Delve into the vibrant and often violent past of Tombstone, Arizona, through a curated collection of historical texts and newspaper reports from its formative years. These firsthand accounts paint a vivid picture of the legendary Old West town, offering unique insights into the lives of its famous and infamous residents.
This compilation covers pivotal events, from the shootouts that defined the era to the political maneuverings and daily struggles of a booming frontier settlement. Spelling errors and minor grammatical inconsistencies from the original sources have been corrected for readability, preserving the essence of these invaluable historical records.
Early Incidents and Noteworthy Figures
John Ringo’s Early Antics
On December 14, 1879, the Arizona Daily Star reported a shooting incident in Safford involving the notorious John Ringo. Ringo, seemingly intent on compelling Louis Hancock to drink whiskey over beer, struck him with a pistol before firing, with the bullet grazing Hancock’s neck. The report concluded with a wry moral: “when you drink with a man that is on a shoot, and he says ‘whiskey,’ don’t you say ‘beer.’”
A Fatal Garment: The Waters-Bradshaw Killing
The Tombstone Epitaph on July 25, 1880, detailed a tragic gunfight on Allen Street that led to the death of T.J. Waters at the hands of E.L. Bradshaw. Waters, a robust man in his 40s known for his volatile temper when intoxicated, had won considerable money and was heavily drinking. Bradshaw, a reserved friend over 50, shared a past with Waters, including prospecting and even lodging together. The incident began over Waters’s new blue and black plaid shirt. After repeated good-natured remarks throughout the day, Waters became irritated and abusive, striking Bradshaw unconscious after he made a pleasant comment about the shirt. Upon recovering, Bradshaw retrieved his pistol and confronted Waters, firing four fatal shots that quickly ended Waters’s life. Bradshaw was promptly arrested, facing examination before Justice Gray.
The Rise of the Earps in Tombstone
Wyatt Earp’s Appointment
The Tombstone Epitaph announced on July 29, 1880, the commendable appointment of Wyatt Earp as Deputy Sheriff by Sheriff Shibell. Citizens generally congratulated the move, recognizing Earp’s bravery and determination in various prior positions. At the time, Earp served as a shotgun messenger for Wells, Fargo & Co., a position he was expected to resign to assume his new duties.
Morgan Earp’s New Role
Following Wyatt’s appointment, the Tombstone Epitaph reported on the same day, July 29, 1880, that Morgan Earp would succeed his brother Wyatt as the shotgun messenger for Wells, Fargo & Co., highlighting the family’s growing presence in law enforcement and security roles within the region.
Tombstone’s Economic Landscape and Outlaw Activity
Ike Clanton and Mining Prospects
On August 6, 1880, the Tombstone Epitaph relayed news from Mr. I. Clanton, who arrived in Tombstone from New Mexico. Clanton reported a rapid influx of emigrants from Colorado, Texas, and Kansas into the territory. He also shared promising news about the Victorio District mines and the newly opened San Simon camp, located about 80 miles east of Tombstone, where leads averaged 125 ounces to the ton. Clanton also brought 50 head of cattle for the Tombstone market and mentioned rumors of a portion of Victorio’s band returning to New Mexico’s Black Range.
Doc Holliday’s Infamous Encounter
The Tombstone Nugget on October 12, 1880, chronicled an altercation in the Oriental Saloon between John Tyler and Doc Holliday. After being disarmed and forcibly removed, Holliday returned with a self-cocker pistol, firing shots that wounded Joyce in the hand and his partner Mr. Parker in the toe. Holliday himself sustained a blow to the head from Joyce’s pistol. The report also mentioned Wyatt Earp’s aspirations for sheriff of Cochise County, noting his strong political standing and the lucrative nature of the office.
The Killing of Marshal Fred White: A Pivotal Event
The Incident Unfolds
On October 28, 1880, the Tombstone Epitaph reported a late-night shooting on Allen Street where a group of
