Category: People

Governor Emmet Derby Boyle

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Governor Emmet Derby Boyle (1879-1926), the first native-born governor of Nevada, serving from 1915-1923.  He is honored with Nevada State Historic Marker number 265.

Governor Emmet Derby Boyle (July 26, 1879 – January 3, 1926)
Governor Emmet Derby Boyle (July 26, 1879 – January 3, 1926)

Boyle was born on July 26, 1879, in Gold Hill, Nevada. After graduating the University of Nevada in 1889 he worked as a mining engineer. Emmet Boyle is elected to the governors office at the young age of thirty-five. As such, he is the youngest elected to the office, the first elected born in Nevada, and the first graduate from the University of Nevada. As governor and a strong supporter of women’s rights, Boyle called the Nevada Legislature into special session in 1920 to ratify the 19th amendment to the United States Constitution granting women the right to vote.

Nevada State Historic Marker 265 Text

Eight grave sites to the north rests Emmet Derby Boyle (1879-1926), the first native-born governor of Nevada, serving from 1915-1923.  Born in Goldhill, Boyle was also the first graduate of the University of Nevada to become governor.  At thirty-five, he was the youngest person to hold the state’s highest office.

Governor Emmet Boyle worked on Nevada’s water laws and introduced the state’s first executive budget.  A strong supporter of women’s rights, Boyle called the Nevada Legislature into special session in 1920 to ratify the 19th amendment to the United States Constitution granting women the right to vote.

Emmet Boyle died on January 3, 1926 and is buried next to his wife Vida McClure Boyle who he married in 1903.

NEVADA STATE HISTORICAL MARKER No. 265
NEVADA STATE HISTORIC PRESERVATION OFFICE
CHRIS DRIGGS, NEVADA STATE LIBRARY AND ARCHIVES
TOM SWART, HISTORY ADVOCATE
RENO LODGE, NO. 13 F. & A.M.

Nevada State Historic Marker 265 Map

Nevada State Historic Marker 265 Summary

NameGovernor Emmet Derby Boyle
LocationWashoe County, Nevada
Latitude, Longitude39.5253, -119.8449
Nevada State Historic Marker265

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

Frederick Joseph DeLongchamps

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Frederic Joseph DeLongchamps ( June 2, 1882 – February 11, 1969 ) was Nevada’s premier architect during his life, and honored as the subject of Nevada State Historic Marker 245.

Biography

Frederick Joseph DeLongchamps - June 2, 1882 – February 11, 1969 - [UNRS-P1989-09-115] Special Collections and University Archives Department, University of Nevada, Reno
Frederick Joseph DeLongchamps – June 2, 1882 – February 11, 1969 – [UNRS-P1989-09-115] Special Collections and University Archives Department, University of Nevada, Reno

Born on February 2, 1882, in Nevada City, California, Frederick Joseph DeLongchamps would emerge as one of the most influential architects in the history of Nevada. His remarkable career spanned decades and left an indelible mark on the architectural landscape of the American West.

Early Life and Education

Frederick DeLongchamps was the son of French immigrant parents who settled in California during the Gold Rush era. Raised in a family with a deep appreciation for art and culture, young Frederick exhibited a keen interest in architecture from an early age. He pursued his passion by studying architectural drafting and design, eventually enrolling in the prestigious Ecole des Beaux-Arts in Paris, France, where he honed his skills under the guidance of renowned architects.

Architectural Career

Upon returning to the United States, DeLongchamps settled in Nevada, where he would establish himself as a preeminent architect. His early projects showcased a mastery of diverse architectural styles, ranging from Beaux-Arts to Spanish Revival, reflecting his eclectic sensibilities and adaptability.

DeLongchamps’ career reached new heights in the early 20th century when he was commissioned to design several iconic buildings that would come to define the architectural identity of Nevada. Among his most notable works is the Nevada State Capitol in Carson City, a majestic edifice that blends classical design elements with modern functionality. Completed in 1915, the Capitol remains a testament to DeLongchamps’ vision and skill.

In addition to the Capitol, DeLongchamps left his mark on numerous other landmarks across Nevada, including courthouses, schools, and commercial buildings. His portfolio includes the Riverside Hotel in Reno, the Washoe County Courthouse, and the historic Reno Arch, an enduring symbol of the city’s vibrant spirit.

Legacy and Influence

Frederick Joseph DeLongchamps’ contributions to the architectural heritage of Nevada are immeasurable. His designs not only captured the essence of their time but also laid the groundwork for future generations of architects. DeLongchamps’ legacy extends beyond his architectural achievements; he was also a passionate advocate for historic preservation and urban planning.

Throughout his career, DeLongchamps remained committed to his craft, embracing innovation while preserving the rich cultural heritage of the American West. His legacy continues to inspire architects and enthusiasts alike, reminding us of the transformative power of architecture to shape communities and evoke a sense of place.

Frederick Joseph DeLongchamps passed away on February 20, 1969, leaving behind a legacy that endures through the timeless beauty of his architectural creations. Today, his buildings stand as monuments to his vision and serve as a lasting tribute to his enduring influence on the architectural landscape of Nevada.

