killed in this manner…
source date: 1891
availability: public-domain

killed in this manner. In just anger at such barbarous business he threatened punishment to the perpetrators should he find one more. Mr. Lyons’ conversation was repeated to Tom Hall who remarked that the d — n fool might have found another if he had looked close; continuing his conversation he said that if Lyons had gone over to the cedar brakes a few miles away he could have found twenty-seven that his brothers Dick and Bob together with him- self had killed the second day after those found by Mr. Lyons. There is also evidence showing that the gang were in the habit of driving cattle from the ranges and butchering them and dis- posing of the meat for whatever they could get. The hides were usually placed in a pit, a good fire built upon top and this evidence of the crime destroyed. Barns of obnoxious neighbors were burned, grain, implements of agriculture or for household use carried off, wire from wire fences carried away and a thousand and one other indignities put upon nearly all of the settlers on the Gila river, and from the river to Alma on the north and to Silver City on the south. There is positive evidence that two bands of stolen horses have been run out of the coun- try within the last month by this gang. The Hall outfit had two mares when they came to Pine Cienega but these most prolific animals raised nine two-year old colts the first year.

uth. There is positive evidence that two bands of stolen horses have been run out of the coun- try within the last month by this gang. The Hall outfit had two mares when they came to Pine Cienega but these most prolific animals raised nine two-year old colts the first year. It is need- less to say that this was accomplished by the parent-killing process described above. Another scheme pursued by some of the gang was to put a light brand upon sucking calves, merely scorching it to the roots of the hair. The owner riding the range sees that the calves are branded all right with his brand and pays no more at- tention to them; but the thief has his eye on the animal and when old enough to be taken from the mother he runs it off and puts his own brand on permanently.