Is William Buttles, actually Soapy Smith in 1891?

William Buttles, alias Soapy Smith
The Gazette
Cedar Rapids, Iowa
Jan 21, 1891

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illiam Buttles, alias Soapy Smith?

Is "William Buttles" an alias name Soapy used in Iowa in 1891? Or is this just an assumption by an over-imaginative newspaper reporter that the confidence man, William Buttles, is the infamous Soapy Smith?

 

First the cons: Why this is probably not Soapy.

 

1. Once Soapy succeeded with using soap in the standard prize package selling racket, he is not known to have used any other alternative, of which there were numerous (candy, candles, pens, etc.) examples. In fact, Soapy is reported in newspaper using "soap" for sixteen years, from 1881-1897. While always possible, it doesn't seem the norm for Soapy to use candy instead of his sure-fire soap cakes.
   

 

Now the pros: Why this may be Soapy.

 

1. This occurred in 1891, and it is known that Soapy went under a fictional name as late as 1896.
2. Though Soapy primarily used soap in his prize package selling racket, it is possible that he could not resupply his cache of soap and resorted to candy, which was a very common alternative and the trick is identical.
3. It is known that Denver was going through reform movements that started in 1890 and carried on through the first part of 1892. These reforms included higher fees, Sunday closings and the end of gambling. During this time Soapy was indeed scouting the west for a potential new base of operations, all depending on if the reformers in Denver could be defeated or not.
4. During the city elections of 1891 Soapy's name is not listed in the newspapers. He is listed in most of the previous and post-elections up until 1896, but not for the election of 1891. That is possibly a clue that he was not in Denver at the time. Soapy is not listed inside Denver city limits until April 17, 1891 when he is fined $10 for an assault charge.  
   

 

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