Tag: Arizona

Arizona, located in the southwestern region of the United States, is renowned for its diverse landscapes and cultural richness. Home to iconic natural wonders such as the Grand Canyon, Monument Valley, and the red rocks of Sedona, Arizona offers a dramatic and varied terrain that ranges from arid deserts to pine-covered mountains. The state’s climate is typically characterized by hot summers and mild winters, with the southern parts being desert-like while the northern regions experience a more temperate climate. Arizona is also rich in Native American history, with numerous tribes such as the Navajo, Hopi, and Apache having deep roots in the region. The state’s cities, including Phoenix and Tucson, blend modern urban life with a strong appreciation for the natural environment and cultural heritage. Arizona’s economy thrives on tourism, technology, and agriculture, making it a dynamic and multifaceted state.

Frank Stilwell

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Frank Stilwell was a businessman, lawman, and outlaw in Arizona Territory, and was murdered by Wyatt Earp after the Gunfight at the O K Coral.

Frank Stilwell
Frank Stilwell

Early Life and Background

Frank C. Stilwell, sometimes spelled Stillwell, was born around 1856 in Iowa City, Iowa, though some sources suggest a possible birth in Texas based on census records. He was the son of William “Henry” Stilwell and Charlotte B. “Sarah” Winfrey. His family relocated to Palmyra, Kansas Territory, along the Santa Fe Trail shortly after his birth. In 1863, his parents divorced, and his father took Frank and his brothers, including Simpson Everett “Comanche Jack” Stilwell, while his mother retained custody of his sisters. Frank’s father served as a private in the Union Army during the Civil War, participating in Sherman’s March to the Sea. Little is documented about Frank’s early years, but he grew up in a turbulent frontier environment, which likely shaped his later life.

Frank’s older brother, “Comanche Jack,” became a renowned Indian fighter, scout, and lawman, contrasting sharply with Frank’s path. By 1877, Frank and Jack had traveled together to Arizona Territory, where Frank began to carve out a reputation as a multifaceted but controversial figure.

Life in Arizona: Businessman, Lawman, and Outlaw

J.W. Swart's Saloon in Charleston, circa 1885
J.W. Swart’s Saloon in Charleston, circa 1885

In Arizona, Frank Stilwell emerged as a complex character—part entrepreneur, part lawman, and part outlaw. He first appeared in historical records in 1877 when he shot and killed Jesus Bega near Miller’s Ranch in Prescott, Arizona, on October 18. Stilwell was acquitted on grounds of self-defense, marking the beginning of his association with violence. He worked as a teamster for C.H. “Ham” Light and later as a miner in Mojave County, demonstrating an early knack for frontier labor.

By the late 1870s, Stilwell had settled in the booming silver town of Tombstone, Arizona Territory. He prospered, possibly with connections to the notorious Clanton Gang, and owned interests in several mines, a saloon, a wholesale liquor business, a stage line, and livery stables in Charleston and Bisbee. He also partnered with ex-Texas Ranger Pete Spence in a Bisbee-area saloon. His business ventures showcased his entrepreneurial spirit, but his associations with the “Cowboys,” a loose gang of rustlers and outlaws, tainted his reputation.

In April 1881, Stilwell was appointed a deputy sheriff under Cochise County Sheriff Johnny Behan, a role he held for four months. His tenure was marred by controversy, and he was fired in August 1881 for “accounting irregularities,” possibly related to tax collection on county property, including cattle. That same summer, Stilwell was implicated in a fatal stagecoach robbery in Bisbee on September 8, 1881. Arrested by a posse that included Wyatt Earp and Behan’s deputy Billy Breakenridge, he was later released on bail, partly due to financial support from C.H. Light. This incident deepened tensions between Stilwell and the Earp brothers, setting the stage for future conflicts.

Involvement in the Earp-Cowboy Feud

Stilwell’s life became inextricably linked to the infamous Earp-Cowboy feud, culminating in the Gunfight at the O.K. Corral on October 26, 1881. Although some myths suggest he was present at the shootout, Stilwell was actually in jail in Tucson at the time, likely related to the Bisbee robbery charges. His close ties to Sheriff Behan and the Cowboys, including Ike Clanton, placed him at odds with the Earps, who were aligned with law enforcement and business interests opposed to the Cowboys’ criminal activities.

The feud escalated in early 1882. On March 18, 1882, Morgan Earp, Wyatt’s younger brother, was assassinated while playing billiards in Tombstone. A coroner’s inquest, based on testimony from Pete Spence’s wife, named Stilwell as one of five suspected conspirators, though insufficient evidence prevented prosecution. Wyatt Earp, convinced of Stilwell’s guilt, considered him a primary suspect alongside Ike Clanton. This event marked the beginning of the “Earp Vendetta Ride,” a campaign of retribution led by Wyatt against those he believed responsible for Morgan’s death.

