Category: Destination4x4

Newton Jasper Earp

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Early Life and Family

Newton Jasper Earp was born on October 7, 1837, in Ohio County, Kentucky, to Nicholas Porter Earp and his first wife, Abigail Storm. As the eldest child of the Earp family, Newton’s early life was marked by tragedy; his mother died on October 8, 1839, shortly after giving birth to his sister, Mariah Ann, who also passed away two months later. Following Abigail’s death, Nicholas married Virginia Ann Cooksey in 1840, and their union produced Newton’s half-siblings, including James, Virgil, Wyatt, Morgan, and Warren Earp, who would later become iconic figures of the American Old West. Newton remained particularly close to his half-brothers James and Virgil, naming two of his sons after them.

Civil War Service

With the outbreak of the Civil War in 1861, Newton, along with his half-brothers James and Virgil, enlisted in the Union Army on November 11, 1861. He served with Company F of the Fourth Cavalry, Iowa Volunteers, demonstrating steadfast commitment through several battles in the eastern theater. Newton rose through the ranks, achieving the position of fourth corporal by January 1, 1865, and mustered out of the army on June 26, 1865, in Louisville, Kentucky. Unlike James, who was wounded early in the war and returned home, Newton and Virgil served the entirety of the conflict.

Post-War Life and Marriage

After the war, Newton married Nancy Jane “Jennie” Adam on September 12, 1865, in Marion County, Missouri. The couple joined Nicholas and other Earp family members in San Bernardino, California, where Newton briefly worked as a saloon manager. By 1868, they returned to the Midwest, settling in Lamar, Missouri, where Newton took up farming. Over the years, Newton and Jennie had five children: Effie May (born 1870), Wyatt Clyde (born 1872), Mary Elizabeth (born 1875, died 1885), Alice Abigail (born 1878), and Virgil Edwin (born 1879). Newton named his sons Wyatt and Virgil after his half-brothers, reflecting their close familial bonds.

In 1870, Newton ran against his half-brother Wyatt for the position of constable in Lamar, Missouri, in a contest that may have been an attempt to keep the role within the family. Wyatt won with 137 votes to Newton’s 108, though their father, Nicholas, lost a concurrent election for justice of the peace. This episode highlights the Earp family’s engagement in local civic life, even as they navigated internal rivalries.

Migration and Career

Newton’s life was characterized by frequent relocations, reflective of the restless spirit of the American frontier. In 1871, he moved his family to Sterling, Rice County, Kansas, where he continued farming and became a pioneer settler. By 1873, he was reportedly hunting buffalo near Peace, Kansas. In the early 1880s, Newton settled in Garden City, Kansas, where he was appointed the town’s first city marshal on January 13, 1883, serving until his resignation on August 6 of the same year. This brief stint in law enforcement aligns with the Earp family’s broader association with peacekeeping roles, though Newton never pursued it as extensively as his half-brothers Wyatt, Virgil, and Morgan.

Newton’s travels took him to Wyoming and Nevada, likely residing in towns such as Casper and Paradise, before he returned to California. Following Jennie’s death on March 29, 1898, in Paradise Hill, Nevada, Newton settled in northern California and northwestern Nevada, where he worked as a carpenter, building homes. Unlike his more famous half-brothers, Newton avoided the high-stakes world of law enforcement and gunfights, opting instead for a quieter life focused on family and manual labor.

Later Years and Legacy

Newton Jasper Earp lived a long life, passing away at the age of 91 on December 18, 1928, in Sacramento, California. He was laid to rest at East Lawn Memorial Park. Of his siblings, only Wyatt and Adelia outlived him, with Wyatt dying just a month later on January 13, 1929. Newton’s life, while less documented than those of his half-brothers, offers a lens into the broader Earp family narrative, one rooted in resilience, adaptability, and familial loyalty.

Though overshadowed by the legendary exploits of Wyatt, Virgil, and Morgan—most notably their involvement in the 1881 Gunfight at the O.K. Corral—Newton’s contributions as a soldier, farmer, marshal, and carpenter reflect the diverse roles required to build and sustain communities in the American West. His story underscores the less glamorous but equally vital experiences of countless pioneers who shaped the frontier.

