Name/Title
File, DocumentEntry/Object ID
2015.180.11.146Scope and Content
Rans Baker's Research Collection
Box 8
2015.180.11.146
The following file is composed of Lectures and Notes given or researched by Rans. Contents have briefly been listed. For more information on the subject, see the notebook
RANS LECTURES (Given 3/24/1992)
Outlaws and Mores of 1880’s
Lecture Given, 3/24/1992 (note side left: 4th)
Subjects:
Story and Lynching (complete) of Big Nose George Parrott
Lynching of Cattle Kate and James Averell
Growing problems of violence and vice during the boom years of the 1880’s
Had unsolved murders of Deputy Sheriff Robert Widdowfield, and Special Railroad Detective H. H. “Tip” Vincent to deal with
Incident of Boone May and the Frank Towle shooting and disinterring to claim the reward
(At this point Rans revises the lecture and states that he used it on 3/27/2001)
Rawlins was booming due to the militaries use as the main supply depot for their actions against the Northern Utes.
Development North of the tracks
Southside businesses included William Granger Store
Fall of 1870’s, Charles and August Trabing, Medicine Bow merchants and freighters started a business in Rawlins
Make shift court office and courtroom in the new Masonic Lodge. (1881)?
Hanging of Dutch Charley 1/8/1879
Capture of Big Nose George and return to Rawlins (stopping of train in Carbon)
The shooting of Joe Hornbeck by John Orlando Fierce (Fernando Fierce according to the newspaper) and subsequent jailing and attempted hanging by vigilantes (he was in jail the same time as Big Nose George)
Gang problems did not cease, but increased.
Gang of James Lacey, Robert (Opium Bob) Roderick, William Carter and Pat Fry committed burglaries and muggings; robbed belongings of train passengers
County Treasurer’s safe robbed, J. H. Sullivan accused
Sing Lee Laundry robbed and an employee beaten severely; Eyewitnesses to this event. Gang members arrested.
Once again jail at 5th and Cedar broken into and Lacy, Opium Bob and Carter were dragged from their cells, but left Pat Fry. Dragged to stockyards. Carter managed to get away. James Lacey and Opium Bob Roderick weren’t so lucky—hung and bodies left as a warning.
Undesirables left town
J. C. Friend editorial justifies the hangings
William McCabe shot ____Calliston , Calliston died, trial, outcome, page 9
Charles Perkins, his businesses, questionable activities, involved in mass killings of wild game. Sent the meat east; Condemned publicly, but nothing done legally.
Shipping south stops due to various factors
Leroy Donovan alias John Lee, accused murderer of William Leighton in Rock Springs; story includes detailed description of sentence and his hanging.
Calm over city for 4 years
Calamity Jane and antics
Four shootings:
1. William “Monty” Montgomery, cowboy, shot by Jim Finley, Marshal- Finley was tried and found not guilty
2. 11/19/1885 Jack Lyons and Charles O’Brian had a shoot out at Lavon’s Saloon on South Front, victim was barman John Lavin who was killed (Lyons and O’Brian spent some time in jail, but were not charged)
Rawlins incorporated as a municipality tells process, page 14. I. C. Miller, 1st Mayor
3. Malachi Dillon had shoot out behind the Opera House with his brother and partner, Pat. (had paid too much attention to Malachi’s wife). Patched up by Dr. Maghee and sent out of town.
4. 10/4/1886- Ben Carter shot and killed James Jeffries, story on page 17, accused Jeffries of being a spy for the stock association. Carter was hung, pages 18-19. (Noted 2nd legal hanging)
Calamity Jane back in town, incident related from Meeker, 12/1887
Last execution by county was Frank Howard on 12/7/1894; hung by Jens Hansen.
Other violent acts listed: Atlantic Express Holdup and shootings, story; murders of S. M. Wain? and Harry Strong; Trappers Nathan L. Adams and Spitzer lynched while being taken for trial, page 20;
Other names: Pete Gantz, R. W. Galbraith, Ed Lineberger, assault case of Dennis O’Melia, John Shanley, James Bennett, Herman Keal? body found, Molly Lanvin, Paddy? Golden, Cattle Kate, page 21, 22, Tom Ricketts, Dan S. Parker, page 22, 23.Collection
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