"The Rebel Preacher's Kid: Bank Robber Turned Criminal Mastermind"

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🔥The Preacher’s Kid Who Robbed Banks & Shot Marshals

They called him “Arkansas Tom”… even though he wasn’t from Arkansas.

Most kids who grow up in a house with two preacher brothers... don’t end up killing a U.S. Marshal and robbing banks.

But then again, Roy Daugherty (aka “Arkansas Tom Jones”) wasn’t “most kids.”

In fact, he wasn’t even Arkansan. 😆

Born in Missouri, Roy grew up marinated in Sunday sermons and brotherly calls to righteousness. But at age 14, while other kids were memorizing scripture, Roy said:

“Peace out,” and hit the dusty trail west.

He didn’t have a plan.

But he did have a knack for picking new names.

He waltzed into Indian Territory and told people he was “Arkansas Tom Jones.”

(It sounded cooler than “Roy from Missouri,” I guess.)

He cowboy’d for a bit... until he met Bill Doolin, head of the Wild Bunch.

And that’s when Roy’s career path took a... let’s say “non-traditional” turn.

🔫 Enter: The Battle of Ingalls

It was 1892. U.S. Marshals caught up with the gang in a shootout so chaotic, it earned the name “The Battle of Ingalls.”

Tom (Roy... whatever you wanna call him) took the life of Deputy Marshal Hueston.

When the dust settled, he was the last man standing of the Wild Bunch.

But justice wasn’t far behind.

He was sentenced to 50 years in prison.

(And yet... that’s not the end. Oh no, my friend. Not even close.)

🕊️ Enter: The Preacher Brothers

Despite Tom’s murderous résumé, his preacher bros must’ve been some hella persuasive letter-writers...

Because by 1910, just 18 years in, they managed to secure his early release.

Miracle? Maybe.

Bad idea? DEFINITELY.

Tom tried Hollywood next.

Yes, Hollywood. In 1912.

Apparently, “bank robber turned actor” was a thing before social media.

But Hollywood wasn’t impressed.

So he went back to what he knew best:

Robbing banks.

🚨Repeat Offender? More like a lifestyle choice.

1912: Tries movies. Fails.
1913: Robs bank. Back to prison.
1917: Released.

Same year: Robs another bank. 😑

The man didn’t just ignore second chances...
He lit ‘em on fire and danced in the ashes.

And for 7 more years, he evaded law enforcement, like some Wild West version of Jason Bourne with a hat.

Until 1924.

When he met a final, fatal end in a gunfight with the law.

🧠 The Lesson?

Some people can’t help but go back to what they know—even if it’s the very thing that destroys them.

It’s tragic. But real.

(And if you’ve ever wondered why it’s so hard to break certain patterns in your own life... now you’ve got company in Arkansas Tom.)

He could have lived out his days as a Hollywood star or even a preacher like his brothers.

But he chose a six-shooter over a second chance.

Every. Single. Time.

What are you choosing... when no one’s watching? 🤔

Until next time,
Stay outta trouble,
Matt West

P.S. Love this outlaw story?

I actually found it in a little gem of a book called Tales From The Plains Indians & Pioneers Museum.

If you're into real-deal Wild West stories (the kind too wild for Netflix)...

👉 I highly recommend swinging by the Plains Indians & Pioneers Museum and grabbing yourself a copy.

Not only will you discover more crazy characters like Arkansas Tom...

You’ll also be supporting one of our best local treasures.