Customer Reviews

"Buckskin Frank" Leslie

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'Buckskin Frank'Leslie was a colorful character who worked both sides of the law during the early Tombstone period. He operated a saloon, ran a large ranch, acted as a Indian scout, and worked mining claims. He also killed Mike Kileen over the affections of a woman. Known by the Earps, Leslie had a unique time in the Southwest including prison. Chaput provides the most complete study of the Leslie to date. Well worth the time for this interesting character.

One of the more respected writers in the field, Chuck Parsons, Editor of the National Association For Outlaw And Lawman History, was quoted in the Cow Country Courier(May 6, 1999): "His name is commonplace among Western buffs-Nashville Franklin Leslie, best known as 'Buckskin Frank.' Prior to Don Chaput's efforts he was a myserious figure who had his moment of glory during the Earp days of Tombstone and then started on the road downhill. Thanks to the serious research of Chaput, author of several books dealing with Arizona characters, what can be verified about this historic figure is now available."

This is as close to a non-biography one can get. It is the first bio. I have ever read in which the author fails to disclose the date and place of the birth or death of the person being covered, espec puzzling SINCE this info is readily available. Frank Leslie lived 97 years but the author kills him off prematurely and then only covers about 20 years of his life. Book is a re-hash of Phil Rasch & Colin Rickards, whose name the author mangles to "Richards." Books also uses research from another un-named researcher who is not credited or mentioned. The only known photo of Leslie is credited to the author who is not that old. CREDIT belongs to the Florence (AZ) Historical society which saved the Yuma Penitentiary books from whence the Photograph was extracted. Very little new. Sad! Leslie was a fascinating characer from Old Tombstone. Hopefully someone else will take up the task of "Who Was Buckskin Frank Leslie?" This writer and books fails miserably and dishonorably to boot.It is as close to plaigarism and theft as a biographer can get. The publisher certainly bears part of the blame!