Shooting off his Mouth

Or—never threaten a man if you’re unarmed.

Rowdy Joe Lowe was one of the best-known saloon owners in the West during the 1870s thru ‘90s. When sober, he was considered a genial host. When drunk, he could be vicious and violent. By 1899, Lowe had bought a ranch outside Denver, looking for a bit of peace. But on February 11, he went to the Walrus Saloon in town and imbibed—heavily. He began insulting E.A. Kimmel, an off-duty policeman. Kimmel knew of Lowe’s reputation as a shootist, drew his gun and fired five shots into his quarry.  Lowe died on the floor—unarmed.