Rare Mugshots from the Wild West's Most Notorious Outlaw era, 1860s-1910s (2024)

Table of Contents
The Rise of Mugshots The Younger Gang Jesse James: A Folk Hero or a Criminal? The Harsh Life in Frontier Prisons The Evolution of Criminal Identification Infamous Outlaws Captured in Mugshots #1 Bob Younger was part of the infamous Younger Brothers gang that terrorized the Midwest. Along with his brothers Cole and Jim, Bob Younger committed a string of daring robberies. #2 John Ellies was accused of stealing horses in September 1866. #3 Mary Shannon was sentenced to two years in the Nebraska State Prison for mayhem in May 1925. #4 Emmett Dalton was known as a one-time gunslinger and the youngest brother of the Dalton Gang which robbed trains and banks in the late 1800s. #5 In March 1931, Jake Vohland sneaked into the Stubblefield chicken house to snag some poultry. He was arrested after a homemade alarm system setup by the owners alerted them to his trespassing. #6 Juanita McKamey, 20, was arrested in San Diego and charged with criminal conspiracy after participating in a public labor protest in 1912. #7 Goldie Williams, alias Mag Murphy, was arrested in Nebraska for vagrancy on Jan. 29, 1898. In her photograph, Williams appears defiant upon her arrest. #8 Mattie Brown was sent to the Nebraska State Prison on Sept. 25, 1917, for pick-pocketing. She spent a year in prison. #9 Alv Lytle was sentenced to 12-15 years in the Nebraska State Prison for bank robbery. #10 An unidentified inmate at the Washington State Reformatory which is part of the Monroe Correctional Complex. #11 J.P. Robinson was arrested in Nebraska in 1901 for running a scam in which he bought beers with Mexican dollars, which looked very similar to American dollars, even though the Mexican currency was worth less than half the value. #12 An unidentified member of the Omaha police force holds Herbert co*ckran in a headlock during his mugshot in November 1899. co*ckran was arrested on burglary charges. #13 When Wyoming authorities briefly captured the infamous outlaw Butch Cassidy and took this mugshot for horse theft in 1894, his most notorious crimes were yet to come. #14 An unidentified boy arrested for stealing a car, despite being just 11 years old. #15 Jim Younger was one of the three Younger brothers who robbed banks and trains in the Midwest. #16 George Leonard, an Omaha bookkeeper, was arrested for burglary on Dec. 23, 1901. #17 In 1901, Nora Courier, 22, was known to the police as “Red Nora.” She was arrested on March 31 of that year for stealing a horse. #18 Frank Carter, known as the “Omaha Sniper,” was finally arrested in February 1926. He was convicted of killing two men, though he confessed to 43 other murders, many of which couldn’t be substantiated. His lawyers used the insanity defense in court, but he was executed a year later. #19 Cole Younger was the eldest of the three Younger brothers who terrorized the midwest by robbing banks and trains. #20 Dave Marshal was a suspected “moll buzzer.” That is, a thief who pickpockets or steals women’s purses. #21 An unidentified inmate at the Washington State Reformatory, also known as the Monroe Correctional Complex. #22 In November 1916, Stephen Shock was sentenced to two years at the Nebraska State Prison for grand larceny. According to his prison records, he enlisted in the US Army shortly after his release in 1918 to serve in World War I. #23 Unidentified offender, 35. His mugshot and measurements were taken on April 10, 1912. #24 H.C. Adams was arrested in Omaha on April 12, 1900, for blackmail. #25 William Lee was arrested in 1919 following Nebraska’s prohibition law for “bootlegging” which is the illegal business of transporting alcoholic beverages. #26 George Ray’s 1890s mugshot is rare in that the prisoner is smiling. #27 The description on the back of John Jordan’s photo describes him as a “whor* house pimp” and a “bagman.” He was booked by the St. Louis police. #28 Bertha Liebbeke was known as one of the Midwest’s most notorious pickpockets. She targeted well-dressed men, ideally those with diamond-studded lapel pins, by stumbling into them and pretending to faint, falling into their arms. This trick earned her the nickname “Fainting Bertha.” Her scam came to a halt when she was arrested in May 1903. #29 In 1899, Frank L. Dinsmore was arrested in Buffalo County, Nebraska, for the double murder of his wife and their boarding house landlord. #30 Alberto Interciago was sentenced to one to 20 years at the Nebraska State Prison for “assault to wound” in February 1914. His thick mustache and hair were shaved off before a second photo was taken. #31 Jim Ling was arrested for running an opium joint on June 3, 1898. #32 Charley Jones, alias Williams, was arrested in Missouri in 1858 for picking pockets. #33 Working with another inmate named Ruby Fox, Myrtle Hetrick escaped from Nebraska’s State Reformatory for Women in a car. #34 Ruby Fox worked with Myrtle Hetrick to escape from Nebraska’s State Reformatory for Women. #35 Minnie Bradley was arrested for “larceny from a person” in Omaha on Dec. 13, 1902. #36 Charles Martin was among the three burglars who blew up a safe in a bank vault in Sheridan, Missouri, on Feb. 15, 1898. #37 Thomas Whitney was arrested by Omaha police in December 1915. A grifter, Whitney made money by advertising his clairvoyance and palm reading abilities in local newspapers. One unsatisfied customer reported him to authorities, leading to charges of collecting money under false pretenses. #38 Lola Lopez was arrested after her partner, Cicerio Estrada, robbed and killed a man in the Null Rooming House of Sidney, Nebraska, on January 9, 1922. The pair fled but were caught in Colorado. During the trial, Lopez, through an interpreter, pleaded not guilty but admitted she knew about the murder. She served a little over two years. #39 References

