Sam Bass

Born: July 21, 1851 in Mitchell, Indiana
Died: July 21, 1878 (age 27) Round Rock, Texas

Sam Bass was a nineteenth-century train robber and Old West icon.

What do you know about Sam Bass? Try this US Old West History Made Easy Quiz. "Check Your Answers" at the end of the page.

1. How old was Bass when he became an orphan?

6 years old
10 years old
13 years old

2. When did he move to Denton, Texas?

1861
1865
1871

3. After failing at a series of legitimate enterprises, Bass turned to crime. Bass formed a gang and robbed the Union Pacific gold train from San Francisco. What was the date of the robbery?

September 8, 1877
September 18, 1877
September 28, 1877

4. In 1878, they held up two stagecoaches and four trains within twenty-five miles of Dallas and became the object of a manhunt by Pinkerton Agents and by a special company of the Texas Rangers headed by Captain Junius Peak.

True or False?

5. Bass was able to elude the Rangers until a member of his gang turned informant. Who was the gang member?

Jim Murphy
John Wesley Hardin
Dave Rudabaugh

6. Texas Ranger Captain John B. Jones was informed of Bass's movements, and set up an ambush at Round Rock, Texas. What were they going to rob in Round Rock , Texas?

Texas and New Mexico Railroad
Cummings Overland Stage
Williamson County Bank

7. On July 21, 1878, Bass and his gang were scouting the area before the robbery. When they bought some tobacco at a store, they were noticed by Deputy Sheriff A. W. Grimes. When Grimes approached the men to request that they surrender their sidearms, he was shot and killed.

True or False?

8. As he attempted to flee, Bass was shot. Who shot Sam Bass?

Ranger George Herold
Ranger George Rogers
Ranger George Autry

9. Where is Bass's original headstone kept?

Round Rock Texas Ranger Office
Webster County Courthouse
Round Rock Public Library

10. Where is Sam Bass buried?

Woodlawn Cemetery, Fairmont, West Virginia
Round Rock Cemetery, Round Rock, Texas
Queen of Heaven Cemetery, Hillside, Illinois

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