Texas Billy Thompson – Constant Trouble
William "Texas Billy" Thompson, a name often whispered with a mix of fear and fascination, remains a figure etched in the annals of the American West. Born the brother of the more celebrated gunman Ben Thompson, Texas Billy Thompson carved out a reputation that, while less illustrious, was no less potent. He was a man described by contemporaries as "mean, vicious, vindictive, and totally unpredictable," a character assessment that hinted at the turbulent life he would lead. This article delves into the life and times of Texas Billy Thompson, exploring the events that shaped his notorious persona.
Born in 1845 in Yorkshire, England, William Thompson’s early life offered little indication of the path he would eventually tread. In 1851, at a young age, he, along with his brother Ben and their family, embarked on a transatlantic journey, seeking new opportunities in the burgeoning state of Texas. They settled in Austin, where the young Thompson brothers would begin their assimilation into the rugged American landscape.
The outbreak of the Civil War marked a significant turning point in the lives of many young men, and the Thompson brothers were no exception. Both William and Ben enlisted in the Texas Mounted Rifles, joining the Confederate cause. While details of their specific wartime service remain somewhat scarce, it’s safe to assume that the experience, with its inherent violence and chaos, would have contributed to the hardening of their characters.
The post-Civil War era was a time of great upheaval in the South, particularly in Texas, where federal troops remained stationed for several years. This period of reconstruction was fraught with tension and resentment, and it was during this time that William Thompson’s reputation began to take a darker turn. In March 1868, Texas Billy Thompson found himself embroiled in a deadly altercation with Private William Burk, a federal soldier. The encounter resulted in Burk’s death, forcing Thompson to flee from the reach of the law.
This marked the beginning of a pattern that would define much of Thompson’s life: violence followed by flight. Just two months after the incident with Private Burk, Thompson was involved in another killing, this time in Rockport, Texas. The victim’s identity remains somewhat obscured by the mists of time. The law once again sought Thompson, and he was compelled to flee, seeking refuge first in the Indian Territory (present-day Oklahoma) and then further north into Kansas.
It was in the bustling cowtown of Abilene, Kansas, that Texas Billy Thompson encountered a figure who would significantly impact his life. Her name was Elizabeth Haley, but she was better known as "Libby," or more colorfully, "Squirrel Tooth Alice." Libby was a dance hall girl and prostitute, a woman who navigated the rough-and-tumble world of the Wild West with a combination of resilience and pragmatism. Thompson and Libby quickly became involved in a passionate affair, a relationship that defied conventional norms and ultimately led to marriage and a large family of nine children.
Thompson, making a living as a gambler, continued to court trouble. In April 1873, he and his brother Ben were both present in Ellsworth, Kansas, another wild and woolly cowtown. Just four months later, in August, Thompson’s propensity for violence resurfaced. He found himself in a confrontation with Sheriff Chauncey Whitney, and the encounter ended with Whitney’s death. Once again, Thompson was forced to flee, becoming a fugitive from justice.
The life of Texas Billy Thompson and Libby was characterized by constant movement, always one step ahead of the law or some other form of trouble. Their nomadic existence took them across the vast expanse of the American West, from Kansas to Colorado and Nebraska, always seeking a place where they could find a semblance of peace and stability.
In October 1876, Thompson’s run from the law finally came to an end. He was apprehended by Texas Rangers and extradited back to Kansas to face charges for the murder of Sheriff Whitney. In a surprising turn of events, Thompson was acquitted of the crime. The reasons for his acquittal remain a subject of speculation, ranging from lack of evidence to potential bias in the jury.
Following his acquittal, Thompson made his way to Dodge City, Kansas, another infamous cowtown known for its saloons, gambling halls, and frequent gunfights. He later ventured to Colorado and Nebraska before finally settling with Libby in Sweetwater, Texas. There, he attempted to establish a more settled life, purchasing and working a ranch. Libby, ever resourceful, established a brothel in town, contributing to the family’s income.
Despite his attempts at a more conventional life, Thompson’s past continued to haunt him. In 1884, while in San Antonio, he witnessed the assassination of his brother Ben, who was gunned down by rivals in a saloon. Surprisingly, Thompson, known for his vengeful nature, took no action against his brother’s killers. The reasons for his restraint remain a mystery, perhaps a sign of weariness or a desire to avoid further bloodshed.
On September 6, 1897, William "Texas Billy" Thompson died at the age of 52 from a stomach ailment. His life, marked by violence, flight, and a constant struggle for survival, came to an end. While his brother Ben achieved greater notoriety, William "Texas Billy" Thompson remains a compelling figure in the history of the American West, a testament to the turbulent times and the complex characters that inhabited them. He was a man of contradictions, capable of both violence and affection, a product of his environment and a reflection of the harsh realities of the frontier. He was constantly in trouble and was always on the run, and it was a life that he chose and lived.