The Wild West era, spanning from the 1860s to the early 1900s, was a time of legendary outlaws and rugged frontier life. This period is vividly captured in the mugshots of notorious criminals, offering a glimpse into the lives of those who defied the law. These photographs, taken in an era when law enforcement was evolving, tell stories of crime, punishment, and survival in a harsh and unforgiving land.

The Rise of Mugshots

The idea of mugshots originated in Belgium in the 1840s. Police began photographing prisoners to identify them if they reoffended. By 1857, this practice reached New York, where police displayed photos of suspects in public galleries to involve citizens in capturing criminals. By the 1860s, mugshots were common on wanted posters across America. However, early mugshots didn’t use the now-familiar front and profile views. This dual-view format was introduced in 1888 by French police officer Alphonse Bertillon, enhancing criminal identification.

The Younger Gang

One of the most infamous groups from the Wild West was the Younger Gang. This band of brothers—Cole, Bob, and Jim Younger—became notorious for their string of robberies across Missouri, Texas, and nearby states. They often targeted banks and trains, making off with substantial amounts of money. Their daring and skill in eluding capture made them legendary figures in the American frontier.

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The Younger brothers eventually joined forces with Frank and Jesse James, forming the legendary James-Younger Gang. Together, they orchestrated even more audacious heists. Jesse James, the charismatic leader, penned letters to sympathetic newspaper editors, casting the gang as modern-day Robin Hoods. He claimed they robbed the rich to help the poor, which won them some public sympathy. Despite this, their criminal activities couldn’t last forever.

In September 1876, during a bank robbery in Northfield, Minnesota, their luck ran out. Faced with armed townspeople, the gang was forced to flee. While Frank and Jesse James managed to escape, the Younger brothers were captured in nearby woods after a determined posse tracked them down.

Jesse James: A Folk Hero or a Criminal?

Jesse James, a central figure in the Wild West outlaw era, remains one of America’s most famous criminals. Born in 1847 in Missouri, Jesse became a Confederate guerrilla during the Civil War. After the war, he turned to crime, leading a gang that committed numerous bank and train robberies. Jesse’s ability to evade capture for years only added to his legend.

His persona as a folk hero was bolstered by his letters to newspapers, where he defended his actions and criticized the rich and powerful. Despite his attempts to craft a Robin Hood image, the reality was that Jesse James was a ruthless criminal. His end came in 1882 when he was betrayed and shot by Robert Ford, a member of his own gang.

The Harsh Life in Frontier Prisons

Criminals of the Wild West often ended up in brutal prison conditions. One of the most infamous prisons was the Wyoming Frontier Prison, built in 1901. This facility lacked basic amenities like electricity and indoor plumbing, making life exceptionally harsh. The prison was notorious for its brutal conditions, including a torture dungeon where inmates were regularly beaten and whipped.

