Bat Masterson

W. B. "Bat" Masterson (November 24, 1853 or 1856 – October 25, 1921) was a legendary figure of the American West. He lived an adventurous life which included stints as a buffalo hunter, U.S. Army scout, gambler, frontier lawman, U.S. Marshal, and, finally, sports editor and columnist for a New York newspaper.

Life in New York

He arrived in New York City in 1902 and was almost immediately arrested for conducting a crooked faro game and carrying a concealed weapon. The crooked gaming charges were dismissed and he was fined $10 for carrying the gun.

Related Topics:
New York City - 1902 - Faro

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For the next 20 years, he lived and worked within walking distance of Longacre Square, now Times Square. He became one of the "Broadway guys" that Damon Runyon wrote short stories about. The character of "Sky Masterson" in Runyon's Guys and Dolls is based on Bat Masterson.

Related Topics:
Times Square - Broadway - Damon Runyon - Guys and Dolls

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He became sports editor of and columnist for the New York Morning Telegraph. During this period, he was also a frequent visitor at Theodore Roosevelt's White House. In 1905, Roosevelt appointed Masterson U.S. Marshal for the Southern District of New York. This appointment lasted until Roosevelt left office in 1909.

Related Topics:
New York Morning Telegraph - Theodore Roosevelt - White House - 1905 - U.S. Marshal - Southern District of New York - 1909

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In 1921, Masterson died of a heart attack while working. He is buried at Woodlawn Cemetery in the Bronx, New York.

Related Topics:
Heart attack - Woodlawn Cemetery - Bronx - New York

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