Summary
Overview
This episode explores the life and mysterious death of Johnny Ringo, a lesser-known but fascinating Old West gunslinger. The hosts trace Ringo's journey from a traumatic childhood incident that shaped his life to his involvement in cattle wars and eventual connection to the famous figures of Tombstone, Arizona. The discussion concludes with an examination of the mystery surrounding his death and whether it was suicide or murder.
Introduction to Johnny Ringo
The hosts introduce Johnny Ringo as a lesser-known Old West outlaw who was actually quite famous in his time. Unlike typical outlaws, Ringo wasn't a bank or train robber but rather a hired gun and mercenary who made his name through various violent incidents. He ran gangs, worked as a gunslinger, and traveled from town to town getting into enough trouble to build his reputation.
- Johnny Ringo was a well-known outlaw, hired gun, and mercenary in the Old West
- He wasn't a bank or train robber but rather someone who moved town to town making a name through nefarious deeds
- Born in May 1850 in what is now Greens Fork, Indiana
- Got tangled up with famous people including the Younger Brothers led by Jesse James
The Traumatic Childhood Incident
Johnny Ringo experienced a devastating trauma as a teenager that would shape the rest of his life. While his family was traveling from Missouri to California, his father Martin Ringo died instantly when his rifle or shotgun accidentally discharged, shooting him in the head right in front of Johnny. The hosts emphasize how this single incident could explain much of Ringo's troubled behavior throughout his life, noting that witnessing such violence would traumatize anyone regardless of the era.
- Martin Ringo's gun went off accidentally pointing up at his head from his chin, killing him instantly in front of Johnny
- The family buried him along the road and had to keep the wagon train going to California
- By that age, Johnny was already a pretty good shot and quick draw
" It doesn't matter if it was 1850, 1050, 2050, if your son sees his dad die in that manner, that's going to shape your life pretty much single-handedly. "
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