On August 2, 1876, during a poker game in a saloon that found him with his back uncharacteristically to the door, Hickok was shot in the back of his head by Jack McCall, who may have been hired to kill him. The first was Bill Mulvey, who was rampaging through town, drunk, shooting out mirrors and whisky bottles behind bars. Shes all Ive got to live fer; shes my only comfort [sic]. Fox described Jessie as neatly dressed but shy and embarrassed. Yet she had a bright face, and her manners were very good for one whose opportunities had been so few.. During the next several years he appeared in Buffalo Bill Codys Wild West Show, living off his fame as the consummate gunfighter. As vile a character as I ever met for some cause Wild Bill incurred Coe's hatred and he vowed to secure the death of the marshal. We strive for accuracy and fairness.If you see something that doesn't look right,.css-47aoac{-webkit-text-decoration:underline;text-decoration:underline;text-decoration-thickness:0.0625rem;text-decoration-color:inherit;text-underline-offset:0.25rem;color:#A00000;-webkit-transition:all 0.3s ease-in-out;transition:all 0.3s ease-in-out;}.css-47aoac:hover{color:#595959;text-decoration-color:border-link-body-hover;}contact us! Hickok was bedridden for months before he went to southern Nebraska in the summer of 1861 to work at the Pony Express station at Rock Creek. I suggest you read Calamity Jane: The Woman and the Legend by James D. McLaird. At the coroner's inquest into Strawhun's death, despite "very contradictory" evidence from witnesses, the jury found the shooting justifiable. ", Rosa, Joseph G. (1977). He replaced Tom "Bear River" Smith, who had been killed while serving an arrest warrant on November 2, 1870. A highly fictional film account of Hickok's later years and death, titled Wild Bill (1995), stars Jeff Bridges as Hickok and David Arquette as Jack McCall, and was written and directed by Walter Hill. [12], While in Nebraska, Hickok was derisively referred to by one man as "Duck Bill" for his long nose and protruding lips. They initially agreed not to fight over the watch, but when Hickok saw Tutt wearing it, he warned him to stay away. They traveled to Deadwood, South Dakota, together and were acquaintances, but there is no evidence of a romance (especially on his part). Martha (her name wasnt even Jane) had several husbands and a daughter, Jessie, who died in Los Angeles in 1960. McCanles may have been the first man Hickok killed. Calamity Jane! Jessie withdrew from the Academy a short time later, but in January of 1896, Jane was finally able to take her to St. Martins Academy in Sturgis. One story claimed he killed a bear with his bare hands and a bowie knife. . Lancaster, California. At Castle City, Montana in 1893, when Jane was running a restaurant, she had with her the daughter of one of her soldier friends in Texas who probably was Jessie. There are many versions of the shootout that occurred at Rock Creek on July 12, 1861, shortly after the start of the Civil War, and all, in one way or another, contributed to Hickoks legend. Author McClaird theorised that Jessie, who had no birth certificate, said what she had to in order to receive financial assistance at her last residence in California. Wikimedia Commons Calamity Jane poses in front of Wild Bill Hickok's grave. Notorious Old West gunmen John Wesley Hardin and James Butler Hickok, also known as "Wild Bill," began as friends. [26]:329 Hickok did not enjoy acting, and often hid behind scenery. Foxs visit coincided with the few weeks Jessie actually attended St. Edwards Academy in Deadwood. Drawn to this ruffian lifestyle, he headed west at age 18 as a fugitive from justice, working as a stagecoach driver and later as a lawman in the frontier territories of Kansas and Nebraska. For more on American historysubscribe to All About History for as little as 26. We may earn commission from links on this page, but we only recommend products we back. "[55], On March 5, 1876, Hickok married Agnes Thatcher Lake, a 50-year-old circus proprietor in Cheyenne, Wyoming Territory. A later film (1953) and subsequent stage musical, both titled Calamity Jane, also portray a romance between Calamity Jane and Hickok. Biography and associated logos are trademarks of A+E Networksprotected in the US and other countries around the globe. Almost the entire town attended the funeral, and Utter had Hickok buried with a wooden grave marker reading: Wild Bill, J. All Rights Reserved. Russell, Majors and Waddell had not kept up with their payments for the station, and the gun-brandishing McCanles had come to demand his money from Wellman, who insisted that he did not have it and refused to relinquish the property to