John Ringo has been described as looking more like an actor than a gunslinger. His people originally came from Kentucky, although Ringo was born in Texas in 1844. He is said to have had a "dignified air" and a calmness about him. Perhaps this was due to the southern breeding in his background. That is not to say this man was not dangerous. He was very dangerous, just as a coiling rattlesnake is the most dangerous when you are not aware of his presence.
John's extended family did not all possess this southern genteel manner that this six-foot and two-inch tall Texas outwardly presented. His extended family reached as far as the notorious James and Younger families.
Ringo left home when he was still a young man. It did not take long for him to realize he had a talent for gunslinging. He had told his family that he was going to go into the cattle business out west somewhere. John just sort of forgot to mention exactly what sort of dealings he'd be having with cattle.
On his way west Ringo decided to give Dodge City, Kansas a visit. There, he became well known as a big, good-looking gunman, and just as dangerous as he was big. Many soon realized that, in order to keep their health, it was a very good idea to keep their eyes on John Ringo.
John Ringo continued.
Photo Identification:
Dodge City, Kansas Peace Commissioners. From left to right: Charles Bassett, W. H. Harris, Wyatt Earp, Luke Short, L. McLean, Bat Masterson, Neal Brown. Photo by Camillus S. Fly, ca. 1890.
