William Molash Acquitted

Sunday, December 12, 2010

In the annals of western North Dakota history there is one character that most typified the cowboy image. William Molash, better known as Turkey Track Bill, was born in Michigan, but ended up in Dakota Territory on a cattle drive from Texas. Turkey Track got his name from his years with the Turkey Track Ranch in Texas. Two things he always wore were his hat and his gun, and it was the latter that almost cost him his freedom.

It appears that along with trailing cattle, he also managed a still. During one drinking spree, there was a difference of opinion. A shot rang out and a man named Guy Bolton lay dead. On this date in 1912, it was announced that a jury in Mandan acquitted Bill. There was no evidence, no eye witness and surprisingly, no gun.

Dakota Datebook written by Jim Davis

Sources:

Pioneer Chronicles September 1977 by Larry Sprunk

Emmons County Record December 12, 1912

Dakota Datebook Turkey Track Trouble August 31, 2005 by Merry Helm