There are some Western stories I really like – the (original) Magnificent Seven, Bonanza, the Lone Ranger, and the Rawhide Kid. I never read much of The Kid Cowboys of Boy's Ranch, featuring Clay Duncan. But in all the Westerns I have read or movies I’ve seen that I do like honesty plays an important role for the heroic Cowboy. The thing I also liked about my beloved Cowboys they were accepting of all people.

Truthful Men

“Truthful men do not resort to treachery!” - Clay Duncan*

After his parents were killed by bandits, Clay Duncan was raised by a traveling tribe of Apaches. The Chief, Running Bear adopted Clay Duncan. When Clay reached manhood he left the tribe and joined frontiersman, Miles Freeman. Soon Clay became one of the greatest Indian Scouts of the west. Eventually Clay would team up with a group of misfits Wabash, Wee Willie Weehawken, Angel, Happy Boy, Dandy and Palomino Sue. Clay Duncan became a spokesman for both the Native Americans and the White Man. One thing Clay Duncan had that made this possible was his ability to be honest and to see both sides.

“Truthful men do not resort to treachery,” Ok finish your coffee, get to work and start your day. If we are being honest with each other there is no reason to be manipulative. Whenever we have an issue somewhere someone is NOT being honest. Most of the time dishonesty comes from fear – the fear of “losing”, not getting what we “deserve” or not being “liked”. The easier thing to do is be honest. It is always more difficult to manipulate and plan and keep all the dishonest actions straight. Just remember, “Truthful men do not resort to treachery!”

Clay Duncan
First Appearance: The Kid Cowboys of Boy's Ranch, #1-6, (Oct. 1950 – Aug. 1951), Harvey Comics

Creators: Joe Simon (writer) and Jack Kirby (art)

Other Artists: Mort Meskin, Marvin Stein

*”Apache Justice!” The Kid Cowboys of Boys’ Ranch #2, December 1950