Cullen Baker
Outlaw Gang Leader Case
CLASSIFICATION: Murder
LOCATION
Bloomburg, Texas
TIME PERIOD
January 1869
VICTIMS
2 confirmed
Cullen Montgomery Baker, an American outlaw and gang leader, terrorized Union soldiers and civilians across Northeast Texas, Southwest Arkansas, and Northwest Louisiana from 1865 until his death in January 1869. Born on June 23, 1835, in Weakley County, Tennessee, Baker's criminal activities escalated following the American Civil War, with his gang allegedly responsible for the deaths of approximately fifty to sixty individuals. His violent temper and propensity for brawls were well-documented, including a notable incident where he was severely injured by a tomahawk during a saloon fight. Baker's criminal career came to an end when he either consumed poisoned whiskey or was killed by a mob led by Thomas Orr in Bloomburg, Texas, in January 1869. The case remains significant in the historical context of post-Civil War lawlessness in the American West.
Cullen Baker is believed to have been involved in numerous violent confrontations, with speculation that his gang may have killed hundreds, although the more accepted figure is between fifty and sixty. There are theories that his death resulted from either poisoned whiskey or an attack by a mob led by Thomas Orr. His fiery temper and violent lifestyle, including a pivotal incident where he was knocked unconscious in a bar fight, are often cited as contributing factors to his notorious reputation.
The Notorious Life of Cullen Baker: An Outlaw's Tale
The Early Years
Cullen Montgomery Baker was born on June 23, 1835, in Weakley County, Tennessee. As the son of John Baker, an honest farmer, Cullen's early life began under the shadow of his father's agricultural pursuits. The family soon moved to Clarksville, Arkansas, and it was there that Cullen's penchant for trouble began to surface.
In the saloons and bars of present-day Lafayette and Miller Counties, young Cullen honed his quick temper and affinity for heavy drinking. By January 11, 1854, he had married Martha Jane Petty in Cass County, Texas, hoping perhaps to settle into a more stable life. But marital stability was short-lived, and eight months into the marriage, a fateful altercation with a youth named Stallcup set Cullen on a path of violence. Enraged, Cullen grabbed a whip and brutally beat the boy, a crime witnessed by many, including Wesley Bailey. When Bailey later confronted Cullen at his home, Cullen shot him with a shotgun. Bailey succumbed to his injuries days later, and Cullen fled to an uncle’s home in Arkansas to evade arrest.
Back in Texas, Cullen's life was marred by tragedy. On May 24, 1857, Martha Jane gave birth to their daughter, Louisa Jane, but Martha Jane died on June 2, 1860. Cullen left his daughter with her maternal grandparents and returned to Arkansas, only to find his reputation preceding him. A confrontation with the Warthom family escalated fatally when Cullen stabbed David Warthom during a scuffle, killing him. Once again, Cullen fled to Texas, where he married his second wife, Martha Foster, in July 1862, keeping his murderous past a secret from her.
Civil War and the Rise of the Outlaw
With the outbreak of the American Civil War, Cullen joined the Confederate Army. Known for his violent tendencies, it was rumored that he killed several African Americans during this time. By 1864, he had either been discharged or deserted and joined the "Independent Rangers," a group associated with the Confederate Home Guard. This loosely organized militia was notorious for preying on the vulnerable—elderly men, women, and children left behind during the war.
In November 1864, Cullen led a raid against Arkansas settlers seeking a new life in the West. When they resisted returning across the Saline River, Cullen shot their leader and massacred nine others. This brutal event became infamously known as the "Massacre of Saline."
As Union forces occupied Arkansas, Cullen harbored a particular disdain for African-American soldiers. He killed a Union sergeant and three soldiers in Spanish Bluff, Texas, further solidifying his reputation as a merciless killer. After the war ended, Cullen formed a gang with fellow outlaw Lee Rames, committing robberies and murders throughout the Sulphur River area. His ability to evade capture and his ruthless methods—shooting victims from ambush with a double-barreled shotgun—made him both a feared and revered figure among some ex-Confederates.
The Law Closes In
In March 1866, Cullen returned to Texas, leaving a trail of bloodshed. He killed W. G. Kirkman, John Salmons, and George W. Barron, all tied to past grievances. By June 1867, Cullen had a confrontation with John Rowden, a store owner in Cass County. After a theft, Rowden sought payment from Cullen, but the encounter ended with Rowden dead from a shotgun blast. Cullen fled yet again, this time killing a U.S. Army sergeant who confronted him.
Despite the increasing pressure from law enforcement, Cullen continued his reign of terror. In July 1867, he killed Private Albert E. Titus after a skirmish with U.S. Army soldiers. This act placed a $1,000 bounty on his head. Cullen retreated to Arkansas, joining a mob in a brutal raid on Howell Smith's farm, targeting recently freed slaves and resulting in more bloodshed.
