The death of which famous western gunman was the inspiration for the Dead Man's Hand in the game of poker?

James Butler Hickok, better known as Wild Bill Hickok, is a folk hero of the old west. Hickok was born May of 1837, in Illinois. Bill headed west at the age of 18 and began his career as a stage coach driver, and later a lawman. During the Civil War Bill fought for, and spied for the Union Army. After the war he became known as a scout, a marksman, an actor, and a professional gambler.

In 1876 Hickok was shot from behind as he sat in a saloon playing poker. The card hand he was holding when shot, was black aces and eights. This card combination has been known as the Dead Man's Hand, ever since Hickok's death.

Hickok was shot by Jack McCall, an unsuccessful gambler in the town of Deadwood in the Dakota territory. McCall claimed that Hickok had killed his brother, which turned out to be a lie. McCall was later found guilty and hung for the murder of Hickok.