Battle of Ingalls facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Battle of Ingalls |
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| Belligerents | |||||||
 United States Marshals |
Doolin-Dalton Gang | ||||||
| Commanders and leaders | |||||||
| John Hixon |
Bill Doolin Bill Dalton |
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| Strength | |||||||
| 13-14 | 10 | ||||||
| Casualties and losses | |||||||
| 3 killed | 3 Wounded 1 Stunned and Captured |
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| Civilian casualties: 1 killed 2 wounded |
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The Battle of Ingalls was a big gunfight that happened on September 1, 1893. It took place in Ingalls, Oklahoma, during the time of the Old West. This battle was between a group of lawmen called United States Marshals and a famous group of outlaws known as the Doolin-Dalton Gang.
The Doolin-Dalton Gang was known for many train and bank robberies starting around 1891. They often hid in the town of Ingalls, which was a known hiding spot for outlaws back then. On September 1, 1893, a group of lawmen, led by the new United States Marshal E.D. Nix, went into Ingalls. Their goal was to capture the gang. A fierce gunfight broke out. Sadly, three of the fourteen lawmen were killed during the battle.
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What Happened During the Battle?
The gunfight started when the US Marshals, led by Deputy Marshal John Hixon, found one of the outlaws, "Bittercreek" Newcomb. A shootout began, and Newcomb was badly hurt.
The Saloon Shootout
According to Marshal Nix, many outlaws then started shooting from inside a saloon. The lawmen shot back, hitting one horse and forcing the outlaws to run out a side door. The outlaws then hid in a large stable nearby.
A civilian named Murray, who owned the saloon, also started shooting at the Marshals from his doorway. The Marshals shot him in the ribs and arm. Murray was badly wounded and arrested. He later tried to sue the government, but he lost his case. Marshal Nix strongly defended his deputies' actions.
Shots from Above
From a high spot, "Arkansas Tom" Jones began shooting with a rifle. He had a good view and forced the marshals to find cover. He shot Deputy Marshal Thomas Hueston, who sadly died the next day.
A person watching, Young Simmons, was accidentally killed by a stray bullet as he tried to hide. Another bystander, Old Man Ramson, was shot in the leg.
Leaders in the Fight
Bill Doolin, one of the gang's leaders, shot and killed Special Deputy Marshal Richard Speed. The other co-leader, Bill Dalton, shot Deputy Marshal Lafayette Shadley, who also died the next day. Before being shot, Shadley had fired at Dalton, breaking his horse's leg and making Dalton fall.
Dan "Dynamite Dick" Clifton was hit in the neck and wounded, but he was still able to escape on horseback. Deputy Marshal Jim Masterson eventually threw dynamite near where "Arkansas Tom" Jones was hiding. The explosion stunned Jones, and he was then captured.
Who Escaped and Who Was Caught?
Of the outlaws, "Bittercreek" Newcomb was seriously wounded but managed to get away. "Dynamite Dick" Clifton was slightly hurt but also escaped. "Arkansas Tom" Jones, who had shot at least one deputy and one civilian, was stunned by the dynamite and captured. The saloon owner, Murray, who had helped the outlaws, survived. He spent some time in prison and later sued the marshals for shooting him. The rest of the gang escaped without injury.
Gang member Charley Pierce also escaped. It was later said he was wounded in the gunfight. He hid with Newcomb after the battle, and both were cared for by Newcomb's girlfriend, Rose Dunn.
After the Battle
Over time, the Doolin-Dalton gang was eventually stopped. Some members were captured, but most were killed by Deputy US Marshals. Many were brought down by famous lawmen known as the Three Guardsmen: Deputy Marshals Heck Thomas, Bill Tilghman, and Chris Madsen.
Two gang members, "Bitter Creek" Newcomb and Charley Pierce, were killed by the Dunn Brothers, who were bounty hunters. The last member of the gang to be caught was Richard "Little Dick" West, who was killed in 1898 by Deputy Marshal Madsen.
