From Outlaw to Lawman: The Shocking Transformation of Frank Canton

Frank Canton was not born; he was created. The mental fabrication of a notorious outlaw and escaped convict by the name of Joe Horner. After possibly killing his first man at the tender age of 15, Horner would spend the next several years as a cowboy and ranch hand before forming the infamous Horner gang, that would terrorize north Texas during the mid-1870s. After a full-on gun battle with the United States military in broad daylight, Horner is arrested but escapes. And, following the successful robbery of at least one bank, Horner was once more apprehended and jailed - this time in San Antonio - and once more escaped. Arrested again after yet another gunfight, Horner would be tried, found guilty, and sentenced to 15 years hard labor in Huntsville State Penitentiary. He would only do two of these years, escaping once more - this time never to be seen again. At least not as Josiah Horner. The escaped convict would travel north, to Wyoming, and reinvent himself. Becoming Frank Canton, the epitome of law and order and a relentless pursuer of evil-doers. First as an inspector and detective for the Wyoming Stock Growers Association and then as Sheriff of Johnson County, before being a key player in the Johnson County War. Canton would then mosey on down to Indian Territory, and once again pin on a badge, first as a sheriff and then as a deputy U.S. Marshal, chasing bad guys Rooster Cogburn style. This was at a time when the Territory was nearly overrun with outlaws and the area Canton was initially stationed in was so bad the county commissioners were asking for martial law. Turns out all they needed was Frank Canton. But then a new frontier beckoned. What some were taking to calling the last Frontier. Alaska. There was gold up there in the great white north and with gold comes crime. More than enough to keep a man such as Canton busy. But what about Frank’s past as an outlaw? The former life of Josiah Horner, the escaped convict? Would this ever catch up with him? And was he really Mr. Law and Order, humble public servant or was this just a façade? A way of him ensuring that he was always aligned with the powerful and influential. Believe me when I say, this story has it all. Cowboys, outlaws, moral quandaries, Buffalo soldiers, female rustlers, questionable morals, cattle drives, stampedes, a damn range war, a mercenary army, assassinations, murder, a whole lot of hangings, Tom Horn, the Pinkertons, Teddy Roosevelt, hell - even vampires! Yes, vampires. #wildwest #history #cowboy
Frank Canton Part 2 - • From Hero to Villain: ...
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Alias Frank Canton by Robert K. DeArment - www.amazon.com/Alias-Frank-Ca...
The Johnson County War by Bill O’Neil - www.amazon.com/Johnson-County...
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[@earlclue]

thanks chanelling to my dad, he was born in 1937, he was old west freak, 1960's we watched alot on TV, he sooo would love ur pod, excellent, he passed in 04, but is hearing it through me...thanks

[@tooslow4065]

good job again, josh. its interesting that when these criminals become lawmen, they tend to actually enforce the law, instead of letting bad guys go because they relate to them.

[@CmdrMoosicvsLounge]

I admire your ability to take fairly obscure historical figures and make them quite interesting and relevant. You just may of missed your calling as a history teacher. Keep up the great work!👍✌😎

[@DeepOwl1073]

They just keep getting better! Great episode, Josh.

[@tomjones9935]

Having grown up in western Nebraska and spending many years working energy in Gillette, Wyoming, I am very familiar with the Johnson County War and Frank Canton’s history. I am amazed by the fact that it’s not well known that he had such a broad criminal history before ever coming to Wyoming. Great story! Thanks for filling it out so well! You could easily do a couple episodes on Nate Champion as well-

[@asimnicholsmusic]

My favorite channel. You are funny as hell and appear to be honest in relaying these great stories. Thank you.

[@johnnieplageman9145]

Excellent episode as always sir! I am always amazed at how easy it was for people to just disappear back then. Not to mention the boldness of these criminals that later wore the badge.

[@kennedyrowland3272]

“If any of you here listening have an adderal prescription, please email me a translation”🤣🤣🤣

[@davidruppel1216]

Great story again Josh! You have a talent for finding, researching, and telling the history of the Wild West ! Thank you!

[@tomdetroit01]

Long time coming for this one. Great episode

[@generationomega9342]

"Sorry... That doesn't usually happen." 😳

[@iainmelville9411]

Once again thank you for an entertaining yarn. Bravo !

[@S.L.O.P.]

I've been watching this series about Canton. You've won my vote. One of the best on this platform.

[@snapdragon6601]

Good video. It's gotta be harder to make videos interesting when discussing a time in history before motion picture but you do a great job.👍

[@Jacob488.4]

Definitely recommend watching

[@ArizonaGhostriders]

Frank was an interesting feller!

[@JoeSmith-sl9bq]

I love these Yee haw shenanigans.

[@Riqueee24]

Shout out to u my guy love the work👌🏽🫡

[@kneeinyourface]

And yet another outstanding episode! ❤

[@LauseMarkA]

Cold-blooded . . . even for outdoors in Wyoming. Just cold.