The Verdigris Kid – Member of the Cook Gang
The annals of the American West are filled with tales of daring outlaws, fleeting moments of rebellion, and the harsh realities of frontier justice. Among these figures, some emerge from the shadows of history, their stories whispered in hushed tones, their deeds often exaggerated or romanticized. One such figure is Sam McWilliams, better known as the Verdigris Kid, a member of the infamous Cook Gang that terrorized Indian Territory in the mid-1890s. While the Cook Gang’s reign of lawlessness was brief, its impact was undeniably felt, and the story of the Verdigris Kid offers a glimpse into the chaotic and often brutal world of the Old West.
The setting for this dramatic episode in American history is Indian Territory, a vast expanse of land that is now present-day Oklahoma. This territory, set aside by the United States government for Native American tribes, became a melting pot of cultures, a haven for those seeking to escape the constraints of settled society, and, unfortunately, a breeding ground for criminal activity. The lack of strong law enforcement and the abundance of remote areas made it an ideal location for outlaw gangs to flourish, preying on the vulnerable and exploiting the lawlessness of the frontier.
The Cook Gang, a relatively short-lived but undeniably ruthless band of outlaws, emerged from this turbulent environment. Under the leadership of Bill Cook, and with the notorious Cherokee Bill Goldsby among its ranks, the gang quickly gained a reputation for violence and daring. Their initial activities were relatively minor, involving the theft of horses and the illegal sale of whiskey. However, as their confidence grew, so did the scale of their operations. They soon graduated to robbing banks, stores, and stagecoaches, leaving a trail of fear and destruction in their wake. The gang’s willingness to use violence, often shooting anyone who stood in their way, contributed to their fearsome reputation and made them a primary target for law enforcement.
As the months passed, the Cook Gang began to unravel. Law enforcement, increasingly determined to bring the outlaws to justice, relentlessly pursued the gang. One by one, members were either killed in gunfights or apprehended and brought to trial. The leaders, Bill Cook and Cherokee Bill, eventually met their demise, either through capture and execution or violent confrontation. However, even with the loss of their leadership and the capture of many members, remnants of the gang remained at large. Among these were Sam McWilliams, the Verdigris Kid, and his associate, George Sanders.
In April 1895, the Verdigris Kid, along with George Sanders and another accomplice named Sam Butler, rode into the town of Braggs, Oklahoma. Their arrival was anything but subtle. The trio of outlaws, armed and dangerous, immediately announced their presence, ordering everyone in the town to raise their hands in surrender. The brazenness of their actions underscored the gang’s reputation for audacity and their willingness to take risks.
The outlaws wasted no time in implementing their plan. They marched their captive townsfolk towards the Madden General Store, the heart of the small community and the target of their robbery. Inside the store, panic ensued. A store clerk, overwhelmed by fear, attempted to flee, running out into the street in a desperate attempt to escape. The outlaws, however, were unforgiving. Without hesitation, they shot the fleeing clerk, a brutal act that demonstrated their callous disregard for human life. This single act of violence sent a clear message to the remaining hostages: resistance was futile and would be met with deadly force.
While their hostages remained under guard, the outlaws proceeded to rob the general store. They looted the store of its cash and valuables, taking whatever they could carry. In a peculiar twist, they also decided to exchange their own worn clothing and boots for new ones from the store’s inventory, perhaps seeking to improve their appearance or simply taking advantage of the opportunity to acquire better gear. Adding to the humiliation of the townsfolk, the outlaws then forced one of the hostages to fetch a horse from elsewhere in town, which they then exchanged for one of their own horses, likely choosing a superior animal for their escape.
Fortunately for the town of Braggs, the owner of the Madden General Store was not present during the robbery. However, he witnessed the events unfolding from a distance. Recognizing the gravity of the situation, he quickly sought help, reporting the robbery to two law officers, one of whom was U.S. Deputy Marshal Barbee. These officers, upon receiving the news, immediately responded, riding towards the general store to confront the outlaws.
The arrival of the law officers marked the beginning of the end for the Verdigris Kid and his companions. As the officers approached the store, a gunfight erupted. Deputy Marshal Barbee opened fire on the outlaws, initiating a deadly exchange of bullets. In the ensuing chaos, the Verdigris Kid was struck down, mortally wounded in the hail of gunfire. George Sanders also fell, killed in the shootout. Sam Butler, though wounded, managed to escape, disappearing into the surrounding countryside.
The brief but violent career of the Verdigris Kid came to an abrupt end in the dusty streets of Braggs, Oklahoma. At the time of his death, Sam McWilliams was only 19 years old, a stark reminder of the youth and wasted potential that often characterized the lives of outlaws in the Old West. The life of the Verdigris Kid highlights the era. He was a young man caught up in a world of violence and lawlessness, his choices ultimately leading to his untimely demise.
The story of the Verdigris Kid is a microcosm of the larger narrative of the Cook Gang and the challenges of law enforcement in Indian Territory. The gang’s ruthlessness and the difficulty in tracking them down underscore the lawlessness of the time. The fate of the Verdigris Kid serves as a cautionary tale, illustrating the consequences of choosing a life of crime.
The Verdigris Kid, though a relatively minor figure in the grand scheme of Western history, represents a significant aspect of the American frontier. His involvement with the Cook Gang and his violent end exemplify the harsh realities of life on the fringes of society. The Verdigris Kid’s story is a reminder of the dangers and uncertainties that characterized the Old West.
The Verdigris Kid’s legacy remains a footnote in the broader history of the West, a reminder of the many individuals who were drawn into a life of crime during a period of rapid change and social upheaval. The Verdigris Kid’s story is a grim testament to the lure of outlawry and the often-fatal consequences that followed.
The legacy of the Cook Gang, including the part played by the Verdigris Kid, continues to fascinate historians and enthusiasts of the American West. Their story serves as a reminder of the complex and often contradictory nature of frontier life.