The Untold Story of Tom Horn's Last Days

In July of 1901, 14-year-old Willie Nickell was shot dead in an ambush. He had been less than a mile away from home attempting to open a gate when two bullets struck him in the back. A little over two years later, noted assassin Tom Horn was executed for Willie’s murder. In years prior, Tom had been an enforcer for various cattle barons throughout the state of Wyoming, and at the time of Willie’s death, he was employed as a Range Detective on John C. Coble’s Iron Mountain Ranch. And, well, let’s say that John Coble did not get along with the dead boy’s father, Kels Nickell. Not only had Kels filed a homestead on land that Coble considered his own, but he then had the absolute gal to begin fencing it off. And, if that isn’t bad enough, Kels nearly killed Coble during the summer of 1890. The two had been arguing at a train depot when Nickell whipped out a knife and slashed the rancher’s belly wide open. Coble pulled through, and despite charges being filed, Kels Nickell pretty much got off scot-free. At least, he did until nearly a decade later when he committed the grave sin of introducing several thousand sheep there on the Iron Mountain Range. Word on the streets of Cheyenne was that Coble hated Kels Nickell like the devil hates holy water. Ever since the knifing incident, he held a grudge, and now that Nickell had brought in all those sheep, Coble finally had a strong enough reason to go after him and his land. Like many other small homesteaders who opposed the larger spreads, Kels Nickell received an anonymous letter ordering him and his family to leave the area or suffer the consequences. And I reckon those consequences came to fruition on July 18th when his son, Willie, was murdered. The only question that remains is whether or not Tom Horn was genuinely guilty of the crime. And I’ll be honest, it isn’t looking good. After all, Tom was in the area of the Nickell homestead at the same time as the murder. He even admitted as much, saying he was checking to ensure Nickell sheep weren’t straying onto land owned by his employer, John Coble. What’s more, we know with near certainty that Tom had killed men on behalf of the cattle barons in the past. And these men were gunned down in the same fashion as 14-year-old Willie Nickell. Shot from a distance with a rifle. There was even a flat rock that had been placed under the dead boy’s head - a calling card of sorts that Tom often left in the field to let the bosses know that it was he who completed the job. And then, of course, you’ve got the words of Tom Horn himself. In January of 1902, less than six months after the killing, Tom confessed to a deputy Marshal that he was 300 yards away from Willie when he opened fire, saying that it was quote “the best shot that I ever made and the dirtiest trick I ever done.” End quote. Sounds pretty cut and dry. Like I said, Tom would ultimately be found guilty in a court of law and sentenced to hang for the murder of Willie Nickell. That said, many, to this day, including historians, believe Horn was an innocent man, at least in that particular killing. And, despite everything you just heard, they may be on to something. As it turns out, someone other than John Coble and Tom Horn had an even stronger motive for going after Kels Nickell. #history #wildwest #western
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[@WildWestExtravaganza]

What do you think? Was Tom guilty or innocent?

[@PaulShaw-ex7ri]

I think he was innocent of killing Willie nickel, but I think he was guilty of being an idiot, he got himself hung by talking too much at his trial saying stupid s*** all the time . I have read the transcripts and he did not know how to keep his big mouth shut

[@WildWestExtravaganza]

@@PaulShaw-ex7ri He just could not stop talking

[@KHugg1776]

Never talk to the PoPo

[@metallampman]

As innocent as OJ

[@rickyhurtt5568]

If he WAS innocent he was sure guilty of being a loudmouth and a liar

[@michaelwright5003]

I was born in San Antonio, raised in Santa Fe, a lifelong student of the West. You make these stories come alive, thank you!

[@WildWestExtravaganza]

Glad you like them!

[@clintonlunn4357]

"Negligent discharge" is no joke. I had one 9 years ago and still pay child support.

[@Bobbysixgun]

Lol

[@richardlincoln8438]

🎩. 🏆

[@whatyaworkingontoday5018]

That’s funny, I don’t care who you are.

