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 with his brothers, Wyatt and Virgil Earp. The Earp brothers are best known for their involvement in the famous Gunfight at the O.K. Corral in Tombstone, Arizona.

Morgan Earp historical photo, 1881. Probably taken by C.S. Fly.
Morgan Earp historical photo, 1881. Probably taken by C.S. Fly.

Morgan grew up in a large family, the son of Nicholas Earp and Virginia Ann Cooksey. His early life was marked by the family’s frequent relocations across the American Midwest and West. By the time Morgan reached adulthood, he had worked various jobs, including as a farmer and railroad worker.

In the late 1870s, Morgan followed his brothers to the boomtowns of the West, seeking opportunity and adventure. His initial ventures included working as a stagecoach driver and lawman in Montana and Wyoming. However, it was in Tombstone, Arizona, that Morgan would make his mark on history.

The Earp brothers arrived in Tombstone in 1880, drawn by the silver boom. Morgan quickly became involved in law enforcement, serving as a deputy U.S. marshal under his brother Virgil, who was the city marshal. The Earps’ presence in Tombstone was marked by increasing tension with a group of outlaws known as the Cowboys, led by Ike Clanton and Curly Bill Brocius.

The culmination of this tension occurred on October 26, 1881, in a vacant lot near the O.K. Corral. Morgan, along with Wyatt, Virgil, and their ally Doc Holliday, faced off against the Cowboys in a gunfight that lasted only 30 seconds but became legendary in the annals of the American West. The Earps and Holliday emerged victorious, but the fight left a lasting impact on the community.

Following the gunfight, the Earp family faced ongoing threats and violence. On the night of March 18, 1882, Morgan Earp was ambushed and shot while playing billiards at Hatch’s Saloon in Tombstone. The assassins, believed to be affiliated with the Cowboys, fired through a window, hitting Morgan in the back. Despite the best efforts of his brothers and local doctors, Morgan died from his wounds, uttering his final words, “I can’t see a damned thing.”

Morgan’s death had a profound effect on his brothers, especially Wyatt, who embarked on a vendetta ride to seek justice for Morgan’s murder. Wyatt and his posse pursued and killed several of the suspected assassins, further cementing the Earps’ legacy as figures of frontier justice.

Morgan Earp was buried in the Earp family plot in Colton, California. His life, though cut short, remains a testament to the turbulent and often violent nature of the American frontier. His story, along with those of his brothers, continues to capture the imagination of historians and enthusiasts of the Old West.

Morgan Earp Newspaper Articles

The Tombstone Epitaph, March 20, 1882

The Tombstone Epitaph, March 20, 1882

The Tombstone Epitaph, March 20, 1882 reports of the murder of Tombstone Resident Morgan Earp while playing pool in Tombstone, Arizona. This event followed the…
The Arizona Historical Newspaper, the Tombstone Epitaph announces the gunfight at the O K Coral.

The Tombstone Epitaph, October 27, 1881

The following is the original transcript of The Tombstone Epitaph published on October 27, 1881 on the infamous gun fight at the O K Corral…

Tombstone Daily Nugget, October 27, 1881

The Tombstone Daily Nugget, October 27, 1881 described the the infamous Gunfight at the O K Corral between the Earps and the Clanton faction in…

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…

Fred White

Fred White
Fred White

Early Life

Frederick G. “Fred” White was born around 1849 in New York City, as recorded in the 1880 Census. Little is known about his early life before he arrived in the Arizona Territory, but his journey westward likely reflected the ambitions of many young men drawn to the opportunities of the American frontier during the late 19th century. By the late 1870s, White had settled in Tombstone, a burgeoning silver mining boomtown in Pima County, Arizona Territory, founded in 1879 by prospector Ed Schieffelin.

Career as Town Marshal

On January 6, 1880, Fred White was elected the first town marshal of Tombstone, a role equivalent to chief of police, at a time when the town had fewer than 1,000 residents. Tombstone was a rough-and-tumble frontier settlement, filled with miners, gamblers, and outlaws, where violence and lawlessness were common. Despite these challenges, White quickly established himself as a likable, professional, and impartial lawman. Unlike many of Tombstone’s residents, including the Earp brothers, who were entangled in the town’s business and political rivalries, White remained uninvolved in such conflicts, relying solely on his marshal’s salary and earning widespread respect for his fairness.

