Dalton Gang

The Encyclopedia of Oklahoma History and Culture ^ | prior to 2026 | Nancy B. Samuelson

[SunkenCiv]

Lawmen and outlaws Emmett Dalton (1871–1937), Frank Dalton (1859–87), Grattan "Grat" Dalton (1861–92), Robert Rennick "Bob" Dalton (1869–92), and Mason Frakes "William" "Bill" Dalton (1865–94), five sons of Adeline Younger and Lewis Dalton, came from a family of fifteen children who grew up in Kansas near Indian Territory. Their mother was an aunt of the Younger boys of James-Younger gang fame.

Frank Dalton served as a deputy U.S. marshal for the Federal District Court of Western Arkansas at Fort Smith from 1884 until horse thieves and whiskey peddlers killed him on November 27, 1887. He was a good, efficient officer and highly respected by other lawmen.

Grat and Bob Dalton pinned on badges shortly after Frank's death and served as deputy U.S. marshals for the federal courts at Wichita, Kansas, and Fort Smith. Emmett often rode as a guard or posseman for his brothers. In 1890 charges for stealing horses were lodged against Grat; however, after a hearing he was released. About the same time, Bob was charged with introducing whiskey into Indian Territory. A hearing resulted in a true bill against him.

Grat, Bob, and Emmett then left Oklahoma and joined older brothers living and working in California. In February 1891 Bill, Grat, Bob, and Emmett were accused of robbing a Southern Pacific train at Alila, California. Grat and Bill were arrested. Bob and Emmett returned to Oklahoma and formed the Dalton Gang.

[Pocketdoor]

Dalton Mountain, located near Sanger in the Fresno, California area, was named after the notorious Dalton Gang, specifically associated with Grat Dalton. Following a prison escape in the early 1890s, it was discovered that Grat Dalton was hiding on the summit of this steep mountain near the Kings River.
The Connection: After escaping, Grat Dalton was assisted by Riley Dean, and they hid in the Fresno County foothills, leading to the mountain being named after them.
Context: This occurred around the same era that the Dalton Gang was active in train and bank robberies in the Western United States, before their infamous 1892 Coffeyville, Kansas shootout.
The location, often referred to as Dalton Mountain or the Dalton Mountain area, is a prominent geographic feature east of Fresno.

[21twelve]

And 10 girls.

[Beowulf9]

Wow. That is so cool!

[oldplayer]

The shoot-out at Ingalls, Indian Territory involved more gunmen and killed more people than the famous Arizona OK Corral. Ingalls is about 12 miles from my house.