. As a stockman in New Mexico, Brazel allegedly killed Garrett in 1908, an event shrouded in mystery and conflicting accounts. The circumstances surrounding Garrett’s death and Brazel’s involvement remain a subject of debate, highlighting the enduring enigmas of the Old West.
C
Samuel Clemens (Mark Twain) (1835-1910): The Voice of the West
Samuel Clemens, better known as Mark Twain, was the most renowned author of the Old West era. His novels, such as The Adventures of Tom Sawyer and Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, captured the spirit and the characters of the American frontier with wit, humor, and profound social commentary. Twain’s literary contributions shaped the popular perception of the West and continue to resonate with readers today.
D
James Joshua Dolan (1848-1898): The Lincoln County Instigator
James Joshua Dolan was a central figure in New Mexico’s Lincoln County War. As one of the primary instigators, Dolan sought to control the economy of Lincoln County in the 1870s. Leading the Murphy-Dolan faction, he was suspected of involvement in the death of John Tunstall and faced charges in connection with the murder of H.J. Chapman. Dolan’s actions and motivations reflect the ruthless competition and violence that plagued the frontier.
George Donner (1786?-1847): Tragedy in the Sierra Nevada
George Donner led the ill-fated Donner Party, a group of emigrants who became trapped in the Sierra Nevada mountains during the winter of 1846-47. Faced with starvation and extreme conditions, the group suffered immense loss, and some resorted to cannibalism. Donner’s story serves as a cautionary tale of the challenges and dangers faced by those who sought a new life in the West.
F
Camillus Sydney "Buck" Fly (18??-1901): Capturing History Through the Lens
Camillus Sydney "Buck" Fly is best known for his photography of Geronimo’s surrender in 1886, a pivotal moment in the history of the American West. Living and working in Tombstone during the Gunfight at the O.K. Corral, Fly also served as Cochise County, Arizona’s sheriff. His photographs provide invaluable visual documentation of the people and events that shaped the era.
Albert Jennings Fountain: Mystery in the Desert
Albert Jennings Fountain’s disappearance in the deserts of southern New Mexico remains one of the great unsolved mysteries of the West. A soldier, lawyer, and politician, Fountain’s fate has puzzled lawmen and historians for over a century. His story underscores the lawlessness and uncertainty that existed in many parts of the frontier.
Robert Fulton (1765-1815): Revolutionizing Transportation
Robert Fulton, an American engineer and inventor, is widely credited with developing the first commercially successful steamboat, the Claremont. While his impact was felt nationwide, his innovations greatly impacted the ease of travel and commerce on the rivers of the expanding nation.
G
Joseph F. Glidden (1813-1906): Taming the Open Range
Joseph F. Glidden’s invention of barbed wire revolutionized land management in the West. Barbed wire allowed ranchers to fence off their land, controlling livestock and preventing disputes over grazing rights. Glidden’s invention had a profound impact on the landscape and the economy of the West.
H
Frank "Shorty" Harris (1856-1934): The Prospector of Death Valley
Frank "Shorty" Harris was a legendary prospector of Death Valley, known for his colorful personality and his discoveries of ore in the Bullfrog District of Nevada and at Harrisburg, California. Harris’s life embodies the allure of the West, the promise of riches, and the rugged individualism of the prospector.
J. Edgar Hoover (1895-1972): A Controversial Figure
J. Edgar Hoover, the first and longest-serving Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, was a powerful figure who was both lauded for building the FBI into a formidable crime-fighting agency and criticized for his abuses of power. His story highlights the complexities of law enforcement and the potential for government overreach.
J
William Henry Jackson (1843-1942): Capturing the West in Images
William Henry Jackson was a painter, photographer, and explorer who documented the wonders of Yellowstone and other places in the American West. His photographs played a crucial role in persuading Congress to establish Yellowstone as the first national park. Jackson’s work captured the beauty and grandeur of the Western landscape, inspiring generations to appreciate and protect it. He also documented the Civil War in several sketches and became a partner in the Detroit Publishing Company.
K
Simon Kenton (1755-1836): A Frontier Legend
Simon Kenton was a legendary frontiersman and soldier who played a significant role in the early exploration and settlement of the West. He saved Daniel Boone’s life, served as a scout, and participated in Indian Wars and the War of 1812. Kenton’s courage and resourcefulness embody the spirit of the frontiersman.
L
Jack Langrishe (18??-1895): Bringing Entertainment to the Frontier
Jack (John) S. Langrishe was an actor, impresario, and production manager who operated theatres throughout the West, including Deadwood, South Dakota, Denver, Colorado, and Helena, Montana. Langrishe brought culture and entertainment to the frontier, providing a welcome diversion for the hard-working miners, cowboys, and settlers.
M
James Wilson Marshall (1810-1885): The Discoverer of California Gold
James Wilson Marshall’s discovery of gold in California in 1848 at John Sutter’s Mill ignited the California Gold Rush. While his discovery transformed California and the nation, Marshall himself did not profit from it. His story is a reminder that the rewards of progress are not always shared equally.
Lucien Bonaparte Maxwell (1818-1875): The Land Baron of New Mexico
Lucien Bonaparte Maxwell was a rancher and entrepreneur who owned the vast Maxwell Land Grant, encompassing more than 1,700,000 acres. His headquarters were located at Cimarron, New Mexico, along the Santa Fe Trail. Maxwell’s story reflects the scale and ambition of those who sought to build empires in the West.
Peter Maxwell (1848-1898): The Setting for a Legend
Peter Maxwell’s home in Fort Sumner, New Mexico, became the site of Billy the Kid’s death at the hands of Pat Garrett. His house would be forever linked to a legendary event.
