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Sam Bass: Dead Man's Hand, Aces and Eights, and the Legend of the Texas Outlaw

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Sam Bass A Dead Man s Hand Aces and Eights (Texas Outlaw 1)

Sam Bass - A Dead Man's Hand, Aces and Eights (Texas Outlaw Series Book 1)

by Sidney St. James

4.6 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	745 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	318 pages

In the annals of Old West outlaws, the name Sam Bass stands as one of the most notorious. Bass, a charismatic and daring young man, terrorized Texas and beyond with his gang of ruthless desperados. His legend was cemented in his final moments, when he met his demise holding a legendary hand of cards: aces and eights.

This article delves into the fascinating life and career of Sam Bass, from his humble beginnings to his rise as a feared outlaw. We'll explore the details of his infamous gang, the daring robberies they pulled off, and the fateful shootout that ended Bass's life and gave birth to the legend of the "dead man's hand."

The Early Life of Sam Bass

Sam Bass was born on July 21, 1851, in Mitchell, Indiana. His family was poor but respectable, and he received a basic education. As a young man, Bass left home to work as a cowboy and farmhand. It was during this time that he developed his exceptional horsemanship and sharpshooting skills.

In 1876, Bass moved to Texas, where he met a group of like-minded outlaws who shared his disdain for law and order. Together, they formed a gang that quickly gained notoriety for their bold robberies and daring escapes.

The Sam Bass Gang

The Sam Bass Gang was comprised of a diverse group of outlaws, each with their own unique skills and motives. Some of the most notable members included:

Joel Collins: A former lawman turned outlaw, Collins was a skilled gunman and strategist.
Charlie Pitts: A quick-tempered and volatile member of the gang, Pitts was known for his reckless behavior.
Jim Murphy: A former Texas Ranger, Murphy was a master of disguise and provided valuable intelligence to the gang.
Billy Collins: Joel's brother, Billy was a reliable and loyal member of the gang.
Tom Nixon: A former buffalo hunter, Nixon was an expert marksman and tracker.

Together, the Sam Bass Gang terrorized Texas for over a year, robbing stagecoaches, banks, and businesses. They were known for their meticulous planning, daring execution, and audacious escapes.

Notable Robberies by the Sam Bass Gang

The Sam Bass Gang carried out numerous successful robberies, each one adding to their legend. Some of their most notable heists include:

The Union Pacific Robbery (July 17, 1877): The gang stole $60,000 from a Union Pacific train near Big Springs, Nebraska.
The Independence Bank Robbery (May 22, 1878): The gang made off with $20,000 from the Independence Bank in Independence, Kansas.
The Decatur Train Robbery (September 18, 1878): The gang's most daring robbery, they stole $10,000 from a train near Decatur, Texas.

These robberies made Sam Bass and his gang one of the most wanted outlaws in the country.

The Shootout at Round Rock

On July 19, 1878, Sam Bass and his gang attempted to rob a bank in Round Rock, Texas. However, they were met with fierce resistance from the local townsfolk and a posse of Texas Rangers.

A bloody shootout ensued, during which Bass and several members of his gang were killed. Bass himself was shot multiple times and died clutching a hand of aces and eights, the infamous "dead man's hand."

The shootout at Round Rock marked the end of the Sam Bass Gang and cemented Bass's place in legend.

The Legend of Sam Bass

Sam Bass's untimely death and the circumstances surrounding it gave birth to a legend that has persisted for over a century. The "dead man's hand" has become an iconic symbol of both his death and the legend of the Old West.

Bass's story has been immortalized in countless books, films, and songs, each adding to his mystique and ensuring that his name will forever be etched in the annals of Western history.

Sam Bass, the notorious Texas outlaw, lived a short but extraordinary life filled with violence, adventure, and legend. His gang's daring robberies and his own tragic demise at Round Rock have forever cemented his place in the history of the Old West.

The legend of Sam Bass serves as a reminder of the lawless and dangerous era that shaped the American frontier. It is a tale of courage, recklessness, and the inevitable consequences of a life lived outside the bounds of society.