[@richardlincoln8438]

@@whatyaworkingontoday5018 Nice of you stopping by _to_piss_in_the_campfire_

[@WildWestExtravaganza]

You were a little too quick on the draw

[@anangryranger]

I was partially raised by my great uncle Leo as a boy in the 1950's. Leo was a part time deputy in Butte Montana, and a full time bounty hunter in the northern plains from 1892 to 1929. He'd tell me of how he lived his life in those days. He also taught me how to shoot and load ammunition with an old Lyman tong tool. Uncle Leo was supplementing my raising with my parents. He lived next-door to us, and was a constant part of our family. As such I learned much from him. Leo told me of Tom Horn, whom he was acquainted with. He said Horn was a bragging drunk, and seldom spoke about anything but himself. He had come to the conclusion that Tom Horn was his own best admirer, and completely full of shit. Leo's own words. Uncle Leo said that Horn was prone to claim the actions of others as his own. Leo thought that Horn was trying to impress everyone, and possibly himself as well with his lies. Uncle Leo had said Horn had a reputation, but believed Horn created much of it by his own stories, and claims of exploits other than his own. When news of Horn's execution reached him, Leo said it was no great loss. As he considered Horn to be a back shooter and a disgrace to the profession.

[@WildWestExtravaganza]

Sounds like an interesting guy

[@jasonmatthews7829]

No sin was truly unpardonable out west save one, don't start a sheep herd. Absolutely stellar channel (shout out to Unworthy History, too, I really think both of you guys need so many more viewers.) Thank you for the content.

[@richardlincoln8438]

Nothing worse than seeing the land infested by prairie maggots !!!

[@richardlincoln8438]

Nothing worse than seeing the land infested by prairie maggots !

[@beau4129]

Great as always Mr Josh thank you !!

[@WildWestExtravaganza]

My pleasure!

[@MikeS-d9r]

Dang Josh, I have been in Elko, NV for some 30 yrs. I travel all over the West exploring, researching, & celebrating wild west history. I never knew the fate of John Coble. The Commercial Hotel is not in business these days, but is still standing there down town. Thank you for the excellent story.

[@WildWestExtravaganza]

My pleasure

[@Kilo-Clutch]

Out of all the old west story tellers on youtube, The Wild West Extravaganza is by far my favorite!

[@WildWestExtravaganza]

Thank you

[@Bobbysixgun]

It's the best by far

[@-PanzerRabbit-]

Good evening , Im about half way through this one. And as usual youve done another fine job. 👍 I have a request... either i missed it in your playlist or it aint there. I would really like to hear you tell the tale of the lord of the southern plains... my man Buffalo Hump 😊 i mean he rode across the entire state of Texas scattering mexicans and texicans uh plenty , spent the day at the beach and went on home.... 😏 ✌️

[@CameronMcCreary]

Tom needed to keep that mouth shut. Obviously, Tom had a death wish.

[@EndingSimple]

I"ll second that. He bragged himself into that noose. He's the perfect example of having a character flaw that ends oneself. A glutton dies of a heart-attack from getting extremely fat. The pimp Al Capone dying of a brain full of syphilis.

[@aaronplain5322]

Your conclusion on the Tom Horn story was most excellent piece of literature I have ever listened. Far more than excellent. I haven't the words to express myself. You have a very rare talent. Back up to the actual story, the humorous comment, "Well you don't have to lead them as far". To me that was so much in context. A rare talent indeed. Aaron Plain

[@WildWestExtravaganza]

Wow, thanks Aaron

[@allenfitzpatrick8485]

Lets face it, tom was an assassin, he may or not have killed willy, but he was definitely guilty of murder.

[@markcooper9063]

He murdered people in browns park so there you go

[@DaleMontdale-xd1mc]

Hell yes!! Dr appt today. Stage 3. Chemo and radiation start first week of July. Now, back to Mr Horn!

