Additional information
by Laurence Yadon (Author)
The Lone Star State is known for producing vicious outlaws like Machine Gun Kelly. While Kelly terrorized urban civilians, lawmen such as Ranger John Barclay Armstrong tried to keep things under control. This is the story of Texas's most famous criminals, intrepid lawmen, and others, such as James Edwin Reed, who dared to be both. This reference captures the Western spirit in all of us and brings to life a time before the West was tamed. Also included is a chronology of well-known crimes and a locale list of notorious events. The criteria for inclusion in this book was that each outlaw had to have been involved in at least two gunfights or robberies.
Back Jacket
Beginning with Texas's declaration of independence in 1835 and stretching into the turbulent Depression era a century later, many ruthless criminals and daring deputies and rangers kicked up dust within the state's borders. Billy the Kid, Machine Gun Kelly, Bat Masterson, and Belle Star were familiar faces. Other characters included Texas Jack, Rowdy Joe, Mysterious Dave, Long Haired Jim, Buckskin Frank, and Curly Bill.
In this book, accounts of gunfights, robberies, and kidnappings follow selected profiles. In a borrowed costume, Marshal Ratliff, the Santa Claus Robber, held up cashiers while several of his "elves" pulled weapons to help St. Nick fill his sack. Mishaps, accidents, and misunderstandings lighten the mood between truly heinous crimes such as that of the Bender family. Owners of a small hotel, the four family members would kill lone travelers for their possessions.
While pursuing his undergraduate degree at the University of Tulsa in Oklahoma, Laurence Yadon considered himself fortunate to have studied under William Settle, a Jesse James scholar. This experience served as his inspiration to become a lifelong student of American history, especially that of the Southwest.
Dan Anderson is a former newswriter, photographer, features writer, and columnist.
He has been honored with multiple awards from the Associated Press for spot news reporting, investigative reporting, and newswriting.
Anderson and Yadon are also the authors of 100 Oklahoma Outlaws, Gangsters, and Lawmen: 1839-1939, published by Pelican.
Author Biography
Laurence J. Yadon is an attorney, mediator, arbitrator, and experienced presenter. Yadon became captivated with American history, specifically the Southwest, while pursing his undergraduate degree. He has been interviewed for his expertise on numerous television and radio programs, including National Public Radio and Chronicles of the Old West, and his books have been profiled in various alumni magazines. In addition, Yadon frequently updates his American Outlaw Chronicles book blog, a site dedicated to law enforcement in the American West. Yadon presents on various legal subjects, Oklahoma history, and crime history. He has also lectured to attorneys and judges on advanced mediation techniques. With more than thirty-five years experience in the practice of law, he has assisted the Department of Justice in litigation matters before the local United States district court and has successfully argued before the Supreme Court. In 2002, he began his own company, Mediation Dynamics, which specializes in mediation and arbitration. Yadon earned his bachelor degrees in history and political science from the University of Tulsa and his law degree from the University of Oklahoma College of Law. He lives in Tulsa, Oklahoma, with his family.
