William “News” Carver – Riding With Butch Cassidy
The annals of the American West are filled with tales of daring outlaws, men who lived outside the law and etched their names into history through acts of defiance and adventure. Among these figures, William "News" Carver stands as a compelling character, a Texas cowboy who traded cattle drives for train robberies and found himself riding alongside the infamous Butch Cassidy. His story is one of lost love, a descent into crime, and a brief but impactful career as a member of some of the West’s most notorious gangs.
William "News" Carver, the subject of this article, was more than just a footnote in the history of the Wild West. He was a man who experienced the harsh realities of life and death on the frontier, and whose choices ultimately led him down a path of outlawry. This narrative delves into the life and times of William "News" Carver, exploring his origins, his motivations, and his involvement with the Ketchum Gang, the Wild Bunch, and the High Fives Gang.
Born in Coryell County, Texas, around 1866, William "News" Carver began his life as a typical Texan, embracing the rugged lifestyle of the era. He found work as a cowboy at the Half Circle Six Ranch in Tom Green County, a vast expanse of land where cattle roamed and men tested their mettle against the elements. It was here that he met and fell in love with Viana Byler, a young woman of just 17. Their marriage in 1891 marked a new chapter in Carver’s life, a promise of domesticity and stability.
However, tragedy struck swiftly and cruelly. Only a few months after their wedding, Viana succumbed to illness, leaving Carver devastated and adrift. The loss of his young wife shattered his world, and in his grief, he turned away from the honest life he had known and embraced a life of crime. This turning point is crucial to understanding the trajectory of William "News" Carver, a man driven by despair into the arms of outlawry.
In the wake of his loss, Carver’s affections turned towards Viana’s 15-year-old niece, Laura Bullion. Laura would become more than just a romantic interest; she would become an accomplice, a partner in his criminal endeavors. This relationship highlights the complex web of personal connections that often existed within outlaw gangs, blurring the lines between family, loyalty, and criminal enterprise.
Carver’s criminal career began in earnest in 1896 when he joined forces with Thomas "Black Jack" Ketchum and his brother Sam Ketchum. The Ketchum Gang was known for its brazen robberies in New Mexico, targeting trains and banks with a ruthless efficiency. Carver quickly adapted to the outlaw life, learning the skills necessary to survive in a world where trust was scarce and danger lurked around every corner. The influence of the Ketchum Gang on William "News" Carver cannot be overstated; it was here that he honed his skills and solidified his reputation as a capable outlaw.
After a failed train robbery, Carver sought refuge in the notorious Robber’s Roost, a remote and lawless area in Utah that served as a haven for outlaws. It was here that he crossed paths with Butch Cassidy and joined the ranks of the Wild Bunch, one of the most legendary outlaw gangs in American history. The Wild Bunch, under Cassidy’s charismatic leadership, was a formidable force, comprised of hardened criminals such as the Sundance Kid, Ben Kilpatrick, Harvey Logan (also known as Kid Curry), George Curry, Elza Lay, and Bob Weeks.
Carver quickly integrated himself into the Wild Bunch, participating in their daring robberies and earning the respect of his fellow outlaws. The gang’s operations spanned several states, targeting banks, trains, and stagecoaches with a boldness that captured the public’s imagination. These heists were often meticulously planned and executed, showcasing the Wild Bunch’s organizational skills and their willingness to take risks.
One of the Wild Bunch’s most audacious exploits was the robbery of a Union Pacific train at Tipton, Wyoming, on August 29, 1900. William "News" Carver, along with Cassidy, the Sundance Kid, and Harvey Logan, played a key role in the heist, demonstrating their skill and nerve under pressure. The robbery was a resounding success, netting the gang a substantial sum of money.
Just weeks later, on September 19, the Wild Bunch struck again, this time targeting the First National Bank of Winnemucca, Nevada. The gang made off with over $32,000, further solidifying their reputation as one of the most successful and daring outlaw gangs in the West. The following year, in 1901, the gang obtained $65,000 from the Great Northern train near Wagner, Montana. These heists, though profitable, also increased the pressure on the Wild Bunch, attracting the attention of law enforcement agencies and private detectives who were determined to bring them to justice.
In April 1901, William "News" Carver and Ben Kilpatrick returned to Texas, perhaps seeking respite from the relentless pursuit of the law or hoping to reconnect with their roots. However, their return proved to be a fatal mistake. On April 2, Carver was ambushed by Sheriff Elijah Briant and his deputies in Sonora, Texas.
The ambush was swift and decisive. Sheriff Briant shot Carver, inflicting a mortal wound. Carver succumbed to his injuries three hours later, bringing an end to his brief but eventful life as an outlaw. Kilpatrick managed to escape the ambush, but his freedom was short-lived. He was later captured, imprisoned, and eventually killed during another train robbery, a tragic end for another member of the Wild Bunch.
The death of William "News" Carver marked the beginning of the end for the Wild Bunch. The relentless pursuit of law enforcement, combined with internal conflicts and the changing landscape of the West, gradually eroded the gang’s power and influence. Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid eventually fled to South America, where they met their own demise in a shootout with Bolivian soldiers, though the details surrounding their deaths remain shrouded in mystery.
William "News" Carver’s story is a microcosm of the larger narrative of the American West, a tale of opportunity, hardship, and the choices that defined a generation. He was a man who, driven by personal tragedy, chose a path of outlawry and left his mark on the history of the Wild West. Though his life was cut short, his name continues to echo through the canyons and plains of the American frontier, a reminder of the daring outlaws who once roamed free.