Step into the rugged and untamed world of the American frontier, where the line between law and lawlessness often blurred. This comprehensive list shines a spotlight on some of the most infamous Old West outlaws whose names began with the letter ‘S’, offering a glimpse into the lives of these complex figures. From hardened criminals to those caught in the brutal crosscurrents of their era, the stories of these Old West outlaws continue to captivate, painting a vivid picture of a turbulent past.
The Enforcers and Their Foes: Gang Members and Frontier Justice
Many individuals on this list were involved in known gangs or became victims of the harsh frontier justice of their time.
Doroteo Saenz: A notable figure in the criminal underworld, Doroteo Saenz served as a lieutenant within John Kinney’s notorious gang of professional gunmen. His life of crime met a brutal end in July 1877 when he was killed by Albert J. Fountain’s militia, marking a decisive moment in the region’s fight against lawlessness.
John “Rattlesnake Jack” Said: An outlaw from the rugged territories of Idaho, John Said, known by his fearsome moniker “Rattlesnake Jack,” met his demise in November 1882. He was shot and killed by a sheriff and his posse in Weiser City, bringing an abrupt end to his criminal career.
Carlos Sais: This outlaw was destined for the gallows, having been sentenced to be hanged for murder on December 17, 1906. His case underscores the harsh justice often meted out on the frontier.
Omer W. Sample, aka Red George Lincoln (1860-1884): As a member of the infamous Heath Gang, Omer W. Sample, also known as Red George Lincoln, engaged in audacious acts of robbery. His criminal exploits culminated in his hanging in Tombstone, Arizona, on March 8, 1884, a grim reminder of the consequences faced by those who defied the law.
Sam Sampson: A Creek Indian outlaw, Sam Sampson was a participant in the notorious Rufus Buck Gang. His crimes, which included murder, robbery, and rape, led to his execution by hanging on July 1, 1896, at Fort Smith, Arkansas, a location famous for its severe justice under Judge Isaac Parker.
George Sanders: This outlaw was a member of the feared Bill Cook Gang in the Indian Territory. His life of crime ended violently when he was killed by lawmen, adding another name to the long list of desperadoes who perished at the hands of justice.
Osey (or Osee) Sanders (1847-1876): Despite his persistent claims of innocence throughout his trial in Oklahoma, Osey Sanders was convicted of the murder of Thomas S. Carlyle. He faced the ultimate penalty, being hanged at Fort Smith, Arkansas, on September 8, 1876, another example of frontier justice taking its course.
Juan Sandobal: A New Mexico outlaw, Juan Sandobal suffered a brutal fate, lynched by a vigilante mob on December 15, 1871, in Las Lunas. Lynchings were a dark, prevalent form of extrajudicial punishment in the chaotic Old West.
Gang Affiliations and Notorious Crews
Many outlaws operated within gangs, finding strength in numbers for their criminal enterprises and often becoming deeply entrenched in regional conflicts.
Remigio Sandoval, aka El Gavilan: Known as “El Gavilan,” Remigio Sandoval was an outlaw affiliated with Vicente Silva’s ruthless White Caps Gang in Las Vegas, New Mexico. This gang instilled fear throughout the territory, known for its brutal methods.
Scarface Joe: An Indian outlaw operating in Oklahoma, Scarface Joe’s attempt to escape from his jail cell was thwarted by Sheriff John Fightmaster, who killed him during the escape attempt, highlighting the perilous nature of imprisonment on the frontier.
S. Schroeder: Jailed in Las Vegas, New Mexico, S. Schroeder made a daring escape on December 3, 1881, alongside the notorious David Rudabaugh and J.J. Webb, demonstrating the constant struggle between lawmen and escaped criminals.
E. Scott: A wanted outlaw with a reward on his head, E. Scott was responsible for the deaths of several men on December 20, 1873, in Lincoln County, New Mexico, a region frequently embroiled in conflict.
Cherry Scott: An Oklahoma Mulatto woman, Cherry Scott was acquitted by reason of insanity after she shot and killed her mother while she slept. Her case stands as a rare instance of a plea of insanity in the frontier justice system.
John Scott: This outlaw met his end on May 17, 1883, when he was shot and killed by Springer, New Mexico Deputy Sheriff Frank P. Nichols, another casualty in the relentless pursuit of justice.
James See (18??-1887): A Texas outlaw, murderer, and rustler during the 1860s, James See eventually died in California in 1887, his life spanning various lawless activities across states.
Jose Segura: The leader of a formidable gang of horse thieves in New Mexico, Jose Segura was ultimately lynched by vigilantes on July 10, 1876, near Fort Stanton. Such vigilante justice was a common response to rampant crime when official law enforcement was scarce.
Figures of Infamy and Vigilante Justice
Some outlaws achieved greater notoriety due to their leadership, particularly gruesome crimes, or ironic encounters with justice.
John Henry Selman (1839-1896): A complex figure, John Henry Selman was at various times a Texas lawman, a gunfighter, and a ruthless outlaw. He gained notoriety for leading