Earp Family

James Cooksey Earp ( June 28, 1841 - January 25, 1926 )

James Cooksey Earp

James Cooksey Earp ( June 28, 1841 - January 25, 1926 ) James Cooksey Earp ( June 28, 1841 - January 25, 1926 ) was…
Morgan Earp historical photo, 1881. Probably taken by C.S. Fly.

Morgan Seth Earp

Morgan Seth Earp, born on April 24, 1851, in Pella, Iowa, was a notable figure of the American Old West, primarily recognized for his association…
Virgil Earp 1843 -1905

Virgil Walter Earp

Virgil Walter Earp ( July 18, 1843 – October 19, 1905) was born in Lincoln County, Kentucky, was a prominent lawman and frontier figure known for his…
Warren Baster Earp ( March 9, 1855 - July 6, 1900 )

Warren Baxter Earp

Warren Baxter Earp ( March 9, 1855 - July 6, 1900 ), the youngest of the Earp brothers, was born into a family that would…
Wyatt Berry Stapp Earp - Aged 39

Wyatt Berry Stapp Earp

Wyatt Berry Stapp Earp (March 19, 1848 – January 13, 1929) was an American lawman and gambler who became a legendary figure of the Old…

The Gunfight at the O K Corral

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The Gunfight at the O K Corral, one of the most iconic events in American Old West history, occurred on October 26, 1881, in Tombstone, Arizona Territory. This brief but deadly confrontation, lasting approximately 30 seconds, pitted lawmen against a loosely organized group of outlaws known as the “Cowboys.” The shootout resulted in three deaths and several injuries, cementing its place in popular culture as a symbol of frontier justice and lawlessness. This report examines the background, events, aftermath, and historical significance of the gunfight, providing a detailed account as of March 12, 2025.

Historical Background

Wyatt Earp - 1869
Wyatt Earp – 1869

Tombstone, founded in 1877 after prospector Ed Schieffelin discovered silver in the Goose Flats area, rapidly grew into a bustling mining town. By 1881, it boasted a population of around 7,000–10,000, fueled by the riches of the Tough Nut Mine and others in the San Pedro Valley. The town’s prosperity attracted a mix of miners, merchants, and a rough element of cattle rustlers and outlaws, including the Cowboys—a gang of about 50–100 men involved in smuggling, rustling, and robbery across the U.S.-Mexico border.

Tensions in Tombstone were exacerbated by political and economic rivalries. The Earp brothers—Virgil, Wyatt, Morgan, and James—arrived in 1879–1880, seeking opportunities in the booming town. Virgil became Tombstone’s city marshal in June 1881, while Wyatt, a former lawman and gambler, served as a deputy sheriff for Pima County and later worked for Wells Fargo. They were aligned with Tombstone’s business elite and Republican interests, often clashing with the Cowboys, who were tied to rural ranchers and Democratic factions.

The Cowboys, including figures like Ike and Billy Clanton, Tom and Frank McLaury, Billy Claiborne, and Johnny Ringo, were notorious for their lawless activities. By mid-1881, their confrontations with the Earps escalated. A key incident occurred on October 25, 1881, when Ike Clanton, drunk and armed despite a town ordinance banning firearms, threatened the Earps and their friend, John H. “Doc” Holliday, a dentist-turned-gambler with a volatile reputation. Virgil arrested Ike, pistol-whipping him, and fined him $27.50, further inflaming tensions.

The Gunfight

The Arizona Historical Newspaper, the Tombstone Epitaph announces the gunfight at the O K Coral.
The Arizona Historical Newspaper, the Tombstone Epitaph announces the gunfight at the O K Coral.

On the morning of October 26, 1881, the Cowboys gathered near the O.K. Corral, a livery and horse stable owned by John Montgomery, located on Fremont Street between Third and Fourth Streets. Reports indicated they were armed and possibly planning to leave town or confront the Earps. Virgil, as marshal, decided to disarm them to enforce the no-weapons ordinance, enlisting Wyatt, Morgan, and Doc Holliday (temporarily deputized) to assist.

