In 1852, celebrated Chicago hero and former Deputy Sheriff, Allan Pinkerton, founded the first detective agency in the United States. Hated and feared by criminals, the Pinkerton Agency eventually became known as the “Pinks,” enjoying a colorful history, which included averting a plot to assassinate Abraham Lincoln on the way to his inauguration.
During the Civil War, Pinkerton had a flourishing career as head of the 
American Secret Service. Adamantly opposed to slavery, he worked for the Union Army to trap southern spies. With his law enforcement agency, he garnered great success. His slogan “We Never Sleep” was painted on his door, along with a huge, black and white eye, resulting in the origin of the term “private eye”.
Said to have a third sense, Allan Pinkerton had an uncanny ability to 
identify guilty parties long before police investigators came up with a suspect. Although some thought he had mystic powers, he proclaimed it nothing but experience because he researched the habits and practices of not only specific criminals on the lam, but of the criminal mind in general.
By the late 1860’s his sons, William and Robert, joined him and opened branch offices in several cities. Predecessors to the modern day FBI, the agency focused on swindlers, confidence men, and other no-gooders plaguing the big cities and little towns of America. Their field agents clipped newspaper articles and pictures, organizing them in categories. By the 1870’s, they had the largest collection of mug shots in the world and became a data base of criminal activity, leading to the FBI identification system used today.
As the New Frontier spread west, so did the “Pinks”, chasing outlaws like Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid and “Black Jack” Ketcham, but it was the infamous outlaw Jesse James who, for a short time, created scandal and bad publicity for Pinkerton.
Until 1875, the agency held a stellar reputation that even some outlaws admired. But not the James brothers; Jesse, in particular, had an intense dislike for Allan Pinkerton. For years, the renegade managed to outwit the lawman. “Old Man Allan” knew if he continued widening his network of men hunting Jesse and kept pressure on him, the cocky, wanted man would eventually panic and do something stupid.
On January 5th, two members of the James family were innocently attacked by a Pinkerton-led posse. Believing Jesse was hiding inside, the men surrounded a cabin near Kearney, Missouri. When he didn’t surrender, an iron torch was tossed inside. Jesse James’ mother was maimed and his handicapped stepbrother killed.
At this point, fact and fiction collide. Some scholars believe this sparked 
Jesse James’ path of retaliation, taking him to Chicago for only one reason…to kill Allan Pinkerton. As the story goes, for weeks the outlaw roamed the city’s streets with a loaded gun. Inside was a bullet with the name “Pinkerton” on it. But the famous detective never knew James was in town. Being frustrated and unable to get Pinkerton at the right time and right place, James returned home. This tale has never been substantiated.
For certain, the incident involving James’ family strengthened the outlaw’s position of being viewed by some as a modern-day Robin Hood fighting the wealthy Yankee bankers and rail men tooth and toenail. Well into the 1870’s many Missourians were still riled that, in their opinion, the North had won the war. The “Pinks” were considered the tools of the tycoons. The atrocities against the gang’s family only fueled support for them. Allan Pinkerton staunchly denied that one of his agents tossed the torch and patiently waited his turn to take Jesse into custody.
As history would have it, the gang eventually got overconfident, made 
mistakes, and lead by Jesse ventured from their beloved south to hold up a bank in Northfield, Minnesota. They found a less sympathetic public, meeting with savage resistance. Because the Pinkertons had sent information in advance that the James Gang, which by then included three of the renegade Younger brothers, was heading north, the town’s citizens were prepared. Caught in a hellish barrage of bullets, the outlaw band withered. Several of the gang were captured. Wounded and bloody, Jesse and Frank escaped, but it was the beginning of the end for them.
On April 3, 1882, after another robbery and with a bounty on his head, one of Jesse’s own gang shot him. Two years, after writing eighteen books, Allan Pinkerton died in his Chicago mansion.
