Synopses & Reviews
The mid-1800s through the turn of the twentieth century were lawless times in young Colorado. Resident killer Jack Slade was such an enigma - both gentleman and murderer - that he charmed both Mark Twain and Buffalo Bill. Marshal Jim Clark enjoyed having a little fun on the side, donning disguises to rob miners. Elegant swindler Lou Blonger made a huge fortune off poor suckers. And Gertrude Patterson shot and killed her husband in broad daylight . . . but was found innocent nonetheless.
Outlaw Tales of Colorado tells the true stories of more than a dozen of the era's most infamous outlaws. Inside you'll meet crass, dangerous, and often-tragic figures in Centennial State history - from conmen, murderers, bank robbers, cattle rustlers, and a horse thief to lawless lawmen, jealous lovers, and a cannibal.
Synopsis
This book includes lively true stories about colorful characters who committed crimes throughout the state during its early immigration and settlement years (1850-1920). Among these outlaws are a mountain man, murderess, gunslinger, con man, train robber, rustler, cannibal, and underworld hoodlum. Fourteen fun-spitirted, true tales vividly portray young lawless Colorado.
About the Author
Jan Murphy grew up in the mountains of Colorado and first attended a two-room schoolhouse in Bear Creek Canyon, then Red Rocks School (with a view of the famed Red Rocks Amphitheatre), Bear Creek High School, and the University of Colorado in Boulder. She resides near Denver and has traveled widely throughout the state, has hiked many of its mountain trails, and has taught numerous classes about Colorado.
Table of Contents
(1) Introduction (2) Jack Slade, Gunslinger (3) Jim Gordon, Murderer (4) The Espinosa Gang, terrorists (5) Jim Reynolds, Confederate (6) The Musgrove Gang, Horse Thieves (7) Ike and Port Stockton, Rustlers and Robbers (8) Alfred Packer, Cannibal (9) "Soapy" Smith, Con Man (10) Jim Clark, Outlaw Marshal (11) Lou Blonger, Overlord of the Underworld (12) Citizens Save Their Bank from Robbers (13) The Feminine Side (14) Bibliography (15) Index