Alexander McSween (1843?-1878): The Catalyst for Conflict
Alexander McSween was a lawyer in Lincoln County, New Mexico, whose partnership with John Tunstall ignited the Lincoln County War. McSween’s ambition and rivalry with the Murphy-Dolan faction led to violence and bloodshed.
Ezra Meeker (1830-1928): The Oregon Trail’s Memorializer
Ezra Meeker was a pioneer who first traveled the Oregon Trail by ox-drawn wagon in 1852. Fifty years later, he retraced his journey repeatedly, working to memorialize the Trail and preserve its history. Meeker’s dedication helped to ensure that the Oregon Trail would not be forgotten.
Samuel Finley Breese Morse (1791-1872): Connecting the Nation
Samuel Finley Breese Morse’s invention of the telegraph revolutionized communication in the United States. The telegraph enabled rapid transmission of information across vast distances, connecting communities and facilitating commerce.
Lawrence Murphy (1831 or 1834-1878): The Merchant of Conflict
Lawrence Murphy was an Irishman who immigrated to the United States and became a key figure in New Mexico’s Lincoln County War. Murphy’s business dealings and rivalry with John Tunstall and Alexander McSween fueled the conflict.
P
John Perrett, aka Potato Creek Johnny: A Colorful Character of Deadwood
John Perrett, also known as Potato Creek Johnny, was one of Deadwood’s most colorful characters. Credited with finding one of the world’s largest gold nuggets, Perrett became a local attraction, entertaining visitors with his stories and eccentricities.
R
Ringling Brothers: Bringing the Circus to America
Founded in Baraboo, Wisconsin, the Ringling Brothers Circus brought entertainment and spectacle to communities across America. Their performances captivated audiences of all ages, providing a welcome escape from the hardships of everyday life.
Frederic Sackrider Remington (1861-1909): The Artist of the West
Frederic Sackrider Remington was an American painter, illustrator, sculptor, and writer who specialized in depictions of the Old American West. His artwork captured the essence of cowboy life, the drama of conflicts between settlers and American Indians, and the rugged beauty of the Western landscape.
William Penn Adair "Will" Rogers (1879-1935): The Cowboy Philosopher
Will Rogers was a Cherokee-American cowboy, comedian, humorist, social commentator, vaudeville performer, presidential candidate, and actor. Rogers’s wit and homespun wisdom made him one of the most beloved figures in American entertainment.
Charles Marion Russell (1864-1926): The Cowboy Artist
Charles Marion Russell was one of the great artists of the American West, creating more than 2,000 paintings of cowboys, Indians, and landscapes set in the Western United States, as well as bronze sculptures. Russell’s artwork captured the authentic spirit and the vanishing way of life of the American West.
S
Charles M. Schwab (1862-1939): From Steel Magnate to Mining Investor
Charles M. Schwab made his fortune in the steel industry and invested heavily in Death Valley mining ventures. His story serves as a cautionary tale of wealth, loss, and the boom-and-bust cycles of the West.
Erwin E. Smith (1886-1947): The Cowboy Photographer
Erwin E. Smith is considered one of the greatest photographers of cowboy life. His images captured the daily routines, the challenges, and the camaraderie of cowboys on the ranches of the American West.
Joseph Smith (1805-1844): The Founder of Mormonism
Joseph Smith founded the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, becoming one of American history’s most influential religious figures. His teachings and leadership led to the Mormon migration to Utah and the establishment of a unique cultural and religious community.
Levi Strauss (1829-1902): The Inventor of Blue Jeans
Levi Strauss invented Levi Blue Jeans, providing durable and practical clothing for California gold miners. His invention revolutionized workwear and became an enduring symbol of American culture.
Granville Stuart (1834-1918): A Montana Pioneer
Granville Stuart was a frontiersman, miner, Montana Land Baron, leader of the vigilante group called Stuart’s Stranglers, author, and more. Stuart is recognized as a Montana pioneer and a figure whose impact was significant.
John Sutter (1803-1880): The Unfortunate Benefactor
John Sutter owned the land where gold was first discovered in California, but the Gold Rush ultimately led to his financial ruin. His story highlights the complexities of progress and the often-unintended consequences of historical events.
T
Alice Ivers Tubbs, aka Poker Alice (1851-1930): The Queen of the Cards
Alice Ivers Tubbs, known as Poker Alice, was one of the best-known female poker players in the Wild Old West. Her skill and daring made her a legend, and she traveled from mining camp to mining camp, building her reputation as a superb gambler.
John Henry Tunstall (1853-1878): The Spark of the Lincoln County War
John Henry Tunstall was an English cattleman in Lincoln County, New Mexico, whose rivalry with the Murphy-Dolan faction ignited the Lincoln County War. Tunstall’s murder became a catalyst for violence and bloodshed.
Frederick J. Turner (1861-1932): The Historian of the Frontier
Frederick J. Turner was a historian who developed the Frontier Thesis, arguing that the American frontier shaped the nation’s character and institutions. His work had a profound impact on the study of American history.
W
Dr. Marcus Whitman (1802-1847): A Missionary’s Legacy
Dr. Marcus Whitman and his wife, Narcissa, were among the first American settlers in the West, establishing the Whitman Mission in 1836. They played an important role in opening the Oregon Trail.
Narcissa Prentiss Whitman (1808-1847): A Pioneer Woman
Narcissa Prentiss Whitman was a missionary in the Oregon Country and one of the first European-American women to cross the Rocky Mountains. Her experiences provide valuable insights into the lives of women on the frontier.
Brigham Young (1801-1877): The Leader of the Mormon Exodus
Brigham Young led the Mormon movement to Utah, becoming the president of the church and the first governor of Utah. Young’s leadership was instrumental in the establishment of a thriving Mormon community in the West.