I’ve been asked why I decided my hero in “Ropin’ the Wind” would be a Pinkerton Agent. I wanted a different kind of law enforcer. When you read a western historical romance you are pretty much guaranteed there will be somewhere a mystical, reputable Texas Ranger or a tough-as-leather-strop sheriff. You expect one, just like horses and sagebrush. I wanted someone unique; thus, out of my imagination and research surfaced a citified, undercover Pinkerton Agent with a Texas background. It was so much fun to once again partner with one of the founding fillies of Petticoats and Pistols, Linda Broday, along with Jodi Thomas and DeWanna Pace to write an all new anthology, “Give Me a Cowboy.”
This is an ad that Kensington put into the latest issue of Romantic Times magazine for both anthologies.
I have to admit a Texas Ranger turns my head, even a modern day one. That’s why I cast my “Pink’s” Achilles ‘ heel a rebel-rousing, retired Texas Ranger. There’s just something about a fearless Ranger that ladies love, but I was sure happy how different my hero, Morgan Payne, turned out in “Give Me a Cowboy”.
What kind of cowboy turns your head and wiggles into your heart?
I’ll be giving away an autographed set of our anthologies, “Give Me A Texan” and “Give Me A Cowboy” to a winner drawn from all the comments, so please come on in and join us!
To learn more about Phyliss, visit her website: www.PhylissMiranda.com
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Hi Phyliss,
I enjoyed reading the history of the Pinkerton’s and their ties to the birth of the FBI!
I like a cowboy who has: honesty & integrity, athleticism, knows how to protect a woman without stifling her,wears jeans, boots, belt and hat well! Your cover models have abs and muscles to die for!!
The books sound fantastic! Jodi Thomas has been a favorite over the years!
Hi Laurie. Lady, you are an early riser! I too like a cowboy who can protect without stifling, and jeans and boots are a must. Tight fittin’ jeans, too. Our cover model is Nathan Kamp, and is very popular. For some who have wondered, yes that’s his back on the second cover, so we know what he looks like from front to back. I have a link on my web-site if anyone wants to check out his many, many covers. You’ll find him on a lot of covers for this group’s Foundling Fillies. Thanks for dropping by and having coffee with me so early.
I didn’t know the history of the Pinkertons and it was very interesting to read. I like all kinds of cowboys, it’s just such a different kind of life they lead and it just makes the stories fascinating.
Thanks for stopping by Maureen. When I began researching the Pinkerton’s, I found them so interesting that I couldn’t stop reading about them. Although I decided to give you all some of their rich history and focus on Jesse James and their rivalry, I could write a dozen articles just on the “Pinks” and their adventures.
Good morning, Phyliss! Thank you for once again riding out to Wildflower Junction and spending your weekend with us. Always a real pleasure to have you!
Allan Pinkerton is a true legend, and his Pinks have found their way into many a historical romance. I’ve used his operatives myself a time or two!
And I do love a cowboy, too! They’re just so grounded with nature and hard work, and those whip-cord lean bodies don’t come from a gym, neither! Honor and respect for one another from down through the ages is what it’s all about for me!
Absolutely love the covers on both of your anthologies!
Thanks, Pam. Good to see you this morning. And, it’s always my pleasure to visit Wildflower Junction. There’s just something about a cowboy, whether he lived a century and a half ago or today, that makes me swoon. I do believe they have a special sense the good Lord gave them. Something about their swagger, confidence, and yes, a body they got wrangling cattle and from flat out hard work, not pumping iron. And, yep, our covers are to die for! I’m using the “Cowboy” cover as my screen saver and ended up enlarging it to fit, so all I have is the top third of the cover…his shoulders and the ponies in the background. You can see every freckle on his back. And on what a nice back to look at every time my laptop goes idle! Hugs from Texas, P
Good Morning Phyliss! Great information on the Pinkerton’s. Is there still a Pinkerton agency today?
Ahhhhhhhhhhh! Cowboys what can you say the word Cowboy along brings alot to mind.
Hi! That was really interesting. I’m wondering, after Alan Pinkerton’s death, what happened to the Pinkerton agency? Did it continue? Or dissolve?
