Distinctly Montana Magazine

90 D I S T I N C T LY M O N TA N A M A G A Z I N E • S U M M E R 2 0 2 6 Falls Tribune, the robbers escaped with an estimated $50,000. Later audits placed the loss at $41,500—nearly all of it curren- cy shipped from Washington to the Montana National Bank of Helena, much of it unsigned but still negotiable. A fourth accomplice waited near the tracks with fresh horses and the explosives used in the heist. Dressed in trousers, boots, and a duster, the rider blended easily into the outlaw silhouette. Months later, authorities discovered the truth: the fourth rider was a woman. She was twenty-five-year-old Laura Bullion of Texas—Kilpat- rick's lover and partner in crime. Pinkerton detectives out of St. Paul were soon assigned to the case. Rewards were posted. Circulars described the suspects as seasoned desperadoes: George Parker—better known as Butch Cassidy; Harvey Logan; and Harry Longabaugh, the so-called Sundance Kid. Yet in this instance, both Cassidy and Longabaugh were nowhere near the scene. No circular mentioned a woman. Pinkerton files labeled Laura Bullion a "consort of criminals." Born October 4, 1876, in Mertzon, Texas, she was raised largely by her grandparents in Knickerbocker after a childhood shad- owed by instability. The Southwest she grew up in was thick with outlaw legend. She came to know men such as Tom "Black Jack" Ketchum, Ben Kilpatrick, and William "News" Carver. As a young woman, Laura moved to San Antonio and worked under the name Della Rose at a bordello run by Fannie Porter. The establishment was a known refuge for members of the Wild Bunch, including Cassidy and Harry Longabaugh. It was there Laura's life became entangled with Kilpatrick's. Loyal, discreet, and unflinching, she proved herself valuable to men who sur- vived by secrecy. How many robberies she aided in remains uncertain. What is certain is her role at Wagner. injectablesartist.com Bookings Available on Vagaro Luxurious private studio setting Expert practitioner with Beverly Hills training Professional, knowledgeable service Personalized aesthetic treatments H ELTONH EARING.COM • 406-586-0914 BOZEMAN • ENNIS • LIVINGSTON Will Helton, Au.D., FAAA, CCC-A American Board of Audiology Certified Doctor of Audiology Emily Jurgensmeier, Au.D., CCC-A American Board of Audiology Certified Doctor of Audiology At Helton Hearing Care, your hearing health and your quality of life are our primary concern! American Board Certified Doctors of Audiology VOTE FOR US WIN $500 FOR YOUR CHANCE TO 2023-26 o f BEST M O N TA N A A S V O T E D B Y R E A D E R S O F SCHEDULE Your Personalized Hearing Evaluation and Consultation Appointment with the Best Audiologists in Montana Today!

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