Note: Project Gutenberg also has an HTML version of this file which includes the original illustrations. See 44282-h.htm or 44282-h.zip: (http://www.gutenberg.org/files/44282/44282-h/44282-h.htm) or (http://www.gutenberg.org/files/44282/44282-h.zip) Images of the original pages are available through Internet Archive. See https://archive.org/details/lifeadventuresof00hoga THE LIFE AND ADVENTURES OF BEN HOGAN [Illustration: _BEN HOGAN._] THE LIFE AND ADVENTURES OF BEN HOGAN, THE WICKEDEST MAN IN THE WORLD. Containing a Full Account of His Thrilling and Remarkable Experiences, Together with a Complete Report of His Triumphs in the Prize Ring, and His Career in the Oil Regions, in The Far West, and on the Sea. Illustrated with over Twenty Engravings. Written, Under Mr. Hogan's Immediate Supervision, by GEORGE FRANCIS TRAINER. Copyright, 1878, by Ben Hogan. PREFACE. The writer of these pages desires it understood that he has acted simply in the capacity of an amanuensis for Mr. Ben Hogan. The statements, opinions, incidents, revelations and views are all the latter gentleman's. It should be further explained that Mr. Hogan, and no one else, is responsible alike for the contents and publication of this volume. This explicit statement is called forth by a sense of justice; for the writer himself would be very loath to lay claim to any of the brilliancy, wit, or delicacy in the choice of subjects which may be found in this book. The honor of all these belongs exclusively to Mr. Hogan. GEORGE FRANCIS TRAINER. CONTENTS. CHAPTER I. Early Life--Arrival in America--How he Avenged the Robbery of his Father--Mysterious Disappearance of the Old Jew--In the House of Refuge--Seafaring Life--Beginning of his Boxing Career 17 CHAPTER II. A Remarkable Game of Poker, and What Came of it--Ben as a Pirate--Fast Life in New York--How he gave a Combination Show in Oswego 29 CHAPTER III. A Southern Trip--Experiences in New Orleans and Mobile-- Three Men Put Under the Sod by Ben's Bullets 39 CHAPTER IV. Ben as a Spy in both the Union and Confederate Armies--The Buried Treasure--How he Fooled the Captain--At Port Royal and Newbern--Bounty-Jumping 45 CHAPTER V. Ben in Canada--He goes West again--Adventures in Cincinnati, Nashville, and Louisville--How he Sold the Colored Troops--Sets out for the Oil Regions 54 CHAPTER VI. First Appearance in the Oil Country--Dance House in Pitthole--French Kate--Babylon House--Fight with Bob Donnelly--His Explanation in Court of the Character of his House 62 CHAPTER VII.