I graduated from High School in a little Texas town. I moved there as a Sophomore and left after my Senior year, but I met a few farm boys… (although not necessarily cowboys – they didn’t all have cows!). But it always intrigued me. You could tell the “real” farm boys by their boots… The real working men had dirty, work boots, and they wore them everywhere, even to school…while the others had nice ropers on (those Justin lace-ups were the COOL things to have back then). Anyway, those “real” farm boys got up and fed their horses and did chores before coming to school. It was always impressive and I always fancied myself in love with them.
Hi Sherry. Yes, but not operating under the Pinkerton name. The historian in me forced me to go find your answer. LOL Allan Sr.’s sons Robert and William died prior to 1930, and Robert’s son, Allan, a World War I veteran, led the agency onward until he passed on. The last of the Pinkerton family to direct the firm was Robert II, great-grandson of the man who founded it. They obviously carried on their given names. Upon his death, the agency became a corporation, finding its role in “white collar” crime and security for Fortune 500 companies. The overseas relationships that Allan Pinkerton’s sons began has flowered and peaked with the March, 1999, merger with Securitas AB, of Stockholm. High-tech, fully state-of-the-art, Pinkerton is a senior partner of the world’s largest security company with offices in more than 32 countries.
Stephanie, you are so right! When I go into a Dairy Queen in a little town while I’m traveling, I can tell the “real” from the drugstore cowboys, and their boots and hats are a real giveaway. Also their pickup trucks! But, man on man, can they clean up nicely! Thanks for coming by and visiting.
Laurie, I’ll pass your compliment along to Jodi. She’s working madly on Sage’s story in the 4th of Whispering Mountain series, but she promised to try to take a breather and drop by Wildlflower Junction this afternoon and visit a spell. It is really a special privilege to work with such wonderful writers as Jodi and Linda Broday.
Ilike a tough cowboy who wears his heart on his sleeve for a woman who needs help (ie. Teegan in Tall, Dark, and Texan.) I’m looking for a new Western author, I’ll look for the book on my next bookstore trip.
Hi Phyliss,
I have always been fascinated with the Pinkertons. This information is very interesting to me as I also wondered if they were still in business. Great research.
I live in cowboy country and we can tell real ones just by the way they walk. My husband and sons are all cowboys (real ones) and we have had many laughs at the guys who want to be —soooo bad. They just don’t have the walk. Also, real cowboys have no butt! That’s why they are always hiking up their jeans. Nothing to hold them up.
Anon1001, I have to admit that Teagan in “Tall, Dark and Texan” was absolutely #1 on my list of favorite characters. I loved him through two books and by the time Jodi wrote his story, I was just intrigued with him. He reminds me of what so many modern day men go through with blended families. Please look for the anthologies. They are fun reads, and we enjoyed writing them so much.
Mary J. Thanks for the compliments. I’ve really enjoy research and sometimes get a little carried away. I think one of the hardest parts of being an author is to know when to hold and when to fold with research. I want to tell the reader every bit of information I’ve found, and that’s not only technically wrong but man, would the readers kills us. You’re right about cowboys not having any butt. I think they wear them off or something, so they can sit in the saddle just right. LOL In my region of Texas, I’ve been told that men wear Levi’s if they want a good fit in the front and Wrangler’s to emphasize their behind. I just love how the “W” on the pocket of a pair of Wranglers fits so smoothly across the behind of a cowboy!
Welcome back, Phyliss!
We’re thrilled to have come and blog with us again. You’re always so full of interesting facts and trivia. You just amaze me, dear friend.
This blog doesn’t disappoint. I love the information about the Pinkertons, which I knew absolutely zilch about before I met you. You’re so much fun to be around.
I love cowboys who can have no qualms when it comes to getting their hands dirty. Men who don’t back down from a fight and who always protect a lady’s honor. This discribes your hero in ROPIN THE WIND. Morgan Payne was an exceptional hero! Oh man, he worked good “undercover!” Just ask your heroine, Alaine.
