Jesse Evans

by J. Younger

This page is still uder construction, but please enjoy what is here.

The Scourge of New Mexico

Jesse Evans, a notorious figure, stood approximately five feet six inches tall with light colored hair and gray blue eyes. Some accounts suggest he had a little Cherokee ancestry. Reports indicate that Evans pursued higher education, graduating from Washington and Lee College in Virginia, however we have not found any proof of this yet.
Subsequently, in Elk City, Kansas, Evans and his parents were allegedly apprehended for distributing counterfeit currency (we are still looking for the evidence on this one as well).

Following this incident, it is believed that Evans departed Kansas for Texas, where he secured employment at Burrowson and Grier’s Ranch. By around 1872, it is presumed he relocated to the New Mexico Territory, finding work at John Chisum’s South Spring Ranch, a common destination for many single men seeking opportunities in the region.

John Chisum, a prominent rancher, equipped his workers with firearms and horses while offering competitive wages. According to various accounts, including statements attributed to Jesse Evans, Chisum occasionally purchased horses and cattle that were stolen or reported as “lost but found.”
Following Chisum’s complaints to authorities about thefts by Apache tribes, an investigation was launched. The inquiry revealed that Chisum possessed numerous horses stolen from the Apache. While it remains uncertain whether Jesse Evans was directly involved in these thefts, his participation is considered plausible. Either as a consequence of the investigation or by his own volition, Evans departed Chisum’s South Spring Ranch.
Evans then joined a posse tasked with apprehending the Mes brothers, who had supposedly stolen horses from LG Murphy and were fleeing south. The posse tracked the brothers through Las Cruces into Mexico, where they were captured and returned to New Mexico Territory. The pursuit concluded near Shedd’s Ranch, located on the eastern side of San Augustine Pass in the Organ Mountains, owned by John Kinney.
During an attempted escape by the four captured prisoners, all were killed. Another version say’s they were brought back to Lincoln and hung or shot and killed (we are still looking into this). This incident likely marked the beginning of Jesse Evans’ association with John Kinney, after which Evans began working for him.

John Kinney operated a sophisticated criminal enterprise, akin to a mafia, orchestrating a large scale racket for stolen goods. Several gangs emerged in connection with Kinney’s group, known as the Rio Grande Posse. One such gang, the Seven Rivers Warriors, operated in close proximity to John Chisum’s ranch, enabling them to steal cattle and horses. These stolen goods were either processed at Kinney’s ranch or transported further east to another affiliated group, the Clanton gang in Arizona, or vice versa. By recruiting some of Chisum’s cowboys and other local individuals, Jesse Evans established his own criminal outfit, known as the Jesse Evans Gang.

The Jesse Evans Gang evolved into a notorious organized crime syndicate known as “The Banditi”, establishing extensive networks to facilitate the fencing of stolen goods. Their illicit activities drew significant attention. Albert J. Fountain, a lawyer and newspaper publisher, publicly exposed the gang’s operations, members, and locations through his articles, identifying Shedd’s Ranch as their primary base of operations. In response, Jesse Evans reportedly threatened Fountain’s life over the publications. Despite the threats, Fountain persisted, further identifying Evans as the leader of the gang, which he dubbed “The Boys.” The moniker gained widespread recognition and became synonymous with the gang.

On the eve of New Year’s Day 1875, members of the Jesse Evans Gang, including Jesse Evans, John Kinney, and Jim McDaniel, were involved in an altercation at a Las Cruces dance hall and saloon. The group engaged in a physical confrontation with soldiers from Fort Selden, during which they were severely beaten. Later that night, around midnight, Evans and his associates, joined by additional members including Charles Ray, alias Pony Diehl, returned to the saloon. They opened fire through the exterior windows, resulting in the deaths of three soldiers and one civilian, with several others wounded. Although no formal charges were filed, the Rio Grande Republican published an account of the incident, explicitly naming Evans and his gang as the perpetrators.

