Agnes Lake Thatcher Hickok
Creator: Rankin & Co.
Date: 1870s
A carte-de viste portrait of Agnes Lake Hickok, wife of James Butler [Wild Bill] Hickok.

E. P. Lamborn correspondence and research papers
Creator: Lamborn, E. P. (Edward Parker), 1890-1978
Date: 1915-1965
This collection reflects E. P. Lamborn's life long interest in crime, criminals and law officers. E. P. Lamborn was an amateur historian and collector of sources on crime and criminals of the Middle West in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. His interests ranged from bandits, peace officers, famous detectives, and buffalo hunters. The Correspondence and Research section, presented here, contains much information on these topics from friends, relatives, companies, law officers, etc., who had some connection or dealings with these individuals. The arrangement for this section, generally, is alphabetical by last name of the correspondent. A detailed, searchable calendar of correspondents is available by clicking on "Text Version" below or by accessing the full collection finding aid in the link below. A transcription of this correspondence is not yet available. This series comprises boxes 2 and 3 of the E. P. Lamborn collection. You can find individual items in the order they are described in the "calendar of correspondents" by using the page selection feature available when you are looking at a full sized page image.

James Butler Hickok
Date: 1873
This photograph shows, (left to right), James Butler Hickok, John B. Omohundro, and William Cody.

James Butler Hickok at Fort Harker, Kansas
Creator: Gardner, Alexander, 1821-1882
Date: 1867
This photograph shows James Butler Hickok, at far left, with a group of men at Fort Harker, Kansas. Fort Harker was located in present day Kanopolis, Kansas.

James Butler "Wild Bill" Hickok
Creator: Neuman, A., Rolla, MO.
Date: Between 1865 and 1866
This formal portrait shows James Butler "Wild Bill" Hickok, 1837-1876. The legendary lawman and gun-slinger begins his career in 1858 as peace officer of the Monticello Township in the Kansas Territory of Johnson County. For a number of years Hickok also works as a government scout, guide and deputy U.S. marshal across the Great Plains. His reputation as a skilled marksman proceeds him wherever goes. In 1869 Hickok is elected marshal of Hays, Kansas and sheriff of Ellis County, Kansas; roles he serves until 1870. In 1871, he is hired as Abilene, Kansas' town marshal. As marshal he earns fame for being a quick draw and for spending most of his time playing cards. Hickok is killed on August 01, 1876 while playing a game of poker at a saloon in the Deadwood, Dakota Territory.

James Butler "Wild Bill" Hickok
Date: Between 1850s and 1870s
This incased sixth plate tintype portrait shows James Butler "Wild Bill" Hickok,1837-1876. The legendary lawman and gun-slinger begins his career in 1858 as peace officer of the Monticello Township in the Kansas Territory of Johnson County. For a number of years Hickok also works as a government scout, guide and deputy U.S. marshal across the Great Plains. His reputation as a skilled marksman proceeds him wherever he goes. In 1869 Hickok is elected marshal of Hays, Kansas and sheriff of Ellis County, Kansas; roles he serves until 1870. In 1871, he is hired as Abilene, Kansas' town marshal. As marshal he earns famed for being a quick draw and for spending most of his time playing cards. Hickok is killed on August 01, 1876 while playing a game of poker at a saloon in the Deadwood, Dakota Territory.

James Butler "Wild Bill" Hickok
Creator: Weinsell, S., Art Gallery, Junction City, Kansas
Date: 1867
This formal portrait shows James Butler " Wild Bill" Hickok, 1837-1876. The legendary lawman and gun-slinger begins his career in 1858 as peace officer of the Monticello Township in the Kansas Territory of Johnson County. For a number of years Hickok also works as a government scout, guide and deputy U.S. marshal across the Great Plains. His reputation as a skilled marksman proceeds him wherever goes. In 1869 Hickok is elected marshal of Hays, Kansas and sheriff of Ellis County, Kansas; roles he serves until 1870. In 1871, he is hired as Abilene, Kansas' town marshal. As marshal he earns fame for being a quick draw and for spending most of his time playing cards. Hickok is killed on August 01, 1876 while playing a game of poker at a saloon in the Deadwood, Dakota Territory.

