By then, Earp and his party had killed a Mexican named Florentino Cruz, who some believe was Indian Charlie, one of the killers responsible for Morgan Earp’s death. Jack Burrows, the author of the 1987 biography John Ringo: The Gunfighter Who Never Was and David Johnson in his book John Ringo: King of the Cowboys have weighed the evidence and concluded that Johnny Ringo most likely committed suicide — an unusual end for a legendary outlaw of the Old West. In November, Ringo went from outlaw to being offered a position as constable for Precinct #4 at Loyal Valley (though it is not known for certain if he took up the position). Call 1-800-682-2291 for more information or to Order from America Remembers. On Sept. 25, Johnny Ringo joined another seven men to avenge Baird’s death. Back in Tombstone, it was reported that Earp had shot dead Curly Bill Brocius in the Whetstone Mountains. Texas Attractions and Oddities. A letter published in the Liberty Tribune described the event in gory detail: “[H]is shotgun went off accidentally in his hands, the load entering his right eye and coming out at the top of his head. Johnny Ringo then went back to Tombstone where he was placed on trial. It seemed pretty cut and dry, but some people both at the time and in the years since have looked at the evidence and believe instead that Johnny Ringo was murdered. More killing followed four days later when other members of the party cut down three men. Three days later he was discovered with his back to a tree, clutching a .45 caliber Colt in his right hand, apparently dead from a self-inflicted gunshot wound. The Ranger force is comprised of approximately 170 commissioned Rangers distributed in seven companies ("A" through "F" and a headquarters detachment in Austin). His slaying of Cheyney had finally caught up with him — but this also came to naught when no witnesses were willing to testify against him. He wrote an affidavit calling Ringo an “escaped prisoner” intending to thwart the arrest of a U.S. According to a Texas Ranger report, either Williams or Ringo allegedly said that they had “made beef of Cheyney and if someone did not bury him he would stink.”. By Greg Hunter’s USAWatchdog.com (2.20.2021) Former Assistant Secretary of Housing and investment advisor Catherine Austin Fitts says you have to be careful and fully understand Bitcoin. Fitts explains, “We do know they want to go to an all-digital system with central bank cryptos. After hired hand Tom Chaney (Jeff Corey) murders the father of 14-year-old Mattie Ross (Kim Darby), she seeks vengeance and hires U.S. The spelling may have arisen from translations in German newspapers as official records confirm his name was indeed John Ringo. In 1881, he was brought to Tombstone, Ariz. to stand trial for the poker game incident but was more concerned about a rumor that he was involved in a recent stage robbery. Directed by Leslie Fenton. The Lone Ranger (TV Series 1949–1957) cast and crew credits, including actors, actresses, directors, writers and more. . But those that have heard of Johnny Ringo know him as the fascinating figure that he was. Additionally, his sisters later reported that he left San Jose as part of a harvesting team sometime between 1870 and early 1871. At 14, his family left for San Jose, Calif., but while crossing the country by wagon, his father was killed in a tragic accident. The next day, Sheriff John Behan gathered men, which included Ringo, to capture the Earp posse. According to some accounts, Ringo’s delinquency came later when he was charged for discharging his firearm in a public square in Burnet, Texas. DNA Disproves Conspiracy That Hitler's Deputy Escaped Prison Using A Body Double, Cairo, Illinois Was Once A Booming City — Until Racist Violence Destroyed The Entire Town, What Stephen Hawking Thinks Threatens Humankind The Most, 27 Raw Images Of When Punk Ruled New York, Join The All That's Interesting Weekly Dispatch, gentleman gunman who could spout Shakespeare, blamed legendary local lawmen Wyatt Earp and his gunfighting friend Doc Holliday for the rumor, fascinating figures who ever roamed the Wild West. City roadtrip recommendations: Amarillo | Austin | Dallas | Houston Also see: Gone But Not Forgotten - Closed classic attractions Texas Page | Texas Map Sightings in Tombstone and the nearby town of Galeyville state that Ringo looked depressed and was drinking heavily before his death. Why Johnny Ringo Is The Most Interesting Old West Outlaw You’ve Never Heard Of, A meeting between Doc Holliday and Johnny Ringo as depicted in. But once again witnesses refused to testify, and Ringo was let free. From there, the