William F. “Little Bill” Radler – Riding With the Doolin Gang
The annals of the American West are filled with figures both celebrated and notorious, their stories woven into the very fabric of the nation’s frontier history. Among these figures stands William F. "Little Bill" Radler, a man who traded a life of education for the allure of the outlaw trail, ultimately becoming a member of the infamous Doolin-Dalton Gang. His story, though perhaps less widely known than those of his more famous contemporaries, offers a compelling glimpse into the lives of those who chose to live outside the bounds of the law in the turbulent era of the late 19th century.
From Pennsylvania to the Plains: The Transformation of Bill Radler
Born and raised in Pennsylvania, William F. Radler received an education that set him apart from many of his future companions. However, the call of the West proved too strong to resist. He eventually found his way to Texas, where he initially worked as a cowboy, embracing the rugged lifestyle of the open range. This experience served as a bridge to his later life as an outlaw, teaching him horsemanship, marksmanship, and the harsh realities of survival in the unforgiving landscape.
The transition from cowboy to outlaw was a gradual one, fueled by the economic hardships and social injustices that plagued the region. Like many others, Radler eventually drifted into Oklahoma, a territory known for its lawlessness and its attraction to those seeking to escape the constraints of settled society. It was here that he crossed paths with Bill Doolin, a charismatic and ambitious outlaw who was in the process of forming his own gang. Drawn to Doolin’s vision and perhaps disillusioned with the conventional paths available to him, William F. “Little Bill” Radler made the fateful decision to join the Doolin-Dalton Gang.
Life with the Doolin-Dalton Gang: Robbery and Gunfights
The Doolin-Dalton Gang quickly established itself as one of the most formidable and feared outlaw groups in the region. Their activities primarily revolved around robbing banks and trains, targeting institutions that were perceived as symbols of wealth and power. These acts of defiance, while criminal in nature, were often viewed by some as a form of resistance against the perceived injustices of the established order.
William F. “Little Bill” Radler participated in numerous robberies, proving himself to be a capable and reliable member of the gang. However, his life as an outlaw was not without its dangers. He was involved in several gunfights with law enforcement officers and rival gangs, constantly facing the risk of capture or death.
One of the most well-known of these encounters occurred on April 4, 1895, near Dover, Oklahoma. A posse ambushed the Doolin Gang, leading to a fierce exchange of gunfire. Amidst the chaos, William F. “Little Bill” Radler and several other gang members managed to escape, leaving behind "Tulsa Jack" Blake, who was killed by U.S. Deputy Marshal William Banks. This event marked a turning point for the Doolin Gang, signaling the beginning of their eventual downfall.
Capture and Imprisonment: The End of the Outlaw Trail
The law enforcement net began to tighten around the Doolin Gang, as authorities intensified their efforts to capture or kill its members. A few months after the gunfight near Dover, on September 6, Radler’s luck ran out. He was tracked down by Bill Tilghman, a legendary lawman known for his relentless pursuit of outlaws, and two other officers.
A confrontation ensued, with Radler firing his rifle at the lawmen. They returned fire, hitting Radler in the wrist with a rifle slug. He dropped his gun and attempted to flee, but was struck again in the back and neck. Miraculously, he survived the encounter, but his days as a free man were over.
Radler was subsequently arrested and put on trial for his involvement in a train robbery in Dover, Oklahoma. He was found guilty and sentenced to ten years in prison. This marked the end of his active participation in the outlaw life, bringing a close to his time riding with the Doolin-Dalton Gang.
Life After Prison: A New Chapter
After serving his sentence, William F. “Little Bill” Radler was released from prison in 1902. According to research conducted by Robbie Gries, a Radler family researcher and author, he returned to Northwest Oklahoma and married Blanche Whitenack, the mother of his child, who was born around the time he went to prison in 1896. This suggests that Radler may have had a pre-existing relationship with Whitenack prior to his outlaw days.
Radler and his wife initially ran a cigar and tobacco store in Woodward, Oklahoma, until around 1905. They then moved to Yale, Oklahoma, where they operated a general store. These ventures indicate a desire to establish a legitimate and stable life after his years as an outlaw. It seems that Radler was attempting to put his past behind him and build a new future for himself and his family.
The Mystery of His Demise: An Unsolved Chapter
Despite his efforts to rebuild his life, the later years of William F. “Little Bill” Radler remain shrouded in mystery. In January 1907, Blanche and their daughter Dollie returned to western Oklahoma, leaving Billie with friends while she looked for work. This separation suggests that the marriage may have been facing challenges, or that economic circumstances forced them to seek opportunities apart.
According to Gries, information regarding the date and location of Radler’s death has proven elusive, even for his family. This lack of documentation has fueled speculation and uncertainty surrounding his final years. However, the Oklahoma City Directory listed his wife Blanche as a widow in 1910, suggesting that he had passed away sometime before that year.
The exact circumstances of his death remain unknown, leaving a gap in the historical record. Whether he succumbed to lingering injuries from his outlaw days, fell victim to illness, or met with foul play remains a subject of speculation.
Legacy: A Complex Figure in the History of the West
William F. “Little Bill” Radler was a complex figure whose life reflects the tumultuous times in which he lived. He was a man of education who chose a path of outlawry, participating in robberies and gunfights as a member of the Doolin-Dalton Gang. Yet, after serving his time in prison, he attempted to rebuild his life, marrying, starting a family, and engaging in legitimate business ventures.
His story serves as a reminder that the history of the American West is not simply a tale of heroes and villains, but a more nuanced narrative filled with individuals who made difficult choices in the face of challenging circumstances. Radler’s life, with its mix of adventure, violence, and redemption, offers a glimpse into the complexities of the human experience on the frontier. His legacy is one of a man who, despite his past, sought to find a measure of peace and stability in a world that was often anything but. He remains a fascinating, if somewhat enigmatic, figure in the rich tapestry of Western lore.