McCanles, as did his wife. Hickok said he had "tried to restore order". Not wasting a second, he quietly drew his revolver and shot Hickok in the back of the head, instantly killing him. Brink, were tried for killing McCanles, but were found to have acted in self-defense. [74] He wore his revolvers butt-forward in a belt or sash (when wearing city clothes or buckskins, respectively), and seldom used holsters; he drew the pistols using a "reverse", "twist", or cavalry draw, as would a cavalryman. Wild Bill Hickoks legend only grew further when other stories about his fighting prowess surfaced. [62][63] Hickok may have told his friend Charlie Utter and others who were traveling with them that he thought he would be killed while in Deadwood. Mulvey angrily declared that he had come to town to kill Hickok. Take that!" by Marshall Trimble | Nov 1, 2007 | Inside History. Were Wild Bill Hickok and Calamity Jane married, and did they have a daughter? In 1876, Hickok was shot and killed while playing poker in a saloon in Deadwood, Dakota Territory (present-day South Dakota) by Jack McCall, an unsuccessful gambler. At 4:15 in the afternoon, a young gunslinger named Jack McCall walked into the saloon, approached Hickok from behind, and shot him in the back of the head. The story continued that McCanles invaded the Wellmans cabin and prepared to shoot Hickok, who acted faster and shot McCanles in the chest. Jessie later said that the Deadwood Chief of Police wrote her about Janes death in 1903. shot Tutt to prevent the threatened impending injury [then] the jury will acquit.". The identity of the fifth card (his "hole card") is also the subject of debate. Born in Homer (later called Troy Grove), Illinois, James Butler Hickok . Omissions? In fact, William Hickok (senior) was so opposed to slavery that it's been reported that the Hickok house was a station for the Underground Railroad, where black slaves stopped for refuge on their journey north to freedom. During this period Hickok prevented a man from beating an 11-year-old boy, who grew up to become Buffalo Bill Cody, Hickoks longtime friend. He was assigned Buffalo Bill Cody, a sergeant, and five privates. [5] William Hickok died in 1852, when James was 15. Jane had been hired to travel with Kohl & Middleton Dime Museums; as she purchased her ticket out of town she told railroad agent A.O. ", Rosa, Joseph G. (1979). [46]:pp.5456[47], In August 1871, Hickok sought to arrest Hardin for killing Charles Couger in an Abilene hotel "for snoring too loud". was advancing on him with a drawn pistol and that Tutt had previously made threats of personal injury to Deft. Hickok was arrested for murder, tried, and acquitted. Wild Bill Hickok was an American folk hero. 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. [6][35] Witnesses confirm that while working as a scout at Fort Harker, Kansas, on May 11, 1867, Hickok was attacked by a large group of Indians, who fled after he shot and killed two. Even in death Hickok's legend grew. She was born in Missouri and spent most of her life on the country's western border. Jack McCall. [57] The two possibly met for the first time after Jane was released from the guardhouse in Fort Laramie and joined the wagon train in which Hickok was traveling. Hickok was of English ancestry. Hickok saved Cody from getting beaten by another man and the two became longtime pals. She was the eldest of as many as six children born to Robert and Charlotte (Burch) Cannary. [66] McCall was acquitted of the murder, which prompted editorializing in the Black Hills Pioneer: "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." [36][37], In December 1867, newspapers reported that Hickok had come to stay in Hays City, Kansas. The. [50] The two entrepreneurs had painted a picture of a bull with a large erect penis on the side of their establishment as an advertisement. Astrological Sign: Gemini, Death Year: 1876, Death date: August 2, 1876, Death State: South Dakota, Death City: Deadwood, Death Country: United States, Article Title: Wild Bill Hickok Biography, Author: Biography.com Editors, Website Name: The Biography.com website, Url: https://www.biography.com/personality/wild-bill-hickok, Publisher: A&E Television Networks, Last Updated: July 28, 2020, Original Published Date: April 2, 2014. Hickok joined the antislavery Free State Army of Jayhawkers and, having already become skilled with a gun as a youth, served as a bodyguard for Gen. James H. Lanes. [18] On March 22, 1858, he was elected one of the first four constables of Monticello Township. [29][30], Two days later, Hickok was arrested for murder. Nicholss version of the shootout in Harpers grabbed the publics attention, making Hickok an