Around 2:30 p.m., the four lawmen approached the Cowboys—Tom and Frank McLaury, Ike and Billy Clanton, and Billy Claiborne—in a narrow lot west of the O.K. Corral’s rear entrance, adjacent to Fly’s Photography Studio. The exact sequence of events remains disputed, with conflicting testimonies from survivors and witnesses. According to most accounts, Virgil demanded the Cowboys surrender their weapons, shouting, “Throw up your hands; I want your guns!” What followed was a chaotic exchange of gunfire.

Wyatt later claimed the Cowboys drew first, with Frank McLaury and Billy Clanton firing simultaneously. Virgil testified that he fired only after being shot at. Ike Clanton and Billy Claiborne fled early in the fight, leaving the McLaury brothers and Billy Clanton to face the lawmen. The shootout involved an estimated 30 shots fired in 30 seconds. Tom McLaury was killed by a shotgun blast, likely from Holliday, who wielded a double-barreled coach gun. Frank McLaury and Billy Clanton, despite being wounded, exchanged fire with the Earps and Holliday before succumbing to their injuries.

The lawmen were not unscathed: Virgil took a bullet in the calf, Morgan was shot through the shoulder, and Holliday was grazed. Wyatt emerged unharmed. By 3:00 p.m., the shooting ceased, leaving three Cowboys dead and the lot strewn with blood and spent cartridges.

Aftermath

The bodies of Tom & Frank McLaury and Bill Clanton after the shoot-out in Tombstone
The bodies of Tom & Frank McLaury and Bill Clanton after the shoot-out in Tombstone

The gunfight sparked immediate controversy. The Cowboys’ allies, including Cochise County Sheriff Johnny Behan, a political rival of the Earps, accused the lawmen of murder, claiming the Cowboys were ambushed. Behan arrested Virgil, Wyatt, Morgan, and Holliday, but a preliminary hearing before Justice of the Peace Wells Spicer began on October 31, 1881. After weeks of testimony from over 30 witnesses, Spicer ruled on November 30 that the evidence was inconclusive and the lawmen acted within their authority to enforce the ordinance. No formal charges were filed.

Public opinion remained divided. The pro-Cowboy Tombstone Nugget decried the Earps as killers, while the Tombstone Epitaph, supportive of the lawmen, framed it as a necessary stand against lawlessness. The Cowboys sought revenge, ambushing Virgil on December 28, 1881, crippling his left arm, and assassinating Morgan on March 18, 1882, while he played pool. Wyatt, now a deputized U.S. Marshal, led a vendetta ride with Holliday and others, killing several Cowboys, including Frank Stilwell and Curly Bill Brocius, in the following months.

The Earps and Holliday eventually left Tombstone. Wyatt died in 1929 in Los Angeles, Holliday in 1887 in Colorado, and Virgil in 1905 in Nevada. The Cowboys’ power waned as federal authorities cracked down on border crime.

Historical Significance

Historical photo of Ike Clanton in 1881 by photographer Camillus S. Fly, Tombstone, Arizona Territory.
Historical photo of Ike Clanton in 1881 by photographer Camillus S. Fly, Tombstone, Arizona Territory.

The Gunfight at the O.K. Corral was a minor skirmish in its immediate context—only three deaths in a town accustomed to violence—but its legacy looms large. It epitomized the clash between law and disorder in the frontier, reflecting broader tensions over control of resources and governance in the post-Civil War West. Tombstone’s silver boom faded by the late 1880s, but the gunfight endured as a cultural touchstone.

Hollywood amplified its fame, beginning with Stuart N. Lake’s 1931 biography Wyatt Earp: Frontier Marshal, which romanticized the Earps as heroic lawmen. Films like Gunfight at the O.K. Corral (1957) and Tombstone (1993) further mythologized the event, often exaggerating its scale and simplifying its moral complexities. Historians, however, note its ambiguity: the Earps were not unblemished heroes, nor were the Cowboys mere villains; both sides operated in a gray area of frontier ethics.

Current Status

As of March 12, 2025, the O.K. Corral site in Tombstone is a preserved historic landmark, part of the Tombstone Historic District, designated a National Historic Landmark in 1961. The original corral burned in 1882, but the adjacent lot and Fly’s Studio remain, managed as a tourist attraction with daily reenactments. Artifacts like Doc Holliday’s shotgun and period photographs are displayed in local museums, such as the Tombstone Courthouse State Historic Park. Archaeological digs have uncovered bullets and casings, corroborating witness accounts of the fight’s location and intensity.

