This is a late in life image of a cattle thief and cowboy by the name of "Colonel" Ben Hodges. He was an African American but could have also had some American Indian blood as well. His history is abscure. The image was taken in Dodge City, Kansas after 1900. Few people realize that African American cowboys made up approximately 1/3 rd of the old west cowboy population. They were excellent cowboys and, sometimes, western outlaws to be respected and contended with.
