Turk Hayes

Turk Hayes is a wealthy cattle baron in Saldonia. He got involved in the cattle business in 1529 and became one of the first to send his herds to the northern parts of Delcova Territory. He obtained land along the Perdido River by right of occupancy and eventually became the owner of a large ranch near Fort Colton, with over 100,000 head of cattle.
In the summer of 1551, Hayes was accused by nearly all of the smaller ranchers in the area of monopolizing the prime grazing ranges around Suicide Bluff, and even absorbing their smaller herds into his. He in turn charged that the other ranchers were rustling from him. A range war began. Hayes was a business associate of Samuel Woods, a principal figure in the range war. With money, advice, and influence behind the scenes, he played a role in the dispute between the opposing factions of cattle farmers and business owners. When Ricky Mills took office as Governor of the Delcova Territory in 1553, he proclaimed an amnesty for all those involved in the bitter feud. However, after Lucy Coleman surrendered to the authorities, she was told she would be charged with the killing of Sheriff Kyle Cotton.
Coleman escaped from custody and went to see Hayes. Coleman believed she was owed money, but Hayes refused to pay, claiming that he had given Coleman horses, supplies, and protection over the years in lieu of payment. Coleman responded by promising to steal enough cattle to make up this sum. Coleman's gang also stole from other cattlemen and became a serious problem in Suicide Bluff.
In 1555 Hayes was involved in getting Deanna Green elected as sheriff of Suicide Bluff. Green immediately attempted to deal with the problems being caused by Coleman. Near the end of 1555, Green shot dead two of Hot Lou's gang, Slow Pete Wills and Dirty Jake Hudson. Soon afterwards Coleman, Nancy Blackthorne and Joe Kane were captured by Green.
Category:Inhabitants
Category:Cattle Barons
Category:Men
Category:Born in 1499
Category:Inhabitants of Suicide Bluff
Category:Inhabitants of Delcova Territory
Category:Inhabitants of Saldonia