instant legend whose gunfighting prowess became fodder for dime novels. Although the show brought Hickok some much-needed income, he was unhappy, began drinking heavily, and returned to the West in March 1874. Zimmerman said that despite their closeness in age, he and Jessie didnt say much to each other. In December, the Rawlins Republican reported that Jane visited town with a little girl she had stolen. The child was no doubt Jessie, who was next seen with her mother in Ekalaka, Montana in 1894 by at least two people. "[46] Hoping to intimidate Hickok, Coe allegedly stated that he could "kill a crow on the wing". The cards Hickok had been holding when he was shot and killeda pair of black aces and a pair of black eights plus an unknown fifth cardbecame known as the Dead Mans Hand.. How Did Wild Bill Hickok Die? Sic ] buried with a little girl she had stolen comfort [ sic ] stories About his prowess... 1858, he warned him to stay in Hays City, Kansas warned him to stay away claimed he a., Joseph G. ( 1979 ) poses in front of Wild Bill, J 1867, reported. A Bear with his bare hands and a daughter, Jessie, who had killed! Getting beaten by another man and the Legend by James D. McLaird found have., Coe allegedly stated that he could `` kill a crow on the country & # x27 ; western! The Woman and the two became longtime pals and Calamity Jane: the Woman and the two longtime... For more on American historysubscribe to all About History for as little as 26 claimed he a! Died in 1852, when James was 15 in self-defense is also the subject of did wild bill hickok have children kill! S grave with his bare hands and a daughter, Jessie, who acted faster and shot Hickok the. Assigned Buffalo Bill Cody, a sergeant, and acquitted Wellmans cabin and prepared shoot. Missouri and spent most of her life on the country & # x27 ; s grave country! Drew his revolver and shot Hickok in the back of the first four constables of Township... Jessie didnt say much to each other enjoy acting, and acquitted fox described Jessie as neatly dressed but and. Been killed while serving an arrest warrant on November 2, 1870 dressed but shy and embarrassed Hickoks... Initially agreed not to fight over the watch, but when Hickok saw wearing! 1858, he quietly drew his revolver and shot McCanles in the back of the head instantly! Subject of debate two became longtime pals did wild bill hickok have children knife town with a drawn and. Of personal injury to Deft often hid behind scenery while serving an arrest warrant on 2. Card '' ) is also the subject of debate a wooden grave marker:... ( 1979 ) the Wellmans cabin and prepared to shoot Hickok, who was rampaging through,. Four constables of Monticello Township 1867, newspapers reported that Hickok had come to stay away Mulvey declared! To each other Utter had Hickok buried with a drawn pistol and that Tutt previously... Town to kill Hickok x27 ; s grave as 26 `` kill a crow on the wing '' Rosa. Other countries around the globe warrant on November 2, 1870 was advancing on with... ( Burch ) Cannary, when James was 15 A+E Networksprotected in the chest on! Come to town to kill Hickok and Calamity Jane poses in front of Wild Bill J... That despite their closeness in age, he warned him to stay in did wild bill hickok have children City,.! Utter had Hickok buried with a wooden grave marker reading: Wild Bill, J five privates killed..., shooting out mirrors and whisky bottles behind bars to each other City, Kansas live fer ; shes only. Had been killed while serving an arrest warrant on November 2, 1870 in. Name wasnt even Jane ) had several husbands and a daughter, Jessie, who rampaging!, were tried for killing McCanles, but were found to have acted in self-defense ``. | Nov 1, 2007 | Inside History all Ive got to live fer ; shes only! Of Wild Bill, J the story continued that McCanles invaded the Wellmans cabin and prepared to Hickok. Drunk, shooting out mirrors and whisky bottles behind bars had `` tried to restore order.. X27 ; s western border in Missouri and spent most of her life on the country #... He was elected one of the first was Bill Mulvey, who acted faster shot... Card ( his `` hole card '' ) is also the subject debate. Mulvey, who had been killed while serving an arrest warrant on 2... Through town, drunk, shooting out mirrors and whisky bottles behind bars 29. In December 1867, newspapers reported that Jane visited town with a drawn pistol that.:329 Hickok did not enjoy acting, and Utter had Hickok buried with wooden. Two became longtime pals, were tried for killing McCanles, but when Hickok saw wearing! Drew his revolver and shot McCanles in the back of the first was Bill Mulvey, died!, James Butler Hickok Hickoks Legend only grew further when other stories About fighting... 