They made a great couple. Yes, we had a ton of fun writing our stories about the early days of the rodeo.
Don’t you watch bull riding on TV a lot? Is that where you found your hero?
Hi Phyliss, glad to see you here! Thanks for sharing all of these interesting facts about the Pinkertons. I love reading the history of the old west.
As far as cowboys go I love them all, except for the ones that are know it alls. I have ran into a few men like that, most of these are not true cowboys. A true cowboy is a man that will work hard and doesn’t mind getting his hands dirty. Cowboys are very hard working men that are up before daylight and out tending their ranch. I am just not sure how me true cowboys are left in this world.
Fascinating article! I love a good cowboy story, both historical and contemporary.
HI!!! Hope you are having a lovely weekend!
I just love stories about Texas Rangers and Pinkerton detectives…..just something about them that gets me! LOL
I am really looking forward to getting my hands on GIVE ME A COWBOY!!!!!!!
I love cowboy stories-I swear there’s just nothing else out there that is like them! They stand out to me! They are strong, sexy men who go after what they want and fight to the death to keep what they have-be it their land, their cattle, their horse or their woman….doesnt get any sexier than that!
Linda, I had to LOL about bull riding. Raised in Texas, I’ve always been around rodeos and admired bull riders, although I’m the farthest thing away from a cowgirl there’s ever been in Texas. When we decided to write about the rodeo, I went into serious research mode. My husband’s uncle and cousin were championship bronc riders out of Colorado, but unfortunately, they are not with us any longer, and about all I can remember is one of the saddles they won being on display in Durango years ago. So I went to fellow friend and writer, Elaine Standish, who was raised on a working ranch nearby. She took me to interview an honest-to-goodness ol’ time rodeo hero and rodeo historian who lives near Mobeetie (of Bat Masterson fame). I spent the day with Bobby, and that’s where I got a lot of my rodeo information. Some of my dialogue in the story comes directly from him, as well as many of my support characters’ names. I acknowledge him in my book but also wrote that he’s not responsible for my rodeo fax paus. I went to the Coors Working Ranch Rodeo in Amarillo, and took it in as a writer. Then I got hooked on the PBR for “research” and fell in love with the bulls and the riders … one by one. I even use the name of the 2007 Bull of the Year in my story, but as a phrase not as a name. Now, I’m a bull riding groupie at the age of…well, over the groupie age limit. Even doing “fantasy” bull riding at the PBR web-site. We do have fun, don’t we? As it ended up, I didn’t draw “bull riding” for my story in “Cowboy” but had a lot of fun with leaning about ropin’ and yep, wild cow milking! Does anyone know why wild cow milking became part of the early day rodeo events? I found that out from Bobby. It’s because to do calf ropin’ they had to have the mama there. She’d go so riled up watching her baby being roped that she’d go all wild, then came the idea of trying to milk her to get her more “comfortable” as a mama. He said they used them to pay for their hauling to rodeo events.
Also just heard from Jodi. She’s in the middle of “making love”, well, her characters are … but she said as soon as they’re finished, she’ll drop over and say hello. Dang, I hated to interrupt her!
Cheryl C and Quilt Lady. Thanks for stopping by. I think there’ll never be too many books written about cowboys or having cowboy heros. Never never. They are so much fun to write about, and as I’ve said before, researching is such a lark. I absolutely adore Texas Rangers. Last spring, Linda Broday and I spent time at the Texas Ranger Hall of Fame and Museum. WOW! There’s so much about them. I think the similarities between the Pinkertons and Rangers is the longevity, so we see them historically as well as modern day. Hey, gals if you have a man in law enforcement, even if they aren’t a Pinkerton and Ranger, give him an extra hug from me!
Phyliss, the thing I like about you is that when you get involved with something you’re in it 100 percent. Yes, you told me about how the wild cow milking got started and it totally blew my mind. I didn’t know they brought the mama cows to the rodeo along with the babies until you told me. But it makes perfect sense. The babies had to get their nourishment somehow.
