This book includes difficult-to-find information about significant Oklahoma outlaws who lived and worked during the 100-year period 'from horseback to Cadillac.' While criminal history within Oklahoma is the focus, famous crimes committed elsewhere by Oklahomans, such as the Barker Gang, Wilbur Underhill, and Machine Gun Kelly, as well as Oklahoma connections to legendary outlaws like Wyatt Earp, Billy the Kid, John Dillinger, and Baby Face Nelson are also mentioned.
Dan Anderson is a former newswriter, photographer, features writer, and columnist. A seasoned news professional, he has more than seven years' experience covering a diverse array of Oklahoma's regional events, from high-profile crime to politics and general interest topics. He has been honored with multiple awards from the Associated Press in the Carl Rogan Memorial News Excellence Competition. In 2001, he placed third for graphics and illustration as well as spot news reporting and also received an honorable mention for investigative reporting. In 2003, he placed first for the spot news photo division. Anderson was awarded the Oklahoma Press Association Annual Award in 2004, placing first in the newswriting event category. Anderson studied business at Northeastern Oklahoma A&M College in Miami, Oklahoma. In Tulsa, Oklahoma, he studied history from Tulsa Community College. Before his journalistic career, Mr. Anderson served as a private security firm director, reserve police officer, private investigator, and remodeling contractor. He has also been a Methodist lay youth director and home-improvement salesman. Reluctant to call himself an expert on any topic, Anderson sums up his wide-ranging career with the comment, "I always learned and I was never bored." While he considers reporting to be one of the most rewarding careers he has experienced, Anderson has moved on and now resides in Katy, Texas, with his wife, Julie. He finds time for reading, photography, hiking, trekking, golfing, and swimming. He continues to write about historical characters of the Old West.