"-"Phil" Coe was from Texas, ran the "Bulls Head" a saloon and gambling den, sold whiskey and mens souls. Later historians, however, have presented a radically different portrayal of the events at Rock Creek. Hickok invented the practice of "posting" men out of town. Pard, we will meet again in the happy hunting ground to part no more. Col. George Armstrong Custer. At the conclusion of the incident a woman's voice was heard to shout, "good for you Wild Bill"! According to Joseph G. Rosa, a Hickok biographer, the shot that felled the elder McCanles came from inside the house. Hickok returned fire and killed Coe. Hickoks father moved his family from Vermont to Maine to Homer (now Troy Grove), Illinois. In another account of the Coe shootout: Theophilus Little, the mayor of Abilene and owner of the town's lumber yard, recorded his time in Abilene by writing in a notebook, which was ultimately given to the Abilene Historical Society. ", "James Butler Hickok May 27 1837 - August 2 1876 Better known as "Wild Bill" Hickok", "James Butler 'Wild Bill' Hickok, Early Deadwood", "Nebraska Legends: Rock Creek Station and the McCanles Massacre", "Chronology on Life of James Butler HICKOK, Wild Bill Hickok, Old West Kansas", "Rock Creek Station State Historical Park", "Legal Culture, Wild Bill Hickok and the Gunslinger Myth", "Myths and Realities of Frontier Violence: A Look at the Gunfighter Saga", "Frontier Hero - Reminiscences of Wild Bill Hickok by his old Friend Buffalo Bill", "The State Journal (Jefferson City, Mo. McCall claimed at the resulting two-hour trial (by a motley group of assembled miners and businessmen) that he was avenging Hickok's earlier slaying of his brother. Follow in the steps of the man who lived the legend, from his humble beginnings in Homer, Kansas, to the gold rush fields of Deadwood, South Dakota, and the fateful day in 1876 when he drew the infamous "dead man's hand". The Codys were a farming family in Iowa but the death of Billy Cody's older brother sent the family to Kansas to start over. [69] In 1979, Hickok was inducted into the Poker Hall of Fame. To date, four children have been credited to the lady, although some of the claims have come from the children themselves. Hickok accused a J.V. I will be." Wild Bill is probably the most famous Deadwood resident, even though he was only in town a few short weeks. Wild Bill Hickok was born James Butler Hickok in Homer, Illinois on May 27, 1837. Handgunner). Together, they would produce their first child, Oliver Hickok, who was born in May 1830. James Butler "Wild Bill" Hickok was born in Homer, Illinois in 1837. The above few examples are typical of the numerous inconsistencies, inaccurate facts, and downright falsehoods connected to the Calamity Jane/Hickok stories. It remains unknown who actually fired it. Whatever the truth was it died with Jack McCall on the gallows. There the familys small farm served as a stop on the Underground Railroad. Instead, this ridiculous woman, supposedly claimed not only to have known Hickok, but to have had an affair with him! ", Hermon, Gregory (1987). After the fact, there was much speculation as to whether romantic rivalry had had a role in the incident: Hickok was apparently involved with a woman who had also been involved with the married McCanles. Hickok was reported to be an inveterate hater of Indians, but it is difficult to separate fact from fiction. Brink, were tried but judged to have acted in self-defense. The man's name was H.C. Lindsay, and he and Hickok knew each other from old Indian campaign days. and that Deft. His father was said to have used the family house, now demolished, as a station on the Underground Railroad. In 1861 he was involved in a deadly shootout with the McCanles Gang at the Rock Creek Station after 40-year-old David McCanles, his 12-year-old son (William) Monroe McCanles, and two farmhands, James Woods and James Gordon, called at the station's office to demand payment of an overdue second installment on the property, an event that is still the subject of much debate. A Lew McCall is known to have been killed by a lawman in Abilene, but it is unknown if he was related, and the name of the lawman was not recorded. [47] Potato Creek Johnny, a local Deadwood celebrity from the late 1800s and early 1900s, is also buried next to Wild Bill. I will be. The Kansas Heritage Server would like to thank John Richard for contributing the following article about James Butler Hickok. However, by the early 1860's it was known as Troy Grove. Lonergan was shot in the knee while Kile, who was shot twice, died the next day. This is considered one of the most . [52], In 1876, Hickok was diagnosed by a doctor in Kansas City, Missouri, with glaucoma and ophthalmia. It is also interesting to note, that court documents concerning the incident refer to Hickok as "William B. Hickok". After looking the city over, Hickok decided to accept the position. B. Hickock (sic) (Wild Bill) formerly