Thurman W Baldwin: Train Robbery

Thurman W Baldwin Alias Skeeter, born as Thurman W Balding born on 1 Jan 1867 in Morgan County, OH to William Balding (1832-1903) & Elizabeth HUmmel (1834-1869).

He was sentenced to 30 years on 30 Nov 1894 and sent to the Detroit Prison in Michigan.

He pleaded guilty in District of Arkansas for Robbery and Larceny and sentenced 30 Nov 1904

He also did time in Albany Prison in New York.

 Thurman W. Balding, also known by the nicknames "Skeeter" and "Tull", was a member of the Cook Gang of outlaws in the Indian Territories. The gang was led by Bill Cook who was born in 1873 and his brother James, born in 1877. The most famous member of the gang was Crawford Goldsby, also known as Cherokee Bill. Bill Cook worked for a time as a posseman for The Hanging Judge Isaac C. Parker's deputies. Bill's brother Jim got into trouble in the Cherokee Nation and was charged with unlawful entry of a store. Jim fled to the Creek country and Bill joined him.

I found these newspaper articles from 1893-1904:

https://www.newspapers.com/clip/65916341/thurman-balding/

https://www.newspapers.com/clip/65916448/thurman-balding/

Here's Thurman's siblings

Lewis J. Balding

1855–1923

Lucy J. Balding

1861–1948

Julia A. Balding

1861–1937

Clemit E. Balding

1864–

Frank Balding

1866–

Thurman Balding

1867–1936

I don't know if Thurman was ever married, I didn't find any records showing a wife. Thurman died 2 Mar 1936 in Sun City, KS.

Thurman's father had a second wife and they had 2 children:

2nd Wife:

Mary A. White Balding

1834–1911

Children:

Addie Balding Shutts

1871–1931

Willie Balding

Here's a story:

https://www.legendsofamerica.com/outlaw-gangs/

https://www.legendsofamerica.com/outlaw-gangs/2/

I wonder why he decided to join the "Cook Gang" Interesting stories about his crime and the time he rode with the gang. I have a short video posted below for you to watch on the "Cook Gang" Hope you enjoy it.