Conclusion

The Gunfight at the O.K. Corral was a fleeting yet pivotal moment in Tombstone’s history, encapsulating the volatile spirit of the American West. Its blend of documented fact and embellished legend has ensured its place in the national imagination. Countless books and movies feature the story and the legend castes a long shadow across the history of Arizona. Beyond the gunfire, it reveals the fragility of order in a lawless land and the enduring human drive to impose it—or resist it. As a historical event, it remains a lens through which to view the complexities of justice, power, and survival on the frontier.

Thomas McLaury 

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Thomas McLaury of Tombstone in 1879
Thomas McLaury of Tombstone in 1879

Tom McLaury, born as Thomas McLaury, was a key figure in the tumultuous environment of the American frontier during the late 19th century. His involvement in the infamous Gunfight at the O.K. Corral and his role in the broader context of frontier lawlessness and conflict make him a significant, though controversial, figure in Western history.

Tom McLaury was born in 1853 to a Southern family in Texas. He grew up in a post-Civil War environment that was marked by economic challenges and social changes. Details about his early life are sparse, but it is known that McLaury, along with his family, moved westward in search of better opportunities. His family settled in various frontier towns and became involved in ranching and other activities typical of the expanding West.

Life in Tombstone

McLaury, like many others, was drawn to Tombstone, Arizona, by the promise of wealth from the booming silver mines. He and his brothers became prominent figures in the region, engaging in ranching and business.

Tom McLaury, along with his brothers Frank and Ike, became known as part of the “Cowboys,” a loose group of outlaws and rustlers. The McLaurys were involved in various activities that brought them into conflict with law enforcement and other local figures.

The Gunfight at the O.K. Corral

The Gunfight at the O.K. Corral took place on October 26, 1881. Tom McLaury was present during the gunfight, which erupted between the Cowboys and the lawmen led by Wyatt Earp, his brothers Virgil and Morgan, and their ally Doc Holliday.

Tom McLaury, along with his brother Frank and fellow Cowboys Billy Clanton and Ike Clanton, was involved in the gunfight. During the confrontation, Tom McLaury was shot and killed. The gunfight lasted only about 30 seconds but had significant repercussions for both sides.

The aftermath of the gunfight saw the surviving Cowboys and their sympathizers rallying against the Earps and their allies. The gunfight deepened the rift between the law-abiding citizens and the outlaws in Tombstone, with ongoing tensions and conflicts.

The bodies of Tom & Frank McLaury and Bill Clanton after the shoot-out in Tombstone
The bodies of Tom & Frank McLaury and Bill Clanton after the shoot-out in Tombstone

Personal Characteristics and Legacy

Tom McLaury was known to be a rugged frontier individual, characteristic of many who lived during this turbulent period. His involvement with the Cowboys placed him in direct opposition to law enforcement, reflecting the broader lawlessness and instability of the frontier. His Legacy is intertwined with the broader history of the American West. His involvement in the Gunfight at the O.K. Corral and his role as part of the Cowboys has cemented him as a notable figure in Western folklore. The gunfight remains one of the most famous and mythologized events in Western history.

Tom McLaury’s life was emblematic of the harsh and often violent realities of frontier life. His death in the gunfight at the O.K. Corral marked a significant moment in the history of the American West, illustrating the intense conflicts that characterized the period and the complex nature of law and order in the frontier towns.

Charles W Friend House, Observatory, and Weather Station

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Charles W Friend was a scientist and astronomer who resided in Carson City, Nevada for forty years. The site of his home honors Friend with Nevada State Historical Marker number 258.

Charles W. Friend built an observatory into his house on Stewart Street, between Carson and Musser. Here you can see the V&T Railroad tracks running along Stewart Street in the foreground.
Charles W. Friend built an observatory into his house on Stewart Street, between Carson and Musser. Here you can see the V&T Railroad tracks running along Stewart Street in the foreground.
Charles W Friend was an early weatherman in Carson City. Here he is posing inside the observatory he built at the corner of King and Stewart Streets. He is posing next to his telescope.
Charles W Friend was an early weatherman in Carson City. Here he is posing inside the observatory he built at the corner of King and Stewart Streets. He is posing next to his telescope.