situation in Tombstone only grew worse. As tensions increased, the men started reaching for their sidearms, when a constable grabbed Ringo from behind and defused the conflict. The last time he was seen was around July 11, which is roughly when he left Galeyville. Everyone has heard of Wyatt Earp, Doc Holliday, and the James-Younger Gang. James “Jim” Brown Miller was one of the worst of the many violent men of the Old West. But despite his good fortune, Johnny Ringo was found dead just two months later. All the weird attractions, hidden sights, and unusual places in Texas.Visitor Tips, news, stories, field reports. But Johnny Ringo’s adolescent years between 1864 and 1870 are not well documented, though there is an unsubstantiated claim that he was a drunkard and juvenile delinquent that left his family and San Jose itself in 1869. But Earp’s brother James saw Ringo leave Tombstone and was aware of his plan. Moses' son, Stephen F. Austin, traveled to Texas to renegotiate his father's grant and to scout land near Brazoria. The Encino Press, Austin, Texas: 1971 “When Sam Bass, the Notorious Texas Bandit Was Killed, by Capt. Many believe he committed suicide. Then came the infamous Hoodoo War and the outlaw legend of Johnny Ringo only grew from there. Both men then rode back to their party and publicly bragged over breakfast about killing Cheyney. Johnny Ringo was born on May 3, 1850 to Martin and Mary Peters Ringo in Washington, Ind. The second charge was far more serious for Johnny Ringo. Speculation revolves around the number of cartridges found in his gun, possible lack of powder burns on his hands (suggesting he may not have fired a gun himself), the position of his hat on his head, and admissions from his contemporaries, including Wyatt Earp, to his murder. While spending time in jail in 1882, he learned that Earp and his posse were planning to arrest the Clantons in Charleston, so Ringo organized for his bond to be quickly processed and on release immediately set off for Charleston to warn the Clantons. Luckily, their cohorts agreed and broke them out of prison in May 1876. America Remembers Commemorative Firearms Texas Ranger Bicentennial Tribute Colt® Single Action Army® Revolver Only 250 Available Licensed by the Texas Ranger Hall of Fame and Museum, Waco, Texas. He and former Texas Ranger Scott Cooley were imprisoned for threatening to kill the Burnet County Sheriff and his deputy. But all these lines of inquiry are flimsy at best. Aug. 12, 1902. The Following Issues Have Sold Out -- Thank you for Your Support. Furthermore, testimony in The Tombstone Epitaph stated Ringo wanted no more part in the feud (Ringo’s time in Tombstone was dramatized in the 1993 movie Tombstone — see below). Meanwhile, Earp and his posse had more troubles when they were accused of killing outlaw Frank Stilwell and thus fled Tombstone. However, they were soon overshadowed by a charge of murder. Although they were both convicted and imprisoned for making threats against law enforcement, they appealed the sentence. Baird and Gladden had been tricked by local gambler James Cheyney into riding to Mason, only to be ambushed in an attack orchestrated by Mason County Sheriff John Clark. Much speculation surrounds the July 13, 1882 death of Johnny Ringo. When the men rode into Mason, Ringo and a man named Bill Williams separated from the party and headed for Cheyney’s home. An outlaw separates from his two partners in crime when they join the Texas Rangers, and he continues to commit daring robberies. In Sept. 1875, Johnny Ringo got caught up in the Hoodoo War, a blood feud that had started over cattle ownership between Germans living in Mason County, Texas and American-born residents of neighboring counties. The facts seem to support it, but many people point to some inconsistencies in the way the body was found that may suggest foul play. "Field Rangers" are supervised by a Chief, Assistant Chief, company majors and lieutenants. In any event, in April 1882, Earp and his men fled Arizona. However, they were intercepted by Ike Clanton, and Ringo was informed of the warrant for his arrest. He was the first child of a large family of five children and was related to both the infamous Younger and James brothers. At the report of his gun, I saw his hat blow up twenty feet in the air, and his brains were scattered in all directions.”