Just two weeks later, on January 19th 1875, Quirino Fletcher was shot to death. His corpse lay out on the streets of Las Cruces all night with six bullet holes in him. The presumed killer was Jesse Evans. Although it was not proven, Evans was charged with murder, and about 18 months later in June 1877, he was acquitted. Judge Warren bristle ordered Evans not guilty and to be freed.
In July 1877, Jesse Evans, Frank Baker, Nicholas Provincio, and several others were apprehended in Juarez, Mexico, for stealing livestock and illegally transporting it into the United States. A U.S. customs agent, Solomon Shultz, secured their release.
Following their release, the Jesse Evans Gang, known as “The Boys,” roamed the New Mexico Territory, engaging in lawless activities. In Tularosa, the gang, while intoxicated, discharged their firearms, intimidating local residents. Continuing along the Tularosa River, they arrived at the home of Mr. Sylvestre, a former court witness against one of their members. The gang harassed him, killing his dog and firing multiple rounds at the exterior of his home, leaving Sylvestre and his children in fear. The gang then proceeded to a local store, taking supplies without payment and facing no resistance.
While Evans and his gang left a trail of terror, William H. Bonney, known as Billy the Kid, was residing with the Jones family during this period.
The Jones brothers were recognized members of the Seven Rivers Warriors, a gang affiliated with John Kinney’s criminal network. William H. Bonney, known as Billy the Kid, came into contact with the Jones family after arriving at their home in a dire state, nearly succumbing to starvation. Having returned from Arizona with no resources, Billy had been left stranded after Apache individuals stole his horse and shoes, leaving him vulnerable. The Jones family provided him refuge, and he developed a close friendship with John Jones, subsequently joining him in his activities.
It was likely through the Jones family, who maintained ties with Jesse Evans, that Billy met the notorious gang leader, however a small piece of evidence points to Jesse Evans perhaps meeting young Billy when Billy was living in Arizona after his mother’s death (more on this soon). The two quickly formed a strong bond. Shortly thereafter, Billy began associating closely with Evans and his gang, “The Boys,” frequently camping with them.
In Lincoln’s Bonito Valley, tensions escalated as John Tunstall acquired land near the Feliz River and established a store in the town. This new venture directly competed with James Dolan, who had recently assumed control of L.G. Murphy’s business, which was already facing financial ruin. To bolster his struggling enterprise, Dolan resorted to illicit measures, engaging Jesse Evans and his gang, “The Boys,” to fulfill a beef contract with stolen cattle, yielding substantial profits. The stolen livestock was funneled through John Kinney’s criminal network for fencing. Billy the Kid, having spent approximately a month riding and camping with Evans and his gang, participated in their various thefts.
On the night of September 18, 1877, the gang targeted John Tunstall’s property, stealthily raiding Richard Brewer’s ranch and stealing several horses, including Tunstall’s prized racing buggy team.

Richard Brewer, employed as a foreman for John Tunstall, was appointed as a deputy by the local justice of the peace to recover stolen property and apprehend the culprits responsible.
Brewer’s neighbors, Doc Scurlock and Charlie Bowdre, informed him that the stolen horses had been located at John Kinney’s Shedd’s Ranch. Despite being outnumbered and outgunned, Brewer, accompanied by Scurlock and Bowdre, rode to the ranch. Demonstrating considerable bravery, Brewer confronted the gang and demanded the return of the horses, which were clearly visible in the corrals. Jesse Evans, while refusing to relinquish Tunstall’s horses, respected Brewer’s courage and permitted him to reclaim his own horses.

Brewer responded,
“if you can’t give me the Englishman’s you can keep them all and go to hell.”

It was likely at that confrontation that Billy the Kid recognized Doc Scurlock and Charlie Bowdre, former acquaintances from Arizona where he had worked at their cheese factory operation on the Gila River. Unaware at the time of the theft that he was stealing from old friends, Billy likely did not anticipate encountering them again.
Richard Brewer was subsequently appointed as a deputy constable to apprehend the thieves. Joined by a small posse, including Sheriff William Brady, who was then perceived as relatively neutral Brewer equipped himself with provisions from Tunstall’s store to pursue the gang to their hideout in Seven Rivers. Despite initial reluctance from Sheriff Brady, he agreed to participate. On October 12, 1877, Brewer, Brady, and the posse traveled south to Seven Rivers, where the suspects ultimately surrendered.

