Auction Date:2009 Jun 24 @ 10:00 (UTC-04:00 : AST/EDT)
Location:6270 Este Ave., Cincinnati, Ohio, 45232, United States
1p, 8.25" x 10.75", Fort Thomas, AZ, 31 Dec 1896. On Fort Thomas and Globe Stage Line letterhead. To U.S. Marshal W. K. Mead from Deputy Sheriff W. E. Worton of Ft. Thomas (spelling retained): I will rite you in regard to the Black Jack train Robbers and how mutch reward is thair offerd for them that is in all please let me no as I might have a chance to run on to them or to help you out some time I would like to have a talk with you if you will let me no what the reward is and when you can meat me at Solomon Ville as I would like to have a talk with you.
Thomas Edward "Black Jack" Ketchum was born in Texas in 1863. He and his older brother Sam worked as cowboys around New Mexico, Arizona, and Texas by about the 1890s. After a while, the brothers took to robbing trains and occasionally stores and post offices. Their "comfort zone" was the area in New Mexico between Folsom and Des Moines. Over their criminal career they rode with members of the "Wild Bunch," "Kid" Curry, members of the "Hole in the Wall Gang," and virtually every other contemporary outlaw. Yet, in towns, the brothers were always courteous, well-spoken and well-liked. When they were arrested later, the citizens of towns such as Elizabethtown and Cimarron were shocked to learn that these young men were outlaws.
In July 1899 a few members of the gang - without Tom - robbed a train near Folsom. A posse tracked them to a hideout near Cimarron, where a gun battle ensued. Sam and an outlaw named McGinnis were wounded and captured. Sam's wound became infected and two weeks later he died in the penitentiary at Santa Fe. A short time later, Black Jack attempted a lone robbery. In the process, he was shot in the right elbow, nearly severing it. After being thrown off the train, Tom was unable to escape because of weakness from pain and loss of blood. He essentially surrendered to the next train. Ketchum was tried and sentenced to hang.
After a number of delays, he was finally led to the scaffold April 26, 1901. A miscalculation by an inexperienced hangman severed Black Jack's head in the drop. He became the only person hanged for train robbery (later deemed unconstitutional); the only person hanged in Union County, NM; and one of only a couple of criminals decapitated in the U.S. during a judicial hanging.
The Thomas Minckler Collection of Western Americana
Condition: Expected folds, very light toning, holes in top for inclusion in notebook (which probably protected the paper).
Auction Location:
6270 Este Ave., Cincinnati, Ohio, 45232, United States
Previewing Details:
Tuesday, June 23, 12:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday, June 24 8:00 AM - 10:00 AM
Taxes:
| Tax | Rate | Desc. |
| Ohio |
5.5% |
Ohio State Tax |
Buyer's Premiums:
| From (Incl.) | To (Excl.) | Premium |
| 0.00 |
Infinite |
17.5% |
Additional Fees:
Shipping Details:
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Cowan's is happy to provide a shipping estimate in advance of the auction. We have partnered with an outside shipper - Wrap-It Postal. Their services to our respected customers are based inside the Cowans facility.Please contact Wrap-It Postal by email at shipping@cowans.com, or call 513.871.1670 (ext.19). You can also submit a request for an online quote . All shipping and packing costs will be charged separately by Wrap-It Postal to your credit card on file.
Cowan's is in no way responsible for the acts or omissions of independent handlers, packers or shippers of purchased items or for any loss, damage or delay from the packing or shipping of any property.
ADVICE TO INTERNATIONAL BUYERS: Cowan's will not ship any package containing a firearm to any location other than within the United States. Buyers outside the United States must make their own shipping arrangements taking full risk for the transportation of any firearm.
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