Distinctly Montana Magazine

66 D I S T I N C T LY M O N TA N A M A G A Z I N E • S P R I N G 2 0 2 4 from prison contractors to release him. Governor McMillin knew the Russell family and Sam when he was younger. Governor Smith pardoned Sam on December 18, 1900, eight long years after he entered Deer Lodge Prison. The Powder River Kid decided to settle down in Helena and became a barber with his own shop in 1901. In Elmer Keith's book Hell, I Was There he writes about his friend, Samuel Russell, the Powder River Kid. Keith was instrumental in the development of the first magnum re- volver cartridge, the .357 Magnum, as well as the later .44 Magnum and .41 Magnum cartridges, plus being an author of many books and maga- zine articles. Keith also developed a new lead bullet design which is now known as the "Keith type" bullet. Through Keith's writings, we learn that in his earlier years, Sam was a lookout for faro and poker tables in saloons throughout the Southwest. "I used to go in and get a hair- cut and Sam would pull the curtains down, get out his guns and give me lessons on quick draw work. He used a holster in his hip pocket and carried six rounds to one side of the muzzle of the gun, exactly fitting the pocket of his pants, and the butt of the gun was to the right. He would slip his hand in under that gun and come out with it as fast as I ever seen, and he was very accurate!" Note: On Sam's prison card, it states that he had had both arms bro- ken and that they were crooked. This just might be why Sam used the hip pocket for his holster. There are stories of Sam getting into trouble at times. When he did not drink, he was the most responsi- ble and friendly person, and everyone liked him. But Sam had a Dr. Jekyl and Mr. Hyde type of personality, ac- cording to newspaper articles of the time. Mr. Hyde came out when he was drinking, and many would say to stay clear of Sam on those times. One time, Sam was in the saloon playing poker in the back, when a big man called out he was buying every- one a drink, step up to the bar. Well, Sam didn't hear him at first and turned around to ese what was going on. The big man said to him, "Come on, you little s.o.b., I mean you too." Sam said, "Say it with a smile, mis- ter, and I'll be with you." The big guy said he wouldn't, and Sam told him, "Mister, I never took that from no man, I won't take it off you! I am unarmed but I'll be back." Sam left to get his .45 and the bartender told the big guy he was in trouble now. The big guy said he wasn't worried; he pulled his gun and watched the front door. But Sam didn't come in the front, he came in from the back. When the back door creaked open, the big guy turned to shoot, but Sam was quicker on the draw and shot him through his right arm and through his body, and down he went. Sam got three years in the pen for that one and the judge kept his gun! Sam was well known to have col- lected through the years many gold pieces and gems, and even had ar- ticles printed on his being the best and most beautiful collection of old gold coins and jewelry in the whole Northwest. The Powder River Kid was quick to temper and drew his gun with lightning speed and accuracy and down his adversary would go. He knew many outlaws and fast guns in his lifetime, and called them by their first names. Sam with his sister, Lucy, and her son out practicing shooting. Sam's gravestone Deer Lodge Prison, c. 1890 Sam in Helena, around 1929

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