By October 1868, Cullen and his gang were implicated in the killings of Major P. J. Andrews, Lieutenant H. F. Willis, and an unnamed African American, alongside the wounding of Sheriff Standel in Little Rock, Arkansas.
The Fall of Cullen Baker
Cullen's notoriety reached a climax as tensions within his gang rose. Co-leader Lee Rames, suspecting Cullen's leadership would lead to their downfall, eventually defied him. The gang disbanded, with only "Dummy" Kirby standing by Cullen's side.
In January 1869, Cullen and Kirby sought refuge at the home of Cullen's in-laws in Bloomburg, Texas. Here, their story ends in mystery and violence. Two versions exist regarding their demise: one suggests Cullen was poisoned by his wife’s father and friends, while another claims Thomas Orr, a local schoolteacher romantically linked to Martha, led a group that ambushed and shot Cullen and Kirby.
Regardless of the exact circumstances, Cullen and Kirby's bodies were paraded through Bloomburg, then displayed at a U.S. Army outpost near Jefferson. Cullen was ultimately buried in Oakwood Cemetery, Jefferson, Texas.
Legacy and Eyewitness Accounts
Despite his violent legacy, Cullen Baker remains a figure of folklore. Bloomburg, Texas, commemorates his story with the annual Cullen Baker Country Fair. Eyewitness accounts, such as that of former slave Doc Quinn, paint a complex picture of Cullen. Quinn, a self-declared friend of Cullen, claimed to have witnessed his death, offering a unique perspective on the infamous outlaw.
Cullen Baker's life inspired many tales, including those by Western author Louis L'Amour, and remains a subject of fascination to this day.
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Marriage to Martha Jane Petty
Cullen Baker marries Martha Jane Petty in Cass County, Texas.
First Murder Charge
Baker beats a youth named Stallcup and later shoots Wesley Bailey, leading to his first murder charge.
Massacre of Saline
Baker leads a group that kills ten settlers crossing the Saline River.
Murder of John Rowden
Baker kills store owner John Rowden after a confrontation over unpaid debts.
Shootout with Soldiers
Baker engages in a shootout with U.S. Army soldiers, killing Private Albert E. Titus.
Killings of Major Andrews and Lt. Willis
Baker and his gang are involved in the killings of Major P. J. Andrews and Lt. H. F. Willis.
Death of Cullen Baker
Cullen Baker is killed under unclear circumstances, possibly by poisoning or an ambush.
Public Display of Bodies
Baker's body is displayed publicly after his death, marking the end of his notorious reign.
Cullen Montgomery Baker, an American outlaw and gang leader, terrorized Union soldiers and civilians across Northeast Texas, Southwest Arkansas, and Northwest Louisiana from 1865 until his death in January 1869. Born on June 23, 1835, in Weakley County, Tennessee, Baker's criminal activities escalated following the American Civil War, with his gang allegedly responsible for the deaths of approximately fifty to sixty individuals. His violent temper and propensity for brawls were well-documented, including a notable incident where he was severely injured by a tomahawk during a saloon fight. Baker's criminal career came to an end when he either consumed poisoned whiskey or was killed by a mob led by Thomas Orr in Bloomburg, Texas, in January 1869. The case remains significant in the historical context of post-Civil War lawlessness in the American West.
Cullen Baker is believed to have been involved in numerous violent confrontations, with speculation that his gang may have killed hundreds, although the more accepted figure is between fifty and sixty. There are theories that his death resulted from either poisoned whiskey or an attack by a mob led by Thomas Orr. His fiery temper and violent lifestyle, including a pivotal incident where he was knocked unconscious in a bar fight, are often cited as contributing factors to his notorious reputation.
The Notorious Life of Cullen Baker: An Outlaw's Tale
The Early Years
Cullen Montgomery Baker was born on June 23, 1835, in Weakley County, Tennessee. As the son of John Baker, an honest farmer, Cullen's early life began under the shadow of his father's agricultural pursuits. The family soon moved to Clarksville, Arkansas, and it was there that Cullen's penchant for trouble began to surface.
In the saloons and bars of present-day Lafayette and Miller Counties, young Cullen honed his quick temper and affinity for heavy drinking. By January 11, 1854, he had married Martha Jane Petty in Cass County, Texas, hoping perhaps to settle into a more stable life. But marital stability was short-lived, and eight months into the marriage, a fateful altercation with a youth named Stallcup set Cullen on a path of violence. Enraged, Cullen grabbed a whip and brutally beat the boy, a crime witnessed by many, including Wesley Bailey. When Bailey later confronted Cullen at his home, Cullen shot him with a shotgun. Bailey succumbed to his injuries days later, and Cullen fled to an uncle’s home in Arkansas to evade arrest.
