Christmas Eve Train Robbery
While the country was preparing for Christmas Day in 1893, the Rodgers and Dalton Gangs attacked and robbed a mail train at the Elliott Indian Territory Station, near the Oklahoma Territory. The courageous and speedy actions of postal inspectors and law enforcement resulted in the death of two of the bandits and swift punishments of the others.
The Crime
Bob Rodgers was one of eleven children, the son of Frank Rodgers, a farmer. Bob and two of his brothers chose a life of crime, creating the most troublesome gang of thieves in Indian Territory - the Rodgers Gang. In the summer of 1893, Bob Rodgers allied with Bill Dalton (leader of the Dalton Gang) to scheme a trail of robberies.
The first attempted robbery occurred on a northbound passenger train on December 22 near Tulsa, Oklahoma. Failing in their plans, Bob Rodgers, Dynamite Jack (Harry Turner), Willis Brown, Bob Steitler, and Joe Turner (Kiowa) headed westward.
Turning up near Coffeyville, Kansas, on December 24, the gang awaited an approaching express train, knowing the train would have to stop at their locations. As it halted, the men rushed the cars, spending 1.5 hours rummaging through the mail and passenger cars. They then hoisted the loot onto their horses and fled.
Investigation and Manhunt
Postal Inspector W.P. Houk arrived on scene the evening of Christmas Day. Law enforcement initially suspected the culprits to be the infamous Wooten gang, but Inspector Houk felt differently. He continued to investigate, leading him to a discussion with Frank Rodgers. Mr. Rodgers confessed for his son, saying Bob wanted out of the life of crime and would be willing to work with law enforcement to take down the Rodgers and Dalton Gangs.
After much deliberation from U.S. Attorney James F. Read, they agreed to allow Rodgers to present the gangs to law enforcement in return for clemency. On January 14, Inspector Houk and Deputy Marshal Smith met with Bob Rodgers and developed a plan to hand over the gang members to authorities.
However, Rodgers had no plan to give up his friends. Beginning with Bob Steitler, Houk and Smith arrived at a planned location to be handed Steitler. While shakling him, Rodgers took off and was on the run for several days.
Arrest and Punishment
Houk and Smith divulged a plan that would result in the capture and death of all members of the gang. On the night of January 21, Houk and Smith walked roughly 10 miles until they were in position to view the house where the gang was residing. Around 2:30 a.m. on the January 22, 1893, the offiers were in place and waiting for their chance. By this point, they were certain all four of the robbers were inside. After about another hour of waiting, they ambushed the house.
Shots were fired from both sides. When the smoke cleared, Kiowa had been killed, and WIllis Brown gravely wounded. Bob Rodgers and Dynamite Jack were promptly arrested. Brown would end up dying on January 26 from his wounds. Bob Rodgers was released on good time but was quickly back in the criminal world. He was killed by authorities on March 15. Dynamite Jack (Harry Turner) was sentenced to 15 years in prison, due to his lengthy criminal history.