Borderlander
Subtitle: the life of James Kirker, 1793-1852
By: Ralph Adam Smith.
Publisher: University of Oklahoma Press
Published: 1999
Place of publication: Norman
Language: eng
Number of pages: 326
Subjects: Kirker, James, 1793-1852 or 3; Pioneers -- Southwest, New -- Biography; Border patrols -- Southwest, New -- Biography; Frontier and pioneer life -- Southwest, New; Indians of North America -- Southwest, New -- Wars; Indians of North America -- Wars -- 1815-1875; Mexican-American Border Region -- History -- 19th century; United States -- Relations -- Mexico; Mexico -- Relations -- United States; Southwest, New -- History -- To 1848
Genres: Biography.
Description: "James Kirker, "Indian fighter," is among the most infamous characters of the American West. In his exhaustively researched biography, Ralph Adam Smith explores the controversy surrounding the life of this frontier figure." "Kirker emigrated from Ireland to New York City in 1810.".

"When Apache and Comanche Indians from the United States began raiding frequently in northern Mexico, the Mexican government, in desperation, turned to bounty warfare, signing five contracts with "Don Santiago" Kirker to defend the borderland region. He became known throughout the West for his "effective and inexpensive" methods of killing Indians.".

"Since the 1920s, American historians have presented Kirker only in the worst of terms. Smith, however, demonstrates that Kirker's white contemporaries judged him a hero. At a time when evolving politics led to new methods of warfare - when desperate people resorted to desperate measures - his deeds earned him a reputation for bravery and good citizenship." "Whether Kirker is judged a villain or a hero, or merely a scoundrel, his colorful life reflected the turbulence of his times."--BOOK JACKET.
Notes: Includes bibliographical references (p. 303-317) and index.