Jim Levy (gunfighter)

James "Jim" H. Levy (1842 - June 5, 1882) was a Jewish gunfighter in the Old West. He is remembered today by Western historians for participating in at least two instances of a quick draw duel. In his time he was one of the most notorious gunmen who was known to challenge others to a duel. He is featured in the book Deadly Dozen, written by author Robert K. DeArment as one of the twelve most underrated gunmen of the 19th century West.

Early life

Jim Levy was born in Dublin, Ireland in 1842 of Jewish parents.[1] While he was young, his parents took him with them and immigrated to the United States. By 1871, Levy headed out West to Pioche, Nevada and worked as a miner. In May of that same year, Jim witnessed a gunfight between Michael Casey and Tom Gasson. Gasson was mortally wounded in the shootout, but before dying he promised a reward of $5,000 to anyone who can avenge his death.[2] During the investigation that followed, Casey stated he shot the man in self-defense, but soon after Levy testified against him, saying that it was Casey who shot first. This infuriated Casey and he hunted down Levy.

Gunfights

First duel

Casey managed to track down Levy in a local store and wasted no time in challenging him to a duel.[1] Levy accepted his challenge, but excused himself first to get a firearm. The two decided to meet in an alleyway behind the store. Jim Levy called out to Casey and they finally square off. Levy managed to shoot first, grazing Casey's skull, before firing again, this time hitting Casey in the neck. As the latter fell to the ground heavily wounded, Levy charged towards him and hit him in the head with his pistol. Unfortunately for Levy, a companion of Casey who was also in the alleyway, retaliated by shooting him in the jaw, forever disfiguring his face.[2]

Levy was soon after arrested but was later acquitted for self-defense. Levy then collects his bounty and finally resigns from his job as a miner. He travelled to Virginia City, Nevada; to Cheyenne, Wyoming; Deadwood, South Dakota; Leadville, Colorado; and Arizona—to Tombstone, and Tucson for the next 10 years,[1] now working as a professional gambler and gunman. In 1873, it was reported that he had another gunfight with a man named Thomas Ryan before leaving Nevada, but he was again acquitted. It is also estimated that during that time, Levy fought and survived over sixteen shootouts.

Second duel

In the night of March 9, 1877 in Shingle & Locke's Saloon in Cheyenne, Wyoming, Levy had an argument with another infamous gunfighter named Charlie Harrison over a game of cards. Levy was said to have insulted Harrison's background as an Irishman and the two decided to duke it out outside. After leaving the saloon, the two finally faced off in the streets with a group of onlookers watching them. Harrison already had a reputation as a deadly gunmen, and onlookers reported that they thought that Harrison would easily win the duel.[1]

The two then moved in front of the Senate Saloon before finally stopping at Eddy Street.[1] Both gunmen drew their pistols at the same time, and Harrison managed to shoot first but missed. Levy followed soon after but his bullet hits its mark, landing in Harrison's torso. It is then disputed what happened, with some saying that Levy approached the downed Harrison and shot him in cold blood, while others believed that when Levy approached Harrison, the latter tried to shoot him and Levy retaliated in self-defense. Levy was never convicted of what happened.[2]

Third duel and death

Jim Levy, by 1882, has already built a reputation after his previous gun duels. In June 5, 1882, Levy had another argument with a faro dealer named John Murphy in Tucson, Arizona.[1] The two agreed to have a duel in the Mexican border. But after hearing of Levy's exploits as a gunfighter, Murphy decided then to ambush Levy instead. Together with two of his friends, Murphy ambushed Levy as he was leaving the Palace Hotel, killing him.

Legacy

Although he is virtually unheard of today, Levy was one of the most notorious gunfighters of his time. Both Bat Masterson and Wyatt Earp mentioned his name and his abilities.[1][2] Earp praised Levy for his practical approach in a gunfight, leaving out fast draw theatrics and opting for calm accuracy instead.

Jim Levy is included in a list of twelve most underrated and less-popular gunfighters in history, in the book Deadly Dozen by author Robert K. DeArment.[3]

References

  1. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Jim Levy - The Jewish Gunfighter
  2. 1 2 3 4 Thrapp, Dan L. Encyclopedia of Frontier Biography: G-O. University of Nebraska Press (August 1, 1991). p. 850. ISBN 978-0803294196
  3. ↑ DeArment, Robert K. Deadly Dozen: Forgotten Gunfighters of the Old West, Volume 3. University of Oklahoma Press; First Edition edition (March 15, 2010). p. 82. ISBN 978-0806140766

External links

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