[@swhip897]

Good luck !!

[@Bobbysixgun]

I hope you wear it well pard

[@iainmelville9411]

I had a dance with cancer a few years back. I hope things go as well for you as they did for me. All the luck in the world, and, I think, keeping a positive attitude and a sense of humour goes a long way.

[@WildWestExtravaganza]

Stay strong, Dale

[@rustyshackleford9017]

another great series for the books

[@WildWestExtravaganza]

Glad you think so!

[@oneida41859]

Another well done series Josh. I definitely see Tom Horn in a different light. Take care!

[@WildWestExtravaganza]

Thanks, you too

[@graywolf7132]

I always liked the idea that the Willie Nickels murder was actually the ONE crime that Tom Horn was accused of, was actually not guilty of.

[@dennishortonii2139]

Wednesday is NOW COMPLETE!😀

[@iainmelville9411]

I agree,😊.

[@jeremysoares3288]

I haven’t been this early since me and Johnny Colter went to Yellowstone.

[@jamesmcorby1697]

Very. Good episodic

[@mmmmm64688]

Excellent work my favorite series yet, in my opinion Horn wasn't guilty of this particular crime but as you stated he probably did get away with a few others, still its hard not to admire him by all accounts a brave man an heck of cowboy, thanks for your hard work.

[@deanpeash8953]

Well said, I agree 100% with the way your conclusion went....

[@randallanthony1794]

Good show

[@WildWestExtravaganza]

Thank you

[@MaunShComb]

Just found this channel. Thank goodness for no AI narration. It’s killing KZbin

[@WildWestExtravaganza]

It’s getting worse

[@steakears]

Can’t get over how much Josh’s voice sounds like Cody Garrett, aka 1:02:48 ‘Donut Operator’ ! 👊🏻😄 Great story tellers both!

[@CarterMalone]

If there was ever a time for rolling that R, it was this episode 😢. Please bring it back

[@whatyaworkingontoday5018]

Tom Horn did not or could not shoot a small framed man in the back twice at a distance. The cartridge used, that could travel 300 yards, would knock that boy straight to the ground. He would not have a target for a second shot. There was not a “double tap” philosophy in those days. Finally, Tom Horn didn’t ride with a partner. Just my opinion.

[@richardlincoln8438]

Josh related the distance was reputed to be measured by a surveyor at 65 yards.

[@musicmadgic6931]

It weren't 330yrd, I thought the evidence determined it was a 30yrd/60ft shot. If he fell against the gate after the first shot, there may have been time for a second. But I'm skeptical of remaining standing for the two shots too. However, the calling card pattern of how Horn did his work, read almost like a fingerprint.

[@whatyaworkingontoday5018]

@musicmadgic6931 I was thinking about that. Wouldn't that make it pretty easy to frame someone with? Mr. Horn set that up himself, being such a bragger trying to promote his name.

[@earlclue]

you badass dude, thanks,

[@rialobran]

Miller knew Tom's whereabouts on the day of the murder, he'd spent the evening with him. He probably knew Tom's calling card. One of the Millers did it they had the best motive. If Tom was around now, he'd be 164 years old and judging by the average age of candidates he'd be running as president not shooting up DC. Probably your best series to date. As always brilliant research and narration.

[@oldhillbillybuckkowalski]

I'm 100% in agreement with you, he was probably guilty, I think he did it, but could not have said guilty as a juror. There was just too much contradictory testimony to remove any reasonable doubt.

[@caleb1rshelton]

We have men like Tom Horn. They work for Boeing.

[@abrahammorrison6374]

John Grisham graduated from Ole Miss.

[@swirvinbirds1971]

Just gotta lead them a little bit more.... 😂 A little Apocalypse Now humor. Love it.

[@WildWestExtravaganza]

Full Metal Jacket!