James Butler "Wild Bill" Hickok
Date: 1860-1880
This formal portrait shows James Butler "Wild Bill" Hickok,1837-1876. The legendary lawman and gun-slinger begins his career in 1858 as peace officer of the Monticello Township in the Kansas Territory of Johnson County. For a number of years Hickok also works as a government scout, guide and deputy U.S. marshal across the Great Plains. His reputation as a skilled marksman proceeds him wherever goes. In 1869 Hickok is elected marshal of Hays, Kansas and sheriff of Ellis County, Kansas; roles he serves until 1870. In 1871, he is hired as Abilene, Kansas' town marshal. As town marshal he earns fame for being a quick draw and for spending most of his time playing cards. Hickok is killed on August 01, 1876 while playing a game of poker at a saloon in the Deadwood, Dakota Territory.

James Butler "Wild Bill" Hickok
Date: Between 1850s and 1870s
This incased ninth plate tintype shows James Butler "Wild Bill" Hickok (1837-1876). The legendary lawman and gun-slinger begins his career in 1858 as peace officer of the Monticello Township in the Kansas Territory of Johnson County. For a number of years Hickok also works as a government scout, guide and deputy U.S. marshal across the Great Plains. His reputation as a skilled marksman proceeds him wherever goes. In 1869 Hickok is elected marshal of Hays, Kansas and sheriff of Ellis County, Kansas; roles he serves until 1870. In 1871, he is hired as Abilene, Kansas' town marshal. As marshal he earns fame for being a quick draw and for spending most of his time playing cards. Hickok is killed on August 01, 1876 while playing a game of poker at a saloon in the Deadwood, Dakota Territory.

James Butler "Wild Bill" Hickok
Date: Between 1869 and 1871
This carte-de-visite shows James Butler "Wild Bill" Hickok, 1837-1876. The legendary lawman and gun-slinger begins his career in 1858 as peace officer of the Monticello Township in the Kansas Territory of Johnson County. For a number of years Hickok also works as a government scout, guide and deputy U.S. marshal across the Great Plains. His reputation as a skilled marksman proceeds him wherever he goes. In 1869 Hickok is elected marshal of Hays, Kansas and sheriff of Ellis County, Kansas; roles he serves until 1870. In 1871, he is hired as Abilene, Kansas' town marshal. As marshal he earns fame for being a quick draw and for spending most of his time playing cards. Hickok is killed on August 01, 1876 while playing a game of poker at a saloon in the Deadwood, Dakota Territory.

James Butler "Wild Bill" Hickok
Creator: Forney's Studio
Date: 1870
This formal portrait taken in Abilene, Kansas shows James Butler "Wild Bill" Hickok ,1837-1876. The legendary lawman and gun-slinger begins his career in 1858 as peace officer of the Monticello Township in the Kansas Territory of Johnson County. For a number of years Hickok also works as a government scout, guide and deputy U.S. marshal across the Great Plains. His reputation as a skilled marksman proceeds him wherever he goes In 1869 Hickok is elected marshal of Hays, Kansas and sheriff of Ellis County, Kansas; roles he serves until 1870. In 1871, he is hired as Abilene, Kansas' town marshal. As marshal he earns fame for being a quick draw and for spending most of his time playing cards. Hickok is killed on August 01, 1876 while playing a game of poker at a saloon in the Deadwood, Dakota Territory.

James Butler "Wild Bill" Hickok
Creator: Smith, Charles T.
Date: Between 1869 and 1876
This formal portrait shows James Butler " Wild Bill" Hickok,1837-1876. The legendary lawman and gun-slinger begins his career in 1858 as peace officer of the Monticello Township in the Kansas Territory of Johnson County. For a number of years Hickok also works as a government scout, guide and deputy U.S. marshal across the Great Plains. His reputation as a skilled marksman proceeds him wherever he goes. In 1869 Hickok is elected marshal of Hays, Kansas and sheriff of Ellis County, Kansas; roles he servs until 1870. In 1871, he is hired as Abilene, Kansas' town marshal. As marshal he earns the reputation for being a quick draw and for spending most of his time playing cards. Hickok is killed on August 01, 1876 while playing a game of poker at a saloon in the Deadwood, Dakota Territory.

James Butler "Wild Bill" Hickok
Date: Between 1850 and 1870
This copy of a cabinet card shows James Butler "Wild Bill" Hickok,1837-1876. The legendary lawman and gun-slinger begins his career in 1858 as a peace officer of the Monticello Township in the Kansas Territory of Johnson County. For a number of years Hickok also works as a government scout, guide and deputy U.S. marshal across the Great Plains. In 1869 Hickok is elected marshal of Hays, Kansas and sheriff of Ellis County, Kansas; roles he serves until 1870. In 1871, he is hired as Abilene, Kansas' town marshal. As marshal he earns fame for being a quick draw and for spending most of his time playing cards. Hickok is killed on August 1, 1876 while playing a game of poker at a saloon in the Deadwood, Dakota Territory.

