Observer to History

Soapy Smith and the demise of the Sam Bass Gang.

The Sam Bass Gang had a budding outlaw in attendance when they attempted to rob the Williamson County Bank (Round Rock, Texas) on July 19, 1878. Eighteen-year-old Jefferson Randolph “Soapy” Smith (photo) was living there at the time, apparently starting his lifelong work of running con games. Smith saw lawmen put two bullets into Bass as he attempted to get away. Reportedly, Soapy cried out, “You got him!” Indeed they had. Sam died in custody two days later. And Soapy Smith talked about the death of Sam Bass for the rest of his life.