The Dalton Gang was a notorious criminal group operating in the western United States from 1890 to 1892. They committed numerous robberies on trains, banks, and casinos.
Their family was originally from Missouri, but they moved several times until they ended up in Kansas. They were 15 siblings, some of whom died at a very young age. Their father left them and so their mother raised them with many difficulties.
The problem was exacerbated when the state seized their farm, which was their livelihood, to build a railway. Then their brother, who was a police officer, was killed on duty by an outlaw.
These two difficult experiences prompted three brothers to join the police. However, things did not improve as they stayed for a long time without being paid.
So they started to outlaw. With horse theft and illegal trade. Another of their brothers, who was a notable family man and a political figure, joined the gang. But his career was marred by the actions of his three brothers.
These illegalities forced them to resign from the police force.
The end came in 1892 when they went to the town of Coffeeville to rob two banks. Although in disguise, they were recognized by the local population and informed the sheriff. He immediately formed a team to deal with them. In the ensuing gunfight, all members of the gang were killed except one of the Daltons, who was wounded and arrested. Four policemen were killed.
The arrested Dalton remained in prison until 1907. However, when he was released, he started a legal business and lived quietly for the rest of his life.
[Source: http://www.sansimera.gr, el.wikipedia.org]