James Butler "Wild Bill" Hickok
Date: 1873
This formal portrait shows James Butler " Wild Bill" Hickok,1837-1876. The legendary lawman and gun-slinger begins his career in 1858 as peace officer of the Monticello Township in the Kansas Territory of Johnson County. For a number of years Hickok also works as a government scout, guide and deputy U.S. marshal across the Great Plains. His reputation as a skilled marksman proceeds him wherever he goes. In 1869 Hickok is elected marshal of Hays, Kansas and sheriff of Ellis County, Kansas; roles he serves until 1870. In 1871, he is hired as Abilene, Kansas' town marshal. As marshal he earns fame for being a quick draw and for spending most of his time playing cards. Hickok is killed on August 01, 1876 while playing a game of poker at a saloon in the Deadwood, Dakota Territory.

James Butler "Wild Bill" Hickok
Date: 1869
This formal portrait take in Hays, Kansas shows James Butler " Wild Bill" Hickok, 1837-1876. The legendary lawman and gun-slinger begins his career in 1858 as peace officer of the Monticello Township in the Kansas Territory of Johnson County. For a number of years Hickok also works as a government scout, guide and deputy U.S. marshal across the Great Plains. His reputation as a skilled marksman proceeds him wherever he goes. In 1869 Hickok is elected marshal of Hays, Kansas and sheriff of Ellis County, Kansas; roles he serves until 1870. In 1871, he is hired as Abilene, Kansas' town marshal. As marshal he earns fame for being a quick draw and for spending most of his time playing cards. Hickok is killed on August 01, 1876 while playing a game of poker at a saloon in the Deadwood, Dakota Territory.

James Butler "Wild Bill" Hickok
Creator: Blakeslee, W.
Date: 1871
This studio portrait shows James Butler "Wild Bill" Hickok in buckskins ,1837-1876. The legendary lawman and gun-slinger begins his career in 1858 as peace officer of the Monticello Township in the Kansas Territory of Johnson County. For a number of years Hickok also works as a government scout, guide and deputy U.S. marshal across the Great Plains. His reputation as a skilled marksman proceeds him wherever he goes. In 1869 Hickok is elected marshal of Hays, Kansas and sheriff of Ellis County, Kansas; roles he serves until 1870. In 1871, he is hired as Abilene, Kansas' town marshal. As marshal he earns fame for being a quick draw and for spending most of his time playing cards. Hickok is killed on August 01, 1876 while playing a game of poker at a saloon in the Deadwood, Dakota Territory.

James Butler "Wild Bill" Hickok
Date: Between 1870 and 1876
This formal portrait shows James Butler " Wild Bill" Hickok,1837-1876. The legendary lawman and gun-slinger begins his career in 1858 as peace officer of the Monticello Township in the Kansas Territory of Johnson County. For a number of years Hickok also works as a government scout, guide and deputy U.S. marshal across the Great Plains. His reputation as a skilled marksman proceeds him wherever he goes. In 1869 Hickok is elected marshal of Hays, Kansas and sheriff of Ellis County, Kansas; roles he served until 1870. In 1871, he is hired as Abilene, Kansas' town marshal. As marshal he earns fame for being a quick draw and for spending most of his time playing cards. Hickok is killed on August 01, 1876 while playing a game of poker at a saloon in the Deadwood, Dakota Territory.

James Butler 'Wild Bill" Hickok
Date: Between 1870 and 1875
This formal portrait shows James Butler "Wild Bill" Hickok,1837-1876. The legendary lawman and gun-slinger begins his career in 1858 as peace officer of the Monticello Township in the Kansas Territory of Johnson County. For a number of years Hickok also works as a government scout, guide and deputy U.S. marshal across the Great Plains. His reputation as a skilled marksman proceeds him wherever goes. In 1869 Hickok is elected marshal of Hays, Kansas and sheriff of Ellis County, Kansas; roles he serves until 1870. In 1871, he is hired as Abilene, Kansas' town marshal. As marshal he earns fame for being a quick draw and for spending most of his time playing cards. Hickok is killed on August 01, 1876 while playing a game of poker at a saloon in the Deadwood, Dakota Territory.

