Outlaws of the Wild West: The Few Who Survived

The Wild West is often portrayed as a place of constant conflict and illegality, where outlaws lived by their own rules and faced severe consequences. However, history reveals a surprising truth: a handful of notorious outlaws managed to survive and even thrive in life after crime.

Notable Survivors

Frank James, the brother of Jesse James, lived well into his seventies, passing away in 1915 at the age of 72. Similarly, Cole Younger, another notorious outlaw of the era, died in 1916, a year later at the same age. Interestingly, William ‘Elza/Elzy’ Lay of the Wild Bunch lived until 1934, spending the latter part of his life free from the criminal life he once led.

Al Jennings, a train robber from Oklahoma, was a remarkable survivor, living until the age of 98. He was around when rockets first took off into outer space. This longevity speaks to the resilience and ingenuity of these early outlaws, who found ways to survive and adapt well into their golden years.

Emmett Dalton, a member of the Dalton Gang, is perhaps the most fascinating of these survivors. He was the sole survivor of the infamous Coffeyville, Kansas bank robbery in 1892, which took the lives of his brothers Bob and Grat. Emmett served 14 years in prison before being pardoned in 1907. After his release, he became a respected real estate agent in California. His later years were filled with writing, as he published books about his brothers and their infamous crimes. Emmett Dalton died of natural causes in 1937, at the ripe old age of 66.

End of Lifes

The legacy of the Wild West outlaws often leaves a lasting impact, but few are as memorable as those who managed to outlive their criminal days. Many of them did not perish in a violent end but rather chose a quieter life, frequently preserving their anonymity by changing their names and moving.

According to the accounts of Butch Cassidy’s sister, Robert Leroy Parker, better known as Butch Cassidy, he managed to evade the Wild West and even met with her father in the United States well after his criminal days had ended. Unfortunately, definitive evidence regarding Butch Cassidy’s post-escape life is scarce, leaving his final years as one of the great mysteries of the West.

Other Notable Outlaw Evasions

There are many intriguing legends surrounding the survival of outlaws. For instance, there is the legendary tale of a train robbery in 1884, allegedly connected to Colossal Cave in Arizona. This cave has long been a subject of both legend and mystery, with some believing it holds secrets of the Wild West.

Interestingly, some outlaws had a much easier transition to a new life. Changing names and moving to different states was an effective way to avoid detection. The pre-technology era of the Wild West meant there was no social security identification, no fingerprints, and very little knowledge of DNA and modern biometric systems. These factors made it relatively simple for an outlaw to start a new life, largely under a new identity.

Conclusion

While many outlaws met violent ends, a handful managed to survive and even find a semblance of normalcy. Their stories span from the most notorious figures like Emmitt Dalton to lesser-known names with intriguing lives. These tales highlight not just the resilience of the human spirit, but also the challenges of justice and survival in the Wild West. Whether they lived to a ripe old age or led quiet lives, these outlaws of the Wild West remind us of the complexities of living on the edge of society.

Did outlaws like Butch Cassidy and Emmett Dalton survive to live out their lives under new identities? The evidence is mixed, but their legacy continues to inspire and intrigue. In the end, it’s the stories of these survivors that give a true glimpse into the lives of these legendary outlaws.