The Wild West, an era defined by rugged individualism and lawlessness, gave rise to countless figures who etched their names into history, often on the wrong side of the law. Among the most intriguing are the notorious outlaws whose surnames began with the letter ‘C’, a diverse group ranging from legendary train robbers to lesser-known desperadoes who left their mark on the American frontier.
This comprehensive exploration delves into the lives, crimes, and ultimate fates of these C-named criminals, from the iconic leader of the Wild Bunch to the infamous members of the Clanton Gang, providing a fascinating glimpse into the turbulent world they inhabited.
Legendary Figures and Infamous Gangs
Butch Cassidy: The Enigmatic Outlaw Leader
Perhaps the most recognizable name on this list is Butch Cassidy, born Robert Leroy Parker (1867-1911 or 1937). As the charismatic leader of the infamous Wild Bunch, Cassidy orchestrated a string of audacious train and bank robberies across Utah, Nevada, Wyoming, Colorado, and New Mexico. His gang became legendary for their efficiency and often non-violent methods, though they were certainly not afraid to use force when necessary. Alongside his trusted partner, Harry Longbaugh, famously known as the Sundance Kid, Cassidy’s escapades captivated the nation. Their alleged demise in a shootout in Bolivia or Argentina in 1908 remains a subject of intense historical debate, adding to the mystique of these iconic Wild West figures.
The Clanton Family: A Legacy of Lawlessness in Arizona
The Clanton name is inextricably linked to the violent history of Cochise County, Arizona, particularly the infamous Gunfight at the O.K. Corral. The patriarch, Newman Haynes “Old Man” Clanton (1816-1881), was accused by the Earp brothers of widespread cattle rustling, ambushing smugglers, and harboring other outlaws, though he was never formally prosecuted for these alleged crimes. His sons continued his legacy of defiance.
- Isaac “Ike” Clanton (1847-1887) was a prominent figure in the Clanton Gang, known for his volatile nature. He infamously survived the O.K. Corral gunfight unarmed, later making further threats against the Earps.
- William “Billy” Clanton (1862-1881) also participated in the Gunfight at the O.K. Corral, where he was killed alongside Frank and Tom McLaury. His death solidified the Clantons’ place in frontier legend.
- Finneas Clanton, another son of Old Man Clanton, was less actively involved in violent outlawry but served time for cattle rustling, showing the family’s deep ties to illegal activities.
These Clantons, along with associates like William F. “Billy” Claiborne (1860-1882), a gunman who survived the O.K. Corral only to be killed by Buckskin Frank Leslie, epitomize the deadly rivalries and blurred lines between law and disorder that characterized the era.
Gang Affiliates and Notorious Duos
Beyond the leading names, many outlaws gained notoriety through their association with powerful gangs:
- William “Wild Bill” Campbell (18??-1881) rode with Jesse Evans before being lynched in Arizona, a common fate for many outlaws.
- “Laughing” Sam Carey, possibly Laughing Dick Carey, was a member of Wyoming’s loosely knit Hole in the Wall Gang, a group known for providing refuge to many Wild West criminals.
- The Cookson Hills Gang, an early 20th-century menace, included Thomas “Kye” Carlile, their early leader suspected of multiple bank robberies and murders before being killed by lawmen in 1932. Eddy “Newt” Clanton (??-1934), another member, participated in numerous bank robberies and was also killed by police.
- The High Fives Gang saw action with brothers Robert “Bob” Christian (1868-?) and Will “Black Jack” Christian (1871-1897). Black Jack led the gang, robbing banks, trains, and stagecoaches across Oklahoma, New Mexico, and Arizona. Bob escaped after his brother’s death and later disappeared in Mexico.
- William Carver (1866?-1901), an outlaw and Texas cowboy, was a prominent member of several notorious groups including the Black Jack Ketchum Gang, the Wild Bunch, and the High Fives Gang. His career of robbery came to an end when he was killed by a posse in Texas in 1901.
- The James-Younger Gang had its share of C-named members, including Archibald J. “Little Archie” Clement (1846-1866), a federal guerrilla who served as the gang’s first leader before being killed by the Missouri State Militia. William “Bill” Chadwell, also known as Bill Stiles (1840s-1876), rode with the gang, meeting his end during a failed bank robbery in Northfield, Minnesota.
Individual Rogues and Their Exploits
From Spies to Stage Robbers
Many outlaws operated either individually or within smaller, less structured groups, leaving their own indelible marks on the frontier:
- Guadalupe Caballero, aka The Owl, served as the chief spy for Vicente Silva’s White Caps Gang in Las Vegas, New Mexico, eventually facing a prison sentence for murder.
- Andrew Cameron was a New Mexico outlaw and murderer, responsible for the killing of Donaciano Tafoya in 1881.
- Edmund Campbell (18??-1875), a black man, sought revenge for an insult by murdering Lawson Ross and his wife in Indian Territory, leading to his hanging at Fort Smith, Arkansas.
