Posted on: Elko County Nv. Query Forum
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Surname: Coble
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As to John Coble. Obtained information Thurs. at the museum from old
newspapers - Mrs. Jan Peterson did research. Mr. Coble very successful,
'smart' (graduated from University of PA) but became quite notorious and
apparently suffered greatly for his actions. To summarize he was a wealthy
rancher in Wy. Hired Tom Horn to 'eliminate' people he preferred not to
share the world with, other ranchers, sheepherders esp. Tom Horn got
arrested for killing Willie Nickell, a 16 year old boy - he was dressed
in
dad's clothing - the actual target. Mr. Coble paid $100,000 for Tom Horn's
defense, to no avail - he was hung. Mr. Coble spoke to him privately at
hanging. Not enough evidence to ever prosecute Coble; depression haunted
him after hanging. Lost his ranch, fortune, family. 11 years later, he
drifted to Nv worked as foreman at the Dunphy ranch, near Beowawe. Then
a
change of ranch management - let go - came to Elko near penniless. On
December 4, 1914, at 12:30am he walked into the Commercial Hotel/Casino
through the door at 4th and Idaho, walked through the coffee shop. Went
up
to the front desk asked the Night Clerk Mr. Owen Merrick for some
stationery. Wrote a short note (published in old papers if interested)
went
to the unoccupied ladies restroom - shot himself in the head with a Smith
&
Wesson .32 caliber revolver. Body found by Charles Dore, Theodore Hartley
&
Mr. Merrick. Hotel Proprietor was Dr. Hood. Coroner was Mr. Castle &
Undertaker J. L. Keyser. Body was eventually taken to Wy for burial.
Tom Horn had quite the life, started out a lawman, fought in our wars,
captured Indian chiefs and eventually became a paid assassin
Link: Elko County Rose Garden
URL: <
http://elkorose.com/ocommercial.html>