Tom Horn facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Thomas "Tom" Horn, Jr.
|
|
|---|---|
Tom Horn
|
|
| Born | November 21, 1860 |
| Died | November 20, 1903 (aged 42) |
| Cause of death | Hanging |
| Resting place | Columbia Cemetery, Boulder, Colorado |
| Nationality | American |
| Other names | Tom Hale |
| Citizenship | United States |
| Occupation | US Army Scout, lawman, cowboy, detective, assassin |
| Years active | 1876–1903 |
| Employer | Pinkerton Detective Agency |
|
Notable work
|
Assisted in the capture of Geronimo, disputably killed Willie Nickell |
| Height | 6 ft 2 in (188 cm) |
Thomas "Tom" Horn, Jr. (November 21, 1860 – November 20, 1903) was an interesting figure from the American Old West. He worked in many different jobs, including being a scout for the U.S. Army, a lawman, a cowboy, and a detective. Tom Horn was known for his skills in tracking and his involvement in various conflicts in the West. His life ended when he was found responsible for the death of a young boy named Willie Nickell in Wyoming. He was then hanged in 1903.
Contents
Who Was Tom Horn?
Tom Horn was born in 1860 in Scotland County, Missouri. He grew up on a farm and left home when he was about 16 years old. He then began his adventures in the American West. He was a tall and strong man, standing 6 feet 2 inches tall and weighing 200 pounds.
Early Life and Adventures
Horn's first jobs in the West involved working with horses and cattle. He became a skilled cowboy and learned a lot about the frontier. This experience helped him later in his career.
Working as an Army Scout
One of Tom Horn's most important roles was as a scout for the United States Army. He was very good at tracking and moving through rough terrain. He helped the army during conflicts, especially in the American Southwest.
- Helping with Geronimo: Tom Horn played a part in the capture of Geronimo, a famous Apache leader. This was a significant event in American history. Horn's tracking skills were very useful during this time.
Becoming a Detective
After his time as an army scout, Tom Horn worked for the Pinkerton Detective Agency. This agency was well-known for solving crimes and finding criminals. As a Pinkerton detective, Horn often worked on cases involving cattle rustling and other disputes in the West.
Working as a Stock Detective
In the late 1800s, many conflicts happened between ranchers and farmers over land and livestock. Tom Horn was often hired by large ranch owners to protect their cattle. His job was to stop people from stealing livestock. This work sometimes led to dangerous situations.
The Willie Nickell Case
The most famous and tragic event in Tom Horn's life was his involvement in the death of 14-year-old Willie Nickell.
What Happened?
In 1901, Willie Nickell was found dead near his home in Iron Mountain, Wyoming. He had been shot. This happened during a time when there were many arguments between sheep ranchers and cattle ranchers in the area.
The Investigation and Trial
Authorities investigated the case and eventually arrested Tom Horn. He was accused of killing Willie Nickell. During his trial, a confession he supposedly made was used against him. However, there was a lot of debate about whether this confession was real or if he was tricked into making it.
Tom Horn's Conviction and Death
Despite the arguments about his guilt, Tom Horn was found guilty of Willie Nickell's murder in 1902. He was sentenced to death by hanging.
His Final Days
Tom Horn was hanged on November 20, 1903, in Cheyenne, Wyoming. He maintained his innocence until the end. His story remains a topic of discussion and debate about justice in the Old West.
Images for kids
-
Tom Horn
