Fred Higgins was an unsung US deputy marshal who helped bring down the High Five Gang, which roamed the Southwest in the 1890s. In November 1896, Higgins and posse caught the gang at their San Simon (AZ) hideout. He killed outlaw Bob Hayes during the encounter. Gang leader Will “Black Jack” Christian (photo) and two others escaped.
But Higgins found them the next April, hiding in a cave near Clifton, AZ. Christian died during the ensuing firefight. That effectively ended the run of the High Fives.
Gambling in the 19th century ranged from lotteries seen as “civic responsibility” on the East…
What is a high shoulder saddle? Colin Hilton-Ash London, United Kingdom,…
At the end of the day—or at least when the shooting stopped—Ed Tewksbury was the…
Mark Boardman is the features editor for True West Magazine as well as the editor of The Tombstone Epitaph. He also serves as pastor for Poplar Grove United Methodist Church in Indiana.