White formed a strong alliance and friendship with Wyatt Earp, who was then deputy undersheriff for the southern portion of Pima County, which included Tombstone. He also maintained a surprisingly amicable relationship with members of the Cochise County Cowboys, a loose band of outlaws and cattle rustlers, including their leader, William “Curly Bill” Brocius. White’s ability to arrest Cowboy members without significant resistance—sometimes even with Brocius’s cooperation—underscored his diplomatic approach to law enforcement. His reputation for using force only when necessary made him a stabilizing presence in a volatile town.

The Fatal Shooting

William "Curly Bill" Brocius
William “Curly Bill” Brocius

On the night of October 28, 1880, White’s tenure as marshal came to a tragic end. Several Cowboys, including a drunken Curly Bill Brocius, were causing a disturbance by firing their pistols into the air in various parts of Tombstone. White, following his usual practice, confronted each group to disarm them, and all complied voluntarily without incident. Late that night, he encountered Brocius and others in a dark vacant lot on Allen Street, near where the Bird Cage Theatre now stands. As White instructed Brocius to surrender his pistol, Brocius handed it over barrel-first. During the exchange, the gun discharged, striking White. The exact circumstances remain debated, but evidence suggests the shooting was accidental, possibly due to the pistol being fired from a half-cock position.

Wyatt Earp, witnessing the incident but unable to see clearly in the dark, believed Brocius was still armed and pistol-whipped him, knocking him unconscious before arresting him along with Morgan Earp, both serving as Pima County sheriff’s deputies. White, mortally wounded, was taken to a doctor but died two days later on October 30, 1880, at the age of 31 or 32. Before his death, White provided a deathbed statement, asserting that he believed the shooting was accidental and that Brocius had not intended to kill him. This testimony, combined with Wyatt Earp’s support and a demonstration that Brocius’s pistol could discharge from half-cock, led to Brocius’s acquittal on the grounds of “homicide by misadventure.”

Legacy and Aftermath

Fred White was laid to rest in Boot Hill Cemetery, Tombstone’s original graveyard, where his grave remains a point of historical interest. His death marked a turning point in Tombstone’s history, escalating tensions between the Earps and the Cowboys. Brocius, despite his regret over the incident and White’s testimony in his favor, harbored resentment toward Wyatt Earp for the pistol-whipping, contributing to the growing animosity that culminated in the Gunfight at the O.K. Corral on October 26, 1881. Following White’s death, Virgil Earp succeeded him as town marshal, further entrenching the Earps in Tombstone’s law enforcement.

White’s brief tenure as marshal left a lasting impression on Tombstone. His impartiality and professionalism stood in contrast to the complex rivalries that defined the town, and his death underscored the precarious balance of law and order in the Wild West. Though often overshadowed by the more famous figures of Tombstone, such as Wyatt Earp and Doc Holliday, Fred White’s story is a poignant reminder of the challenges faced by early lawmen in maintaining peace on the frontier. His grave in Boot Hill, alongside other notable figures of the era, continues to draw visitors to Tombstone, a town that preserves its Wild West legacy through historic sites and reenactments.

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 role in the American Old West. As the eldest of the Earp siblings, Virgil took on a leadership role within the family, guiding his younger brothers Wyatt, Morgan, and James. A seasoned law enforcement officer, Virgil served as a deputy U.S. marshal and, later, as the town marshal of Tombstone, Arizona. His most notable moment came during the infamous Gunfight at the O.K. Corral on October 26, 1881, where he, alongside Wyatt and Doc Holliday, confronted a group of outlaws known as the Cowboys. Despite surviving the gunfight, Virgil’s tenure in Tombstone was marred by violence and personal loss, including the assassination attempt that severely injured him and ultimately led to the death of his brother Morgan. Virgil’s resilience and sense of justice left a lasting imprint on the lore of the Old West.

Virgil Earp 1843 -1905
Virgil Earp 1843 -1905

Early Life and Family

Virgil Walter Earp was born on July 18, 1843, in Hartford, Kentucky. He was the second of Nicholas and Virginia Ann Cooksey Earp’s five sons. The Earp family moved frequently during Virgil’s childhood, eventually settling in Pella, Iowa. Growing up in a large and adventurous family, Virgil, along with his brothers James, Wyatt, Morgan, and Warren, developed a strong sense of camaraderie and loyalty that would shape their future endeavors.

Civil War Service

In 1861, at the age of 18, Virgil enlisted in the Union Army during the American Civil War. He served with the 83rd Illinois Infantry Regiment and later transferred to the 17th Illinois Cavalry. His service was marked by bravery and resilience, traits that would later define his career as a lawman. After the war, Virgil returned to civilian life, married his first wife, Ellen, and started a family. Unfortunately, Ellen died shortly after the birth of their daughter.

