Pony Deal – Outlaw & Gunfighter of the Southwest
The annals of the American West are filled with tales of legendary figures – lawmen, outlaws, and gunfighters who shaped the landscape of a nation forging its identity. While some names resonate with immediate recognition, others, though less widely known, played equally significant roles in the tumultuous drama of the era. One such figure is Charles T. Ray, a man who operated under the moniker "Pony Deal," an outlaw and gunfighter whose path intersected with some of the West’s most notorious characters.
Though overshadowed by the iconic status of figures like Wyatt Earp and Billy the Kid, Pony Deal carved a distinct, if less celebrated, niche for himself in the tapestry of the Old West. He rode alongside, met, and clashed with individuals whose names have become synonymous with the era, leaving behind a legacy woven into the complex narrative of frontier justice and lawlessness. His story, though perhaps less grand than some, offers a valuable glimpse into the lives of those who lived on the fringes of society, contributing to the chaotic and captivating history of the American West.
Born in Rock Island, Illinois, Charles T. Ray’s transformation into Pony Deal, the outlaw, began in the rugged territories of New Mexico during the 1870s. He first appears in historical records as a member of the John Kinney Gang, a notorious band of cattle rustlers and hired gunmen who exerted their influence over Dona Ana County. The Kinney Gang thrived on the lawless environment, preying on ranchers and engaging in acts of violence that solidified their reputation as a force to be reckoned with.
An early incident that cemented Pony Deal’s association with the Kinney Gang occurred on December 31, 1875, in Las Cruces, New Mexico. Deal, alongside John Kinney, Jesse Evans, and Jim McDaniels, found themselves in a heated confrontation with U.S. Cavalry soldiers from Fort Stanton within the confines of a local saloon. The initial brawl resulted in the outlaws’ expulsion from the establishment. However, fueled by vengeance, they returned to the saloon, unleashing a volley of gunfire through the windows. The deadly assault resulted in the deaths of two soldiers and a civilian, while also wounding two additional soldiers and another innocent bystander. This act of wanton violence established Pony Deal and his associates as dangerous men, willing to resort to extreme measures to settle their grievances.
Throughout 1875, Pony Deal remained a steadfast member of the Kinney Gang, participating in their cattle rustling operations and lending his gun to their illicit activities. However, in early 1876, he made a pivotal decision, choosing to leave the Kinney Gang and join forces with Jesse Evans, who had recently formed his own outlaw band. The Evans Gang continued the tradition of cattle rustling and armed robbery, further destabilizing the already volatile territories. Notably, during this period, a young William Bonney, later known as Billy the Kid, briefly associated with the Evans Gang, foreshadowing the complex web of relationships that would define the Lincoln County War.
The trajectory of Pony Deal’s outlaw life took another significant turn when the Evans Gang was enlisted by the Murphy-Dolan faction in their escalating feud with John H. Tunstall in Lincoln, New Mexico. This conflict, fueled by economic rivalries and political maneuvering, would soon erupt into the infamous Lincoln County War. As tensions mounted, Billy the Kid, who had formed a friendship with Tunstall, severed his ties with the Evans Gang, setting the stage for a bloody confrontation between former allies.
The assassination of John Tunstall by members of the Evans Gang ignited the Lincoln County War, plunging the region into a period of intense violence and lawlessness. The Evans Gang, including Pony Deal, found themselves pitted against Billy the Kid and his "Regulators," a vigilante group formed to avenge Tunstall’s death. The war became a brutal cycle of ambushes, assassinations, and retaliatory killings, leaving a lasting scar on the landscape and the collective memory of New Mexico.
Following the conclusion of the Lincoln County War, Pony Deal embarked on a westward journey, eventually arriving in the burgeoning town of Tombstone, Arizona. Here, he encountered a new cast of characters who would shape the next chapter of his outlaw life. He became associated with the Clanton family, including Ike and Billy Clanton, as well as Frank and Tom McLaury, Johnny Ringo, and "Curly Bill" Brocius. These individuals, collectively known as the "Cowboy Faction," represented a powerful force of lawlessness in the region, challenging the authority of lawmen and engaging in various criminal activities.
Pony Deal became deeply enmeshed in the events leading up to the infamous Gunfight at the O.K. Corral. He was suspected of involvement in numerous robberies and cattle rustling incidents, further solidifying his reputation as a dangerous outlaw. He was also implicated in the theft of U.S. Army mules, alongside another notorious figure, Sherman McMasters.
The tensions in Tombstone reached a boiling point following an assassination attempt on Virgil Earp, which left him severely wounded and with the loss of the use of one arm. The Earps, convinced that Ike Clanton, Phin Clanton, and Pony Deal were responsible for the attack, sought retribution. Wyatt Earp, driven by vengeance, embarked on the Earp Vendetta Ride, a relentless pursuit of those he believed had wronged his family. However, despite his efforts, Wyatt Earp was unable to locate and confront Pony Deal during this period.
In the years that followed, Pony Deal continued to operate on the fringes of society, drifting from place to place and engaging in various criminal activities. He later claimed to have killed John O’Rourke in 1882, allegedly in retaliation for O’Rourke’s murder of his friend, Johnny Ringo.
That same year, Pony Deal found himself once again evading the law, as a warrant was issued for his arrest in connection with a stagecoach robbery. He managed to avoid capture and continued his nomadic existence, spending time in El Paso, Texas, and returning to his old habits of rustling cattle for John Kinney.
Eventually, however, Pony Deal’s luck ran out. He was apprehended and sentenced to five years in prison in Santa Fe, New Mexico. But his time behind bars was short-lived. In February 1885, he managed to escape from prison, only to be recaptured a mere four days later. Returned to prison, he was finally released in March 1887. After his release, Pony Deal seemingly vanished from historical records. Some accounts suggest that he met his end in a final gunfight, but the details remain shrouded in mystery.
Pony Deal’s story serves as a reminder that the history of the American West is not solely defined by the exploits of its most famous figures. Individuals like Charles T. Ray, though less widely known, played a significant role in shaping the tumultuous landscape of the era. His life as an outlaw and gunfighter, intertwined with some of the West’s most notorious characters, offers a glimpse into the complex and often brutal realities of frontier life. While his ultimate fate remains uncertain, Pony Deal’s legacy endures as a testament to the enduring allure and enduring mysteries of the Old West.