The Putman-Lockhart kidnappings were a series of abductions that took place in Texas during the 19th century.
These kidnappings involved the abduction of both adults and children, and they were carried out by a group of outlaws who roamed the state in search of victims.
The kidnappers were eventually caught and punished, but the legacy of their crimes still haunts the state today. In this article, we will explore the history of the Putman-Lockhart kidnappings, including the motives behind the crimes, the victims, and the aftermath.
Source: www.legendsofamerica.com
The Outlaws and their Motives
The outlaws responsible for the Putman-Lockhart kidnappings were a group of men led by a man named Scott Cooley. Cooley was a notorious outlaw who had been involved in a number of crimes throughout Texas, including robbery and murder. He was a member of a gang of outlaws that included his brother, Joel Cooley, and several other men. The gang’s main motive for carrying out the kidnappings was to extort money from the families of their victims.
Source: en.wikipedia.org
The Victims
The Putman-Lockhart kidnappings began in 1870 when two young girls, Mary and Susan Putman, were abducted from their home in Limestone County. The girls were taken by the Cooley gang, who demanded a ransom of $1,000 for their safe return. The girls’ father, James Putman, was a wealthy cattle rancher, and he was able to pay the ransom. Mary and Susan were eventually released unharmed.
After the success of the Putman kidnapping, the Cooley gang began targeting other wealthy families in the state. In 1871, the gang kidnapped two more young girls, Emma and Kate Lockhart, from their home in Travis County. The Lockhart family was also wealthy, and the kidnappers demanded a ransom of $10,000 for the safe return of the girls. The family was unable to pay such a large sum, and the girls were eventually found dead in a field outside of Austin.
Source: en.wikipedia.org
The Aftermath
The Putman-Lockhart kidnappings caused a great deal of fear and panic throughout the state of Texas. The abductions were widely covered by the media, and people were afraid to leave their homes for fear of being abducted by the Cooley gang. The Texas Rangers, a group of law enforcement officers who were responsible for maintaining order in the state, were called in to investigate the kidnappings.
The Rangers were eventually able to track down the Cooley gang and capture several of its members. Scott Cooley and his brother Joel were tried and convicted of the murders of Emma and Kate Lockhart. Scott Cooley was sentenced to death, while his brother Joel was given a life sentence. Several other members of the gang were also convicted and sentenced to prison.
The legacy of the Putman-Lockhart kidnappings is still felt in Texas today. The kidnappings were a dark chapter in the state’s history, and they serve as a reminder of the dangers of lawlessness and vigilantism. The Texas Rangers, who played a crucial role in bringing the kidnappers to justice, continue to be a symbol of law and order in the state.
Conclusion
The Putman-Lockhart kidnappings were a series of abductions that took place in Texas during the 19th century. These kidnappings were carried out by a group of outlaws who roamed the state in search of victims. The kidnappers were eventually caught and punished, but the legacy of their crimes still haunts the state today. The Putman-Lockhart kidnappings serve as a reminder of the dangers of lawlessness and vigilantism, and they highlight the importance of law and order in maintaining a safe and just society.
Today, the story of the Putman-Lockhart kidnappings is still studied by historians and is remembered by the people of Texas. The tragedy of the Lockhart sisters’ deaths, and the fear and panic that the kidnappings caused, remind us of the importance of protecting our communities and the need for strong law enforcement. The Texas Rangers continue to serve as a symbol of justice and protection in the state, and their legacy is an important part of Texas history.
In conclusion, the Putman-Lockhart kidnappings were a tragic and dark chapter in Texas history, but they also serve as a reminder of the importance of law and order. The crimes committed by the Cooley gang were heinous and caused a great deal of fear and panic throughout the state, but the bravery and dedication of the Texas Rangers ensured that justice was served. Today, the story of the Putman-Lockhart kidnappings remains a part of Texas history, and it serves as a reminder of the importance of protecting our communities and upholding the rule of law.