I’m glad Jodi might make it over. That’ll be wonderful!
I just LOVE a lawman in uniform! Makes me get all warm inside just looking at ‘em. Hubba hubba. There’s just something about those Stetsons and boots our Texas Rangers and Texas Highway Patrol men wear.
Thanks, Melissa D, for stopping by. You said it so well about what makes a great cowboy hero. Thanks for putting it so wonderfully. I have to admit uniforms does it for me, too; that and a big silver star on his chest. I like a good, shoot-from-the-hip Sheriff, too. Oh yeah, Linda does like a uniform too! Especially one that is wearing a dimple in his chin! Thanks to all for your great comments. It’s keeping me on a roll today, so much that I’m making huge spelling mistakes! Sorry. Love you all.
Enjoyed reading about the Pinkertons.
I like a rodeo cowboy-is there anything better than a bull rider? And of course, I love cowboy singers-George Strait-need I say more?
Hi Phyllis, I totally enjoyed reading this post. I had a Pinkerton and a fictional James cousin in my first book LOL so I learned a bit at that time.
Re: Cowboys. I think Sam Elliott says/does it all…I also love Trace Adkins and Tim McGraw, through in some George Strait.
Thank you for a great read!
Hi Phyliss I enjoyed your writing about The Pinkerton’s and Jesse James Gang. Reading on someone asked you what had happened to the Pinkerton firm and went off line to have reakfast and sure enough! By the time I got back you’d done your research and had the answers! Your great and looing forward to reading your new book Give Me A Cowboy!
I meant THROW in some George Strait.
The Pinkertons were cool weren’t they?
These anthologies look smokin’ hot. There’s just something about a cowboy.
Deidre
Oh, I like any kind of cowboys!
Thank you, Joye, Tanya, Deire, and Minna. Gotta love them cowboy and Pinkertons. George Strait is such a man’s man, and I always think about Texas Rangers with his whiter than white shirt and talk about tight fittin’ jeans! He’s the master of them all, with a voice to match. Vicky, thanks for your comments and trip by. Glad you got your answers about the Pinkerton Agency. Yep, Sam Elliot is really the perfect cowboy. And, a bull rider sure makes my heart miss a beat. Who’s your favorite bull rider, Joye?
I like most cowboys
At least the ones I read about in romance novels or portrayed in movies and TV.
Well, Miss Phyliss, just when I was trying to take a snooze, this telegram came in from a woman named Mary so I got my boots on and brought it over. I wouldn’t do that for just anybody. Hee-hee!
Here’s the message:
“A terrific write up about Pinkerton and the James Gang. I enjoyed reading it and am going to keep my eyes open for this book.
How generous your giveaway is. I found you through ACFW, which I just joined. I’m currently revising a historical Christian novel, which I hope to one day publish. Though I am a published author in anthologies, I have never published a novel. The stuff dreams are made of.
Nice to meet you. I wish you much success in all future ventures.”
Blessings,
Mary
Durn it, here’s another telegram for you. Sure is keeping a body hopping. Don’t even have time to chase any cowboys around.
“Hi Phyliss I can’t tell you how much I loved reading about The Pinterton’s and Jesse James and enlightening me on so many unknown facts! You’re great!!”
Vicky Fair
Really interesting post.
I love any kind of cowboy!
I didn’t know the history of the Pinkertons. But I’ve read stories with them in it!
I like cowboys with a horse, a stetson and a gun. So basically, that’s all cowboys.
Hi Phyllis- wonderful history of the Pinkertons! Thanks! I have always loved stories about the Pinks, and rangers too of course. I love any cowboy with a true heart – as in faithful once he finds the right woman! I was just about to order Give me a Texan…. But, I don’t suppose these two anthologies have to be read in order do they?