Life as a Lawman

Virgil’s career as a lawman began in the 1870s. He held various positions across different towns, working as a constable in Prescott, Arizona, and as a deputy U.S. marshal. His reputation for enforcing the law with determination and fairness quickly spread. In 1879, Virgil moved to Tombstone, Arizona, where he would play a crucial role in one of the most famous events in Western history.

The Gunfight at the O.K. Corral

Virgil Earp’s most notable moment came on October 26, 1881, in Tombstone. As the city marshal of Tombstone, Virgil, along with his brothers Wyatt and Morgan, and their friend Doc Holliday, faced off against the Clanton and McLaury brothers in what became known as the Gunfight at the O.K. Corral. The confrontation, which lasted only about 30 seconds, resulted in the deaths of three outlaws and left Virgil seriously wounded. Despite his injuries, Virgil’s leadership and bravery during the gunfight cemented his place in the annals of the American West.

Later Years and Legacy

Following the gunfight, Virgil is held for a preliminary trail for his role in the gunfight which led to the death of three men. On November 19th, 1881, Virgil Earp, still seriously injured from the gunfight, testified from his bedside at the Cosmopolitan Hotel. He is exonerated on November 30, 1881 with the finding on Judge Wells Spicer.

Virgil’s troubles were far from over. In December 1881, he was ambushed and shot by unknown assailants, leaving him with a permanently crippled left arm. Despite this setback, Virgil continued to serve as a lawman, moving to California, where he worked as a law enforcement officer in various capacities, including city marshal of Colton and constable in Vanderbilt.

Virgil Earp passed away on October 19, 1905, in Goldfield, Nevada, at the age of 62. He was buried in the Riverview Cemetery in Portland, Oregon. His life, marked by courage, resilience, and a commitment to justice, left a lasting legacy in the history of the American West. Virgil Earp’s story, along with those of his brothers, continues to captivate the imaginations of those fascinated by the era of the Old West.

Virgil Earp in the news

On December 30, 1881 the Los Angles Daily Herald broke the news of the Assassination attempt on Marshall Virgil Earp

Los Angeles Daily Herald – December 30, 1882

On December 30, 1881 the Los Angles Daily Herald broke the news of the Assassination attempt on Marshall Virgil Earp The Los Angles Daily Herald…
The Arizona Historical Newspaper, the Tombstone Epitaph announces the gunfight at the O K Coral.

The Tombstone Epitaph, October 27, 1881

The following is the original transcript of The Tombstone Epitaph published on October 27, 1881 on the infamous gun fight at the O K Corral…

Tombstone Daily Nugget, October 27, 1881

The Tombstone Daily Nugget, October 27, 1881 described the the infamous Gunfight at the O K Corral between the Earps and the Clanton faction in…

Earp Family Members

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…

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 West. Born in Monmouth, Illinois, he was the fourth of five children in the Earp family. His early life was marked by a series of moves and financial struggles, leading him into various jobs and ventures as a young man.

Wyatt Berry Stapp Earp - Aged 39
Wyatt Berry Stapp Earp – Aged 39

Early Life (1848–1864)

Wyatt Earp was born on March 19, 1848, in Monmouth, Illinois, to Nicholas Porter Earp and Virginia Ann Cooksey. He was the fourth of eight children, with four brothers (James, Virgil, Morgan, and Warren) and three sisters. Wyatt grew up in a family with a strong sense of duty and justice, values instilled in him by his father, who had served in the Mexican-American War.

In 1864, the Earp family moved to California, traveling by wagon train across the Great Plains. They settled in San Bernardino, where Wyatt spent his teenage years. During this time, he worked on the family farm and occasionally took on odd jobs, developing the skills that would later serve him well as a frontiersman and lawman.

Wyatt Earp - 1869
Wyatt Earp – 1869

Early Adventures and First Brush with the Law (1865–1870)

After the Civil War ended, Wyatt’s older brothers, Newton, James, and Virgil, returned home, and the family relocated to Lamar, Missouri, in 1868. Here, Wyatt’s father became the local constable, and in 1869, Wyatt followed in his father’s footsteps, becoming a constable himself at the age of 21.

