Richard Bullock (20 August 1847 –7 February 1920) was a Cornishman who once sang in a Methodist choir and later became a legendary figure of the Wild West Cowboy era. His quick-shooting deeds working on the Deadwood stage gained him the nickname "Deadwood Dick".[2]
Richard ″Dick″ Bullock | |
|---|---|
| Born | 20 August 1847 |
| Died | 7 February 1920 (aged 72)[1] Thorncroft Sanatorium, Glendale, California |
| Nationality | British |
| Other names | Dead-eye Dick Deadwood Dick |
| Occupation(s) | miner guard stockbroker |
| Known for | Guard on the Deadwood stagecoach |
Biography
editEarly in life Bullock's family moved to nearby hamlet of Retew where his father, Captain John Bullock, became the manager of a local clay-works. He and his brother shared many common traits: each very strong, ardent Free Methodists, and great sporting shooters—-a skill that brought him many trophies.
In his mid-twenties, Bullock immigrated to America. He began working in the Black Hills of South Dakota first as a miner, and then as a bullion guard for the Homestake Mine, which at that time was owned by Senator George Hearst, father of William Randolph Hearst. A bullion guard is somebody who protects gold shipments being transported by stagecoach. Around the age of 35, Bullock began to achieve fame. It is claimed that Bullock had a part in the death of Black Hills outlaw Cornelius Donahue (also known as "Lame Johnny"), although some sources dispute this.[3] In later years Bullock was a stockbroker in Lead, South Dakota. He died at Thorncroft Sanatorium, Glendale, California, on February 7, 1920 at the age of 72.[2]
References
edit
- ^ "'Deadwood Dick' Dies in Los Angeles, Aged 75", Chicago Daily Tribune, February 8, 1920, p1
- ^ a b Bullock, Fred. ""Deadwood Dick" A Famous Cornishman". The Federation of Old Cornwall Societies. Archived from the original on 15 February 2013. Retrieved 27 May 2013.
- ^ Senn, Edward L. (1939). Deadwood Dick and Calamity Jane: A Thorough Sifting of Facts from Fiction. Deadwood, South Dakota: Edward L. Senn.
- The Western Morning News, February 11, 1997
- Roger Kessell's webpage
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