Sonoma County’s forgotten outlaws: The rise and fall of the Houx Gang

During the early 1870s in Sonoma County, before vineyards dominated the landscape, a group of local farm boys pursued criminal fortune. Unlike legendary gunslingers, these men were inexperienced—reckless and destined to fail. History identifies them as the Houx Gang.

John Houx, a Cloverdale farmer with substantial ambition but questionable judgment, commanded the operation. His associates included Lodi Brown from Missouri; a large man nicknamed “Big Foot” Andrews; and a thin local called “Rattle Jack.” Their scheme involved robbing Wells Fargo stagecoaches transporting cash-filled express boxes.

The gang initiated modest robberies under darkness, relying on surprise and community disbelief. This approach succeeded temporarily, but increased boldness bred mistakes and accelerated law enforcement response.

Wells Fargo and local deputies William Reynolds and his brother John intensified pursuit efforts with shotguns and determination.

Billy Curtis, a local with gambler’s charm, became crucial. Authorities recruited him as an informant. He infiltrated the gang, participated in a robbery yielding $925, then strategically placed $740 where authorities recovered it.

Within 24 hours, all five gang members faced arrest at the Santa Rosa jail, ending their brief outlaw period.

Houx betrayed his accomplices to authorities. Lodi Brown and Big Foot Andrews received 30-year San Quentin sentences. John Brown got three years. Houx was released but later arrested elsewhere and disappeared from records.

Big Foot died from stabbing in San Quentin. Lodi Brown eventually received a pardon but faced permanent banishment from California.