However, Wyatt’s early career in law enforcement was marred by controversy. In 1870, he was accused of horse theft in Arkansas, along with two others. The charges were later dropped, but the incident left a stain on his reputation. This experience taught Wyatt the importance of keeping on the right side of the law, but it also gave him insight into the harsh realities of frontier justice.

Marriage, Tragedy, and the Drift Westward (1870–1874)

In 1870, Wyatt married Urilla Sutherland, the daughter of a local hotel owner. Tragically, Urilla died of typhoid fever just months after their marriage, leaving Wyatt devastated. This loss marked a turning point in his life, as he left Missouri and began drifting westward.

Over the next few years, Wyatt worked various jobs, including as a buffalo hunter, teamster, and railway worker. He spent time in the Kansas cattle towns of Wichita and Dodge City, where he first became involved in law enforcement. These towns were known for their lawlessness, and Wyatt quickly gained a reputation for his toughness and ability to maintain order.

Lawman in Kansas: Wichita and Dodge City (1874–1878)

Wyatt Earp’s first significant role as a lawman came in Wichita, Kansas, in 1874. He was appointed as a deputy city marshal and quickly made a name for himself by enforcing the law with a firm hand. However, his tenure in Wichita was cut short after a dispute with a fellow officer led to his dismissal in 1876.

Undeterred, Wyatt moved to Dodge City, Kansas, another rough-and-tumble cow town where he found work as an assistant marshal. Dodge City was a key stop on the cattle drives from Texas, and it attracted its share of gamblers, outlaws, and drifters. Wyatt’s skill in handling these rough elements earned him respect, and he became known for his ability to keep the peace without resorting to unnecessary violence.

During his time in Dodge City, Wyatt formed alliances with other well-known lawmen of the era, including Bat Masterson and Charlie Bassett. These relationships would prove valuable throughout his career.

The Lead-Up to Tombstone (1878–1879)

In 1878, Wyatt Earp left Dodge City and drifted westward again, this time ending up in the silver mining town of Las Vegas, New Mexico, where he briefly served as a lawman. From there, he traveled to various boomtowns in search of fortune, including the gold rush town of Deadwood in the Dakota Territory. His travels eventually took him to Colorado, where he reunited with his brothers.

By 1879, Wyatt and his brothers, Virgil and Morgan, decided to seek new opportunities in the booming silver mining town of Tombstone, Arizona. Along the way, Wyatt stopped in Prescott, Arizona, where he briefly worked as a lawman before continuing on to Tombstone.

Tombstone Arizona

By the time he reached Tombstone in 1879, Earp was already a seasoned lawman with a reputation for being tough and unafraid to take action.

Earp arrived in Tombstone with his brothers Virgil, Morgan, and James, along with their wives. Tombstone was a booming silver mining town, full of opportunities and danger. The Earp brothers quickly became prominent figures in the community, with Virgil serving as Deputy U.S. Marshal.

The Lawman and the Cowboys

Tombstone in the late 1870s and early 1880s was a lawless place, with tensions running high between various factions. The most notorious of these were the Cowboys, a loosely organized group of outlaws and rustlers, many of whom had connections to powerful local interests. The Earps, as lawmen, inevitably clashed with the Cowboys, who saw them as threats to their way of life.

The Cowboys, including Ike Clanton, Tom McLaury, and Frank McLaury, were involved in various illegal activities, from cattle rustling to stagecoach robbery. The Earps, along with their friend John “Doc” Holliday, sought to bring law and order to Tombstone, leading to a simmering feud with the Cowboys.

The Gunfight at the O.K. Corral

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.

The most famous event in Wyatt Earp’s time in Tombstone was the Gunfight at the O.K. Corral, which took place on October 26, 1881. The confrontation was the culmination of escalating tensions between the Earps and the Cowboys.

On the day of the gunfight, Virgil Earp, as Deputy U.S. Marshal, decided to disarm the Cowboys, who had been making threats against the Earps and Holliday. Wyatt, Virgil, Morgan Earp, and Doc Holliday confronted Ike and Billy Clanton, and Tom and Frank McLaury near the O.K. Corral. The standoff quickly turned violent, and in just 30 seconds, the exchange of gunfire left Billy Clanton and the McLaury brothers dead. Wyatt Earp, famously, was unharmed.

The gunfight became an instant sensation, with newspapers across the country reporting on the event. While the Earps were hailed as heroes by some, they were also criticized by others who saw the Cowboys as victims of excessive force.