- William Campbell, aka The Kid, was a member of Montana’s Ashly Gang in 1884 and was ultimately killed by lawmen.
- Frank M. Canton, aka Joe Horner (1849-1927), was a fascinating figure who transitioned from gunman and outlaw to a respected lawman and rancher across several states including Oklahoma, Wyoming, and Alaska. His story highlights the often-fluid nature of justice in the Old West.
- Louis Cardis, a Texas outlaw, led the Mexican faction during the El Paso Salt War and was killed by Judge Howard in 1877, a testament to the era’s volatile political and social conflicts.
- Peter Carl, a New Mexico outlaw, murdered Harry Huber in a saloon in Rincon in 1884.
- John Carlisle, a Texas outlaw, was hanged in 1893 for conspiracy to commit murder, demonstrating the harsh penalties for serious crimes.
- William L. “Bill” Carlisle holds the distinction of being considered the last of the Old West train robbers, active in California and Wyoming, eventually captured and imprisoned in the 1900s.
- Patrie Carmondy, a New Mexico outlaw, escaped jail in Socorro after being implicated in the killing of William Wiggins.
- Jose M. Carrolla, aka Portuguese Jo, was an outlaw member of the Wild Bill Martin Gang, shot and killed by John Perry in 1877.
- Alexander Carter, a road agent in Montana, was suspected to be a member of Henry Plummer’s gang of Innocents and was eventually hanged by the Montana Vigilantes.
Desperadoes of the Southwest
The American Southwest, with its vast and unforgiving landscape, became a haven for many outlaws:
- Candido Castillo, a New Mexico outlaw with a significant bounty on his head, was killed by a posse near Espanola in 1884.
- Catfish Kid, a Texas outlaw, was imprisoned for murder after reportedly killing Deputy Sheriff L.S. Pierce in a gunfight.
- Jim Catron, aka The Pagnas Stage Robber, a Colorado outlaw, was killed by a guard at Fort Garland in the 1880s.
- Icnacio Chaco was an outlaw member of the Castillo Gang, contributing to the region’s banditry.
- Augustine Chacon, aka Paludo, Peledo, the Hairy One (18??-1902), led a gang responsible for murders and robberies in Arizona. Known for his repeated jailbreaks and escapes from execution, he was ultimately captured by Deputy Sheriff Burton Alvord and hanged in 1901.
- The Chavez family name appears multiple times in New Mexico’s outlaw history: Antonio Chavez was killed during a holdup in 1880; Carlos Chavez was hanged for slaying Yum Kee in 1884; Fernando Chavez was lynched in 1881; and Josefito Chavez was an outlaw, horse thief, and gunman in the Lincoln County War. Pedro Chavez, a member of Chacon’s gang, escaped prison but was killed in a gun battle. Jose Chavez y Chavez, an outlaw member of Vicente Silva’s White Caps Gang, was the last surviving member and sentenced to life imprisonment.
- John Childers, Jr. (1849-1873) robbed and murdered Rayburn Wedding in Indian Territory, eventually becoming the first man hanged at Fort Smith, Arkansas, in 1873 after an escape and recapture.
- Ned Christie (1852-1892), a Cherokee Indian outlaw, was a notorious horse thief who murdered Marshal Dan Maples. His fortified home in the Cherokee Nation became a stronghold until he was finally killed by a posse in 1892.
Other Notable Criminals
The list continues with various figures who, for their misdeeds, earned a place in the annals of outlaw history:
- James P. Casey, editor of the San Francisco Times, was lynched by a massive vigilante committee in 1856 after he murdered a rival newspaper proprietor.
- Jim Casey, an Oklahoma outlaw, was shot during an escape attempt from jail in 1895.
- Joe Casey, an Arizona outlaw, was captured and hanged after escaping from a Tucson jail in 1882.
- Barnard Clark, an Oklahoma outlaw, rode with Al Spencer and Jelly Nash, participating in their criminal enterprises.
- Thomas Clark, aka Pennsylvania Butch, was a member of a gang that robbed a train outside Marcus, Illinois, and was subsequently imprisoned.
- Newton Clayton was a murderer and bank robber in Oklahoma.
- Emanuel Clements, Sr., aka Mannen (18??-1887), an outlaw, was a cousin and cohort of John Hardin, involved in multiple killings.
Conclusion
The outlaws whose names began with ‘C’ offer a vivid cross-section of the American frontier’s criminal underworld. From legendary figures like Butch Cassidy, whose exploits transcended into myth, to the violent Clantons of Tombstone, and numerous lesser-known but equally dangerous individuals, these men and women shaped the narrative of the Old West. Their stories, often marked by violence, daring escapes, and ultimate capture or death, serve as a testament to an era where justice was often swift and unforgiving, and the line between hero and villain was perpetually blurred. Understanding these figures is crucial to appreciating the complex tapestry of Wild West history.