The posse, having captured Jesse Evans, Frank Baker, Tom Hill, and George Davis, escorted them to Lincoln and incarcerated them in the Pit jail. This primitive facility was a 10 foot-deep underground chamber consisting of two elongated rooms enclosed by rough hewn log timbers. Above the pit, a long adobe structure, though some accounts suggest it was constructed of log timber served as a discreet shelter for the guards.
During their confinement, Jesse Evans and his gang began to establish a rapport with John Tunstall. In an effort to gain their favor, Tunstall provided the prisoners with new clothing and a bottle of whiskey.
After approximately one month in the Pit jail, the prisoners were freed under the cover of darkness.

On November 17, 1877, a rescue party, including Billy the Kid, stealthily entered Lincoln. They forcibly breached the jail door with weapons drawn, liberating Jesse Evans and his associates without firing a shot. Following their escape, the gang visited Charlie Bowdre’s residence, where they appropriated several blankets and a rifle. They then proceeded to Richard Brewer’s ranch, where they shared a meal before departing with several of John Tunstall’s fresh horses. Before leaving, the gang vowed to refrain from further thefts from Tunstall, and within a few days, his horses were returned.
A later inspection of the Pit jail revealed signs of excavation and filed chains, suggesting the prisoners had actively facilitated their own escape. This raised questions about whether Tunstall had provided the tools necessary for their breakout or if Evans had entered into an agreement with Tunstall to secure their release. But most likely it was Dolan or his men.
Just after their departure, Billy the Kid was arrested for having possession of one of Tunstall’s stolen horses and was tossed into the pit. When Tunstall went to see Billy in the pit, he was saddened to see such a young, polite and educated boy going down the wrong path. Tunstall gave Billy a chance. He gave him a job, and a place to sleep,(Brewers home) a new suit, rifle and horse. Billy had not yet been treated fairly and like an adult, but now it was official, Billy the Kid was riding for Tunstall.
But it was just a little taste of an honest living that Billy was able to get, as Tunstall was murdered a few months later in February 1878.
Robert Widenmann was not only Tunstall’s closest friend, he was also a U.S. Marshall and he in fact held warrants for Evans, Baker, Nicholas Provencio, and George Davis for stealing government horses and mules. He tried on more than one occasion to apprehend them but was discouraged by Brewer who said it would only escalate things for Tunstall as he was still trying to get settled and comfortable in the area.
On February 2, 1878, the cold trails north of Las Vegas, New Mexico, became a stage for frontier justice. Jesse Evans, the swaggering leader of the notorious “Boys” gang, and two of his rustlers were spotted driving stolen horses through the snow dusted plains. The victims, hardened ranchers unwilling to swallow another theft, gave chase. What followed was a gunfight, muzzle flashes cutting through the chilly dusk. Bullets tore the silence, and when the smoke cleared, Evans reeled in the saddle, a groin wound searing through him like white hot iron. Bleeding and cursing, the outlaw kingpin fled into the night, his gang scattering like wolves. The ranchers reclaimed their stock, but the legend of Jesse Evans, now limping, yet still lethal, only grew darker.
The question of whether Jesse Evans was present at the murder of John Tunstall remains unresolved. Multiple accounts were provided to investigator Frank Angel, with at least one explicitly identifying Evans as one of the killers.
Mr Albert Howe’s account is also interesting. His account of Tunstall’s killing is of a testimony from George Kitt;
“As Tunstall approached, Morton and Hill placed the butts of their rifles on their knees. Morton had assured Tunstall that he would not be harmed, but when Tunstall had ridden in close, both men fired.”
Howe also stated that Tunstall did not even unholster his weapon. It is also interesting to note that in the Howe affidavit, the use of the name “the Boys” was used. Probably because it was two men from the Jesse Evans gang that actually pulled the trigger, and not necessarily Evans. Keep in mind Evans was also wounded in the groin 2 weeks prior and he may not have been able to ride while recovering from a wound like that. Evans also said he was not there, for whatever that was worth. Regardless he would be named and a warrant was sworn out for his arrest.

