Kit Carson, Jr., the Crack Shot of the West Steven Tucker & Davis Winchester

“Buckskin Sam” Samuel Stone Hall Born July 23, 1838 in Leominster, Massachusetts Ran away and held a variety of odd jobs Eventually became a Ranger Weighed in at 125 lbs. Reputation for being a dead-shot

“Buckskin Sam” Known for being fearless, a hard rider and drinker Wore buckskin costume which earned him the nickname “Buckskin” Sam Adopted as his pen name when he began writing dime novels Civil War Drafted into Confederate Army July 1864, became a Union scout

Rangers fought against the forces of Juan Cortina Opposed Texas’ entry into the United States Kit Carson, Jr., the Crack Shot of the West Semi-autobiographical account of Buckskin Sam’s life during this time

Kit Carson, Jr., the Crack Shot of the West Woodcut image copied from photograph Real Kit Carson, Jr. Preacher in Oklahoma Appeared neither on stage nor in dime novels Name taken by several people due to the fame of frontiersman Kit Carson

Kit Carson, Jr., the Crack Shot of the West Series: Beadle’s Vol. I, No. 3 The only book to include this character Summary: 1860, pre-Civil War Texas Rangers patrol the new Texas territory defending against “the largest force of Mexican outlaws that had been on Texas soil since annexation”

Story bounces between sets of characters Kit Carson, Jr. & his Five rangers Martha Wells Searching for her brother, Clay (a ranger) Not well-written, jumps around (though it does include a linear plot) Directly address the reader Each chapter starts with a poem

Science & Technology Weapons Rifles: Sharps Rifles- series of large bore, single shot rifles made from 1848-1881. Popular with both Union and Confederate soldiers.

Revolvers: Either Colt Army Model 1860 or Remington Model 1858; not specified within the story.

Science & Technology These weapons played a major role within the story of Kit Carson, Jr., as both the heroes and their opponents used either these are similar weapons. The main characters (Rangers and Kit Carson, Jr.) used these weapons as tools to complete their orders. Portrayed as both positive and negative, depending on who was using them. Weapons Individualism Survival & Self-sufficience

Science & Technology Single illustration shows the villains in a knife fight with the hero holding a revolver. (Unable to find a copy to include.) The use of these weapons isn’t surprising, considering the western setting of the story. The use of the poems to start each chapter was a bit surprising. This technology is a minor point within the story, yet makes a major difference for the characters.

Questions?

"Major Sam S. Hall." Major Sam S. Hall. N.p., n.d. Web. 30 Mar. 2016. Adcock, John. "Yesterday’s Papers: Humbug Hero, Some Episodes in the Life of Kit Carson Jr." Yesterday’s Papers: Humbug Hero, Some Episodes in the Life of Kit Carson Jr. Yesterday's Papers, 6 Feb. 2012. Web. 30 Mar. 2016. Adcock, John. "Yesterday’s Papers: Kit Carson, Jr. Matinee Idol and Cover Boy." Yesterday’s Papers: Kit Carson, Jr. Matinee Idol and Cover Boy. Yesterday's Papers, 6 Feb. 2012. Web. 31 Mar. 2016. Hall, Sam S. “Kit Carson, Jr. the Crack Shot of the West." Google Books. Beadle's New York Dime Library, n.d. Web. 31 Mar. 2016.