Depression Desperado

by Sid Underwood

Raymond Hamilton, a pal of Bonnie and Clyde was one of the best-known desperadoes of the 1930s. Many thought he was more deadly and dangerous than his counterpart, Clyde Barrow. His 1934 escape from the Texas State Prison in Huntsville, Texas, made the front page of the New York Times . Although overshadowed, by the legend of Bonnie and Clyde, Raymond Hamilton was every bit as notorious and his crime spree rivaled any of his era. This book chronicles Hamilton's life from humble beginnings in Schulter, Oklahoma to an early demise at the age of 21 in the Texas death house.

242 pages, Paperback

First published October 1, 1995

Reviews

[Craig Owens · Rating 5 out of 5]

An overlooked book about an overlooked criminal who was a part of the Barrow gang. Easy to read. Nothing earth shattering from a literary point of view. However, because I have a soft-spot for forgotten stories, I always give high marks for books that have movie potential. That, and the fact that a few people used to tell me that I looked like Raymond Hamilton when I was younger.

[Wes J. Sheffield · Rating 5 out of 5]

In the mid-late 1980’s I worked with the author, Sid Underwood at Comanche Peak Nuclear Power Plant. Sid worked in Texas Utilities public relations, I worked in the training department. Sid was working to complete the book on Hamilton on his sturdy typewriter that served him well going back to his days as a newspaper editor. Great memories of coffee breaks and stories of first hand accounts of those who knew Raymond Hamilton.

In the book Depression Desperado, Sid tells the complete story of Raymond Hamilton, and the graphic details of his demise in Huntsville’s old sparky electric chair. A true Texas crime story- excellent research and great period photos.

[Jenell Wilson · Rating 5 out of 5]

My grandpa made this book! He put a lot of work in it and it’s a really good historic read!!!! 5 stars for sure!