William “Russian Bill” Tattenbaum, the Noble Outlaw
The American West, a land of vast landscapes and boundless opportunity, also attracted a diverse cast of characters, some seeking fortune, others fleeing their pasts. Among these figures was William Tattenbaum, a man shrouded in mystery and known by the moniker "Russian Bill." His story, a blend of alleged aristocracy, outlaw life, and a tragic end, has become a fascinating, if somewhat dubious, legend of the Old West.
Tattenbaum presented himself as a figure of European nobility, claiming to be the son of the Countess Telfrin and a former officer in the Czar’s prestigious Imperial White Hussars. He attributed his presence in the New Mexico Territory to a forced exile, brought on by striking a superior officer, an act that would have resulted in a court-martial. While his Russian origins were generally accepted, his claims of aristocratic lineage were often met with skepticism.
Adding to the air of intrigue, William “Russian Bill” Tattenbaum was known for his refined appearance and demeanor, a stark contrast to the rugged frontiersmen and hardened outlaws of the time. He was described as a "dandy," meticulously dressed, armed with the finest pistols, and attentive to his curly blonde hair and mustache. Furthermore, he was well-educated, fluent in multiple languages, and eager to engage in discussions about art, literature, and science, subjects that were rarely broached in the rough-and-tumble saloons and dusty streets of the West.
Despite his attempts to project an image of nobility, his stories were often dismissed as "tall tales" or outright fabrications. This perception, however, did little to diminish the fascination surrounding the man known as William “Russian Bill” Tattenbaum. He seemed determined to maintain the facade of a refined gentleman, even as he drifted into the company of some of the West’s most notorious outlaws.
Tattenbaum’s path led him to New Mexico, where he associated with the "cowboys" of the San Simon Valley, a loose affiliation often linked to the infamous Clanton Gang. These men were primarily rustlers, engaging in the illicit trade of stolen cattle, moving herds across the border between the United States and Mexico. They were also known for stagecoach robberies and other acts of thievery, contributing to the lawlessness that plagued the region.
While the exact nature of William “Russian Bill” Tattenbaum‘s involvement with the "cowboys" remains debated, some historians believe he was little more than a glorified errand boy, an amusing eccentric tolerated by the more hardened members of the group. Citizens of Tombstone, Arizona, viewed him as a peculiar character, often the subject of jokes and ridicule. Regardless of his precise role, Tattenbaum’s association with these outlaws solidified his image as a figure on the fringes of society.
During his time with the "cowboys," William “Russian Bill” Tattenbaum formed an unlikely friendship with Sandy King, a hard-drinking gunman known for his penchant for barroom brawls. Despite their contrasting personalities and backgrounds, the two men developed a bond that led them to seek their fortunes together. When King relocated to Shakespeare, New Mexico, Tattenbaum followed, and the pair embarked on a career of cattle rustling.
Shakespeare, New Mexico, a small and isolated town, proved to be a fateful destination for both men. King quickly established himself as a local bully, and his violent tendencies soon landed him in trouble. After shooting off a storekeeper’s index finger during an argument, King was arrested and jailed. Meanwhile, Tattenbaum’s rustling activities caught up with him, and he was apprehended on November 9, 1881, and incarcerated alongside his friend.
The residents of Shakespeare, tired of the lawlessness and violence that plagued their town, formed a vigilance committee to take matters into their own hands. Acting swiftly, the committee put Tattenbaum on trial and found him guilty of cattle rustling, sentencing him to death by hanging. When one of the committee members suggested that King should also be hanged for being a "damned nuisance," the others readily agreed.
The two men were dragged from the jail to the dining hall of the Grant Hotel, which served as a makeshift courtroom. King, in his defense, argued that others had committed far worse crimes without facing punishment, citing the case of Bean Belly Smith, who had shot Ross Woods over a dispute about the last egg in the house. The committee, however, remained unmoved.
As the vigilantes prepared the hanging ropes, Tattenbaum reportedly pleaded for his life, his facade of aristocratic composure crumbling under the weight of his impending doom. King, on the other hand, displayed a remarkable level of stoicism, requesting only a glass of water to moisten his throat before facing his execution. After King had his drink, nooses were placed around their necks, and they were hoisted into the air, left to hang until they were dead.
The following morning, the stagecoach arrived at the hotel, and passengers disembarked for breakfast, only to be confronted with the gruesome sight of the two men still hanging from the rafters. The bodies served as a stark warning to any other "bad characters" who might consider taking up residence in Shakespeare.
News of Tattenbaum’s death eventually reached Tombstone, where some residents expressed regret that the seemingly harmless and amusing man had met such a violent end. Two years later, a gentleman arrived in Tombstone, claiming to represent Countess Telfrin and seeking information about her long-lost son, William Tattenbaum. To spare the Countess the horrifying details of her son’s demise, word was sent back to Russia that he had died by suicide.
An account from the New York Times dated September 23, 1883, titled "The Story of Russian Bill – How the Shakespeare Citizens Got Rid of a Bad Gang," provides further insight into the life and death of William “Russian Bill” Tattenbaum. The article describes him as a noticeable figure, with his distinct features, long mustache, and curly blonde hair. It notes that he was known throughout southwestern New Mexico as one of the San Simon "rustlers," a gang of outlaws who terrorized the region by stealing cattle and horses.
The New York Times article highlights Tattenbaum’s education and fluency in multiple languages, as well as his fondness for discussing literature, science, and art. It acknowledges the mystery surrounding his past, noting that no one dared to inquire about why a man of such mental capabilities had joined a band of outlaws.
While Tattenbaum was not known to have committed any crimes beyond cattle stealing, he claimed to have "killed his man" on several occasions. However, his close associate, Curly Bill Brocious, dismissed these claims as mere boasting. Brocious, a notorious outlaw himself, was reputed to have committed numerous murders and considered Tattenbaum to be more of a braggart than a genuine "bad man."
The New York Times account confirms the events leading to Tattenbaum’s death in Shakespeare, New Mexico, including the formation of the vigilance committee and their decision to hang Tattenbaum and King as an example to other criminals. The article concludes by mentioning the letter received by the Sheriff of Grant County from the American Consul in St. Petersburg, inquiring about the whereabouts of Countess Telfrin’s son and the subsequent decision to conceal the truth about his death.
The story of William “Russian Bill” Tattenbaum is a complex and intriguing tale, blending elements of fact and fiction. Whether he was a genuine Russian nobleman who fell from grace or a charlatan who adopted a fabricated identity, his presence in the American West left a lasting mark on local folklore. His refined demeanor, alleged aristocratic background, and association with notorious outlaws created a captivating persona that continues to fascinate those interested in the history of the Old West. His tragic end in Shakespeare, New Mexico, serves as a reminder of the harsh realities and vigilante justice that prevailed in the untamed territories of the American frontier.