The Aftermath and the Vendetta Ride

The O.K. Corral gunfight did not end the violence in Tombstone. In December 1881, Virgil Earp was ambushed and severely wounded by unknown assailants, likely Cowboys. A few months later, in March 1882, Morgan Earp was shot and killed while playing billiards. These attacks enraged Wyatt Earp, who was determined to seek revenge.

Wyatt assembled a posse and embarked on what became known as the “Earp Vendetta Ride.” Over the course of several weeks, Wyatt and his men hunted down and killed several individuals suspected of being involved in the attacks on his brothers. This extrajudicial campaign of retribution further cemented Wyatt Earp’s reputation as a relentless enforcer of frontier justice.

Escape from Tombstone (1882)

Following the famous Gunfight at the O.K. Corral in 1881 and the subsequent events that led to the deaths of his brothers Morgan and Virgil being seriously injured, Wyatt Earp embarked on a vendetta ride against the cowboys he believed were responsible. This culminated in the Earp Vendetta Ride, where Wyatt, alongside a small group of loyalists, pursued and killed several of those he held accountable. By 1882, Earp was wanted for murder in Arizona and had to flee the state to avoid prosecution.

Wanderings in the West (1882-1887)

For the next few years, Wyatt and his common-law wife, Josephine “Josie” Marcus, wandered throughout the West. They spent time in Colorado, Idaho, Nevada, and California. During these years, Wyatt dabbled in various ventures, including law enforcement, mining, and gambling. His reputation as a lawman allowed him to find work in towns where law and order were needed, but he was also involved in several confrontations that further sullied his reputation.

Law Enforcement in San Diego and Alaska (1887-1899)

By the late 1880s, Wyatt and Josie had settled in San Diego, California. San Diego was in the midst of a real estate boom, and Wyatt capitalized on this by investing in properties and operating saloons and gambling halls. He became involved in several legal disputes, and his involvement in the city’s gambling scene was controversial.

In 1897, the Klondike Gold Rush lured Wyatt and Josie to Alaska. They traveled to Nome, where Wyatt once again ran saloons, gambling halls, and even a small brothel. Earp became a deputy U.S. Marshal in Alaska, though this was primarily a title he used to protect his business interests rather than an active law enforcement role. Wyatt’s time in Alaska was marred by legal troubles and accusations of corruption, but he managed to make a small fortune before returning to the lower 48 states.

California and Business Ventures (1899-1920)

After leaving Alaska, Wyatt and Josie returned to California, where they spent the remainder of their lives. They lived in several cities, including San Francisco and Los Angeles. Earp attempted to cash in on his reputation as a lawman, working as a consultant for early Hollywood Westerns and even trying his hand at gold mining in the Mojave Desert.

However, his later years were not as glamorous as his legend might suggest. Wyatt struggled with financial instability and was involved in numerous lawsuits. He also tried to shape his legacy, working with various authors to create a favorable version of his life story, though many of these attempts failed during his lifetime.

Wyatt and Josephine Earp in the Lucky Day Mine mining camp near Vidal, California: This is the only confirmed picture of the two of them together.
Wyatt and Josephine Earp in the Lucky Day Mine mining camp near Vidal, California: This is the only confirmed picture of the two of them together.

Legacy and Death (1920-1929)

Wyatt Earp spent his final years in Los Angeles, where he lived modestly with Josie. Although he was not widely known to the public during his later years, Earp’s legend began to grow, fueled by dime novels and early Hollywood films. He became friends with some early Western actors and filmmakers, who were intrigued by his life story.

Wyatt died on January 13, 1929, at the age of 80 in Los Angeles. Wyatt Berry Stapp Earp was were buried in the Hills of Eternity Cemetery in Colma, California, where Josie later joined him and was buried beside him.

Posthumous Fame

Earp’s fame truly skyrocketed after his death, as authors and filmmakers began to romanticize his life and the events in Tombstone. His image as a quintessential Western lawman, despite the many controversies and morally ambiguous actions in his life, became deeply ingrained in American popular culture. Over the decades, Wyatt Earp has been portrayed as both a hero and a flawed anti-hero in countless books, movies, and television shows, solidifying his place as one of the most iconic figures of the American West.