[@swirvinbirds1971]

@@WildWestExtravaganza ah crap... Embarrassing mistake. Thanks for the correction. 👍

[@spider-man2291]

Cheers

[@ClintonCaraway]

I'm glad I was never tried or especially hanged for everything I ever took credit for/admitted to while under the influence of intoxicating spirits!!

[@WildWestExtravaganza]

I’m glad you weren’t too

[@johnnieplageman9145]

How’s it going this evening sir?

[@WildWestExtravaganza]

All good, y tu?

[@johnnieplageman9145]

@@WildWestExtravaganza having a few beers listening to podcast excellence; how could it get better???!!!

[@WildWestExtravaganza]

@@johnnieplageman9145 you're living the dream

[@johnnieplageman9145]

@@WildWestExtravaganza yes sir!!!

[@livannal.t.9068]

Just saw the movie.

[@robertclifton5795]

Situation and circumstances, even in death in the wrong there is a certain tyoe of honor !

[@scottwebster695]

There was enough evidence to create reasonable doubt in a jury. Tom needed a good lawyer. The fact that we are still talking about his guilt/innocence today means that he didn't deserve death. Reasonable doubt.

[@WildWestExtravaganza]

Well said

[@ogoe_joeoutdoors1088]

It's funny that the tool gets branded as evil and suffers the consequences, but the one behind the action gets off free. The cattle barons were implicated in the killings, but they weren't punished. The more times change......

[@jasonmatthews7829]

Also didn't realize dentistry was so advanced as to include proper jaw casts. Figured western toothish repair involved mostly teeth-pulling, like amputating broken legs in compound fracture situations just in case. How'd the hook up the mule team?

[@richardlincoln8438]

Fun Fact about dentistry... The toothbrush was invented in Wyoming. If it was invented anywhere else it would be called a teethbrush.

[@WildWestExtravaganza]

Haha

[@dennisgood2887]

My great grandmother new tom.

[@WildWestExtravaganza]

Very cool

[@dennisdollar3953]

The red dead 2 background is cool

[@stevewheatley243]

I'm totally against short people.😂

[@MartyCrump-k2q]

If I was on the jury I'd voted guilty & my theory is Tom thought he was shooting the dad probly drunk hungover & his big ego hed never admit publicly he made a mistake he just bragged too much for his own good

[@mikekirylo5357]

Ty for the truth ,old tv show tombstone territory b,put that sheep war o Billy the Kid

[@Shannon_Dobbs]

My girlfriend of 8 years is a GORGEOUS half-Irish Redhead. She can participate all she wants.

[@nunyabusiness1755]

He pretty much talked himself to death

[@stevemccoy8138]

I don't think Tom killed the kid. He should have kept his mouth shut. 😢

[@snapdragon6601]

Great video. That would be interesting if the State of Wyoming still had that bloody sweater in evidence that could be tested for DNA. I guess we'll never know for sure. 🤷

[@dannysimmons3167]

It’s hard to relate sarcasm in a text message, much less someone writing it down in a closet

[@timelias6508]

Was he guilty? Who the hell knows w/Tom being a blow hard, his reputation as a killer plus the inconsistent stories by all witness. Good series Josh!

[@WildWestExtravaganza]

Thank you

[@rickyhurtt5568]

From what I've learned in these 3 videos I'm amazed he lived as long as he did. If he could've just kept that yap shut so many different times he'd never went to court atleast I don't believe much less the gallows it takes a fairly smart person to do what he'd done thru his life but at the same time sounds like he just did stupid shite, like disputing an alibi who's under oath. Loved the SQ movie but you've did it 100% more justice. Thanks

[@WildWestExtravaganza]

4 videos, Ricky! You missed one

[@onemoreturn]

That botched escape was pretty sad, really. Kinda symbolizes the end of Old West. Instead of handling his business with a good old Big Iron, he gets hold of some newfangled contraption that works God knows how, and then some feller is taking potshots at him from a car. A car! At least have the decency to shoot at the man from a horse, you coward hiding in a tin can! You know what Dutch Van Der Linde told John Marston before he died? "Our time has passed, John." And this was it for Tom Horn.

