Ten infamous Nashville outlaw gunslingers
Ten infamous Nashville outlaw gunslingers.
“Quickdraw” Quincy Quaid
Active from 1875 to 1880 as the leader of The Cumberland Crooks, “Quickdraw” Quincy Quaid became infamous for the Great Nashville Bank Heist of 1879. Alongside his gang, he made off with a staggering $100,000 in gold. His criminal activities came to an end when he was captured by Sheriff Jasper “Eagle Eye” Evans.
“Whiskey” Wilma Wade
Known as a lone outlaw, “Whiskey” Wilma Wade terrorized Nashville from 1882 to 1888. She gained notoriety for robbing the Ryman Auditorium during a live performance, making off with the box office takings. Her reign was put to an end by the bounty hunter Samuel “Snake” Skinner.
Ezekiel “Black Hat” Blackwood
The Broadway Bandits, led by Ezekiel “Black Hat” Blackwood, were active from 1890 to 1896. Their most famous crime was kidnapping the governor’s daughter for ransom in 1893. Black Hat was eventually caught by U.S. Marshal Ruth “Ruby” Reddington.
Sally “Slick Fingers” Simmons
Active from 1885 to 1890, Sally “Slick Fingers” Simmons became infamous for stealing a prized racehorse from the Nashville Racing Club. Though she sometimes partnered with “Whiskey” Wilma Wade, she was essentially a lone operator. Detective Louisa “Longarm” Langford brought her to justice.
“Two-Gun” Tommy Thompson
Leading The Honky-Tonk Hoodlums, “Two-Gun” Tommy Thompson was active from 1901 to 1908. He gained infamy when he highjacked a shipment of whiskey destined for various saloons in 1904. Sheriff Daniel “Bulldog” Bronson finally caught him.
Beatrice “Black-Eyed” Bea
From 1871 to 1876, Beatrice “Black-Eyed” Bea led the Southern Swindlers in elaborate schemes, the most infamous of which swindled the Mayor out of his fortune. Her criminal career was stopped by U.S. Marshal Henry “Hammer” Howards.
“Mad Dog” Marvin Dale
Active from 1869 to 1873, “Mad Dog” Marvin Dale and his Rowdy Rivermen gang became notorious for blowing up a bridge to create a diversion and rob a train. His criminal run was cut short when he was captured by Bounty Hunter Oliver “Owl-Eye” Owens.
“Tennessee Red” Ruth Radley
Leader of the Nashville Nighthawks gang, “Tennessee Red” Ruth Radley was active from 1899 to 1906. Her most audacious crime was robbing the guests of the luxurious Hermitage Hotel during a masquerade ball. She was finally captured by Deputy Ellen “Eagle” Edwards.
Clarence “Coyote” Callahan
Leading The Wildwood Gang from 1909 to 1912, Clarence “Coyote” Callahan gained infamy for raiding a gold mine, trapping miners inside, and making off with the gold. Sheriff Jonathan “Jawbreaker” Jackson was the man who finally put him behind bars.
“Joker” Jack Johnson
Active from 1887 to 1894, “Joker” Jack Johnson was a lone outlaw who specialized in impersonating law enforcement officers to gain access to jails and free his compatriots. His run came to an end when he was caught by U.S. Marshal Wesley “Whiplash” Williams.