Newspaper Articles

The San Francisco Examiner. (August 9, 1896). Bud Philpott, Driver 1881 - Wyatt Earp Account. Newspapers.com. Retrieved August 15, 2024, from https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-san-francisco-examiner-bud-philpott/46029106/

San Francisco Examiner – August 9, 1896

The following is an article written by famous U. S. Marshall Wyatt Earp, which is printed by the San Francisco Examiner on August 9th, 1896.…
The Tombstone Epitaph, Marth 27, 1882 headlined with the murder of Frank Stillwell by Wyatt Earp et all

The Tombstone Epitaph – March 27, 1882

On March 27, 1882, The newspaper the Tombstone Epitaph announced the murder of Frank Stilwell in Tucson Arizona. Frank Stilwell was an outlaw and a…
The Tombstone Epitaph, March 20, 1882

The Tombstone Epitaph, March 20, 1882

The Tombstone Epitaph, March 20, 1882 reports of the murder of Tombstone Resident Morgan Earp while playing pool in Tombstone, Arizona. This event followed the…
The Arizona Historical Newspaper, the Tombstone Epitaph announces the gunfight at the O K Coral.

The Tombstone Epitaph, October 27, 1881

The following is the original transcript of The Tombstone Epitaph published on October 27, 1881 on the infamous gun fight at the O K Corral…

Tombstone Daily Nugget, October 27, 1881

The Tombstone Daily Nugget, October 27, 1881 described the the infamous Gunfight at the O K Corral between the Earps and the Clanton faction in…

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…

Johnny Behan

John H. Behan - Sheriff of Cochise County in the Arizona Territory
John H. Behan – Sheriff of Cochise County in the Arizona Territory

Johnny Behan was a notable figure in the American Old West, best known for his role as sheriff of Cochise County, Arizona, during the turbulent era of the Gunfight at the O.K. Corral. Born in 1844 in Missouri, Behan moved to Arizona in the early 1870s and quickly became involved in politics and law enforcement. As sheriff, he was a controversial character, often criticized for his alleged connections with the outlaw Cowboys and his rivalry with the Earp brothers. Behan’s tenure was marked by accusations of corruption and inefficiency, culminating in his failure to control the lawlessness that plagued Tombstone. Despite his tarnished reputation, he continued to serve in various public roles until his death in 1912.

John Harris “Johnny” Behan
Birth: October 24, 1844, Westport, Missouri, USA
Death: June 7, 1912, Tucson, Arizona, USA

Early Life and Career:

John Harris Behan, commonly known as Johnny Behan, was born on October 24, 1844, in Westport, Missouri. Behan moved with his family to California in the mid-1850s during the Gold Rush era. He later relocated to Prescott, Arizona, where he began his career in law enforcement and politics.

Law Enforcement and Political Career:

Behan’s entry into law enforcement began in 1866 when he became the Sheriff of Yavapai County, Arizona Territory. His reputation as a capable lawman grew, and he soon entered politics, serving as a member of the Arizona Territorial Legislature.

In 1880, Behan moved to Tombstone, Arizona, a booming silver-mining town. He was appointed Sheriff of Cochise County in 1881, a position that put him at the center of one of the most famous episodes in the American Wild West—the Gunfight at the O.K. Corral.

Gunfight at the O.K. Corral

As Sheriff of Cochise County, Behan was involved in the conflict between the Earp brothers—Wyatt, Virgil, and Morgan—and the Clanton-McLaury gang. The feud culminated in the legendary gunfight on October 26, 1881. Behan, who had a contentious relationship with the Earps, was accused of favoring the Clantons and McLaurys. Despite his attempts to maintain order, the shootout resulted in the deaths of three members of the Clanton-McLaury gang.

Following the gunfight, Behan’s reputation suffered due to his perceived partiality and his inability to prevent the violence. His popularity waned, and he lost the re-election for sheriff to Wyatt Earp’s ally, Johnny Ringo, in 1882.

Later Life

After his tenure as sheriff, Behan continued to work in various law enforcement roles, including as a U.S. Customs Inspector in Nogales, Arizona. He also served as a police officer and later as a night watchman in Tucson.

Behan married Victoria Zaff in 1869, and the couple had one son, Albert. However, the marriage ended in divorce in 1880. Behan later married Josephine Sadie Marcus, although this union was also short-lived.

Death

Johnny Behan passed away on June 7, 1912, in Tucson, Arizona, at the age of 67. He was buried in the city’s Evergreen Cemetery.

Legacy

Johnny Behan remains a controversial figure in the history of the American West. While he was a dedicated lawman and politician, his involvement in the events leading up to and following the Gunfight at the O.K. Corral has cast a long shadow over his legacy. Behan’s life and career continue to be a subject of fascination for historians and Wild West enthusiasts, reflecting the complex and often tumultuous nature of frontier justice and law enforcement in the late 19th century.