The Man Who Died Twice

The namesake of Julesburg, Colorado, Jules "Reni" was actually Jules "Beni" (d.1861); his name has also been reported as "Berg" and "Burg." One story about his death is that Joseph Albert "Jack" Slade (1831-1864) captured him, tied him to a post, and shot him (for target practice) until he died on the 23rd shot. Another story is that two of Slade's men brought him to Slade (either dead or alive), and then tied him to a post. Most stories end with Slade cutting off Beni's ears and keeping them as souvenirs. Jack Slade has been described variously as an educated gentleman to a murderous desperado. At only 5'8", Slade had been a rider for the Pony Express (3 Apr1860-24 Oct 1861).