In March, Jesse Evans and Tom Hill were near Alamo Springs, close to present day Alamogordo. They observed a wagon loaded with goods stationed near the spring while its owners were tending to their grazing sheep. Evans and Hill approached, ordering a lone man to raise his hands. When the man reached for a Winchester rifle, either Evans or Hill shot him in the leg, causing him to collapse. Despite his injury, the man managed to crawl, retrieve the rifle, and fatally shoot Hill. He then turned the weapon on Evans, firing a shot that shattered Evans’ wrist, forcing him to drop his pistol and flee. Evans reportedly left a trail of blood for miles, leading some to believe he had perished. Seeking aid, Evans made his way to John Kinney’s Shedd’s Ranch. Upon arrival, he and Nicholas Provencio were apprehended by railroad constable Dave Wood and U.S. Marshal John Sherman Jr. Evans was subsequently transported to Fort Stanton, where he was placed under arrest and received medical treatment for his injuries. His wrist permanently damaged and practically useless.
While Evans laid in Fort Stanton recovering, The Regulators were cleaning up the house. They had planted many of Dolans henchmen in the dirt. In return the Regulators lost a couple men as well. However Evans being out and about in March following Tunstall’s murder could indicate that his groin wound was not severe or the newspapers got it wrong and with that it is another unsolved mystery.
April 13, 1878, Jesse Evans was formally charged with the murder of John Tunstall. Ten days later, on April 23, a jury also indicted him for larceny. Charges related to the robbery at the Alamo Springs camp, where Evans sustained a wrist injury, were dismissed after the primary witness relocated to Texas with his sheep herd.
Approximately six weeks later, military authorities escorted Evans to Mesilla for trial. There, District Attorney Rynerson and Judge Bristol oversaw the proceedings. Evans was acquitted of the murder charge due to insufficient evidence establishing his presence at the crime scene, with Evans asserting he was with James Dolan, over 25 miles away, at the time of the incident.The court elected to defer the case to the next term and set Evans’ bond at $6,000, which he promptly secured, obtaining his release. Due to his injuries, Evans remained largely sidelined for much of the Lincoln County War.
Where Evans went directly after he posted bail is unknown but it’s likely he ended up back in Lincoln just on time the end of the 5 day battle, or the looting of the Tunstall store after McSween’s death. But the question is, did Evans take part? Was Evans a friend or foe?
Following the destruction of Susan McSween’s home and the death of her husband, Alexander McSween, the widowed Mrs. McSween retained attorney Huston Chapman to investigate the incident and pursue charges against James Dolan and others involved. Chapman also advocated for amnesty for the Regulators, a group aligned with McSween’s interests.
February 18, 1879, exactly one year after John Tunstall’s murder, a meeting was arranged at the behest of Billy the Kid to negotiate a truce between Evans, Dolan, Bill Campbell, and their respective allies.
The meeting took place in the streets of Lincoln, where Billy and Jesse Evans initially exchanged words. Subsequently, the others joined, and the parties shook hands and shared drinks, signaling a temporary truce. However, later that evening, as Huston Chapman, Mrs. McSween’s attorney, passed by in the street, Bill Campbell confronted and harassed him. During the altercation, a gunshot was fired, and Chapman was fatally shot. The truce collapsed, and Billy the Kid and his associates promptly withdrew from the scene.

Later promises were made to Billy the Kid of leniency or a pardon in exchange for his testimony for what he saw that night, by the new territorial governor, Lew Wallace.

Following the incident, Jesse Evans and Bill Campbell were apprehended and detained at Fort Stanton. However, they escaped with assistance from a soldier known as Texas Jack, a recent recruit. In response, Governor Lew Wallace issued a $1,000 bounty for their recapture. To evade capture, Evans and members of his gang deemed it prudent to leave New Mexico and relocated to western Texas.
Once in Texas, the gang swiftly resumed their cattle rustling activities. Their movements, however, did not go unnoticed, as the Texas Rangers were actively tracking their operations.

On July 3, 1880, the Texas Rangers caught up with Jesse Evans and his gang, leading to a confrontation. During the ensuing gun battle, Evans fatally shot Ranger George “Red” Bingham, while gang member John Gross was killed in the exchange. After a prolonged standoff, the gang surrendered.
While detained at Fort Davis, Evans wrote to his associate Billy the Kid, hoping for assistance in escaping during his transfer to prison. However, no such rescue occurred. Evans was subsequently convicted for his role in the robbery of the Sender & Siebenborn store and for the murder of Ranger George Bingham. He received a 10-year sentence for each charge and was admitted to Huntsville Prison on December 1, 1880, as prisoner number 9078.

On May 23rd 1882, Jesse Evans escaped from a work crew and disappeared. However according to Texas Ranger James Gillett, Jesse Evans was shot and killed while attempting to escape Huntsville Prison.