Chunk Colbert established a reputation as a gunman during the early 1870s, reputedly killing seven men in West Texas, New Mexico, and Colorado. In the early 1870s, he shot and killed Charles Morris in Cimarron, New Mexico, after becoming convinced that Morris was too interested in Mrs. Colbert. However, he made a deadly mistake when he decided to tangle with a far superior gunfighter – Clay Allison.

On January 7, 1875, Colbert and Allison went to the Clifton House, an inn in Colfax County, New Mexico, after racing their horses in a quarter-mile trot. When the pair sat down for dinner, Colbert allegedly fancied that he could get the “drop” on Allison, who some say had killed his uncle nine years earlier. Guessing there might be trouble, Clay was very cautious, but the talk was friendly as they enjoyed a large meal before them. When they were seated, Colbert laid his gun in his lap, and Allison laid his gun on the table. After the meal, Colbert suddenly reached for his gun under the table and leveled it toward Allison. The perceptive Allison followed suit, and when Colbert’s gun nicked the table, the shot was deflected, and Allison shot him in the head. Later Allison was asked why He had agreed to have a meal with him and answered, “Because I didn’t want to send a man to hell on an empty stomach.” Colbert was buried in an unmarked grave behind the Clifton House.

Chunk’s friend, Charles Cooper, disappeared soon after Chunk’s death. It was assumed Clay Allison killed him. Cooper was last seen on January 19, 1874. Allison was arrested for his murder but was soon released due to the lack of evidence.

 

© Kathy Alexander/Legends of America, updated November 2022.

Also See:

Cimarron – Wild & Baudy Boomtown

Elizabethtown – Gone but Not Forgotten

Gunfighters of the American West

New Mexico – Land of Enchantment