Oliver Yantis facts for kids
Oliver "Ol" Yantis (born in 1869, died November 30, 1892) was an American outlaw from the Old West. He is best known for being part of the famous Doolin Dalton Gang.
Who Was Oliver Yantis?
Oliver Yantis was born in Kentucky. He worked as a cotton farmer near Orlando, Oklahoma. His life changed when he met two well-known outlaws, Bill Doolin and George "Bittercreek" Newcomb. In 1892, Yantis decided to join Doolin's gang. This group was formed and led by Bill Doolin and Bill Dalton. It's thought that Yantis first met Newcomb because Newcomb was dating Yantis' sister.
The Gang's Activities
Oliver Yantis was with the Doolin Dalton Gang when they robbed banks. They robbed a bank in Caney, Oklahoma, on October 14, 1892. A few weeks later, on November 1, 1892, they robbed another bank in Spearville, Kansas.
Because of these robberies, the Doolin Dalton Gang quickly became one of the most wanted groups in the Old West. Many members of the gang had a large reward, called a "bounty," of $5,000 for their capture or if they were killed. This was a huge amount of money back then!
His Final Days
Law enforcement officers were always looking for the gang members. Ford County, Kansas Sheriff Chalkley Beeson and Deputy US Marshal Tom Hueston were tracking Yantis. They followed him to a farm near Dodge City, but he had already left.
On November 29, 1892, they finally tracked him to his sister's home outside of Orlando. The two lawmen announced who they were and told Yantis to give up. Yantis came out and pretended to put his hands up. But instead, he quickly pulled out a revolver and shot at the officers. Both officers shot back, hitting Yantis in the leg and stomach.
The lawmen helped Yantis with his wounds and took him to a hotel in Orlando. Sadly, he died the very next day, on November 30, 1892.
Yantis's Legacy
Oliver Yantis was the first member of the Doolin Dalton Gang to be captured and die. Because of this, he is not as well-known as some of the other gang members. He was buried in the Roselawn Cemetery in Logan County, Oklahoma. Deputy US Marshal Hueston, who was involved in Yantis's capture, was later killed in a shootout with other gang members during a famous event called the Battle of Ingalls.