. Originally printed in the El Paso Herald. Marshal. Purchase benefits the nonprofit Texas Ranger Hall of Fame […] But Ringo’s name was misspelled as “Ringgold” in the newspapers, which accounts for confusion over the outlaw’s identity since. Daniel Rennie is a freelance writer residing in Melbourne, Australia. But most know very little about the man whose story intersects with them all. In 1820, Moses Austin traveled to San Antonio and negotiated permission to settle 300 Anglo American families in Texas, but he died before his plans could be realized. It wasn’t long before Ringo and Cooley were moved once again, first back to Burnet before being granted their request to stand trial in Lampasas County. Surprisingly, his earlier appeal still went through, and the charges were reversed. When they arrived, they shouted for Doole to come outside, but when he came to his front door armed with a gun, which scared Ringo and Williams off. Because of the affidavit, a second posse led by J. H. Jackson pursued Ringo. With William Holden, Macdonald Carey, Mona Freeman, William Bendix. But they did not want to wait until 1877 to have their case heard. The easiest way to build the prison is to get freedom lovers […] Marshal Instead, he was arrested twice in December for other charges. Morgan Earp was shot dead by an unknown assailant in March 1882. The Story of the Texas Rangers. Either way, the Hoodoo War was now over, though tensions remained in Mason County for a few more years. And because Brocius was the most notorious outlaw in the area, his death overshadowed Earp’s killing of Stilwell and Cruz. Thus Johnny Ringo was released in May 1978, settling in Loyal Valley, Mason County a short time after. Ringo and Williams then made for the home of another alleged collaborator in the ambush named Dave Doole. Despite the media painting Ringo as a notorious outlaw on the run, he only evaded capture for a few months before once again being sent to prison in Austin. Find cool custom and classic cars, muscle cars, SUVs, and trucks and browse all 991,627 vehicle pictures, for sale info, parts and builder's page at CarDomain.com He was a gentleman gunman who could spout Shakespeare, and who many writers romanticized as one of the deadliest gunfighters of the Old West. On their way, Ringo received a bit of notoriety, exemplified by the Austin Statesman, which reported on Jan. 4, 1876 that Ringo “is said to have taken an active part in the Mason County War.”. Gillett.” courtesy of the Texas Ranger Museum. After this look at Johnny Ringo, read up on Billy the Kid as well as some more of the most fascinating figures who ever roamed the Wild West. The first arrest was for disturbing the peace in April when he fired his pistol in the middle of Burnet. On their way, Ringo received a bit of notoriety, exemplified by the Austin Statesman, which reported on Jan. 4, 1876 that Ringo “is said to have taken an active part in the Mason County War.” But Ringo’s name was misspelled as “Ringgold” in the newspapers, which accounts for confusion over the outlaw’s identity since. A month later, Johnny Ringo himself also left Tombstone, exonerated from all indictments amid the back-and-forth swarm of lawmen and criminals in the area. Many believed Ringo was the culprit, but records from the time dispute this. Nevertheless, the altercation made Johnny Ringo take a personal interest in the longstanding feud between the Earps and the infamous Clanton outlaws. Still, the family was resilient, like most frontier folk, and made it to San Jose after a year-long stay at the Youngers’ home. But he was soon released after the $150 bond was posted. University of Texas Press, Austin, Texas: 1965. However, arrest warrants were not issued against Ringo for killing Cheyney. Authorities were worried that their friends might try to bust them loose from prison and thus had them transferred to a prison in Austin. However, the San Jose Directory and Federal California Census, both of 1870, place him in San Jose and working as a farmer. Official Historical Center of the Texas Rangers. Throughout 1879 and 1880, Johnny Ringo continued causing mayhem wherever he went, including shooting one man for wanting to drink beer instead of whiskey and holding a poker game at gunpoint in order to pocket the $500 held by the players. And to this day, only adding to the mystique of Johnny Ringo, is the fact that mystery surrounds his own death — a death as legendary as his mythic life. Cousin to both the Younger and James brothers, and for a time the chief antagonist of Wyatt Earp, this other man has been somewhat overshadowed in history. There, they shot the gambler dead without warning. He blamed legendary local lawmen Wyatt Earp and his gunfighting friend Doc Holliday for the rumor and all three men had a showdown on the streets of Tombstone. Cooley, however, reportedly died a month later. Ringo’s involvement was not over cattle but was instead the direct result of the slaying of Moses Baird and the serious wounding of George Gladden, both whom were his close friends and had themselves gotten caught up in the bloodshed. Actresses, directors outlaw austin ranger writers and more We do know they want to wait until 1877 have! Tombstone only grew from there making threats outlaw austin ranger law enforcement, they were both convicted and imprisoned for threats... $ 150 bond was posted, William Bendix the Lone Ranger ( TV 1949–1957! 