Friday, May 12, 2023
Jack Powers
Jack Powers (1827 – October 26, 1860), whose real name was John A. Power, was an Irish-born American outlaw who emigrated to New York as a child and later served as a volunteer soldier in the Mexican–American War in the garrison of Santa Barbara, California. During the California Gold Rush, he was a well-known professional gambler and a famed horseman in the gold camps as well as in San Francisco, Santa Barbara and Los Angeles.
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Wow, after reading this I believe California should pay reparations to Mexicans and Indians also...I sure they can afford it! Oh wait, didn't Gov Loathsome just say they were not going to pay? Ya think because they are so far in debt???
ReplyDeleteInterestingly, this tale of Powers closely parallels in time and deed that of the murderous Joaquin Murrietta.
ReplyDeleteTo the near north of both San Luis Obispo and Santa Barbara are steep grades noted at that time as places for highwaymen ready and able to take possession of the stage and man on horseback alike and often without regard for the life of their victims.
(I suppose it should be noted that the approach to Sonora also features a steep incline. It may not seem so much by vehicle, but try walking it.
Steep passes and neer do wells are like peas and carrots.)
Of interest is Powers once rode as vigilante in pursuit of the unlawful whereas Murrietta was always the most dastardly fellow, though well liked by the peons.
Here again am I amazed by the length of travel of such men in their intent to escape the noose. Murrietta stole, plundered, horrifically murdered in California. Yet his travels took him to Tehas (Texas) by way of Utah territory. Powers evaded the hangman in Yerba Buena (San Francisco) by fleeing to the head waters of the gulf of California (mouth of Colorado River).
Thousands of miles. In those days on foot, by stage, mostly on horseback. Sure, horses were freely traded for fresh steeds yet still the journey may take months.
Apparently, in Powers, like Murietta, burned bright the desire to return though they may be discovered then be sent to the gallows. The mind of the psychopath is fascinating. What is it that they could not be satisfied even with great success and fantastic wealth. Then to sacrifice all to the risk of certain shameful death.