James Butler “Wild Bill” Hickock

May 27, 1837 - August 2, 1876

Age 39

Cause of Demise - Gunshot Wound

Wild Bill Hickock worked both sides of the law, as did many gunfighters in the Old West. As with many who lived during the time, facts are hazy and often exaggerated. Wild Bill would seldom correct what was said about him, especially if it enhanced his reputation as a gunfighter or gambler.
His legend began in 1861, with the killing of three men at a Nebraska stage stop. Wild Bill was acquitted on all counts, which may have had something to do with his employer, the Overland Stage Company, who owed the dead men money. A few years after the fact, a written account of the affair stated that Wild Bill had killed ten men, while being wounded himself. Wild Bill saw no need to correct the facts.
During the Civil War, Wild Bill worked as a civilian spy and Indian guide. What Wild Bill did was often exaggerated, as much by him as by anyone else. He did kill another gambler in 1865 during a street fight, and was once more acquitted.
From 1867 to 1869, Wild Bill worked with two other western legends - Buffalo Bill Cody and George Armstrong Custer. With Buffalo Bill, Wild Bill worked as a deputy at Fort Riley, recovering stolen U.S. property. For Custer, Wild Bill was a scout who led the 7th Cavalry in their war against the Cheyenne, Kiowa and Arapaho.
During this time period, Wild Bill was also wounded in a battle against the Cheyenne. He continued to exaggerate his exploits, and pulp writers of the time never questioned his deeds.
In 1871, Wild Bill became the Marshall of Abiline, Kansas. In that capacity, he readily used his knife and gun to keep the peace. He was fired after accidentally killing his own deputy during a gunfight. Buffalo Bill Cody then hired Wild Bill for his show, but Wild Bill neither liked, nor was good at, acting.
For the remainder of his life, Wild Bill pursued a career as a gambler. Unfortunately, he didn't appear to be a very good one. He drifted around the west until landing in Deadwood, where sitting with his back to the door, he was shot by drifter Jack McCall. Wild Bill was holding two pair, Aces over Eights, now known as the “Deadman’s hand.” Wild Bill’s friend, Calamity Jane, insisted on his burial, and would latter be buried beside him. Jack McCall was convicted and hung.

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