Raymond Hamilton – Hanging With the Barrow Gang
The annals of American crime history during the tumultuous 1930s are replete with figures who carved out a notorious existence, etching their names into the collective memory of the nation. Among these desperadoes, Raymond Hamilton, also known as Floyd Beatty, stands out as a significant, albeit often overlooked, associate of the infamous Barrow Gang. His life, a whirlwind of robberies, escapes, and ultimately, a tragic end, offers a glimpse into the desperation and lawlessness that characterized the era.
Born on May 21, 1913, near Schulter, Oklahoma, Raymond Elzie Hamilton entered the world in humble circumstances, in a tent home to Alice and John Hamilton. One of six children, his early years were spent in Dallas, Texas, a city that would play a pivotal role in shaping his destiny. It was in Dallas that he crossed paths with Clyde Barrow, an encounter that would irrevocably alter the course of his life.
The lure of easy money and a life outside the constraints of societal norms proved irresistible to the young Hamilton. He soon found himself drawn into the orbit of the Barrow Gang, a notorious band of outlaws led by Clyde Barrow and his partner, Bonnie Parker. Raymond Hamilton quickly became an active participant in their criminal endeavors, participating in a string of robberies and thefts that spread fear and chaos across the Southwest.
One of the most significant and tragic events in Raymond Hamilton’s criminal career was his involvement in the murder of Undersheriff Eugene Moore in Stringtown, Oklahoma, on August 5, 1932. This act of violence solidified his reputation as a dangerous outlaw and marked a turning point in the pursuit of the Barrow Gang by law enforcement.
The long arm of the law eventually caught up with Raymond Hamilton. He was apprehended and sentenced to a staggering 266 years in prison for a litany of crimes, including auto theft, armed robbery, and murder. He was incarcerated at the Eastham prison farm, a notorious institution located north of Huntsville, Texas. The Eastham prison farm was known for its harsh conditions and brutal treatment of inmates, a reflection of the prevailing attitudes towards criminals during the era.
However, Hamilton’s incarceration would prove to be short-lived. In January 1934, Clyde Barrow and Bonnie Parker orchestrated a daring raid on the Eastham prison farm. Their primary objective was to free Raymond Hamilton and other members of their gang who were being held there. The raid was a success, with Hamilton and four other prisoners successfully escaping the confines of the prison.
Tragically, the escape was marred by violence. One of the other escapees, Joe Palmer, fatally shot a guard during the breakout. This act had far-reaching consequences, prompting Texas Prison System Chief Lee Simmons to issue a "shoot-to-kill" order against Clyde Barrow and Bonnie Parker. The incident further intensified the manhunt for the Barrow Gang, placing them squarely in the crosshairs of law enforcement agencies across the country.
Following his escape, Raymond Hamilton briefly rejoined the Barrow Gang. However, his relationship with Clyde Barrow soon deteriorated due to his association with Mary O’Dare. Mary O’Dare, the young girlfriend of Raymond, entered the picture after her husband, Gene O’Dare was incarcerated with a 99 year sentence for bank robbery.
Bonnie and Clyde did not care for Mary, and viewed her as a prostitute and gold digger, and often slighted her and called her "washerwoman". The situation escalated when Hamilton and O’Dare were caught stealing money after a robbery, leading to a final break with the gang.
On April 25, 1934, Raymond Hamilton was once again apprehended. This time, there would be no escape. He was sent to the Texas State Penitentiary in Huntsville, the same institution from which he had been liberated just months earlier. His fate was sealed.
Hamilton was charged with the murder of the guard during the Eastham prison escape. The trial was swift, and the outcome was predetermined. On May 10, 1935, Raymond Hamilton was led to the electric chair. As he walked calmly to his execution, his final words were a simple, poignant farewell: "Well, goodbye all." He was preceded to the electric chair by Joe Palmer, the man whose actions had sealed his fate.
The life of Raymond Hamilton serves as a cautionary tale of the allure of crime and the devastating consequences that can follow. His association with the Barrow Gang thrust him into a world of violence and lawlessness, ultimately leading to his premature demise. He remains a figure of historical interest, a reminder of the turbulent times and the individuals who were caught in the crosscurrents of the American experience during the Great Depression.
The story of Raymond Hamilton is a complex one, filled with elements of desperation, loyalty, betrayal, and ultimately, tragedy. While his criminal activities cannot be condoned, his life offers a valuable insight into the social and economic conditions that contributed to the rise of outlaw gangs during the 1930s. His name is forever intertwined with the legend of Bonnie and Clyde, a reminder of the dark side of the American Dream.
The legacy of Raymond Hamilton continues to fascinate and intrigue historians and true crime enthusiasts alike. His story is a testament to the enduring power of the American narrative, a narrative that is often as dark and complex as it is inspiring. The story of Raymond Hamilton serves as a reminder of the human capacity for both good and evil, and the enduring struggle between law and lawlessness that has shaped the American landscape.