In the annals of the Old West, where legends are forged from grit and gunpowder, the name Laughing Sam Carey surfaces as a tantalizing enigma. This shadowy figure, possibly also known as Laughing Dick Carey, was an integral, albeit mysterious, member of the notorious Hole in the Wall Gang, operating out of the rugged landscapes of Wyoming in the latter part of the 19th century. Despite his frequent mentions in the chronicles of outlaw exploits originating from the legendary Hole-in-the-Wall Pass, definitive details about Laughing Sam Carey’s life and actions remain remarkably scarce, making him one of the most intriguing and elusive characters of his time.
His story is a testament to the turbulent era of American expansion, where men like Carey found themselves on the fringes of society, often clashing with the burgeoning forces of law and order. The Hole in the Wall Gang itself was not a single, unified entity, but rather a loose confederation of various outlaw bands who shared the strategic and secluded hideout in Johnson County, Wyoming. Within this complex network, Sam Carey carved out a place, his moniker suggesting a personality that perhaps belied the dangerous life he led.
The Early Footprints of an Outlaw: From Messenger to Minor Gang Member
The journey of Laughing Sam Carey into the world of outlawry appears to have begun at a tender age. Historical accounts suggest that as a mere boy, he served as a messenger and camp servant for none other than the infamous Butch Cassidy and his burgeoning gang. This early exposure to the hardened life of frontier outlaws undoubtedly shaped his future, imbuing him with the skills and mindset necessary to survive in such a perilous environment. This period would have provided invaluable lessons in evasion, reconnaissance, and the unspoken codes that governed the criminal underworld of the time.
As he transitioned into his teenage years, Carey ventured into more direct involvement with outlaw activities, riding with a lesser-known gang led by Otto Chenoworth. This particular outfit, however, proved to be far less successful than its more celebrated counterparts. Their ventures were likely characterized by missteps and limited scores, a stark contrast to the grand heists attributed to Cassidy’s crew. The gang’s brief existence ultimately came to an end when Chenoworth himself was committed to a sanitarium in South Dakota, a fate that speaks volumes about the mental and physical toll of the outlaw life. Following this dissolution, Carey, with his budding experience, naturally gravitated back to the familiar sanctuary of the Hole-in-the-Wall, a place synonymous with refuge for those fleeing justice.
Aligning with Legends: The Hole in the Wall Gang Network
Upon his return to the notorious hideout, Carey’s association with the broader spectrum of the Hole in the Wall Gang solidified. He rode, albeit on an intermittent basis, with several prominent groups within this network, including the formidable Butch Cassidy’s Wild Bunch and the ruthless Black Jack Ketchum’s Gang. These affiliations place Carey squarely within the most significant outlaw movements of the late 19th century, suggesting he was a trusted, if quiet, presence among some of the era’s most wanted men.
The Hole-in-the-Wall Pass was more than just a geographical location; it was a symbol of defiance against governmental authority and an intricate system of support for outlaws. Its remote and rugged terrain provided natural fortifications, making it an ideal staging ground and sanctuary. Gangs would use the pass to plan their raids on banks, trains, and stagecoaches, and then retreat to its depths, virtually immune from pursuit by law enforcement. Carey’s ability to move between these different, often rivalrous, factions speaks to his adaptability and perhaps a certain indispensable quality that made him valuable to multiple leaders. While he may not have been a mastermind, his participation in these high-stakes endeavors would have involved roles ranging from lookout to rider, contributing to the collective notoriety of these groups.
The Fading Echoes of an Era: Carey’s Disappearance
The dawn of the 20th century marked a significant turning point for the outlaws of the American West. Increased pressure from federal and state law enforcement agencies, coupled with advancements in communication and transportation, began to systematically dismantle the strongholds of groups like the Hole in the Wall Gang. By 1903, the landscape had drastically changed; the golden age of the train robber and cattle rustler was drawing to a close. A vast majority of the known members operating from the Hole-in-the-Wall were either apprehended, serving lengthy prison sentences, or had met a violent end.
It is within this context of widespread capture and demise that the fate of Laughing Sam Carey becomes even more remarkable. To the best of historical knowledge, Carey was never captured. Unlike many of his contemporaries who faced justice or fell to a bullet, he simply faded from history. His disappearance adds another layer to his enigmatic persona, suggesting a cunning or perhaps a timely decision to abandon the outlaw life before the net fully tightened. Was it a quiet retirement to an anonymous existence, or did he adopt a new identity, forever escaping the long arm of the law? The answers remain elusive, contributing to the enduring mystery that surrounds this phantom of the Old West.
Conclusion: The Enduring Legacy of an Unseen Outlaw
The story of Laughing Sam Carey, though sparse in concrete details, offers a fascinating glimpse into the lives of the less-celebrated figures who inhabited the fringes of the Old West’s most infamous outlaw organizations. His journey from a young messenger for Butch Cassidy to an intermittent rider with formidable gangs like the Wild Bunch and Black Jack Ketchum’s crew paints a picture of a man deeply entrenched in the era’s criminal underworld. Yet, it is his mysterious vanishing act that truly sets him apart, ensuring his place in the pantheon of uncaptured outlaws.
Carey represents the countless individuals whose contributions to legendary outlaw narratives were significant, yet whose personal stories largely remain untold. The lack of a definitive end to his tale only fuels the intrigue, making Laughing Sam Carey an enduring symbol of the American frontier’s wild and untamed spirit. He reminds us that for every celebrated figure, there were many others, like him, whose laughter, or indeed their silence, became part of the enduring, whispered legends of the West.
