Bill Longley
(October 6, 1851 - October 11, 1878)
Bill Longley's life is best summarized by the historical marker that identifies his grave.
Texas outlaw Bill Longley was from a respectable family, but his hot temper, his fondness for liquor, and unsettled conditions during reconstruction led him to become one of the most daring gunslingers of his day. He is said to have killed 32 persons before his capture in 1877. Before Longley died, he repented and urged others to avoid his example. His grave was once outside the cemetery bounds.
The Galveston Daily News on October 12, 1878 described the hanging.
The black cap was drawn, the rope adjusted, the words "All ready" given and at 2:37 the drop fell. The body fell eight feet, as was intended. The rope slipped on the beam , and the body continued until the feet touched the earth, when Sheriff Brown and an aid caught and raised it up and refastened it, leaving the body properly suspended. Two moans escaped the lips, the arms and feet were raised three times, and after hanging eleven and one half minutes life was pronounced extinct.......
Bill Longley is buried in the Giddings Cemetery west of Giddings Texas on the south side of U.S 290.
Gravesite Map
Information compiled by Steve Grimm
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