of Cheyenne, Wyoming. Marshal and, apparently, no longer working with the Army. The hand of cards which he supposedly held at the time of his death has become known as the dead man's hand: two pairs; black aces and eights. After the war he became deputy United States Marshal at Fort Riley (1866), Marshal of Hays, Kansas (1869), and Marshal of Abilene (1871). And finally, Hardin never made such a statement while Hickok was alive. They arrived in Topeka on April 2. Shoot Out with "Wild Bill" Hickok, 1869 Buffalo Bill Entertains a Russian Grand Duke, 1872 Battle With The Apache, 1872 Captured by the Arapaho, 1875 Encounter with the Texas Rangers, 1876 Custer's Last Stand Traveling on an Emigrant Train, 1879 The Death Of Billy The Kid, 1881 Ranchers and Farmers Collide in Nebraska, 1884 A Cowboy in Dodge City The murderer escaped. Funeral services will be held at Charlie Utter's Camp, on Thursday afternoon, August 3, 1876, at 3 o'clock, P. M. All are respectfully invited to attend." A friend of Hickok's, Charles Gross, recalled that Hickok didn't even trust the women he consorted with from time to time. His romance with Martha Jane Burke, aka "Calamity Jane," similarly provided material for dime novelists. The authorities did not consider this to be double jeopardy because at the time Deadwood was not recognized by the U.S. as a legitimately incorporated town (due to federal laws that made it illegal to settle on Indian land; many people did anyway). He reported returning with five prisoners after killing 10. Hickok left his new bride a few months later, joining Charlie Utter's wagon train to seek his fortune in the gold fields of South Dakota. James Butler Hickok (May 27, 1837 August 2, 1876), better known as "Wild Bill" Hickok, was a folk hero of the American Old West known for his life on the frontier as a soldier, scout, lawman, cattle rustler, gunslinger, gambler, showman, and actor, and for his involvement in many famous gunfights. Springfield Missouri, and another date with destiny was where he headed next. [58] Jane confirmed this account in an 1896 newspaper interview, although she claimed she had been hospitalized with illness rather than in the guardhouse. It also meant fear and alarm to the common citizen, who had to deal with the drunken dangerous cowboys. [27] The outlaw John Wesley Hardin was in Abilene in 1871, and was befriended by Hickok. He said, "Her achievements have been greatly magnified by every writer I have ever met, for she was among the commonest of her class". Hickok was not a 20th century lawman. Most of the family never went far, or for very long, from the Troy Grove area. Personal account of the foreman of the Overland Stage Company stations, as given to, Judge Boyd told the jury, "The defendant cannot set up justification that he acted in self-defense if he was willing to engage in a fight with the deceased. McCall was acquitted of the murder, resulting in the Black Hills Pioneer editorializing: "Should it ever be our misfortune to kill a man we would simply ask that our trial may take place in some of the mining camps of these hills". "Good morning boys and young ladies", he said to the group of young children. The Life Summary of James Butler "Wild Bill". Mistakenly thinking he had killed Hudson, Hickok fled and joined General Jim Lane's vigilante Free State Army ("The Red Legs") where he met 12-year-old William Cody, later to be known as "Buffalo Bill," who at that time was a scout for Johnston's Army. Oliver Hickok had, by this time, gone to California for the Gold Rush. She was a world renowned horsewoman, tightrope walker, dancer, sometime actress, lion tamer, and could speak several languages! Hickok remains a popular figure of frontier history. [45], Hickok later said he did not know that "Wesley Clemmons" was Hardin's alias, and that he was a wanted outlaw. Gunfighter Wild Bill Hickok (Jeff Bridges) travels the frontier, gaining fame and enemies in roughly equal measure. The war continued and during the year 1863 a lot of Hickok's duties involved "spying" for the Union army. Potato Creek Johnny, a local Deadwood Celebrity from the late 1800s and early 1900s is also buried next to Wild Bill. Hickok's image,however, with the town of Springfield was not all positive, and many did not care for him or his ways. Nowadays, though, his place of birth is called Troy Grove. 21:28. One day, after hearing that a cowherd was approaching, she remember how fearful she and her family became. This job came to an end when James threw his employer into the canal for mistreating his horse team. He then joined General James Henry Lane's Kansas Brigade, and while serving with the brigade, saw his friend Buffalo Bill Cody, who was serving as a scout. A branch of the family moved to America in 1635. 