It was recently reported that Judy Wallman, a professional genealogy researcher in Southern California, discovered that Harry Reid’s great-great uncle, Remus Reid, was hanged for horse stealing and train robbery in Montana in 1889. Both Judy and Harry Reid were to have shared this common ancestor.
Look closely at the website (fourwinds10.com), and you’ll note that much of what’s posted can’t be true… The fact that the entire article, complete with photos, is a spoof was pointed out by Ken Robertson, the Tri-City Herald Executive Editor. Just another example that if it’s on the Internet, it’s not necessary true. Good for a few laughs maybe, but not true.
I have a personal copy of this picture. It is actually the first of 4 pictures of the hanging of sometimes Hole-in-the-Wall gang member, Black Jack Ketchum. The other 3 pictures show the results of what happens when the hangman makes faulty calculations, and uses a rope to long for the subject’s weight.
I heard through stories.. that Black Jack was my great great uncle. Is there any pictures i could get of him? And he was
a part of history of the shoot out.. the OK Corral… i would be thrilled if i could get any information; possible pictures of my
distant relative. My older brother would tell me stories of Black Jack… He passed away several years ago and I am trying to hold on to my background history. I am very proud of Black Jack. Hope to hear from you soon… Joan
Black Jack Ketchum has not been associated with the OK Corral shootout. That doesn’t detract from just how colorful he was.
There are a number of books on the history of New Mexico outlaws that have material on Ketchum. I’d look for Howard Bryan and Erna Fergusson for starters.
Copies of the photos of his hanging are available from the photo section of the Museum of New Mexico for a very reasonable price.
Black Jack has living relatives here in area of Bell County, TX. A student of mine from the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor was on the football team, 2003-2007, and told me of their family history; Ketchum is his last name. How cool is that? Well he’s still in the area and has a great story to tell of his family.