2021 Daily Photos

March 27, 2021 -- Pistol Pete

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Frank Boardman "Pistol Pete" Eaton (October 26, 1860 – April 8, 1958) was a scout, Indian fighter, lawman and cowboy from Perkins, Oklahoma and was the real-life inspiration for the Oklahoma State University Cowboy mascot, Pistol Pete. This larger-than-life statue of Pistol Pete (Frank Eaton) stands in Perkins, Oklahoma.

During his lifetime, Eaton served as a deputy sheriff, sheriff and Marshall. At age twenty-nine, he joined the land rush to Oklahoma Territory. He settled southwest of Perkins, Oklahoma where he served as sheriff and later became a blacksmith. He was married twice, had nine children, 31 grandchildren, and lived to see three great-great-grandchildren. He died on April 8, 1958 at the age of 97.

Frank Eaton lived the life of a true cowboy. He usually carried a loaded .45 Colt and often said "I'd rather have a pocket full of rocks than an empty gun." He was also known to throw a coin in the air, draw and shoot it before it hit the ground. The common saying in the mid-western United States, "hotter than Pete's pistol," traces back to Eaton's shooting skills, along with his legendary pursuit of his father's killers.

More about this Oklahoma Legend here -- https://www.legendsofamerica.com/law-frankeaton/

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