[@WildWestExtravaganza]

Oh shoot, I may have described that badly. I mentioned that Tom was running alongside parked cars but the guy shooting at him was shooting through the open window of a home, not a car. My bad, I should have been more clear on that.

[@onemoreturn]

@@WildWestExtravaganza Oh, got it. Well, still, the whole situation must've been crazy for a grizzled Army scout and Apache fighter like Horn. Running across what was basically a modern city, trying to reach freedom as it once existed. It's kind of poetic, in a way.

[@WildWestExtravaganza]

Yeah it’s crazy to think about

[@swhip897]

I think this was the best story ever.😂 The mystery of history Who wrote it❤

[@WildWestExtravaganza]

Thanks

[@tritchie6272]

I think you're correct about of Tom Horn were alive today her would be more likely to be working FOR that nest off viper's in DC As for why the other Cattle barons didn't help Horn,from there view why should they? They really didn't need him anymore. And sticking their neck out for him was probably more risk than it was worth.

[@Idahoguy10157]

It appears every stock holder in Wyoming was shooting at each other. Tom Horn’s usefulness ended and he was now a liability

[@mm2003.]

Good stuff!

[@Bobbysixgun]

Seems like he was set up but I believe Tom was guilty

[@Bobbysixgun]

He killed him knowing he wasn't going down for it oops

[@archibaldchuzzlewit1848]

Great video. I think he's most likely guilty of the boy's killing but agree that there's at least some fair questions. I also don't believe that he should be executed for a killing he didn't do just because he also killed a whole lot of other people. Having said all that...anybody who thinks this guy was some kind of hero has serious mental deficiencies. He was a piece of garbage. Period.

[@Bobbysixgun]

Tom the talking fool

[@Bobbysixgun]

Man again Tom was a bad man

[@phoneyry]

Let's Goooooooo!!!

[@WildWestExtravaganza]

Come on

[@ziruk-king4466]

I am from Cheyenne and have hiked iron mountain -- innocent

[@JohnBrown-pr2op]

That kid was probably a brat anyways….

[@markcooper9063]

Tom horn was the united states soooo guilty

[@IFBB]

first

[@richardlincoln8438]

🎉

[@KHugg1776]

you're a great story teller, keep up the good work

[@WildWestExtravaganza]

Thank you so much

[@joeheiby6545]

O boy been waiting for this for a week once again don’t have time to listen to it tonight but will make my first hour at work fly by can’t wait thanks for all your hard work you put into this channel

[@JudeNance]

In 1959 I was living in Douglas, Wyoming, I asked an old cowboy about the Cattlemen's War? He said "you better stay out of it Young lady. "

[@Bobbysixgun]

I have respect For Tom Horn kind of reminds me of Samson just a dumb man in many ways his Delilah was cold hard cash

[@plymouthduster225]

Great series on Tom Horn, really enjoyed it. Im not sure what to think if he was really guilty or not. Probably so, but also apparently he talked alot, and bragged alot. Made me think of George Ward Nichols in The Harper New Monthly magazine writing about the 100's of men that Wild Bill Hickok had killed. Im not sure myself 100 percent one way. But im guessing that he was guilty just guessing though.

[@wccross4147]

For what it's worth, in the far from extensive reading I've done on the subject, I believe it was the Miller's that were responsible for the boys murder. But, as you pointed out in your story, there was enough blood on Tom Horn's hands that justice was served if not as precisely for the crime he was charged with. The world of the new century Tom Horn helped to have a lot less thievery in it with the part he played wound up making his kind an embarrassment needing to be eliminated by a society that no longer needed what he did best. Really, it highlights how the "wild west" had been tamed and famous gunmen died or went to California

[@Griffkhan8]

Tom Horn although talented was a murdering sob.

