Rowdy Joe Lowe
Childhood
Born around 1845 in Illinois, little is documented about Lowe’s early years. Like many men of his era, he likely grew up in a frontier environment where survival often depended on quick wits and quicker reflexes. The Civil War may have influenced his later ventures, as many ex-soldiers turned to gambling and saloon-keeping in the post-war economy.
Career
After the Civil War, Lowe and his wife, Katherine ("Rowdy Kate"), moved to Kansas, where they established themselves in the saloon and brothel business. In 1871, they opened a tavern and brothel in Newton, Kansas. However, their stay was short-lived after a violent incident in 1872, when Kate fled to a rival brothel with an armed man. Lowe tracked them down and killed the man, forcing the couple to relocate to Wichita, Kansas.
In Delano, Kansas, they opened another saloon, which initially thrived. However, Lowe’s reputation for dishonesty in gambling dealings led to a decline in business. The final blow came on October 27, 1873, when Lowe shot and killed Edward "Red" Beard, a rival saloon owner, after Beard attacked one of Lowe’s employees.
Fleeing Kansas, the Lowes moved to Texas, where they occasionally associated with the Sam Bass gang. They continued drifting through various frontier towns, working in saloons and gambling halls until Lowe’s violent end in 1899.
Personal life
Lowe’s personal life was deeply intertwined with his business. His marriage to Rowdy Kate was tumultuous, marked by infidelity and violence. The couple’s partnership in saloons and brothels kept them in constant legal and social trouble, forcing them to move frequently.
Revenue
Lowe’s saloons and gambling operations were initially profitable, particularly in Delano, where his establishment attracted miners, cowboys, and drifters. However, accusations of cheating and violent behavior eventually drove away customers, leading to financial decline.
Interesting facts
Lowe was involved in at least two documented fatal shootings, including the killing of Red Beard.
Despite his reputation, Lowe was unarmed when he was killed in Denver in 1899.
An alternative account of his death, published in The Wichita City Eagle, claimed he was killed by Native Americans in 1874.
Legacy
Rowdy Joe Lowe remains a controversial figure of the Old West—neither a lawman nor an outlaw, but a gambler and businessman whose life was defined by violence and vice. His story reflects the lawlessness of frontier towns where gambling and saloons thrived outside the reach of formal justice.
Frequently asked Questions
No, Lowe was primarily a gambler and saloon owner. While he was involved in shootouts, he was not a professional gunfighter like Wild Bill Hickok or Doc Holliday.
The most accepted account states that Lowe was drunk in Denver’s Walrus Saloon in 1899 when he insulted a policeman, E.A. Kimmel, who shot and killed him. An alternative report claims he was killed by Native Americans in 1874, but this is likely a myth.
Historical accounts suggest Lowe was accused of dishonest gambling practices, which contributed to the decline of his businesses.
Kate was his wife and business partner, helping run their saloons and brothels. Their relationship was volatile, marked by infidelity and violence.