Back in Texas, Cullen's life was marred by tragedy. On May 24, 1857, Martha Jane gave birth to their daughter, Louisa Jane, but Martha Jane died on June 2, 1860. Cullen left his daughter with her maternal grandparents and returned to Arkansas, only to find his reputation preceding him. A confrontation with the Warthom family escalated fatally when Cullen stabbed David Warthom during a scuffle, killing him. Once again, Cullen fled to Texas, where he married his second wife, Martha Foster, in July 1862, keeping his murderous past a secret from her.
Civil War and the Rise of the Outlaw
With the outbreak of the American Civil War, Cullen joined the Confederate Army. Known for his violent tendencies, it was rumored that he killed several African Americans during this time. By 1864, he had either been discharged or deserted and joined the "Independent Rangers," a group associated with the Confederate Home Guard. This loosely organized militia was notorious for preying on the vulnerable—elderly men, women, and children left behind during the war.
In November 1864, Cullen led a raid against Arkansas settlers seeking a new life in the West. When they resisted returning across the Saline River, Cullen shot their leader and massacred nine others. This brutal event became infamously known as the "Massacre of Saline."
As Union forces occupied Arkansas, Cullen harbored a particular disdain for African-American soldiers. He killed a Union sergeant and three soldiers in Spanish Bluff, Texas, further solidifying his reputation as a merciless killer. After the war ended, Cullen formed a gang with fellow outlaw Lee Rames, committing robberies and murders throughout the Sulphur River area. His ability to evade capture and his ruthless methods—shooting victims from ambush with a double-barreled shotgun—made him both a feared and revered figure among some ex-Confederates.
The Law Closes In
In March 1866, Cullen returned to Texas, leaving a trail of bloodshed. He killed W. G. Kirkman, John Salmons, and George W. Barron, all tied to past grievances. By June 1867, Cullen had a confrontation with John Rowden, a store owner in Cass County. After a theft, Rowden sought payment from Cullen, but the encounter ended with Rowden dead from a shotgun blast. Cullen fled yet again, this time killing a U.S. Army sergeant who confronted him.
Despite the increasing pressure from law enforcement, Cullen continued his reign of terror. In July 1867, he killed Private Albert E. Titus after a skirmish with U.S. Army soldiers. This act placed a $1,000 bounty on his head. Cullen retreated to Arkansas, joining a mob in a brutal raid on Howell Smith's farm, targeting recently freed slaves and resulting in more bloodshed.
By October 1868, Cullen and his gang were implicated in the killings of Major P. J. Andrews, Lieutenant H. F. Willis, and an unnamed African American, alongside the wounding of Sheriff Standel in Little Rock, Arkansas.
The Fall of Cullen Baker
Cullen's notoriety reached a climax as tensions within his gang rose. Co-leader Lee Rames, suspecting Cullen's leadership would lead to their downfall, eventually defied him. The gang disbanded, with only "Dummy" Kirby standing by Cullen's side.
In January 1869, Cullen and Kirby sought refuge at the home of Cullen's in-laws in Bloomburg, Texas. Here, their story ends in mystery and violence. Two versions exist regarding their demise: one suggests Cullen was poisoned by his wife’s father and friends, while another claims Thomas Orr, a local schoolteacher romantically linked to Martha, led a group that ambushed and shot Cullen and Kirby.
Regardless of the exact circumstances, Cullen and Kirby's bodies were paraded through Bloomburg, then displayed at a U.S. Army outpost near Jefferson. Cullen was ultimately buried in Oakwood Cemetery, Jefferson, Texas.
Legacy and Eyewitness Accounts
Despite his violent legacy, Cullen Baker remains a figure of folklore. Bloomburg, Texas, commemorates his story with the annual Cullen Baker Country Fair. Eyewitness accounts, such as that of former slave Doc Quinn, paint a complex picture of Cullen. Quinn, a self-declared friend of Cullen, claimed to have witnessed his death, offering a unique perspective on the infamous outlaw.
Cullen Baker's life inspired many tales, including those by Western author Louis L'Amour, and remains a subject of fascination to this day.
Sources
No Recent News
No recent news articles found for this case. Check back later for updates.
No Evidence Submitted
No evidence found for this case. Be the first to submit evidence in the comments below.
Join the discussion
Loading comments...
Marriage to Martha Jane Petty
Cullen Baker marries Martha Jane Petty in Cass County, Texas.
First Murder Charge
Baker beats a youth named Stallcup and later shoots Wesley Bailey, leading to his first murder charge.
Massacre of Saline
Baker leads a group that kills ten settlers crossing the Saline River.
Murder of John Rowden
Baker kills store owner John Rowden after a confrontation over unpaid debts.
Shootout with Soldiers
Baker engages in a shootout with U.S. Army soldiers, killing Private Albert E. Titus.
Killings of Major Andrews and Lt. Willis
Baker and his gang are involved in the killings of Major P. J. Andrews and Lt. H. F. Willis.
Death of Cullen Baker
Cullen Baker is killed under unclear circumstances, possibly by poisoning or an ambush.
Public Display of Bodies
Baker's body is displayed publicly after his death, marking the end of his notorious reign.