Nevada State Historic Marker 245

Frederic Joseph DeLongchamps was Nevada’s foremost architect of his time.  Statewide, he was prolific in the number of buildings he designed.  From this point, one can see a group of structures that stand, collectively, as a monument to DeLongchamps:  the United State Post Office, the Riverside Hotel, the Washoe County Courthouse and the Reno National Bank Building.  The Northern Chapter of the American Institute of Architects, dedicated to excellence in architecture, honors the memory of Frederic Joseph DeLongchamps

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STATE HISTORICAL MARKER No. 245
DIVISION OF HISTORIC PRESERVATION & ARCHEOLOGY
NORTHERN CHAPTER: AMERICAN INSTITUTE OF ARCHITECTS

Nevada State Historic Marker 245 Map

Nevada State Historic Marker 245 Summary

NameFrederic Joseph DeLongchamps
LocationCarson City, Nevada
Latitude, Longitude39.5251, -119.8124
Nevada State Historic Marker245

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

Joseph Isaac Clanton

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Joseph Isaac Clanton, commonly knows as “Ike” Clanton was a notable figure in the American Old West, primarily recognized for his involvement in the notorious gunfight at the O.K. Corral. Born on March 1, 1847, in Calloway County, Kentucky, as Isaac Clanton, he grew up in a tumultuous time marked by the expansion and conflict of the frontier.

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.

Early Life

Ike Clanton was the eldest of a large family that moved westward, eventually settling in Arizona. His father, Newman Clanton, was a prominent rancher and ranch hand, contributing to Ike’s early exposure to the rough and often violent life of the frontier.

The Clanton Family and the Cowboy Faction


Ike, along with his brothers and other family members, was part of a group known as the Clanton Gang, or the Cowboys. This group was a faction involved in various criminal activities, including cattle rustling and other illicit operations. The Clantons were known to have frequent conflicts with law enforcement and other factions in the region.

The O.K. Corral Gunfight

Ike Clanton is perhaps best known for his involvement in the famous gunfight at the O.K. Corral in Tombstone, Arizona, which took place on October 26, 1881. The gunfight was a pivotal event in the Earp-Clanton feud and involved notable figures such as Wyatt Earp, Virgil Earp, Morgan Earp, and Doc Holliday.

On the day of the gunfight, Ike Clanton and his brothers, along with other members of their faction, had a violent confrontation with the Earp brothers and Doc Holliday. The altercation lasted only about 30 seconds but became one of the most infamous shootouts in American history. Clanton, who had been verbally threatening the Earps, was disarmed and fled the scene. Although he survived the gunfight, the event marked a significant turning point in the ongoing conflict between the Cowboys and the lawmen.

Later Life and Death

After the O.K. Corral gunfight, Ike Clanton faced increasing challenges and threats. His involvement in the events surrounding the gunfight made him a target for both law enforcement and rival factions. In 1887, Clanton was killed in a gunfight with a lawman named Frank “Buckskin” Leslie in a dispute over a stolen horse.

Ike Clanton’s life and actions reflect the tumultuous nature of the Old West, characterized by lawlessness, frequent violence, and personal vendettas. His involvement in the O.K. Corral gunfight solidified his place in Western history, often remembered as a symbol of the frontier’s rough and dangerous era.

Virgil Walter Earp

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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…

John Henry Holliday

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John Henry “Doc” Holliday (1851–1887)

John Henry Holliday, commonly known as Doc Holliday, was an American gambler, gunfighter, and dentist who became a legendary figure of the Old West. Born on August 14, 1851, in Griffin, Georgia, Holliday graduated from the Pennsylvania College of Dental Surgery in 1872. However, his career as a dentist was short-lived due to his struggle with tuberculosis, which drove him west in search of a drier climate.

Photograph of John Henry Holliday taken by photographer D.F. Mitchell in Prescott, Arizona, 1879-80.
Photograph of John Henry Holliday taken by photographer D.F. Mitchell in Prescott, Arizona, 1879-80.

Holliday’s path soon diverged from dentistry to gambling. He became known for his involvement in various gambling establishments across the American South and West, where his sharp wit and proficiency in card games earned him a reputation as a formidable player. Despite his medical condition, which caused him frequent bouts of illness, Holliday’s gambling skills and fiery temperament made him a notable figure in the frontier towns he frequented.

His notoriety grew further due to his association with famous figures of the Old West, including the Earp brothers—Wyatt, Virgil, and Morgan Earp. Holliday’s most famous involvement came during the infamous Gunfight at the O.K. Corral in Tombstone, Arizona, on October 26, 1881.

Tensions had been escalating between the Earps and the Clanton-McLaury gang for several months. The conflict stemmed from various disputes, including accusations of cattle theft and the gang’s attempts to undermine the authority of the Earps, who were lawmen in Tombstone. The situation reached a boiling point when a confrontation seemed inevitable.

On the day of the gunfight, the Earps, including Wyatt, Virgil, and Morgan, along with their ally Doc Holliday, confronted the Clanton-McLaury gang. The dispute was partly provoked by the gang’s refusal to disarm in accordance with the town’s regulations and their ongoing threats against the Earps.

Standing by the Earps’ side, Holliday’s courage and marksmanship were instrumental in the confrontation with the Clanton-McLaury gang, a pivotal event that solidified his place in Western folklore.

Holliday’s life was marked by violence, legal entanglements, and his relentless struggle with tuberculosis. Despite his reputation as a gunfighter, many of his confrontations were linked to his defense of his friends and his own self-preservation. He was also known for his sharp wit and his ability to engage in both verbal and physical duels.

Doc Holliday died on November 8, 1887, in Glenwood Springs, Colorado, at the age of 36. His health had deteriorated significantly in the years leading up to his death, and he spent his final days in the area seeking relief for his illness. Despite his relatively short life, Holliday left an indelible mark on American history and folklore, remembered as one of the most iconic and enigmatic figures of the Old West.