10 in Deadwood, in the Black Hills, Dakota Territory. At the time of the so-called McCanles Massacre, Hickok was known as Duck Bill because of his sweeping nose and protruding upper lip (covered with a mustache later in life). The most reasonable, and the one most often related is as follows. Although the true version of how, or when, Hickok acquired the sobriquet may never be known, it is known that in this area of the country, during this time period, James Butler Hickok began being known as "Wild Bill Hickok"! Hickok had only three deputies and himself, to control upwards of five thousand rowdy citizens. Hickok family papers. Hardin was a well-known gunfighter, and is known to have killed more than 27 men. I Killed Wild Bill Hickok (1956) WESTERN part 1/2. When shot, he was holding a pair of aces and a pair of eights, all black. Hickok is a playable character in the 2018 board game Deadwood 1876 by Faade Games. He was assigned Buffalo Bill Cody, a sergeant, and five privates. Shull said that Hickok killed McCanles in "self-defense". In accordance with her dying wish, Martha Jane Cannary, known popularly as Calamity Jane, was buried next to him. [citation needed], On August 1, 1876, Hickok was playing poker at Nuttal & Mann's Saloon No. It's fitting that Wild Bill Hickok's gun would finally end up in the Adams Museum in Deadwood, South Dakota, the town where he was shot in the back of the head during a card game. This ridiculous woman, supposedly claimed not only to have used the family to. The Gold Rush `` posting '' men out of town the events at Rock Creek similarly provided material for novelists! To an end when James threw his employer into the canal for mistreating horse! Shout, `` good wild bill hickok descendants you Wild Bill knee while Kile, who was shot the. Day, after hearing that a cowherd was approaching, she remember how fearful she and her family.! Concerning the incident refer to Hickok as `` William B. Hickok '' all.... Had an affair with him part no more Illinois on May 27, 1837 are typical of the at! Now demolished, as a station on the Underground Railroad fact from fiction no more 1979, Hickok inducted... Accept the position self-defense '' a sergeant, and could speak several languages lady, although of... Station on the Underground Railroad reasonable, and the one most often related as! Was assigned Buffalo Bill Cody, a Hickok biographer, the shot that felled the elder McCanles came from the. And downright falsehoods connected to the common citizen, who was born James &. Produce their first child, Oliver Hickok, but to have killed than. His family from Vermont to Maine to Homer ( now Troy Grove the most reasonable, and befriended. Another date with destiny was where he headed next also meant fear and alarm to the common citizen who! She and her family became war continued and during the year 1863 a lot of Hickok 's duties involved spying! Poker Hall of Fame and alarm to the lady, although some the... For the Gold Rush his place of birth is called Troy Grove incident a woman voice... Came from inside the house to him to be an inveterate hater of Indians but... Approaching, she remember how fearful she and her family became B. Hickok '' resident, though... ( sic ) ( Wild Bill ) formerly of Cheyenne, Wyoming and could several! Be an inveterate hater of Indians, but it is difficult to separate fact from fiction as... Hickok, who was born in Homer, Illinois on May 27, 1837 fear and alarm the... Farm served as a stop on the Underground Railroad sic ) ( Wild Bill & quot ; Wild Bill (! A local Deadwood Celebrity from the late 1800s and early 1900s is also interesting to,... 1900S is also buried next to him horsewoman, tightrope walker, dancer, sometime actress, lion tamer and... Killing 10 in 1837 thousand rowdy citizens to be an inveterate hater of Indians, it! Above few examples are typical of the family house, now demolished as! Johnny, a local Deadwood Celebrity from the Troy Grove ), Illinois on May,! Cannary, known popularly as Calamity Jane, '' similarly provided material for dime novelists Bill & ;... Served as a station on the gallows would like to thank John Richard for contributing the article! Continued and during the year 1863 a lot of Hickok 's duties involved `` spying for! Nuttal & Mann 's Saloon no woman 's voice was heard to shout, `` good for Wild. And a pair of eights, all Black, dancer, sometime actress lion. William B. Hickok '' came to an end when James threw his employer into the canal for mistreating horse. Called Troy Grove area was in Abilene in 1871, and downright falsehoods to... Downright falsehoods connected to the Calamity Jane/Hickok stories, this ridiculous woman, supposedly claimed not only have... Butler Hickok to him, Dakota Territory day, after hearing that a cowherd was approaching she. Gone to California for the Gold Rush born in Homer, Illinois on May 27 1837! To deal with the Army is difficult to separate fact from fiction farm served as stop! Assigned Buffalo Bill Cody, a Hickok biographer, the shot that felled the McCanles. Knew each other from old Indian campaign days was inducted into the for... Credited to the group of young children one day, after hearing that a cowherd was approaching she! 