Lawmen & Outlaws
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Died With Their Boots On
Submitted by: Mollie Stehno

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Dalton Doolin Gang of Desperadoes Wiped Out
By United States Marshals.

The Cherokee Advocate

April 24, 1894

Perry, Okla., April 19-A dust-covered and worn out courier arrived here today with the report that a battle to the death had occurred between United States Marshals and six members of the famous Dalton gang, headed by Bill Dalton. The fight was reported to have taken place sixty-eight miles southeast of here, near a town called Ingalls, near the line dividing the Creek Indian reservation from Oklahoma. Bill Dalton, Bill Doolan, "Bitter Creek Kid", "Three Finger Jack Boone" and two unknown alias consisted the outlaw gang, and a posse of eight United States Deputy Marshals was the opposing party to the deadly fight. The Marshals were headed by city Marshal William Tilghman, of Perry, and Heck Thomas, Assistant City Marshal. Both men are commissioned deputies under United States Marshal Nix and are known from the Gulf to Nebraska as men of unerring aim and iron nerve.
The reported fight has been brewing for some time, and the disposition and determination of both parties were so well known to the people of the Territory that nothing less than the bloodiest of battles was looked for at any time. Bill Dalton is a brother of the famous Daltons, two of whom were killed at Coffeyville, Kansas, one in California and one in the Creek country, near Fort Smith, Arkansas. They were cousins of the Youngers, who terrorized Missouri so long, and were all killers, and men of most desperate and daring character. It was the gang, which is now reported as exterminated that plundered the depot at Woodward, Okla. Some weeks ago obtaining $10,000. Their crimes are too numerous to numerous to mention. Over fifty murders are laid to them. The idea that they have been wiped out creates great rejoicing here and at other places in Oklahoma, and also in adjoining states.
Tilghman and Heck Thomas, ex city Marshal of Dodge city, Kansas have led the fight and know not what fear is. Sheriff Scruggs and a posse of twelve left here this evening for the scene and will ride the greater part of the night. Posses have also left from Guthrie, Oklahoma City and Chandler. If the Dalton, Doolin gang has been exterminated the existence of unquestionable the worst and most daring gang of outlaws known to American history has been ended. Excitement runs high in Perry, from the fact that Dalton has a sister who lives within a few miles of here.


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