johnnyringo

John Peters Ringo born May 3, 1850 in Green Fork, Indiana. In 1856 the family moved to Liberty Missouri, taking up residence near Frank and Jessie James and cousin Cole Younger in nearby Kearney, Missouri. By the mid 1880's Ringo found his way to Mason County, Texas. There he participated in the Mason County War May 13, 1875. In November of 1876 the war was coming to an end and Johnny Ringo found himself in prison, although later acquitted. While in prison he shared his cell with the ruthless killer John Wesley Hardin. Legend has it that Hardin was more afraid of Ringo than Ringo of him.

Johnny Ringo first turned up in Arizona in 1879. He frequented the Tombstone area, keeping mostly to himself and was known to mingle with local outlaws when it suited him. Ringo finally hooked up with the Clantons, McLaurys and Cowboys going on to become second in command only to Curley Bill Brocius. Although he did not participate in the famous shootout, he would seek vengeance on the Earps. He was deputized by Sheriff Johnny Behan to lead a posse against the Earps Vendetta Ride to no avail.

On July 14, 1882 his body was found in the crotch of a large tree. The coroner,s report read suicide, but others have their own theories.