Buckey O'Neill

Born: February 2, 1860, Saint Louis, Missouri
Died: July 1, 1898 (age 38), near Santiago, Cuba

William Owen O'Neill, known as Buckey O'Neill, was a American soldier, sheriff, newspaper editor, miner, politician, gambler and lawyer, mainly in Arizona.

What do you know about Buckey O'Neill? Try this Old West Legends Quick Quiz.

1. During the Civil War, his father, John, served as a captain in the 116th Pennsylvania Volunteers of the Irish Brigade, and was severely wounded at the Battle of Fredericksburg.

• Fact or Myth?

2. In 1880, he arrived in Tombstone, Arizona. He became a reporter for what newspaper?

3. Upon arriving in Prescott, Arizona, he started as a court reporter. He soon founded his own newspaper, a paper for the livestock industry. What was the name of the newspaper?

4. He became captain of the Prescott Grays in 1886, the local unit of the Arizona Militia. On February 5, 1886, Dennis Dilda, a convicted murderer, was hanged. O'Neill and the Prescott Grays stood honor guard for the event. When the trap dropped, O'Neill fainted, which caused him severe embarrassment.

• Fact or Myth?

5. When did he marry Pauline Schindler?

• April 1885
• April 1887
• April 1889

6. In 1888, he was elected county sheriff, running on the Republican ticket. What county position did he hold at the time of election?

• Yavapai County court reporter
• Yavapai County commissioner
• Yavapai County judge

7. After his term was up, O'Neill was elected unanimously to what office?

• Mayor of Prescott
• Yavapai County Attorney General
• Governor of Arizona

8. In 1898, war broke out between the United States and Spain. O'Neill joined the Rough Riders and became Captain of Troop A. On , When did the Rough Riders see their first action?

• May 25, 1898
• June 25, 1898
• July 25, 1898

9. The Battle of San Juan Hill (July 1, 1898) was the bloodiest and most famous battle of the Spanish-American War. It was also one of the greatest victories for the Rough Riders. Where was O'Neill killed in action?

• "Hell's Pocket"
• Kettle Hill
• San Juan Hill

10. Where is Buckey O'Neill buried?

• Mountain View Cemetery, Prescott, Arizona
• Prescott National Cemetery, Prescott, Arizona
• Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, Virginia

Buckey O'Neill Answers

1. Fact
2. Tombstone Epitaph
3. Hoof and Horn
4. Fact
5. April 1887
6. Yavapai County judge
7. Mayor of Prescott
8. June 25, 1898
9. Kettle Hill
10. Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, Virginia
    Plot: Section 1, Lot 294

Page 1 of 1