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Jack "Red Jack" Almer, aka: Jack Averill - (18??-1883) - Almer was the leader of the Red Jack Gang who preyed on Arizona stagecoaches during the early 1880s, particularly along the San Pedro River. When the gang held up a Globe, Arizona stage on August 10, 1883, the Wells Fargo guard insisted that they were not carrying any gold. However, a "female" passenger jumped from the stage, insisting the guard was a liar. Dressed in women's clothing, it was Almer.

When the guard went for his gun, Red Jack shot him dead and the gang took of with nearly $3,000 in bold and cash. In no time, posses were formed and Sheriff Bob Paul was intent on catching the gang. One by one he tracked down every member of the gang and found Almer hiding near Willcox, Arizona on October 4, 1883. in the ensuing gunfight, "Red Jack” was shot down by Sheriff Bob and his posse when he tried to battle his way out.

David L. Anderson, aka: William "Billy” Wilson, Buffalo Bill (1862-1918) - Most commonly known as "Billy Wilson," Anderson moved with his family from Ohio to South Texas when he was a teenager. When he grew up he worked as a cowboy before moving to White Oaks, New Mexico and buying a livery stable in 1880. Within less than a year he sold his operation, but was paid in counterfeit bills. Duped, he began to pass the money anyway and was arrested and indicted.

Outlaws and gunfighters alike seemingly loved to have

their pictures made with their weapons.

This image available for photographic prints HERE!

Skipping bail, he soon fled and joined Billy the Kid’s Gang of rustlers. Along with several other gang members he was arrested by Pat Garrett and convicted in 1881 and sent to prison in Santa Fe . However, he soon escaped and reverting to his real name, David L. Anderson, he returned to Texas, where he began ranching, married, and started a family. In 1896, Pat Garrett helped him to obtain a presidential pardon. Afterwards, he worked as a U.S. customs inspector for a time, before becoming the Terrell County Sheriff in 1905. He was killed in the line of duty in 1918.

James "Jim” Anderson - Brother to William "Bloody Bill" Anderson, Jim rode with Quantrill's Raiders during the Civil War. When the war was over, he surrendered in Kentucky and for unknown reasons was sent to prison in Alton, Illinois. He was released at the end of 1865, after which, he joined the James-Younger Gang. Jim was thought to have been killed by fellow James-Younger Gang member, George Shepherd in Austin, Texas. The murder was allegedly in revenge for Anderson and Jesse James’ robbery and murder of Sheherd’s nephew, Ike Flannery in Missouri. The pair were said to have killed Flannery after he had come into some inherited money and Shepherd slit Anderson’s throat on the lawn of the state capital building in Austin, Texas.

James Arcine (or Arcene) (18??-1885) - Arcine, a Cherokee Indian, was living near the U.S. Army base at Fort Smith in the 1870's. In 1872, he and a friend by the name of William Parchmeal were traveling in Indian Territory near Fort Gibson, Oklahoma. At the same time, Henry Feigel, a Swedish laborer, had set out from Talequah en route to Fort Gibson on November 25th. However, before Feigel would arrive, he was overtaken by Arcine and Parchmeal about two miles outside of Fort Gibson. After firing on the the Swedish man, Arcine then bludgeoned him with a large stone. Parchmeal later claimed he stood by helplessly, fearing Arcine would kill him if he intervened. Arcine then took just 25 cents from Feigel's pockets and made off with his boots, later boasting that he had stolen them from a dead man. Feigel's body was found in the brush the next day.

Though an investigation into his death took place and Arcine and Parchmeal were strongly suspected, no arrests were made and the affair was dropped for the next thirteen years. In 1884; however, the case attracted the attention of U.S. Deputy Marshal Andrews, who uncovered new evidence that established their guilt and the pair were arrested the next year and taken to Fort Smith, Arkansas.

Upon his arrest, Arcine told authorities that he was 33 years old, which would mean that he was 20 when he committed the crime. Later; however, he would tell Judge Isaac Parker that he was only ten years old when he killed Feigel. In the meantime, Parchmeal had confessed to everything and even led U.S. Deputy Marshal Andrews to the very spot where the killing had occurred. Arcine's attempt to secure leniency didn't work. Though an appeal was made directly to President Chester Arthur for clemency, it was denied. On June 26, 1885, Arcine and Parchmealprayed and sang in the Cherokee language up to the minute they were led to the gallows. A few minutes later they were hanged.

Outlaws were often hanged by vigilantes.

This image available for photographic prints HERE!

Also See the Full Stories:

Bunco Men, Cardsharps, and Scoundrels

Explorers, Mountain Men, Trappers & Traders

Gunfighters & Lawmen of the American West

Native Americans - The First Owners of America

Old West Outlaws

Vigilantes

Women of the West