Frontier Justice: The Rise and Fall of the Loomis Gang

by E. Fuller Torrey

A definitive history of the Loomis Gang who terrorized central New York in the 1800's. Well-educated and from aristocratic New England families, George and Rhoda Loomis raised their children to be outlaws. Robbery, horse thieving, bribery, arson, counterfeiting, kidnapping, rape and murder-the Loomis Gang did it all until they were brought down by Constable Jim Filkins and United States Senator Roscoe Conkling.

Genres: History, Nonfiction

288 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1992

Reviews

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Loomis Gang, the focus of this book, was active in central New York State for many years during the early and mid-1800s. George Washington Loomis, known as Wash, was the second son of the family and gang's patriarch--and the driving force of the gang. But, his mother was even more ruthless and greedy--predatory, really. The book traces the gang's origins, crimes, and eventual demise--with Wash's murder (apparently by a law officer)and his mother's old age. It is fascinating reading, since I lived in this area and can still drive by many of the locations! previous books relied on "word-of-mouth" legends, for the most part, but Torrey is meticulous in his research. It is a lost episode of Americana, and worth a read!

[Judith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing what kind of family turns up when you do genealogy searches...A first-rate book. Well-written, gripping, enormously informative; a window into the world of a seriously complex and disturbed family who captured psychological and physical control of central New York State in the 1800's. The tie-in to national events, particularly the Civil War and the Loomises' role as war profiteers, echoes more modern events. The book is a glimpse into how a community can be overpowered by malevolent forces. We can thank our lucky stars that George Washington (Wash) Loomis did not have it in mind to run for national office.

[Mike · Rating 5 out of 5]

I may be a bit biased but interesting read on lawlessness from pre to post Civil War in upstate NY.

[Sandy]

This is a great book about local color. The Loomis gang roved the country in the 1850's about 10 miles south of where we live. It is very cool to get a feeling about how it used to be.