Born in Prussia on July 7th 1835, Charles Friend migrated from the old county to Folsome, California with his father during the California gold rush. Friend apprenticed as a jeweler and optician before moving to Carson City in 1867.

Between 1875 and 1876, Friend constructed the first Observatory in Nevada at his house on Stewart street, in Carson City. Utilizing the help of Nevada’s U.S. Senator William Stewart, Friend obtained a six-inch equatorial mount telescope and other instruments from the U. S Naval Academy.

Friend outfitted his observatory with a series of weather observations instruments, including rain gauges, thermometers, barometers an anemometer to measure wind speed. He took great care to ensure that all of his scientific instruments were properly calibrated and that his observations were as accurate as possible.

“All the thermometers are placed in an instrument shelter, made of lattice blinds and projecting 20 inches from a large pane of glass in the north wall of the observatory, 12 inches from the window and at the height of the eye of the observer. The thermometers are placed on wooden bars one inch square, and while there is free access of air to the shelter, all radiant heat and rain or snow are effectually excluded.”

Friend recorded observational readings from his instruments daily at 7 am, 2 pm and 9 pm to compile a climate record of Carson City.  His observations were forwarded to the U. S. Army’s Signal Office.

Nevada State Historic Marker 259 Text

Charles W. Friend House, Observatory, and Weather Station

This is the site of the house and observatory of Nevada’s first weatherman, astronomer, and seismologist, Charles William Friend.  Born in Prussia in 1835, Friend immigrated by way of South America to California during the 1849 Gold Rush.  In 1867, he moved from Folsom to Carson City where he set up his own jewelery and optical store.

Friend built Nevada’s first observatory located southwest of his house and east of the Nevada State Capitol.  Nevada’s U.S. Senator William Stewart helped him obtain the use of a six-inch equatorial mount telescope and other instruments from the federal government.

Charles Friend also established Nevada’s first weather service.  In 1887, the Nevada Legislature passed authorization for a weather service station in Carson City.  Friend became its director and created volunteer weather stations throughout the state.  He compiled the data into reports that are still referenced today.

Charles W. Friend died in 1907.  Since his death, the Association of Weather Services has recognized him as a pioneer in weather service west of the Rockies.

STATE HISTORIC MARKER No. 258
STATE HISTORIC PRESERVATION OFFICE, NEVADA STATE MUSEUM, THE BRETZLAFF FOUNDATION,
NEVADA STATE LIBRARY AND ARCHIVES, THE CARSON CITY HERITAGE COALITION
BUILDINGS AND GROUNDS

Nevada State Historic Marker 259 Map

Nevada State Historic Marker 259 Summary

NameCharles W. Friend House, Observatory, and Weather Station
LocationCarson City, Nevada
Latitude, Longitude39.1642, -119.7637
Nevada State Historic Marker258

Nevada State Historical Markers identify significant places of interest in Nevada’s history. The Nevada State Legislature started the program in 1967 to bring the state’s heritage to the public’s attention with on-site markers. These roadside markers bring attention to the places, people, and events that make up Nevada’s heritage. They are as diverse as the counties they are located within and range from the typical mining boom and bust town to the largest and most accessible petroglyph sites in Northern Nevada Budget cuts to the program caused the program to become dormant in 2009. Many of the markers are lost or damaged.

References

Eagle Valley – Nevada State Historic Marker 76

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Eagle Valley, Nevada, nestled within the Carson Range of the Sierra Nevada mountains, boasts a rich and diverse history dating back thousands of years. From indigenous peoples to European settlers, the valley has been witness to significant cultural and economic developments over the centuries.

This seems to be a drawing or a woodcutting showing Carson Street. On the right in the rear is the U.S. Mint.
This seems to be a drawing or a woodcutting showing Carson Street. On the right in the rear is the U.S. Mint.

Native Inhabitants


The earliest known inhabitants of Eagle Valley were indigenous peoples, including the Washoe and Northern Paiute tribes. These Native American communities lived sustainably off the land, hunting, gathering, and cultivating plants for food, clothing, and shelter. The valley’s abundant natural resources, including water from the Carson River and surrounding forests, provided for their needs and supported vibrant cultures.