Thanks Jeanne, Estella, and Stefanie. Oh yeah, a fast horse, a Stetson and a quick gun on a slim hip makes for a great cowboy. Then give him that loving, special personality of a romance hero, and we have it all. Martha, thanks for the comment. The two anthologies are different, so enjoy both. The stories in “Give Me a Texan” are all stand alone, although some of our characters are somewhat parallel. Linda and I use a couple of the same characters, while DeWanna comes along some 20 years later and gives my character a grandson. That was fun. “Give Me a Cowboy” does interface, and the stories are best read in the order the published put them in. As a matter of fact, there’s one scene that Linda’s heroine tells from her point of view as the mother and my heroine tells from the daughter’s point of view. All four of the stories take place at the same Rodeo, so we had to coordinate everything from the weather for a specific day to who won what event. Now that was a challenge.
Thanks Miss Felicia for gettin’ me those telegrams. I’ll say to Mary, keep up the good work! I love the thought of an historical Christian novel. Stick in there and the best advice I can give, read, learn, and write, write, write!
And, Vicky thanks for the telegram then taking the time to drop by a second time. Now, Miss Felicia you can get back to chasin’ those cowboy! Maybe you can find one who a big dimple. Hugs to all, Phyliss
Very interesting history! Our panhandle is so rich, and full of hidden secrets. My mom and I can’t wait to read the book. See ya at one of the book signings. Angie
Miss Phyliss, ah absolutely adore a cowboy with dimples! They’re my favorites. Now, how did you know that? You hit the nail right on the head. All that jokin’ aside, ah’m not all that particular as long as he has tight jeans and long legs and lets me catch him!
Great post. I love cowboys. I like their code of honor, their good manners, that they are strong, confident and will do whatever it takes to protect what is theirs. It’s also great that they look sexy in their hats, chaps, jeans and books.
That should be boots.
Crystal, I like ‘um in books, too! Thanks, Angie for stoppin’ by, and glad you enjoyed the post. The Code of Honor is so interesting, and still in existence today. I forgot about chaps. Yep, great long legs, dimples and tight jeans. Love ‘um. Now, Miss Felicia, get back to chasing those cowboys, and if you catch an extra, let us all know. Our Kensington editor, Hilary Sares, bought her a pair of boots here in Texas, and I have a cool picture of her with her feet on her desk sportin’ them. Boots and cowboy for sure.
Cowboys have always been my heroes. As a kid I loved watching all the westerns on tv. I grew up loving to read and write about cowboys.
Thanks for the info on the Pinkertons. They’re an interesting part of our history.
Hey Phyllis, I really appreciated all the info on the Pinkerton Agency. I’ve often wondered about it since I’d heard rumours but you’ve explained those nicely. So, that’s where ‘Private Eye’ came from, eh. Neat – where’s Trivial Pursuit when I have an answer. LOL
I love your book covers! *gush*
Hi, Phyliss! I can’t say I know any real-life cowboys, but love reading about them in books–historical or modern, they all seem to make pretty terrific heroes! I loved Give Me a Texan and am thrilled to see that you’ve another great collection coming soon!
Hi, Phyliss! Fascinating information on the Pinkertons and Jesse James gang! I love real cowboys. The ones who are the strong, silent type who aren’t afraid to get their hands dirty by doing hard physical labor. Of course, the hat, boots, and tight-fitting jeans are a must too!
Thanks for the great blog!
Thanks, Anita Mae and Vicke. There’s a lot of interesting things about the Pinkertons I wanted to include but decided to try to stay focused on their relationship with outlaws. Pinkerton coined some of the phrases used in law enforcement today, such as “rod or cannon” for a revolver and a “mouthpiece” for a lawyer. We kinda love our covers, too. I have a link on my web-site to Nathan Kamp and his covers. There are several of the Petticoats and Pistol fillies who sport covers with him. One I remember is Karen Kay’s “The Last Warrior” which came out about the time as “Texan”. Nathan is an Native American Indian on her cover and a cowboy on ours. I remember thinking, man would I love to play cowboys and Indians with him. Ouch, not very ladylike, I know.
