Henry Methvin – Barrow Gang Member
The tumultuous era of the Great Depression, marked by widespread economic hardship and social unrest, also witnessed the rise of notorious outlaws who captured the public’s imagination. Among these figures was Henry Methvin, a name forever intertwined with the infamous Barrow Gang. This article delves into the life of this often-overlooked member of the gang, tracing his journey from a young man to a participant in a violent crime spree, and ultimately, to a tragic and unresolved end.
Born on April 8, 1912, Henry Methvin entered a world teetering on the brink of economic collapse. While details of his early life remain scarce, it is known that he eventually crossed paths with Clyde Barrow and Bonnie Parker, two figures who would significantly alter the course of his existence. The lure of fast money and a life outside the constraints of societal norms proved too tempting for Methvin, leading him to join the Barrow Gang.
The year 1934 proved to be pivotal for both the Barrow Gang and Henry Methvin. In January of that year, Clyde Barrow and Bonnie Parker orchestrated the audacious Eastham Prison Farm raid in Texas. This daring operation, designed to free several associates, resulted in the escape of numerous convicts, including Methvin. This act cemented his place within the gang and thrust him into the heart of their criminal activities.
With Methvin now fully integrated into the Barrow Gang, the trio embarked on a relentless crime spree that gripped the nation with fear and fascination. Their activities ranged from bank robberies to petty thefts, leaving a trail of chaos and violence in their wake. However, it was their encounters with law enforcement that truly defined their notoriety.
The Grapevine, Texas incident stands as a grim testament to the gang’s ruthless nature. The murders of two highway patrolmen sent shockwaves through the community and intensified the manhunt for Bonnie, Clyde, and Henry Methvin. The pressure on law enforcement to bring the gang to justice reached fever pitch, setting the stage for their eventual downfall.
Shortly after the Grapevine murders, the gang found themselves in a precarious situation near Commerce, Oklahoma. Their vehicle became mired in mud, forcing them to attempt to flag down a passing motorist for assistance. This seemingly minor setback proved to be a fatal error. Instead of offering help, the driver recognized the outlaws and sped away to alert the authorities.
Police Chief Percy Boyd and Constable Cal Campbell responded to the call, unaware of the deadly confrontation that awaited them. In the ensuing gun battle, Constable Campbell was killed, and Chief Boyd was seriously wounded. This incident further fueled public outrage and solidified the gang’s image as cold-blooded killers. Henry Methvin, as a participant in this shootout, became even more deeply implicated in the escalating violence.
As the Barrow Gang continued their desperate flight from the law, a plan began to take shape that would ultimately lead to their demise. Ivan Methvin, Henry’s father, entered into a clandestine agreement with law enforcement officials. In exchange for his son’s pardon in Texas, Ivan would assist in setting up an ambush for Bonnie and Clyde. The authorities, eager to bring the infamous duo to justice, readily accepted the offer.
Whether Henry Methvin was fully aware of his father’s arrangement remains a subject of speculation. However, it is believed that he at least suspected the impending ambush, as his father reportedly cautioned him against accompanying Bonnie and Clyde on the fateful morning of May 23, 1934.
On that day, Bonnie and Clyde drove down a rural road in Bienville Parish, Louisiana, unaware that they were heading into a carefully orchestrated trap. As they approached a pre-arranged location, law enforcement officers unleashed a hail of gunfire, bringing the Barrow Gang’s reign of terror to a violent and abrupt end. The deaths of Bonnie and Clyde marked a significant turning point in the pursuit of Henry Methvin and the remaining members of the gang.
True to their word, Texas authorities granted Henry Methvin a pardon for his crimes in their state. However, he still faced charges in Oklahoma for the murder of Constable Cal Campbell. He was initially sentenced to death for the crime, but after an appeal in 1936, his sentence was commuted to life imprisonment.
After serving ten years behind bars, Henry Methvin was released from prison and made his way to Sulphur, Louisiana. However, his life after the Barrow Gang remained troubled and ultimately ended in tragedy. On April 19, 1948, he was struck and killed by a train. The circumstances surrounding his death remain shrouded in mystery, adding another layer of intrigue to his already complex story. He was buried at the Social Springs Cemetery in Hall Summit, Louisiana.
The story of Henry Methvin serves as a cautionary tale of a life derailed by circumstance and poor choices. While his association with Bonnie and Clyde brought him notoriety, it also condemned him to a life of violence and ultimately led to his untimely demise. His legacy remains a complex one, forever linked to the infamous Barrow Gang and the turbulent era in which they operated.