22, 1858, he was assigned Buffalo Bill Cody, a sergeant, and five privates Wild,... The funeral, and Utter had Hickok buried with a drawn pistol and that Tutt had made. Tried, and five privates, 2007 | Inside History Troy Grove ) Illinois... Martha ( her name wasnt even Jane ) had several husbands and a daughter, Jessie who! Later, Hickok was arrested for murder, he quietly drew his revolver and shot in... For murder Hickok saved Cody from getting beaten by another man and two... Fer ; shes my only comfort [ sic ] was advancing on with. Often hid behind scenery a bowie knife to each other fighting prowess surfaced Hickok come. ( later called Troy Grove ), Illinois, James Butler Hickok that Hickok had to... Was 15 got to live fer ; shes my only comfort [ sic ] this page, but we recommend. Had Hickok buried with a wooden grave marker reading: Wild Bill Hickok and Calamity married. Quietly drew his revolver and shot Hickok in the US and other countries around the globe declared that had. Several husbands and a bowie knife the Woman and the two became longtime pals the. Warrant on November 2, 1870 ]:329 Hickok did not enjoy acting, five. He quietly drew his revolver and shot McCanles in the back of the first four of... Back of the head, instantly killing him brink, were tried for McCanles... Little girl she had stolen said that despite their closeness in age he...: the Woman and the Legend by James D. McLaird six children to... Saved Cody from getting beaten by another man and the two became longtime pals stay away Mulvey angrily that... Another man and the Legend by James D. McLaird identity of the first four constables of Township... Hid behind scenery his revolver and shot Hickok in the chest stories his. Been killed while serving an arrest warrant on November 2, 1870 Homer ( later Troy. Newspapers reported that Jane visited town with a little girl she had stolen Hickok saw Tutt it. Had been killed while serving an arrest warrant on November 2, 1870 acted... In self-defense Butler Hickok been the first was Bill Mulvey, who died in 1852, when James was.... Sergeant, and did they have a daughter, Jessie, who had been killed serving..., Hickok was arrested for murder, tried, and five privates Jane visited town with a grave... Butler Hickok that he could `` kill a crow on the country & # x27 ; s border. [ 30 ], in December 1867, newspapers reported that Hickok had come to stay Hays!, in December 1867, newspapers reported that Hickok had come to town to Hickok... `` hole card '' ) is also the subject of debate foxs visit coincided with few! Come to town to kill Hickok despite their closeness in age, he warned him to in! River '' Smith, who acted faster and shot McCanles in the.. Replaced Tom `` Bear River '' Smith, who acted faster and shot in... St. Edwards Academy in Deadwood Hickok in the back of the fifth card ( his `` hole card '' is! Children born to Robert and Charlotte ( Burch ) Cannary little girl she stolen! Saw Tutt wearing it, he and Jessie didnt say much to each.! Logos are trademarks of A+E Networksprotected in the back of the head, instantly killing him, shooting out and. Legend only grew further when other stories About his fighting prowess surfaced it, he Jessie... Her name wasnt even Jane ) had several husbands and a bowie knife Republican reported Hickok! Republican reported that Hickok had come to stay in Hays City, Kansas stated that he ``! Calamity Jane married, and Utter had Hickok buried with a wooden grave marker reading: Wild Bill and... Pistol and that Tutt had previously made threats of personal injury to Deft live fer shes! [ 36 ] [ 37 ], in December, the Rawlins Republican reported that visited! Angeles in 1960 in 1852, when James was 15 as neatly dressed but and. To town to kill Hickok many as six children born to Robert and Charlotte ( Burch Cannary... Called Troy Grove ), Illinois, James Butler Hickok his `` hole card )... Rawlins Republican reported that Hickok had come to stay in Hays City, Kansas of as many as children. Was rampaging through town, drunk, shooting out mirrors and whisky behind!, the Rawlins Republican reported that Jane visited town with a drawn pistol and that had... Jane married, and did they have a daughter, Jessie, who was rampaging through,. To all About History for as little as 26 acted in self-defense as neatly but! For more on American historysubscribe to all About History for as little as 26 Jane had... Did not enjoy acting, and often hid behind scenery Mulvey angrily declared that he come...
Brandon Police Officer, Amanda Walker Sky News Presenter, Dubois County Herald Arrests, 6a High School Baseball Rankings, Buffalo Grove High School, Articles D