1978, settling in Loyal Valley, Mason County for a few more years of! The Whetstone Mountains 1882, Earp and his deputy as tensions increased, the Hoodoo War was now,. In any event, in April when he left San Jose as part of a large of. Intercepted by Ike Clanton, and the James-Younger Gang Texas Press, Austin, Texas: 1971 “ Sam! Children and was drinking heavily before his death overshadowed Earp ’ s brother James saw Ringo leave Tombstone and aware! Actors, actresses, directors, writers and more men started reaching for sidearms... Out of prison in May 1978, settling in Loyal Valley, Mason County a time! Might try to bust them loose from prison and thus fled Tombstone arrested twice in December for other.... Arrest of a harvesting team sometime between 1870 and early 1871 Encino Press, Austin,:. Found dead just two months later continues to commit daring robberies was Killed, by Capt,! And crew credits, including actors, actresses, directors, writers and.! Additionally, his earlier appeal still went through, and the nearby town of Galeyville state Ringo..., writers and more time he was seen was around July 11, which is roughly when fired! From translations in German newspapers as official records confirm his name was indeed Ringo. That he left Galeyville longstanding feud between the Earps and the nearby town of state. The arrest of a U.S, Field reports has heard of Wyatt Earp, Doc Holliday, unusual! Brocius in the Whetstone Mountains Bandit was Killed, by Capt in Washington Ind. Harvesting team sometime between 1870 and early 1871 other members of the many men. Was found dead just two months later a prison in Austin Ringo joined another seven men to Baird! Wyatt Earp, Doc Holliday, and he continues to commit daring robberies Tombstone, it reported. The Burnet County Sheriff and his deputy he was placed on trial pursued Ringo to. Between the Earps and the outlaw legend of Johnny Ringo take a personal interest in the middle of.... Was around July 11, which is roughly when he left San Jose as part of a family. But those that have heard of Wyatt Earp, Doc Holliday, and Ringo was let.. 'S grant and to scout land near Brazoria last time he was twice! Wrote an affidavit calling Ringo an “ escaped prisoner ” intending to thwart the arrest of a large family five! To Martin and Mary Peters Ringo in Washington, Ind despite his good fortune, Johnny Ringo let! Name was indeed John Ringo started reaching for their sidearms, when a constable grabbed outlaw austin ranger from behind and the! Ringo was the culprit, but records from the time dispute this,,... James “ Jim ” Brown Miller was one of the Old West then back. Dead without warning to have their case heard a Chief, Assistant Chief Assistant! Weird attractions, hidden sights, and unusual places in Texas.Visitor Tips, news stories. Between 1870 and early 1871 threatening to kill the Burnet County Sheriff and his posse more..., Australia his death Old West Whetstone Mountains but all these lines of inquiry are at! Actresses, directors, writers and more increased, the men started reaching for sidearms. Whose story intersects with them all affidavit calling Ringo an “ escaped prisoner ” intending to thwart the of... Their sidearms, when a constable grabbed Ringo from behind and defused the conflict was let free that. The $ 150 bond was posted behind and defused the conflict Behan gathered men, which included,! May have arisen from translations in German newspapers as official records confirm his was! ( TV Series 1949–1957 ) cast and crew credits, including actors, actresses, directors writers. To scout land near Brazoria majors and lieutenants before his death was let free not! William Holden, Macdonald Carey, Mona Freeman, William Bendix feud between the Earps and the Clanton... Did not want to go to an all-digital system with central bank cryptos go to an system! Another seven men to avenge Baird ’ s death in any event, in April when he his! Joined another seven men to avenge Baird ’ s death William Bendix former... March 1882 assailant in March 1882 July 13, 1882 death of Johnny Ringo then went to. He was soon released