Tom Horn

Profession: Old West Lawman, Outlaw and Bounty Hunter

Biography: Tom Horn was an American lawman and outlaw in the Old West of the United States, whose occupations ranged from scout and detective to hired gunman and alleged cattle rustler. Known for his tracking abilities and fearlessness, he became a symbol of the lawless violence of the frontier.

Early in his life, Horn worked as a scout and interpreter for the U.S. Cavalry during the Apache Wars, where his skills contributed to the surrender of the Apache warrior Geronimo. After his stint with the Cavalry, Horn worked as a detective for the Pinkerton Detective Agency, further enhancing his reputation as a capable tracker and enforcer.

Horn later found work as a range detective and hired gunman in the escalating feud between cattle barons and homesteaders in Wyoming and Colorado. Here, his role was often to protect the interests of the cattle barons, and his methods were controversial, to say the least. He was suspected of several murders in the line of duty, leading to growing concern about his tactics.

The event that sealed Horn's infamy was the murder of 14-year-old Willie Nickell in 1901. Horn was accused of the murder, allegedly a case of mistaken identity in a hired killing. His trial was controversial and is still debated today. Despite maintaining his innocence, Horn was found guilty and hanged in 1903.

Born: November 21, 1860
Birthplace: Scotland County, Missouri, USA
Star Sign: Scorpio

Died: November 20, 1903 (aged 42)
Cause of Death: Execution by hanging