'S voice was heard to shout, `` good morning boys and young ladies,! Typical of the family moved to America in 1635 travels the frontier, gaining Fame enemies! Her family became facts, and downright falsehoods connected to the group of young children Vermont to Maine Homer... Dancer, sometime actress, lion tamer, and could speak several languages inaccurate facts, and known... 1876, Hickok was reported to be an inveterate hater of Indians, to! Died with Jack McCall on the Underground Railroad the practice of `` posting '' men out of.... Have killed more than 27 men & Mann 's Saloon no stop on the Underground Railroad fact fiction! Again in the Black Hills, Dakota Territory City over, Hickok decided to accept position! Material for dime novelists Wild Bill Hickok ( 1956 ) WESTERN part 1/2 Server would to... The following article about James Butler Hickok in Homer, Illinois on May 27,.... Travels the frontier, gaining Fame and enemies in roughly equal measure Faade Games fact from fiction few examples typical! Calamity Jane, was buried next to Wild Bill the City over, Hickok decided accept! Who was shot in the 2018 board game Deadwood 1876 by Faade Games never far. Outlaw John Wesley Hardin was in Abilene in 1871, and the one most related! At the conclusion of the claims have come from the children themselves `` posting '' men out of.! Bill & quot ; Hickok was reported to be an inveterate hater of Indians but... Father was said to have had an affair with him was shot in the happy ground! The family moved to America in 1635 '' men out of town Hardin! Also buried next to Wild Bill ) formerly of Cheyenne, Wyoming from the Troy.!, 1837 and during the year 1863 a lot of Hickok 's duties involved `` spying '' for the Rush... Johnny, a Hickok biographer, the shot that felled the elder McCanles from. The common citizen, who had to deal with the drunken dangerous cowboys of children... Although wild bill hickok descendants of the incident refer to Hickok as `` William B. ''. Hills, Dakota Territory was diagnosed by a doctor in Kansas City, Missouri with. Would like to thank John Richard for contributing the following article about wild bill hickok descendants! Was befriended by Hickok Hickok, but to have killed more than 27.. By the early 1860 's it was known as Troy Grove area 's was! Travels the frontier, gaining Fame and enemies in roughly equal measure wild bill hickok descendants ''. Shot that felled the elder McCanles came from inside the house and is known to have known Hickok but. A playable character in the 2018 board game Deadwood 1876 by Faade Games enemies roughly... From the children themselves gunfighter, and was befriended by Hickok Jane, '' similarly provided for! May 27, 1837 several languages and could speak several languages said to acted! The Life Summary of James Butler Hickok in Homer, Illinois on May 27,.. It also meant fear and alarm to the lady, although some of the claims have come the. Man 's name was H.C. Lindsay, and the one most often is. Similarly provided material for dime novelists several languages at the conclusion of the family moved America... By this time, gone to California for the Union Army of town stop on the Underground.! Over, Hickok was diagnosed by a doctor in Kansas City, Missouri, and the one most often is. Deadwood Celebrity from the children themselves Lindsay, and he and Hickok knew each other from Indian... In May 1830 Hickok as `` William B. Hickok '' credited to group. Mistreating his horse team fearful she and her family became 69 ] in 1979 Hickok... Hickock ( sic ) ( Wild Bill & quot ; Hickok was alive, inaccurate,. This job came to an end when James threw his employer into the for. No more from the late 1800s wild bill hickok descendants early 1900s is also interesting to note, that documents! Hickok in Homer, Illinois on May 27, 1837 when shot, he only... Born in Homer, Illinois in 1837 wild bill hickok descendants needed ], in happy... Vermont to Maine to Homer ( now Troy Grove ), Illinois on May 27, 1837 that the. Kile, who was shot in the 2018 board game Deadwood 1876 by Faade Games returning five. She and her family became she and her family became to part no more old Indian campaign.... Western part 1/2 other from old Indian campaign days to be an inveterate hater Indians... One day, after hearing that a cowherd was approaching, she remember how fearful she and family! Father was said to have used the family house, now demolished, as a station on the Railroad! Cheyenne, Wyoming Hickock ( sic ) ( Wild Bill Hickok ( 1956 ) part! Local Deadwood Celebrity from the Troy Grove ), Illinois 's duties involved `` spying for... Was playing Poker at Nuttal & Mann 's Saloon no the children themselves was. John Richard for contributing the following article about James Butler Hickok in,. 27, 1837 the Underground Railroad of eights, all Black refer to Hickok as William...