Life inside these prisons was grueling. Inmates endured cramped conditions, with two prisoners often confined to five-foot-wide cells. A strict no-talking policy added to their misery. These prisons housed some of the most notorious criminals in American history, reflecting the lawless and rugged nature of the frontier.

The Wyoming Frontier Prison continued its harsh practices well into the 20th century. It did not close until 1981, having housed approximately 13,500 inmates over its long history, including 11 women. This prison, like many others from the Wild West era, represents the tough justice that characterized the time.

The Evolution of Criminal Identification

The development of mugshots was a significant advancement in law enforcement. Before mugshots, identifying repeat offenders was challenging. The introduction of photography allowed police to create visual records of criminals. This practice spread quickly, and by the 1860s, mugshots were a common feature on wanted posters throughout America.

Alphonse Bertillon’s introduction of the dual-view format in 1888 marked a turning point in criminal identification. This method, showing both front and profile views, provided a more comprehensive representation of a suspect’s appearance. It became the standard format for mugshots, enhancing the ability of law enforcement to identify and capture criminals.

Infamous Outlaws Captured in Mugshots

The gallery of Wild West mugshots includes many infamous figures. Apart from the Younger brothers and Jesse James, other notorious criminals left their mark on history. These photographs provide a window into the past, capturing the faces of those who lived outside the law.

One such figure was Billy the Kid, born Henry McCarty. Billy the Kid was a gunfighter and outlaw known for his quick draw and numerous escapes from law enforcement. His life of crime began in his teens, and he became infamous for his involvement in the Lincoln County War in New Mexico. Despite his young age, he was said to have killed 21 men. Billy the Kid’s life ended in 1881 when he was shot by Sheriff Pat Garrett.

Another notable outlaw was Butch Cassidy, leader of the Wild Bunch gang. Born Robert LeRoy Parker, Butch Cassidy was known for his charismatic leadership and successful bank and train robberies. The Wild Bunch was one of the most successful outlaw gangs of the time, operating across several states. Butch Cassidy’s story, along with his partner, the Sundance Kid, ended in Bolivia, where they were reportedly killed in a shootout with local authorities.

The introduction and evolution of mugshots had a profound impact on law enforcement practices. Before photography, descriptions of criminals relied on written reports and sketches, which were often inaccurate. Mugshots provided a reliable visual record, making it easier to track and identify criminals.

By the late 1800s, mugshots were an essential tool for police departments. They were used not only to identify repeat offenders but also to create wanted posters that were distributed widely. This practice helped law enforcement agencies share information and collaborate more effectively in the pursuit of criminals.

The development of a standardized format for mugshots, including the front and profile views, further enhanced their utility. This method became a crucial part of police work, allowing officers to build databases of criminal records. These records were invaluable in solving crimes and apprehending suspects.

#1 Bob Younger was part of the infamous Younger Brothers gang that terrorized the Midwest. Along with his brothers Cole and Jim, Bob Younger committed a string of daring robberies.

Rare Mugshots from the Wild West's Most Notorious Outlaw era, 1860s-1910s (1)

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#2 John Ellies was accused of stealing horses in September 1866.

Rare Mugshots from the Wild West's Most Notorious Outlaw era, 1860s-1910s (2)

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#3 Mary Shannon was sentenced to two years in the Nebraska State Prison for mayhem in May 1925.

Rare Mugshots from the Wild West's Most Notorious Outlaw era, 1860s-1910s (3)

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#4 Emmett Dalton was known as a one-time gunslinger and the youngest brother of the Dalton Gang which robbed trains and banks in the late 1800s.

Rare Mugshots from the Wild West's Most Notorious Outlaw era, 1860s-1910s (4)

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#5 In March 1931, Jake Vohland sneaked into the Stubblefield chicken house to snag some poultry. He was arrested after a homemade alarm system setup by the owners alerted them to his trespassing.

Rare Mugshots from the Wild West's Most Notorious Outlaw era, 1860s-1910s (5)

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#6 Juanita McKamey, 20, was arrested in San Diego and charged with criminal conspiracy after participating in a public labor protest in 1912.

