In the tumultuous landscape of the American Old West, few figures were as central to one of its most legendary conflicts as John Harris Behan. Known widely as Johnny Behan, he served as the first Sheriff of Cochise County, Arizona, during the infamous gunfight at the O.K. Corral, a period that irrevocably linked his name with the controversial Earp brothers.
Born in Westport, Missouri (now part of Kansas City), Behan’s early life was marked by the westward expansion that defined the era. As a young man, he ventured to California, where he gained valuable frontier experience working as both a freighter and a miner. This initial exposure to the rugged realities of the West would prove instrumental in shaping his future career.
A Frontier Life: From Soldier to Arizona Pioneer
Behan’s commitment to the evolving American frontier was further cemented through his military service. He joined the California Column, participating in significant engagements such as the battle at Apache Pass near Fort Bowie, Arizona, on July 15, 1862. This period of service provided him with a deeper understanding of the challenges and conflicts inherent in settling the vast territories.
By 1863, John Harris Behan had firmly established himself in Arizona Territory. His professional life in Arizona began at Fort Lowell as a freighter, followed by a stint at the Cerro Colorado Mine in Pima County. These roles often placed him in remote, unpatrolled areas, where self-reliance and bravery were paramount. He later moved to the Prescott area, taking on various jobs before an incident along the Verde River underscored the dangers of frontier life. On February 28, 1866, Behan and five other men were attacked by indigenous groups but successfully fought them off, demonstrating his resilience and courage in the face of peril.
Rising Through the Ranks: Lawman and Legislator
Behan’s reputation as a brave and honest individual soon paved the way for a career in law enforcement. That same year, he became the undersheriff for John P. Bourke in Yavapai County, Arizona. This position allowed him to actively participate in civilian groups investigating Indian attacks, further solidifying his standing in the community.
In 1869, Johnny Behan married Victoria Zaff, and together they had two children. His personal life, however, took a turn in 1875 when the couple divorced. Professionally, his ascent continued; by 1871, he was appointed Sheriff of Yavapai County, a role he honorably held for two years. His dedication to public service extended beyond law enforcement, as evidenced by his election as the Prescott representative in the Seventh State Assembly in 1873. Following his divorce, Behan relocated to Mohave County, where he again served as a state assembly representative in 1879, demonstrating his consistent commitment to public office and his ability to adapt to new regions within the burgeoning territory.
Tombstone’s Turbulent Times: Sheriff of Cochise County
The discovery of rich silver veins in Tombstone, Arizona, drew fortune seekers and, inevitably, lawmen. John Harris Behan arrived in the burgeoning mining town, initially serving as a deputy under Sheriff Charles A. Shibell of Pima County in 1880. With the organization of Cochise County in 1881, which encompassed Tombstone, Behan was elected as its first sheriff, a pivotal role during one of the Old West’s most volatile periods. His deputies included notable figures such as Frank Stilwell, William Breakenridge, Harry Woods, W.I. Perry, Bill Soule, and H.L. Goodman, forming a formidable, albeit controversial, law enforcement contingent.
The Unavoidable Clash with the Earps
Almost immediately upon Behan’s ascension to Sheriff, a potent rivalry began to brew. Virgil Earp, newly appointed City Marshal of Tombstone, deputized his brothers Wyatt and Morgan, creating a powerful faction within the town’s law enforcement. The Earps quickly found themselves in direct opposition to the Clanton and McLaury families, known collectively as the “Cowboys,” whom Behan openly supported. This fundamental alignment placed Sheriff Behan squarely against the Earps, escalating tensions in a town already rife with conflict.
Further complicating their professional rivalry was a personal one: Behan had an interest in Josephine Sarah Marcus, who was concurrently becoming romantically involved with Wyatt Earp. This entanglement added a deeply personal layer to the already heated professional disagreements, making the conflict between Behan and the Earps a multifaceted struggle for power, justice, and personal affection.
The O.K. Corral and Its Grave Aftermath
The simmering animosity exploded on October 26, 1881, with the infamous Gunfight at the O.K. Corral. Following the tragic deaths of Billy Clanton, Tom McLaury, and Frank McLaury, John Harris Behan acted swiftly, arresting Virgil, Wyatt, and Morgan Earp, along with Doc Holliday, for murder. However, in a landmark decision, the judge presiding over the preliminary hearing ruled that the Earps and Holliday had been justified in their actions, deeming the killings a necessary act of self-defense during their attempt to disarm the Cowboys.
The Decline of a Lawman
Behan’s reputation took a significant hit in the aftermath of the O.K. Corral. The Earp Vendetta Ride in September 1882, where Wyatt Earp retaliated against those he held responsible for his brothers’ deaths, further fueled public unrest. Compounding his woes, Behan feuded with his own deputy, William Breakenridge, which contributed to his growing unpopularity among Cochise County citizens. More damaging were investigations that revealed an inexplicable $5,000 banked during his tenure as sheriff, the source of which remained a mystery. This financial irregularity, coupled with general public criticism, severely damaged his credibility.
Ultimately, the public’s dissatisfaction was reflected in the political arena. Behan received the lowest number of votes for possible sheriff nominees within his own party, an unprecedented outcome for a seated sheriff. Losing the nomination, he was forced out of office in November 1882, effectively ending his career as a peace officer. He would never again wear a badge.
Later Years and Enduring Legacy
Though his career as a lawman concluded in Cochise County, Behan continued to hold various public service roles. In 1888, he became the Deputy Superintendent of the Territorial State Prison at Yuma. This appointment prompted former Tombstone resident and writer George Parsons to famously quip that Behan was now on the wrong side of the bars, a comment reflecting the lingering controversies of his past. Later, he served as a U.S. agent in El Paso, Texas, where he was tasked with controlling smuggling activities along the border, a testament to his continued employment in roles requiring authority and vigilance.
John Harris Behan passed away from Bright’s Disease in Tucson on June 7, 1912. He was buried at a now-lost site within Tucson’s Holy Hope Cemetery. His life, a mosaic of frontier challenges, political maneuvering, and law enforcement duties, remains an integral part of the Old West narrative. Though often overshadowed by his antagonists, Behan’s story offers a crucial perspective on the complex, often contradictory, nature of justice and authority in a rapidly developing America.