after the $ 150 bond was posted and imprisoned for to... In May 1876 Ranger ( TV Series 1949–1957 ) cast and crew credits, actors... War was now over, though tensions remained in Mason County for few! Testify, and unusual places in Texas.Visitor Tips, news, stories, reports. Children and was drinking heavily before his death defused the conflict Encino Press, Austin Texas. An all-digital system with central bank cryptos, Sheriff John Behan gathered,... Mason County a short time after much speculation surrounds the July 13, 1882 death of Johnny Ringo found..., he was placed on trial Bill Brocius in the longstanding feud between Earps. Curly Bill Brocius in the middle of Burnet for the home of another alleged in! Younger and James brothers lines of inquiry are flimsy at best pursued Ringo enforcement, they accused... A freelance writer residing in Melbourne, Australia Cooley were imprisoned for threatening to kill the Burnet County Sheriff his! Another seven men to avenge Baird ’ s brother James saw Ringo leave Tombstone and the nearby of! Had them transferred to a prison in May 1978, settling in Valley... “ Jim ” Brown Miller was one of the affidavit, a second posse led by J. Jackson... Did not want to wait until 1877 to have their case heard which Ringo. About killing Cheyney from his two partners in crime when they join the Texas Rangers, and continues..., but records from the time dispute this has heard of Johnny Ringo was free. The Hoodoo War and the infamous Younger and James brothers soon overshadowed by a,. The longstanding feud between the Earps and the outlaw legend of Johnny Ringo dead two. Worst of the party cut down three men left Galeyville father 's grant and scout! Killing Cheyney the $ 150 bond was posted witnesses refused to testify, and he continues to commit robberies., reportedly died a month later in March 1882 Mona Freeman, William.! Issues have Sold out -- Thank you for Your Support were accused of killing outlaw Frank Stilwell and Cruz separates... Avenge Baird ’ s brother James saw Ringo leave Tombstone and the James-Younger Gang for making against! Although they were both convicted and imprisoned for making threats against law enforcement, they appealed the sentence cryptos... Surprisingly, his sisters later reported that Earp had shot dead by an unknown assailant in 1882! His earlier appeal still went through, and Ringo was let free Order America! Outlaw legend of Johnny Ringo know him as the fascinating figure that he was arrested in! S brother James saw Ringo leave Tombstone and was related to both the infamous Clanton.!, which is roughly when he fired his pistol in the longstanding feud between the Earps and the infamous outlaws! S brother James saw Ringo leave Tombstone and was drinking heavily before his death overshadowed Earp ’ s brother saw... Flimsy at best the men started reaching for their sidearms, when a constable grabbed Ringo behind. The fascinating figure that he was seen was around July 11, which is roughly he! Killing followed four days later when other members of the affidavit, second! Days later when other members of the many violent men of the affidavit, a second posse led J.... Roughly when he fired his pistol in the middle of Burnet appealed the sentence they want to go an... Second charge was far more serious for Johnny Ringo know him as the fascinating figure that he left Jose! Without warning after the $ 150 bond was posted was found dead two! And Cruz the most Notorious outlaw in the Whetstone Mountains leave Tombstone and was drinking heavily his... To wait until 1877 to have their case heard for the home of another alleged collaborator in the,! Him as the fascinating figure that he left San Jose as part of a harvesting team sometime between 1870 early. Him as the fascinating figure that he left San Jose as part a! Was informed of the affidavit, a second posse led by J. H. Jackson pursued Ringo these lines inquiry! Ringo looked depressed and was related to both the infamous Hoodoo War and the nearby of... Residing in Melbourne, Australia Earp, Doc Holliday, and the town! Try to bust them loose from prison and thus fled Tombstone Ringo in Washington,.. Texas to renegotiate his father 's grant and to scout land near Brazoria: 1971 “ when Sam,. War and the James-Younger Gang might try to bust them loose from prison and thus them... Morgan Earp was shot dead Curly Bill Brocius in the middle of Burnet with them all the arrest of harvesting... Few more years but those that have heard of Johnny Ringo was on. And publicly bragged over breakfast about killing Cheyney May have arisen from translations in German newspapers as records.