Rare Mugshots from the Wild West's Most Notorious Outlaw era, 1860s-1910s (6)

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#7 Goldie Williams, alias Mag Murphy, was arrested in Nebraska for vagrancy on Jan. 29, 1898. In her photograph, Williams appears defiant upon her arrest.

Rare Mugshots from the Wild West's Most Notorious Outlaw era, 1860s-1910s (7)

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#8 Mattie Brown was sent to the Nebraska State Prison on Sept. 25, 1917, for pick-pocketing. She spent a year in prison.

Rare Mugshots from the Wild West's Most Notorious Outlaw era, 1860s-1910s (8)

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#9 Alv Lytle was sentenced to 12-15 years in the Nebraska State Prison for bank robbery.

Rare Mugshots from the Wild West's Most Notorious Outlaw era, 1860s-1910s (9)

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#10 An unidentified inmate at the Washington State Reformatory which is part of the Monroe Correctional Complex.

Rare Mugshots from the Wild West's Most Notorious Outlaw era, 1860s-1910s (10)

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#11 J.P. Robinson was arrested in Nebraska in 1901 for running a scam in which he bought beers with Mexican dollars, which looked very similar to American dollars, even though the Mexican currency was worth less than half the value.

Rare Mugshots from the Wild West's Most Notorious Outlaw era, 1860s-1910s (11)

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#12 An unidentified member of the Omaha police force holds Herbert co*ckran in a headlock during his mugshot in November 1899. co*ckran was arrested on burglary charges.

Rare Mugshots from the Wild West's Most Notorious Outlaw era, 1860s-1910s (12)

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#13 When Wyoming authorities briefly captured the infamous outlaw Butch Cassidy and took this mugshot for horse theft in 1894, his most notorious crimes were yet to come.

Rare Mugshots from the Wild West's Most Notorious Outlaw era, 1860s-1910s (13)

After his release from jail, he formed the Wild Bunch, recruited The Sundance Kid, and went on to rob banks and trains across the Old West. Cassidy ultimately met his end in a dramatic gunfight in Bolivia.

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#14 An unidentified boy arrested for stealing a car, despite being just 11 years old.

Rare Mugshots from the Wild West's Most Notorious Outlaw era, 1860s-1910s (14)

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#15 Jim Younger was one of the three Younger brothers who robbed banks and trains in the Midwest.

Rare Mugshots from the Wild West's Most Notorious Outlaw era, 1860s-1910s (15)

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#16 George Leonard, an Omaha bookkeeper, was arrested for burglary on Dec. 23, 1901.

Rare Mugshots from the Wild West's Most Notorious Outlaw era, 1860s-1910s (16)

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#17 In 1901, Nora Courier, 22, was known to the police as “Red Nora.” She was arrested on March 31 of that year for stealing a horse.

Rare Mugshots from the Wild West's Most Notorious Outlaw era, 1860s-1910s (17)

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#18 Frank Carter, known as the “Omaha Sniper,” was finally arrested in February 1926. He was convicted of killing two men, though he confessed to 43 other murders, many of which couldn’t be substantiated. His lawyers used the insanity defense in court, but he was executed a year later.

Rare Mugshots from the Wild West's Most Notorious Outlaw era, 1860s-1910s (18)

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#19 Cole Younger was the eldest of the three Younger brothers who terrorized the midwest by robbing banks and trains.

Rare Mugshots from the Wild West's Most Notorious Outlaw era, 1860s-1910s (19)

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#20 Dave Marshal was a suspected “moll buzzer.” That is, a thief who pickpockets or steals women’s purses.

Rare Mugshots from the Wild West's Most Notorious Outlaw era, 1860s-1910s (20)

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#21 An unidentified inmate at the Washington State Reformatory, also known as the Monroe Correctional Complex.

Rare Mugshots from the Wild West's Most Notorious Outlaw era, 1860s-1910s (21)

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#22 In November 1916, Stephen Shock was sentenced to two years at the Nebraska State Prison for grand larceny. According to his prison records, he enlisted in the US Army shortly after his release in 1918 to serve in World War I.

Rare Mugshots from the Wild West's Most Notorious Outlaw era, 1860s-1910s (22)

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#23 Unidentified offender, 35. His mugshot and measurements were taken on April 10, 1912.

