William Cruzan made a name for himself as a member of the Wild Bunch. But his criminal beginnings came years before, in 1888, outside an Illinois church. Worship was over, and Cruzan had eyes for a girl in the congregation. But she was walking home with Elijah Ulm. Cruzan—22 at the time—followed the couple, accosting them with threats and foul language. Ulm turned and punched Cruzan, who then pulled a pistol. Ulm reciprocated and both opened fire. Ulm died of two bullets to the chest. Cruzan escaped to Texas.
True West November/December 2024