Interesting. ----- Original Message ----- From: "Dan Turner" <turner@rabbitbrush.com> ===================================================================== > Source: GC-Elko County Nv. Query Forum > URL: http://cgi.rootsweb.com/~genbbs/genbbs.cgi/USA/Nv/Elko/216 > Subject: John C. Coble > > > Surname: Coble > ------------------------- > > As to John Coble. Obtained information Thurs. at the museum from old > newspapers - Mrs. Jan Peterson did research. Mr. Coble very successful, > 'smart' (graduated from University of PA) but became quite notorious and > apparently suffered greatly for his actions. To summarize he was a wealthy > rancher in Wy. Hired Tom Horn to 'eliminate' people he preferred not to > share the world with, other ranchers, sheepherders esp. Tom Horn got > arrested for killing Willie Nickell, a 16 year old boy - he was dressed > in > dad's clothing - the actual target. Mr. Coble paid $100,000 for Tom Horn's > defense, to no avail - he was hung. Mr. Coble spoke to him privately at > hanging. Not enough evidence to ever prosecute Coble; depression haunted > him after hanging. Lost his ranch, fortune, family. 11 years later, he > drifted to Nv worked as foreman at the Dunphy ranch, near Beowawe. Then > a > change of ranch management - let go - came to Elko near penniless. On > December 4, 1914, at 12:30am he walked into the Commercial Hotel/Casino > through the door at 4th and Idaho, walked through the coffee shop. Went > up > to the front desk asked the Night Clerk Mr. Owen Merrick for some > stationery. Wrote a short note (published in old papers if interested) > went > to the unoccupied ladies restroom - shot himself in the head with a Smith > & > Wesson .32 caliber revolver. Body found by Charles Dore, Theodore Hartley > & > Mr. Merrick. Hotel Proprietor was Dr. Hood. Coroner was Mr. Castle & > Undertaker J. L. Keyser. Body was eventually taken to Wy for burial. > > Tom Horn had quite the life, started out a lawman, fought in our wars, > captured Indian chiefs and eventually became a paid assassin > > Link: Elko County Rose Garden > URL: <http://elkorose.com/ocommercial.html>