Johnny Ringo
Johnny Ringo was an influential figure in the history of the American West, known for his outlaw career and lasting legacy. Born John Peters Ringo in 1850, he grew up in Missouri before relocating to California and later Texas, where he became embroiled in criminal activities. Ringo gained notoriety during the Mason County War, which involved violent conflicts over cattle ownership, and he is infamously linked to the murder of gambler James Cheyney in 1875.
In his later years, Ringo moved to Tombstone, Arizona, where he became a prominent antagonist to notable figures such as Wyatt Earp and Doc Holliday. His reputation as one of the fastest guns of the time fueled his legendary status, leading to various legal troubles and violent confrontations. Ringo's death in 1882 remains mysterious, with theories suggesting it was either a self-inflicted gunshot wound or potential foul play by Earp or Holliday.
Following his death, Ringo was romanticized in Western literature and media, solidifying his place in the mythos of the Old West as a feared gunfighter and outlaw. His story continues to intrigue those interested in the complex narratives of Western history and the figures that inhabited it.
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Subject Terms
Johnny Ringo
American gunfighter and outlaw
- Born: May 3, 1850
- Birthplace: Green's Fork, Indiana
- Died: July 12 or 13, 1882
- Place of death: Sulphur Springs Valley, Arizona
Cause of notoriety: Ringo was a legendary outlaw who took part in several murders, but he avoided prosecution.
Active: December, 1874-March, 1882
Locale: Central Texas, southwestern New Mexico, and southeastern Arizona
Early Life
John Peters Ringo (RIHN-goh) was the oldest of five children born to Martin and Mary Peters Ringo. When Johnny was six, the family moved to Gallatin, Missouri. In 1864, they journeyed to San Jose, California. While traveling through Wyoming, Johnny’s father was killed when his shotgun accidentally discharged as he stepped out of his wagon. Continuing their trip, the Ringo family arrived in San Jose in late October. Ringo lived with his family and worked as a farmer in San Jose until about 1870, when he moved to Texas.
Outlaw Career
Ringo was issued his first criminal indictment on April 14, 1875, for disturbing the peace in Burnet, Texas; he was arrested on an indictment for disturbing the peace in December. After posting bond, he was released. Soon thereafter, he participated in a feud between German settlers and Texas cattlemen over cattle ownership in the Mason County (or Hoodoo) War in central Texas. As part of the conflict, Ringo and a friend killed well-known gambler James Cheyney on September 25, 1875. In March, 1876, Ringo and Scott Cooley were tried and convicted for threatening the lives of Burnet County law officers. Friends broke them out of the Travis County jail in Austin in May, 1876. Ringo was recaptured on October 31, 1876, and jailed again in Austin. While in jail, Ringo was indicted for the murder of Cheyney and remained in jail until early 1878. When witnesses would not testify, he was freed on May 15, 1878. In 1879, Ringo moved to Tombstone, Arizona, and worked on a ranch. He was arrested for wounding Louis Hancock in a gunfight in Safford, Arizona, on December 14, 1879.
When Ringo did not appear before a grand jury in March, 1880, for the shooting of Hancock, a warrant was issued for his arrest. To avoid being jailed, he traveled to New Mexico and Texas. In New Mexico, he reportedly participated in the robbery of a Mexican mule train on August 1, 1881.
After close friends of Ringo were killed by Wyatt Earp, Earp’s brothers, and Doc Holliday in the famous gunfight at the O.K. Corral in Tombstone, Arizona, on October 26, 1881, Ringo became a fierce enemy of Earp and Holliday. He challenged them to a gunfight on January 17, 1882, but Tombstone law officers stopped it.
When Morgan Earp was murdered on March 17, 1882, some believed that Ringo was involved. It was never proven. Ringo was found dead near Turkey Creek on July 13, 1882, most likely as a result of a self-inflicted gunshot wound, although some speculate that Wyatt Earp or Holliday may have been involved.
Impact
During the Mason County War, Johnny Ringo developed a reputation for being the fastest gun alive. In Tombstone, Arizona, he became the chief antagonist of Wyatt Earp and Doc Holliday. Ringo became known as one of the most dangerous outlaws in the Southwest. The death of Ringo was enshrouded with mystery and controversy; it is one of the most debated deaths in the history of the Old West. After his death, he was romanticized by many writers as one of the deadliest, most feared gunfighters of the era. During the late 1950’s and early 1960’s, he was portrayed as a popular Western character in numerous television Westerns and in motion pictures.
Bibliography
Burrows, Jack. John Ringo: The Gunfighter Who Never Was. Tucson: University of Arizona Press, 1987. Explores the life of Ringo, confirming some legends about his encounters with Wyatt Earp and Doc Holliday.
Gatto, Steve. Johnny Ringo. Lansing, Mich.: Protar House, 2002. Using primary sources, Gatto renders what is probably the most accurate account of the early life of Ringo.
McCord, Jason. Johnny Ringo: Unknown Destiny. San Ramon, Calif.: Falcon Books, 2002. An excellent account of Ringo’s participation in the Mason County War and of his confrontations with Wyatt Earp and Doc Holliday in Tombstone, Arizona.