Exploration and Settlement (19th Century)

The arrival of European explorers and settlers in the 19th century marked a significant turning point in the history of Eagle Valley. In the early 1800s, trappers and fur traders from the Hudson’s Bay Company and later the American Fur Company ventured into the region in search of pelts, establishing trading posts along the Carson River.

In the 1850s, the discovery of silver in the nearby Comstock Lode sparked a mining boom that transformed Eagle Valley and the surrounding area. Prospectors, miners, and entrepreneurs flooded into the region, seeking their fortunes in the silver mines of Virginia City and Gold Hill. Eagle Valley became a vital stopping point along the Emigrant Trail, serving as a supply center and rest stop for travelers heading to and from the mines.

Founding of Carson City

Christopher 'Kit' Carson (1809-1868), American explorer - Photograph byMathew Brady or Levin C. Handy - This image is available from the United States Library of Congress's Prints and Photographs division under the digital ID cwpbh.00514.
Christopher ‘Kit’ Carson (1809-1868), American explorer – Photograph by Mathew Brady or Levin C. Handy – This image is available from the United States Library of Congress’s Prints and Photographs division under the digital ID cwpbh.00514.

In 1858, Abraham Curry, a prominent entrepreneur and landowner, recognized the strategic importance of Eagle Valley as a crossroads for trade and transportation. He founded the town of Carson City, named after the nearby Carson River and Kit Carson, the legendary frontiersman. Carson City quickly grew into a bustling hub of commerce, government, and culture, serving as the capital of the newly established Nevada Territory in 1861.

Development and Growth

Throughout the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Eagle Valley and Carson City continued to prosper and grow. The construction of the Virginia & Truckee Railroad in the 1870s further facilitated trade and transportation, connecting Carson City to the mines of the Comstock Lode and the markets of the San Francisco Bay Area.

Eagle Valley became known for its agricultural bounty, with fertile soils supporting crops such as alfalfa, grains, and fruits. Ranching also thrived in the surrounding hills and valleys, with cattle and sheep grazing on the abundant grasslands.


Today, Eagle Valley and Carson City retain echoes of their storied past while embracing the opportunities and challenges of the modern era. The region’s rich history is celebrated through historic sites, museums, and cultural events, preserving the legacy of the indigenous peoples, pioneers, and settlers who shaped its identity. As Carson City continues to evolve as the capital of Nevada, Eagle Valley remains a picturesque and vibrant community, rooted in its natural beauty and enduring heritage.

Nevada State Historic Marker 76 Text

Eagle Valley

Centrally located between one of the first Nevada settlements at Genoa and the gold and silver of the Comstock Lode, Eagle Valley, site of present Carson City, was a vital link inland communications.

One of the key California emigrant routes, the Carson branch of the California Emigrant Trail crossed the Sierra Nevada at Kit Carson Pass and came through Eagle Valley roughly along Sage Drive, a block east of this point.

The first overland telegraph, colloquially known as Fred Bees “Grapevine” was completed from Placerville to Carson City in 1859.  In this area, the line followed what is now highway U.S. 395.  The Pony Express (1860-1861) and the Butterfield-Wells Fargo Overland Stages (1862-1868) followed the same route.

The Virginia & Truckee Railway in its extension to Carson Valley and Minden in 1906 used the route about six blocks east of Bigelow Drive.

STATE HISTORICAL MARKER NO. 76
STATE HISTORIC PRESERVATION OFFICE
OVERLAND ACRES ASSOCIATION

Nevada State Historic Marker 76 Map

Nevada State Historic Marker 76 Summary

NameEagle Valley
LocationCarson City, Nevada
Latitude, Longitude39.1250, -119.7664
Nevada State Historic Marker76

Nevada State Historical Markers identify significant places of interest in Nevada’s history. The Nevada State Legislature started the program in 1967 to bring the state’s heritage to the public’s attention with on-site markers. These roadside markers bring attention to the places, people, and events that make up Nevada’s heritage. They are as diverse as the counties they are located within and range from the typical mining boom and bust town to the largest and most accessible petroglyph sites in Northern Nevada Budget cuts to the program caused the program to become dormant in 2009. Many of the markers are lost or damaged.

References