Fedora, thank you so much. We’re really proud of “Texan” and hope everyone loves “Cowboy” as well. Hey, who needs a real-life cowboy to pick up after when you can have the perfect man in a romance novel? Thanks for coming by and visiting a while, ladies. Hugs, Phyliss
Margie, I love the silent type hero, too. I recall one of Jodi’s characters, Carter, who is totally cool and very shy. He was my favorite until Teagan came along in his own book “Tall, Dark and Texan”. Love those silent heros! Thanks for commenting.
Very informative post. Thanks Phyliss for sharing your research.
About cowboys, I have to say the hat helps, but for me, it’s the tight fitting Wranglers and Skoal ring! Can’t wait to read your book.
Nat, I’m laughin’ out loud at the Skoal ring. Only a real Texan would think about that! Thanks for coming by. I think I’ll head to the bunchouse for the night. Hear tell there’s a poker game going on over the Felicia’s place and I’ve been invited, so if I don’t lose all my hide, I’ll see you all tomorrow. Sleep well, friends. Hugs, P
Okay, so I’m tired …bunkhouse, not bunchouse!
Hi Phyliss,
Thanks for the info on the Pinkertons. I see them mentioned quite a bit in some of the historical westerns I have read but never knew their history. I can totally understand why you would want to make one a Texan hero.
Lawman + Texan= Great stuff!!!
By the way, I got Give Me a Texan last year and still pick it up to re-read the stories.
Congratulations to all the authors on another wonderful book.
Have a great weekend.
I love stories about cowboys. I live in cowboy country- the cattle rides, the branding, the ranches, the rodeos. There are some great heroes
and some mighty fine looking ones, too. I always watched Bonanza on TV while growing up and loved the show.
Hi Phyllis, I like my cowboys tough on the outside with rugged good looks, and with a softer inside that you have to discover. I really enjoyed your post about the Pinkertons. Our dogs name is Jesse after the great Jesse James because he is a little sneaky guy. He is a yorkie and he is also very strong, it’s amazing the things we find that he took and hid.
I just plain love a cowboy, especially the soft hearted but strong hero types.
I really enjoyed the Pinkerton history lesson. As a child I thought of Jesse James as a hero. Saw all the movies and read loads of books about him and as I grew up I realized he wasn’t the hero the movies sometimes made him out to be.
Loved the covers and will deffinately be on the lookout for them.
Hi Phyllis! I love cowboys who are strong, rugged and confident and yet have a tender side that is well hidden. The covers on your anthologies are gorgeous! Thanks for the informative post about the Pinkertons. I really enjoyed it!
I like my long, tall Texan who was so into cowboys
that he wouldn’t answer as a child unless he was called “Roy”! (Rogers – LOL!) He grew up to be a
strong, supportive, always there when I needed him,
great husband, father and grandfather! A good man
of faith, loyal and trustworthy! BTW, I read and
enjoyed Give Me A Texan, which I won here @ P & P
courtesy of Ms. Linda Broday.
Pat Cochran
Hi Phyllis! Great post with lots of interesting facts!!
Well, I think most cowboys turn my head…but a Texas Ranger would definitely have me staring !!
I enjoy all cowboy story books and can’t wait to read yours!!!!
Not all cowboys live in the West. When I was fourteen we lived in a ghost town in south central Florida. Cowboys would ride their horses into town and tie them to the hitching rail in front of the saloon. (I kid you not!) I think I fell in love with cowboys way back then. Goodness, that was 56 years ago, and I still love to read a good book with a cowboy hero.
my mother was a pinkerton guard ,back when i was a teen
weird huh
Good morning to all of you night owls! I had a great time playing gin rummy. The ladies at Wildflower Juncition always treat me so nice, even fixin’ peach pie and iced tea.
Thanks, Za, an author always likes to hear their books are being reread. That’s the nice thing about anthologies, you can read one story, put the book down and start up again without feeling you’ve lost something along the way.
Robyn L, I also grew up watching Bonanza on TV. As a matter of fact, my aunt’s cousin was Dan Blocker, Hoss Cartwright. He hails from O’Donnell deep in cotton country outside Lubbock, Texas.
