The annals of the Old West are replete with tales of lawmen and outlaws, but few figures present as intriguing a paradox as Everett Creekmore. This former U.S. Deputy Marshal dramatically shifted from upholding the law to breaking it, ultimately joining the notorious Henry Starr Gang. Everett Creekmore’s story is a compelling narrative of moral crossroads and the unpredictable nature of frontier justice.
Early Life and Commission as a U.S. Deputy Marshal
Everett Milo Creekmore was born on October 21, 1870, in Arkansas, to Randolph B. and Frances Creekmore. His father’s distinguished career as a U.S. Deputy Marshal likely influenced young Everett, as he followed in his footsteps. In May 1889, Everett was commissioned as a U.S. Deputy Marshal in the Western District of Arkansas, a region known for its rugged terrain and challenging enforcement of federal law. This district, particularly under the jurisdiction of Judge Isaac Parker’s ‘Hanging Judge’ court at Fort Smith, was a hotbed of outlaw activity, making the role of a marshal particularly dangerous and demanding.
One notable incident occurred in November 1891, when Marshal Creekmore was operating alongside the legendary U.S. Deputy Marshal Bass Reeves near Okmulgee, Oklahoma. Their mission was to apprehend Ben Billey, a known whiskey peddler, and Tom Barnett, a suspected horse thief. Confrontation in the Old West often escalated quickly, and true to form, a fierce gunfight erupted. During the exchange, Billey sustained two gunshot wounds to his legs, leading to the successful arrest of both men. This incident highlighted Creekmore’s early courage and effectiveness as a lawman, working alongside one of the most respected figures in frontier law enforcement.
The Standoff with Ned Christie and a Fateful Turn
A pivotal event in Everett Creekmore’s career, one that arguably precipitated his dramatic change of allegiance, occurred on October 11, 1892. Creekmore, along with fellow marshals William Bouden, David Rusk, and Charlie Copeland, tracked the notorious Cherokee outlaw Ned Christie to his stronghold in the Cherokee Nation. Christie, a formidable figure who had evaded capture for years, was deeply entrenched and prepared for a fight.
The confrontation that ensued was brutal and chaotic. Another intense gunfight broke out, resulting in three of the lawmen being wounded. Despite the marshals’ efforts, Christie, known for his cunning and resilience, managed to escape their grasp. The failure to capture Christie, combined with the injuries sustained by his colleagues, may have deeply affected Creekmore. Shortly after this harrowing experience, Creekmore made the shocking decision to abandon his position as a U.S. Deputy Marshal. He swiftly transitioned to the other side of the law, joining forces with the infamous Henry Starr Gang.
Life as an Outlaw and Legal Troubles
As a member of the Henry Starr Gang, Creekmore participated in various criminal activities, including the robbery of two stores. His career as an outlaw, however, was short-lived. He was soon apprehended and transported to Fort Smith, Arkansas, where he faced charges for his robberies. Yet, his legal troubles were far from over. After making bail and awaiting trial, Creekmore committed a far graver offense. He shot and killed the father of his girlfriend, Cora Runyan, who had expressed strong objections to their courtship. This act painted a darker, more tragic picture of the former lawman.
Trial, Imprisonment, and Later Life
Facing the consequences of his actions, Everett Creekmore eventually surrendered himself at Fort Smith. He stood trial on both robbery and murder charges. In a surprising turn of events, he was acquitted of the murder charge, perhaps due to circumstances surrounding the shooting or a sympathetic jury. However, justice was served for his outlaw activities; he was found guilty on the robbery charges and sentenced to five years in the Kings County Penitentiary in Brooklyn, New York. This period of incarceration marked a stark contrast to his earlier life as a respected lawman.
Upon his release from prison, Creekmore sought to leave his turbulent past behind. He relocated to Cherokee County, Texas, where he embarked on a new, more stable life. In September 1902, he married Alma Yarbrough, and together they would raise three children. Creekmore found employment as a locomotive engineer, a profession far removed from the gunfights and lawless territories of his youth. He lived out the remainder of his days in Texas, embracing a quiet, domestic existence that belied his dramatic earlier years.
Conclusion: A Legacy of Contradictions
Everett Creekmore’s life journey from a diligent U.S. Deputy Marshal, working alongside legends like Bass Reeves, to a member of the Henry Starr Gang, and finally to a settled family man, is a testament to the complex and often unforgiving nature of the American Old West. His story serves as a potent reminder that the lines between good and evil, lawman and outlaw, were often blurred on the frontier. Despite his dramatic fall from grace, Creekmore eventually found peace, dying on May 10, 1931. He was laid to rest in Hope Cemetery in Wells, Texas, his grave marking the final chapter of a man whose life was defined by remarkable contradictions and a unique place in the history of Old West law and disorder. Everett Creekmore’s narrative continues to fascinate historians and enthusiasts of the period, offering a glimpse into the personal struggles that shaped the lives of individuals in a wild, untamed era.