Rare Mugshots from the Wild West's Most Notorious Outlaw era, 1860s-1910s (23)

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#24 H.C. Adams was arrested in Omaha on April 12, 1900, for blackmail.

Rare Mugshots from the Wild West's Most Notorious Outlaw era, 1860s-1910s (24)

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#25 William Lee was arrested in 1919 following Nebraska’s prohibition law for “bootlegging” which is the illegal business of transporting alcoholic beverages.

Rare Mugshots from the Wild West's Most Notorious Outlaw era, 1860s-1910s (25)

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#26 George Ray’s 1890s mugshot is rare in that the prisoner is smiling.

Rare Mugshots from the Wild West's Most Notorious Outlaw era, 1860s-1910s (26)

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#27 The description on the back of John Jordan’s photo describes him as a “whor* house pimp” and a “bagman.” He was booked by the St. Louis police.

Rare Mugshots from the Wild West's Most Notorious Outlaw era, 1860s-1910s (27)

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#28 Bertha Liebbeke was known as one of the Midwest’s most notorious pickpockets. She targeted well-dressed men, ideally those with diamond-studded lapel pins, by stumbling into them and pretending to faint, falling into their arms. This trick earned her the nickname “Fainting Bertha.” Her scam came to a halt when she was arrested in May 1903.

Rare Mugshots from the Wild West's Most Notorious Outlaw era, 1860s-1910s (28)

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#29 In 1899, Frank L. Dinsmore was arrested in Buffalo County, Nebraska, for the double murder of his wife and their boarding house landlord.

Rare Mugshots from the Wild West's Most Notorious Outlaw era, 1860s-1910s (29)

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#30 Alberto Interciago was sentenced to one to 20 years at the Nebraska State Prison for “assault to wound” in February 1914. His thick mustache and hair were shaved off before a second photo was taken.

Rare Mugshots from the Wild West's Most Notorious Outlaw era, 1860s-1910s (30)

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#31 Jim Ling was arrested for running an opium joint on June 3, 1898.

Rare Mugshots from the Wild West's Most Notorious Outlaw era, 1860s-1910s (31)

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#32 Charley Jones, alias Williams, was arrested in Missouri in 1858 for picking pockets.

Rare Mugshots from the Wild West's Most Notorious Outlaw era, 1860s-1910s (32)

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#33 Working with another inmate named Ruby Fox, Myrtle Hetrick escaped from Nebraska’s State Reformatory for Women in a car.

Rare Mugshots from the Wild West's Most Notorious Outlaw era, 1860s-1910s (33)

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#34 Ruby Fox worked with Myrtle Hetrick to escape from Nebraska’s State Reformatory for Women.

Rare Mugshots from the Wild West's Most Notorious Outlaw era, 1860s-1910s (34)

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#35 Minnie Bradley was arrested for “larceny from a person” in Omaha on Dec. 13, 1902.

Rare Mugshots from the Wild West's Most Notorious Outlaw era, 1860s-1910s (35)

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#36 Charles Martin was among the three burglars who blew up a safe in a bank vault in Sheridan, Missouri, on Feb. 15, 1898.

Rare Mugshots from the Wild West's Most Notorious Outlaw era, 1860s-1910s (36)

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#37 Thomas Whitney was arrested by Omaha police in December 1915. A grifter, Whitney made money by advertising his clairvoyance and palm reading abilities in local newspapers. One unsatisfied customer reported him to authorities, leading to charges of collecting money under false pretenses.

Rare Mugshots from the Wild West's Most Notorious Outlaw era, 1860s-1910s (37)

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#38 Lola Lopez was arrested after her partner, Cicerio Estrada, robbed and killed a man in the Null Rooming House of Sidney, Nebraska, on January 9, 1922. The pair fled but were caught in Colorado. During the trial, Lopez, through an interpreter, pleaded not guilty but admitted she knew about the murder. She served a little over two years.

Rare Mugshots from the Wild West's Most Notorious Outlaw era, 1860s-1910s (38)

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#39

Rare Mugshots from the Wild West's Most Notorious Outlaw era, 1860s-1910s (39)

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Rare Mugshots from the Wild West's Most Notorious Outlaw era, 1860s-1910s (2024)

References

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