Dena and Connie, you are so right about Jesse James. About the time I did this research I watched a documentary on him on TV. It was very interesting because the outlaw, one of his own, who ended up killing him viewed James as his idol since childhood, and over and over was rejected by James, leaving him behind in the camp to tend horses and belittling him. He ended up shooting him. Dena, enjoy your Yorkie Jesse. Bet he’s a sweetheart.
Deborah, thanks for taking the time to say how much you like our covers, and glad you enjoyed the information on the Pinkertons and Jesse James. Strong, rugged and confident…the perfect cowboy!
Yep, Kathleen (that’s my oldest daughter’s name, and needless to say I love it!)there’s just something about a Texas Ranger that’ll make a woman swoon. Thanks for stopping by, and enjoy “Cowboy”. Phyliss
Hi Pat. Wasn’t Roy Rogers the perfect cowboy? I love your story about your own “Roy” who grew up to be such a faith and loyal, plus trustworthy man! That’s what it’s all about. Glad you won “Texan” through Linda, and send you good luck to win “Cowboy” this weekend. Thanks for saying how much you enjoyed our first anthology.
And, Ruby D, thanks for your comments. You are so right about not every cowboy comes from the West. With all the movies and books depicting cowboys of the Ol’ West, we really do forget there were ones from coast to coast. Wow, how cool to live in a ghost town.
Blackroze, man, you are a night owl…2:34 a.m.! I know you’re proud of your mama. How wonderful. They were such an interesting lot, and really plowed the ground for modern day law enforcement, particularly the FBI identification system. Thanks for commenting. Phyliss
Enjoyed the post today, very informative! Love a rugged cowboy with a nice pair of chaps.
I love cowboys whether they are the rough and tough badboy or the star carrying peacekeeper. Bring them my way!
Hi Teresa and Colleen, thanks for stopping by. Yelp love those rugged badboys or peacekeepers when they have a nice pair of chaps and a smile on!
Hi Phyliss,
Not being a history buff, I am way behind most of these entries, but found myself fascinated with your history of the Pinkertons. You’re not only a great romance writer, but have a special way with telling history stories. Thanks for the information, and “keep up the good work.”
Hi Phyliss! I’m a old history buff and I really enjoyed your post about the Pinkertons and the Jesse James gang. Fascinating information! Thank you very much for the great post!
Hi Molly, you’re too sweet, and I’m blushing at your nice comments. Glad you enjoyed the info on the Pinkerton’s, and I happen to know you’re a talented story teller yourself! Pan Z, isn’t history fun? I enjoyed history when I was in school, and if you missed my earlier post, I mentioned that I get so wrapped up on the research that I have to really hold back or I don’t get my story written. Thank you, ladies, for dropping by.
Love, P
Congrats to Anon1001! I’ll watch for your email, so I can send your your prize. Thanks everyone for stopping by and comments. I really enjoyed this weekend, and a special, special thank you to the founding fillies at Wildflower Junction for having such a great historical romance site for readers and writers. Until we meet again, love to all, Phyliss
Hi Phyliss! I loved your blog! It’s fascinating information. So glad you stopped by to spend time with us at Petticoats and Pistols!
I’ve ordered your book and can’t wait to read it! And my fellow Filly’s story, too!
That sure is a gorgeous cover. It’s hard to take your eyes off it. Thanks for blogging with us!
Thanks, Kate. Don’t know if you’ll check in here again or not since it’s Monday (LOL) but wanted to say another thank you to you and the ladies for doing such a great job with this web-site. I really appreciate the warm welcome I always receive. Hugs from Texas, Phyliss
Hi Phyliss–yup, I checked in again.
Glad you enjoyed your visit! We loved having you! Please come again!
lol well moms went on to nursing school then and became a lpn. so i guess you can say she never figured out what she wanted to be,lol
and i am insomiac , dont sleep at night, a few hours in the morning