If you lived in the 19th century and your nickname was “Three-Fingered Jack,” you were most likely a huge a-hole and wanted for more than just disturbing the peace. Numerous bandits went by that handle and things got ugly for those who crossed paths with them–and, ultimately, for the criminals themselves. A trio of short Brooklyn Daily Eagle pieces follow about various Three Finger Jacks.

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“Three Fingered Jack Wanted” (April 10, 1889): “Police Superintendent Campbell received the following uniquely worded missive from an Indiana sheriff to-day:

‘I want Three Fingered Jack, described as follows: Height, five feet nine inches; weight, 235 pounds; complexion medium, smooth face, brown hair, blocky build, upper teeth white (look like artificial), lips little thick, third finger on one hand off at or near knuckle joint, little finger of same hand bent. He wore stiff black hat, dark suit and overcoat. He is a sport in hard luck, and talks all kind of games. Has been in the prize ring. Is wanted for false pretenses and swindling. Arrest him and wire me.’

George W. Reed
Sheriff La Porte County, La Porte, Ind.”

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“Train Robber Found Dying” (Feb 17, 1900): “Tombstone, Ariz.–One of the train robbers who held up the train at Fairbanks Thursday night has been found in a dying condition at Sycamore Springs, nine miles from Tombstone. The robber’s name is John Dunlap, alias Three Fingered Jack. He was brought from Colorado a few months ago on a requisition to answer a charge of highway robbery, but the District Attorney dismissed the case. Dunlap’s three accomplices are being pursued by a sheriff’s posse. The trail leads in the direction of the Cochise stronghold in the Dragoon Mountains. The wounded robber received in the abdomen the full of charge of a shotgun fired by the Wells-Fargo messenger. An ambulance left this place to bring the wounded man to town.”

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“An Outlaw Killed in Bed” (December 4, 1895): “Perry, Oklahoma Territory–Jack Phineas, alias Three Fingered Jack, one of the most noted outlaws in Oklahoma, was killed while in bed with his wife near Kildare, Monday night, by some unknown person. He was a member of the famous Dalton Gang, and during his eventful career has probably committed every crime on the calendar. About 9 o’clock Monday night some one crept to the room and cut the throat of the outlaw from ear to ear. The murderer evidently knew the direct spot where Phineas lay, as his wife was not awakened until the deed was done. Whether he had an old grudge against Phineas or what is not known.”