Known by his distinctive nicknames, ‘Flat Nose’ or ‘Big Nose,’ George Curry was a Canadian-American robber whose notorious career unfolded alongside the infamous Wild Bunch in the twilight years of the American Old West. His name, though often overshadowed by more famous companions like Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, carved a violent path through bank vaults and railway cars, solidifying his place in outlaw history. This article delves into the life and exploits of George Curry, an integral, albeit often overlooked, member of one of the West’s most feared gangs.
Born on Prince Edward Island, Canada, around 1864, George Curry‘s early life saw him move with his family to Nebraska. The seeds of outlawry were sown early; by the age of 15, he had drifted west, quickly immersing himself in the lucrative yet dangerous world of cattle rustling. It was during these formative years that fate, in the form of a horse’s kick, permanently disfigured his nose, bequeathing him the monikers that would follow him throughout his criminal career. This physical peculiarity, coupled with his growing reputation for lawlessness, soon brought him into the orbit of the legendary Wild Bunch.
The Wild Bunch Connection and the Confusing Kid Curry
George Curry quickly integrated into the operations of the Wild Bunch, participating in several audacious holdups. His tenure with the gang, which famously included figures like Butch Cassidy, saw him involved in robberies across multiple states. Interestingly, during this period, another prominent member of the Wild Bunch, Harvey Logan, began to adopt the surname “Curry” and became widely known as “Kid Curry.” This shared moniker has often led to historical confusion, with the exploits of one sometimes mistakenly attributed to the other. While Harvey Logan would become arguably the ‘wildest of the Wild Bunch,’ George Curry was a significant figure in his own right, establishing a formidable reputation separate from his namesake.
A Trail of Daring Robberies and Escapes
George Curry‘s criminal record quickly grew. One of his more notable early exploits occurred in June 1897, when he, along with Harvey Logan and Tom O’Day, executed a daring robbery of the Butte County Bank in Belle Fourche, South Dakota. The heist, however, did not go entirely according to plan. O’Day was apprehended almost immediately after his horse bolted, leaving Curry and Logan to make a desperate escape. Their freedom proved short-lived. While lying low in Fergus County, Montana, a persistent posse tracked them down, capturing and hauling them back to South Dakota. Both outlaws found themselves behind bars in the infamous Deadwood jail. However, incarceration was merely a temporary inconvenience for the resourceful criminals. In November of the same year, Curry and Logan overpowered their jailer and staged another audacious escape, disappearing back into the rugged landscape of the Old West.
The Final Showdown in Utah
Following his escape from Deadwood, George Curry continued his life of crime, engaging in more robberies targeting post offices and trains. His luck, however, began to run out in the spring of 1900. While rustling cattle in Moab County, Utah, lawmen Jessie M. Tyler and Thomas Preece finally closed in. On April 17, 1900, after a brief confrontation, George Curry was shot and killed, bringing an abrupt end to his tumultuous career. He was ultimately laid to rest in Chadron, Nebraska, far from the scene of his final demise.
A Violent Legacy and Revenge
The death of George Curry sent shockwaves through the Wild Bunch, particularly enraging his close friend, Harvey Logan. Logan, known for his volatile temper and fierce loyalty, vowed revenge. He soon traveled to Utah, where he exacted a brutal reprisal, killing both Sheriff Jessie M. Tyler and his Deputy, Sam Jenkins, in a vicious gunfight. This act of vengeance underscored the dangerous bonds and bloody code of honor that often governed the lives of Old West outlaws, illustrating the far-reaching consequences of confronting members of gangs like the Wild Bunch.
Conclusion: An Outlaw Remembered
While perhaps not as celebrated in popular culture as Butch Cassidy or the Sundance Kid, George Curry, ‘Flat Nose’ or ‘Big Nose,’ was a significant and formidable figure in the annals of the Wild Bunch and Old West outlaw history. His life, marked by cattle rustling, bank holdups, daring escapes, and a violent end, embodies the untamed spirit and brutal realities of the American frontier. His story serves as a stark reminder of the dangerous path chosen by many in an era defined by lawlessness and the relentless pursuit of freedom, however fleeting.
