Red Creek Tribune - March 1874

Local Legend Seeks Solitude

"Fingers" O'Malley  Would Forget His Storied Past

By Silas Fergenson - Owner Red Creek Tribune



                                                         Furgus "Fingers" O'Malley

   There was a time gentle readers, when the name Fergus "Fingers " O'Malley was one to be reckoned with in this land of ours. At times a tracker, a Texas Ranger, an outlaw, a Indian Killer, Fingers made quite a reputation for himself in his time. And now this living legend of the west lives right here in our little town of Red Creek. Of course, O'Malley doesn't quite strike the same figure he might once have. In fact, more nights than most he can be found either passed out in some dark alley near the Brooken Noose Saloon, or on the cot in Sheriff Barker's jail cell.

    Fergus first rose to fame as a Texas Ranger in the years before The War. Known for his tracking skills, and his natural instincts for fighting wild Indians, O'Malley became a Captain in the Rangers until a personal tragedy brought his Ranger career to an end. His family was massacred by Comanche renegades out for revenge. Fingers left the Rangers and became somewhat of a wanderer. He turned to drink and ran afoul of the law in El Paso. Reports say he killed a cowboy over a dancing girl. Released from prison in '62 under the condition he served in the Confederate Army, O'Malley soon found himself in Missouri under the command of the notorious "Bloody" Bill Anderson. During this time Fergus rode with another of Anderson's men, Frank James, who, as you know, is causing such a stir along with his brother Jesse up and around Missouri. After the War, O'Malley drifted across the west for a while crawling deeper and deeper into a whiskey bottle. 

  

                                                       "Bloody"  Bill  Anderson

   He settled in Red Creek close to 4 years ago and has not caused too much trouble. Other than sad displays of public drunkenness. When asked by this reporter to remenise about his adventures and the surprisingly long list of notable people he has brushed against, O'Malley responded with a firm conviction to forget the past. In fact he became quite agitated and angry.

       So beware gentle readers. This seemingly harmless drunken shadow that stalks our backstreets is no meek wallflower. He has been a dangerous man. And in this humble opinion, is still very capable of violence.