[@wwdaugherty]

LOL. Just wanted to get feedback on Josh's comments about the folks who drive around in Jeeps with the row of rubber ducks on the dashboard. I am wondering . . . . . What is the point of that ? Every time the Jeep gets stuck in mud they get a duck ? LOL ? I have seen this as a trend and I have not idea of what they are trying to do. BTW, I love ducks, just do not get this . . .

[@WildWestExtravaganza]

I think it’s just for fun, when they see other jeeps in parking lots and stuff like that they’ll leave one on their bumper

[@williamemerson1799]

The boys murder aside, seems there were plenty of reasons for Toms neck tie party. Personally I would not be inclined to believe the meeting between Horn and Lefors should have been reason for conviction. A couple of drunk braggadocious killers braggin about killin? Don't think so. Is 16 minutes about the right dyin time for a proper hangin? Seems a bit long. Anyway, good show. 👍🍻

[@WildWestExtravaganza]

I’m no expert but I think it depended on how talented the hangman was.

[@McDanielRanch]

So josh think There is a jail brake that will really interest u. Man named John w. Burns aka Jack. He broke in to and out of the Albuquerque jail. I idk how much info on it. But there was a movie made about it called lonely are the brave.

[@WildWestExtravaganza]

I’ll check it out, thank you

[@markcooper9063]

A 30 30 has at 100 yards the energy a 44 mag.at the muzzle its not a wimpy round like people would have you think

[@WildWestExtravaganza]

I dunno why anyone would think it’s wimpy

[@dennisgood2887]

Yip he was framed

[@tomroberts9794]

Great story and presentation.

[@WildWestExtravaganza]

Much appreciated!

[@danielwebster5748]

Like Tom said he will do US Marshal duties as long as they didn't interfere with his Pinkerton duties. He considered himself Pinkerton first and foremost over everything including United States Marshal.

[@danielwebster5748]

A calling card of sorts that was known by the entire country. 1993 trial he was acquitted.

[@EndingSimple]

Guilty. And not a hero. He was a hitman. I'm just mad that the Barons never had justice come to them. Just looked at the wiki for the Steve McQueen movie. It says it was "based on the writings of Tom Horn." First mistake right there. The movies makes Horn out to be a hero eventually betrayed by his employers. I have no desire to see it.

[@jessiebedlam6094]

Been listening to your podcast for close to a year or longer and enjoy it. Topics feel well researched and your presentation is very informative and entertaining. I’d love to hear your thoughts on Dallas Stoudenmire?

[@foyboy03]

Great series

[@WildWestExtravaganza]

Many thanks

[@nohandle257]

Great series. Thank you so much. Really appreciate the way you do these presentations. Horn was no different than a Sicilian mafia enforcer. It's too bad Steve McQueen and Hollywood did such a poor job of telling this story.

[@wait4dl]

i do not agree with you at the end. to much evidence lined up against horn, no big lose he was just a bad actor in life. no big lose!

[@garycates9911]

tom was confused , as are most now. Our words should mean something , , , . They should improve on the beutiy of silence .

[@Bobbysixgun]

Tom was not just a hammer he THE HAMMER

[@rickyhurtt5568]

30/30 isn't much good for 100 yards but a helluva brush gun. Great knockdown power, easy to get ammo and very reliable but I'd have to see anybody hit a bull in the ass at 300 yards

[@richardlincoln8438]

Good assessment ! 🎩

[@MTGAttitude]

Hey Josh...this episode has 💯 been my favorite by far. Great breakdown of everything my friend

[@WildWestExtravaganza]

Glad to hear it! Thanks!

[@BobcatWolfenstein]

As a red haired person, that tidbit is hilarious

[@sixsentsoldiers]

Was the song Mountain Road? Or Railroad?

[@WildWestExtravaganza]

Mountain Road I think

[@girthbrooks8606]

Sounds like a miscarriage of justice if you ask me, I don't think Tom Horn killed those 2 yutes