James Butler (Wild Bill) Hickok family collection
Creator: Hickok family
Date: 1851-1904
A collection of fifty-six letters from the family of James Butler ("Wild Bill") Hickok. The letters describe the adventures of the Hickok children (including Wild Bill) in California, Kansas, Missouri and elsewhere, and their parents and family in Troy Grove, Illinois. After Wild Bill's death in Deadwood, Dakota Territory, in 1876, the letters mostly concern his burial, the maintenance of his grave, and his reputation. Correspondents also include Agnes Hickok (Wild Bill's wife), William "Buffalo Bill" Cody, and Charlie H. Utter ("Colorado Charlie"). Ethel Ann Hickok, the last surviving niece of Wild Bill, donated fifty-four letters to the Kansas Historical Society and two letters to historian Joseph G. Rosa in the 1980s. The two Rosa letters (June 6, 1861; March 23, 1880) are included here by permission. The William F. Cody letter to Horace Hickok dated March 23, 1880 originally owned by Joe Rosa was donated to the Kansas State Historical Society on January 9, 2017. Ethel Hickok passed away in 1985 eight months before her 100th birthday. Ethel's niece Edith Harmon and historian Joseph G. Rosa assisted with the donations.

James Butler "Wild Bill" Hickok to Horace D. Hickok
Creator: Hickok, Wild Bill, 1837-1876
Date: November 24, 1856
A letter from James Butler "Wild Bill" Hickok, [Monticello?, Kansas Territory] to Horace D. Hickok. He writes about his experiences in Kansas and includes a description of the land and people. Hickok gives an account of Hickory Point, and admits that if "Uncle Sam's" troops would have arrived 15 minutes earlier he might have joined them. He also comments on the political situation in Kansas and describes it as quiet now. Hickok later became a well known gunfighter, sheriff, and marshal.

James Butler "Wild Bill" Hickok to Horace Hickok.
Creator: Hickok, Wild Bill, 1837-1876
Date: August 14, 1858
Letter written by James Butler "Wild Bill" Hickok, Monticello, Kansas Territory, to his brother Horace Hickok. He relates that he was in Lecompton tending to his claim and has the best lawyer in Kansas. Hickok will have 160 acres soon. He talks about recipient possibly coming to Kansas in the spring. Says to tell mother he has not been drinking or gambling and the next time he goes to Lawrence, he'll send a photo so she can see if he looks "clean." Hickok has been haying for 5 days. His roommate, Guy, is deathly sick. He [Hickok] is quiet much of the time. Asks about acquaintances and talks about marriage. Guy has bought land in Douglas County and he doesn't swear or drink. Hickok has been hunting and game is plentiful.

James Butler "Wild Bill" Hickok to Lydia Hickok
Creator: Hickok, Wild Bill, 1837-1876
Date: September 28, 1856
James Butler "Wild Bill" Hickok, [Monticello?, Kansas Territory] to his sister Lydia Hickok, Troy Grove, Illinois. He is disappointed to have not received many letters upon his arrival. Hickok has written to many acquaintances but received few letters. He gives regards to friends, especially certain women; wishes he had a photograph of Hannah Edwards. He tells of having seen [James A.] Harvey, a captain of "abolition trators" [sic].

James Butler "Wild Bill" Hickok to Polly Butler Hickok
Creator: Hickok, Wild Bill, 1837-1876
Date: September 28, 1856
Letter written by James Butler "Wild Bill" Hickok, from someplace in Kansas, to Polly Butler Hickok, Troy Grove, Illinois. He complains that he has received few letters from her. Hickok will not tell his mother what he is doing in Kansas, but he offers to tell her later. He writes that the "excitement" is pretty much over, and he has seen some sights that would make one sick.

Oliver Hickok
Date: Between 1852 and 1865
This is a portrait of Oliver Hickok, born May, 1830. He was a brother of James Butler Hickok.

Six gun to 61
Creator: Kansas. Centennial Commission
Date: 1960
This film by the Kansas Centennial Commission commemorates 100 years of Kansas statehood with an overview of Kansas history. The twenty-five minute film begins with the Louisiana Purchase and ends with President Eisenhower's speech in Abilene, Kansas, in 1959. The film was produced by the University of Kansas Television-Film Center with assistance from the Kansas Historical Society, and it was written and directed by Robert D. Brooks and J. William Walker.