Emmett Dalton, American criminal (d. 1937)

Emmett Dalton, born on May 3, 1871, embarked on a life that epitomized the tumultuous spirit of the American Old West, a period often romanticized yet fraught with danger and rapid change. He would become widely known as an audacious outlaw and train robber, a key member of the infamous Dalton Gang. This brotherhood of outlaws carved a violent path across the frontier, their exploits becoming a significant part of the era's legendary, often tragic, narratives.

The Infamous Coffeyville Raid

The name Emmett Dalton is inextricably linked with one of the Old West's most audacious and ultimately disastrous criminal ventures: the attempted double bank robbery in Coffeyville, Kansas, on October 5, 1892. In a bold but ill-fated move, the Dalton Gang, consisting of five members including Emmett and his brothers Grat and Bob, rode into the town with the ambitious plan to simultaneously rob both the C.M. Condon & Company's Bank and the First National Bank. However, their disguise was poor, and the vigilant townspeople, recognizing the notorious gang, quickly armed themselves. What ensued was a chaotic and bloody street battle, a stark reminder of frontier justice and the perilous nature of outlaw life.

Remarkably, amidst the hail of gunfire, Emmett Dalton was the sole survivor of the five gang members who rode into Coffeyville that day. He sustained an astonishing 23 gunshot wounds, a testament to his sheer will to live, or perhaps, incredible luck. His brothers, Grat and Bob Dalton, along with two other gang members, paid the ultimate price, dying in the streets of Coffeyville. This brutal encounter effectively ended the Dalton Gang’s reign of terror and etched its name into the annals of Old West history.

Imprisonment and a New Path

Following the Coffeyville tragedy, Emmett Dalton was apprehended and, despite his severe injuries, stood trial. He was subsequently sentenced to prison, serving 14 years behind bars for his involvement in the crimes. During his incarceration, he reportedly underwent a significant transformation, reflecting on his past life and contemplating a future far removed from outlawry. In a turn of events that spoke to the possibilities of redemption even for the most notorious figures, Dalton was eventually pardoned, offering him a second chance at life outside the confines of a cell.

From Outlaw to Hollywood: A Unique Redemption

Upon his release from prison, Emmett Dalton chose to leave the fading frontier behind and move to California, a state then rapidly emerging as the heart of the burgeoning motion picture industry. Here, in a move that might seem surprising for a former outlaw, he shrewdly capitalized on his notoriety. Instead of shying away from his past, he embraced it as a unique selling point, transforming himself from a figure of fear into a fascinating public personality. He embarked on a career as an author and, perhaps even more remarkably, became an actor in Hollywood.

His first venture into authorship was the book Beyond the Law, published in 1918. This compelling narrative, offering his personal account of his experiences, was quickly adapted into a film of the same name. In a testament to his bold spirit, Emmett Dalton himself stepped in front of the camera to play his own character, an unprecedented move that blurred the lines between historical fact and cinematic portrayal. He followed this success with his second book, When the Daltons Rode, co-written with Jack Jungmeyer, Sr. and published in 1931. This work would also find its way to the silver screen, adapted into a 1940 film of the same title, though this adaptation occurred after Dalton's passing on July 13, 1937. His life, from its violent beginnings to its surprising conclusion in the world of arts, remains a compelling chapter in American history, illustrating a profound journey of transformation and redemption.

Frequently Asked Questions About Emmett Dalton

When and where was Emmett Dalton born?
Emmett Dalton was born on May 3, 1871, though the specific location of his birth is often debated, he was part of a large family based in Kansas and Missouri.
What was the Dalton Gang known for?
The Dalton Gang was an infamous group of outlaws in the American Old West, primarily known for their daring train and bank robberies across several states, including Kansas, Oklahoma Territory, and Missouri.
How did Emmett Dalton survive the Coffeyville raid?
Emmett Dalton survived the Coffeyville raid despite receiving an astonishing 23 gunshot wounds. His survival was considered miraculous given the severity of his injuries and the fact that all other members of the raiding party were killed.
How long did Emmett Dalton serve in prison?
Emmett Dalton served 14 years in prison for his role in the Coffeyville bank robbery and other crimes before being pardoned.
What did Emmett Dalton do after his release from prison?
After his release, Emmett Dalton moved to California, where he reinvented himself. He became a successful author, publishing books like "Beyond the Law" and "When the Daltons Rode," and even acted in Hollywood films, including playing himself in the adaptation of his first book.
Were Emmett Dalton's books adapted into films?
Yes, both of Emmett Dalton's books were adapted into films. "Beyond the Law" (1918) featured him playing himself, and "When the Daltons Rode" (1931) was adapted into a 1940 film after his death.