[1] Although Sam Carey is mentioned often in recorded exploits of the gangs operating out of the Hole-in-the-Wall pass, located in Johnson County, Wyoming, very little is known about him.
In addition to his work, authors James D. Horan and Paul Sann mentioned Laughing Sam Carey in their book, Pictorial History of the Wild West.
In a New York World article, dated March 15, 1903, Carey is mentioned as being one of the most celebrated inhabitants of the Hole-in-the-Wall hideout, and is described as Wyoming's most dangerous desperado.
As a boy, it is believed that Carey acted as a messenger and camp servant to Butch Cassidy and his gang.
In the 1923 book History of Natrona County Wyoming, the short-lived career of the Chenoworth Gang was documented.