Life of Tom Horn: Government Scout and Interpreter

by Tom Horn

Book Overview

On November 20, 1903, Tom Horn was hanged in Cheyenne, Wyoming, for the murder of a fourteen-year-old nester boy. Horn-army scout and interpreter for Generals Willcox, Crook, and Miles in the Apache wars, Pinkerton operative, cattle detective, and "King of Cowboys"-was hanged like a common criminal, many think mistakenly.

His own account of his life, written while he was in prison and first published in 1904, is not really a vindication,...

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0806110449
• ISBN13: 9780806110448
• Release Date: February 1973
• Publisher: University of Oklahoma Press
• Length: 292 Pages
• Weight: 0.55 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.8" x 4.8" x 7.6"

Customer Reviews

A great autobiography

This is a well written book covering the early days of Tom Horn's life. Tom Horn lead a very interesting and exciting life and he conveys that to the reader very well. Although the book does not cover his exploits as a stock detective, this book still raises doubts about whether Tom Horn was guilty of the offense for which he was hanged. I would highly recommend this book to anyone having an interest in the old west. This book was definitly a great addition to my library

Tom Horn as he wished to be remembered.

This is an exceptional autobiography that details the life of Tom Horn prior to the tragic incident in Wyoming. The book is NOT a vindication. The material added by John Coble is clearly identified, and were his personal attempts to vindicate Tom Horn. Written in jail and on his way to the gallows, Tom Horn wrote only about his life as Indian Scout and Intepretor, because this is how he wished to be remembered! "Life of Tom Horn" reflects upon his childhood, and the early adult events that shaped the most glorious and enjoyable years in the prime of his life. He probably deserved the Medal of Honor for the Apache Wars. Details of his life as a miner, Pinkerton detective, rodeo champion and mule skinner for the Spanish American War were left out, probably intentionally. His reputation in Wyoming was so thoroughly distorted and trashed by journalistic sensationalism fueled by ongoing range fueds, that it probably wasn't worth addressing. (He is still hated today by many.) I feel he believed that good would prevail and find him innocent. Time wasn't on his side when he wrote this... The book is a fabulous historical accout of life in the southwestern frontier. The details of his life as indian scout are easy to put into perspective and supported by many factual historical accounts of the time. If one has a map and photographs of the southwestern United States and Mexico, it becomes even easier to put into perspective. The book is also a great resource for anyone researching Geronomo and the Apache wars. To this day, Tom Horn's innocence or guilt is embroiled in controversy. Some family members still carry a burning hatred for the man, others admiration and love. Visit the Historical sections of the Denver or Cheyenne Library's, so you can read newspaper accounts of the politics of the range fueds and wars in Wyoming during Tom Horn's time, and come to your own conclusions. After the Apache Wars, Tom Horn became a drifter of various jobs or "careers," typical of many cowboys of that era. He always tried to do the right thing and worked, for the law, not against it. At over 6 feet tall, muscular and lean, he was imposing, but soft spoken, and a loner. When he went to Wyoming, he "walked softly and carried a big stick." The big stick being his reputation as indian fighter and killer, although there's no proof he murdered anyone. He always maintained his innocence, and remained defiantly brave to the very end.

..in Tom's own words...

This book was written by Tom Horn while waiting in a Cheyenne, Wyoming Jail to be hanged. It is a very colorful account of the Government Scout, Arizona Territory Lawman, and "foster son" of Geronimo himself. While it is a very one sided story that almost pleads with you to believe that Tom was blameless, it gives a VERY unique look into the solitary life of a scout and hired gun in the real old west. "A Must Read"

Intriguing, couldn't put it down!

Rather well written. Tom's 'feelings'and his 'struggle', for his own life, from a jail cell. This is his 'view' of what was happening to him, before his hanging. Anyone, interested in the "last days" of the American "Wild West", should read this book!

An excellent view of the west at the end of the 19th century

"Life of Tom Horn" has the ring of authenticity. Although a bit awkward at times due to the vernacular used, it is nonetheless a valuable and highly entertaining book for those interested in the "real" old west. Recommended.