Death in Tucson

The Tombstone Epitaph, Marth 27, 1882 headlined with the murder of Frank Stillwell by Wyatt Earp et all
The Tombstone Epitaph, Marth 27, 1882 headlined with the murder of Frank Stillwell by Wyatt Earp et all

On March 20, 1882, Stilwell’s fate was sealed at the Tucson train station. The Earp posse, including Wyatt, Warren Earp, Doc Holliday, Sherman McMaster, and John Johnson, had escorted Virgil Earp and his wife to the station to board a train for California following an earlier ambush that left Virgil crippled. Upon arriving, they spotted Stilwell and Ike Clanton, reportedly armed and lying in wait on a flatcar in the train yard. According to Wyatt’s later accounts, Stilwell and Clanton fled when confronted. Stilwell stumbled in the dark, and Wyatt caught up, fatally shooting him at close range with a shotgun blast under the ribs. Coroner’s evidence indicated Stilwell’s body was riddled with two rounds of buckshot (one in the leg, one in the chest with powder burns) and four additional bullet wounds, suggesting multiple shooters. Witnesses reported seeing armed men running but could not identify them. Stilwell’s own pistol was unfired, and his body was found the next morning near the tracks, described by observer George Hand as “the worst shot up man I ever saw.”

Wyatt later claimed Stilwell’s last words were “Morg! Morg!”, possibly referencing Morgan Earp. Virgil Earp reported to the Arizona Daily Star that Stilwell confessed to Morgan’s murder before dying, naming accomplices, though this claim lacks corroboration. The killing was widely seen as a vengeful act, and arrest warrants were issued for Wyatt Earp, Doc Holliday, and others. Murder indictments followed in Pima County, but Wyatt fled to Colorado, avoiding prosecution.

Legacy and Cultural Impact

Frank C. Stilwell’s life and death cemented his place in the lore of the American Wild West as a quintessential outlaw figure. His role in the Earp-Cowboy feud and his dramatic death at the hands of Wyatt Earp have been immortalized in popular culture. Life-sized statues of Wyatt Earp and Doc Holliday stand at the site of his killing at the former Tucson Southern Pacific Depot, now part of the Southern Arizona Transportation Museum, which offers tours of the historic site.

The first Tucson depot was a 200-foot long Victorian structure built in 1880. The depot accommodated passenger and freight trains. University of Arizona Libraries, Special Collections, Arizona, Southwestern and Miscellaneous Photograph Collection, Tucson (Ariz.)
The first Tucson depot was a 200-foot long Victorian structure built in 1880. The depot accommodated passenger and freight trains. University of Arizona Libraries, Special Collections, Arizona, Southwestern and Miscellaneous Photograph Collection, Tucson (Ariz.)

Stilwell was portrayed in media, including by John Baxter in Season 5 of The Life and Legend of Wyatt Earp (1960), Tomas Arana in the 1993 film Tombstone, and John Dennis Johnston in the 1994 film Wyatt Earp. His death, depicted as a pivotal moment in the Earp vendetta, remains a focal point in retellings of the Tombstone saga.

Despite his notoriety, Stilwell’s life reflects the duality of the frontier: a man who navigated roles as a businessman, lawman, and criminal in a lawless era. His ancestry remains unclear, and his brief but violent career underscores the chaotic nature of the Wild West. He is buried at Evergreen Memorial Park in Tucson, Arizona, where his grave serves as a reminder of his infamous end.

Conclusion

Frank C. Stilwell’s biography encapsulates the volatility of the American frontier in the late 19th century. From his early days in Kansas to his multifaceted career in Arizona, Stilwell embodied the opportunities and dangers of the Wild West. His association with the Cowboys and his suspected role in Morgan Earp’s murder placed him at the center of one of the era’s most famous feuds, culminating in his violent death at age 26. While his brother Jack pursued a path of honor, Frank’s legacy endures as that of an outlaw whose life was cut short in a vengeful act that reverberates through history.

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Millville Arizona

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Millville, Arizona, is a ghost town in Cochise County, located along the San Pedro River, approximately nine miles southwest of Tombstone. Established in the late 1870s during the Arizona Territory’s silver mining boom, Millville served as a milling hub for processing silver ore from Tombstone’s mines. Closely tied to the nearby town of Charleston, Millville’s history reflects the rapid rise and fall of mining communities in the American West. This report explores Millville’s origins, economic significance, social dynamics, decline, and current status, drawing on historical accounts and archaeological insights.

Millville, sister town to Charleston located just across the San Pedro River, circa 1880
Millville, sister town to Charleston located just across the San Pedro River, circa 1880

Origins and Establishment

Ed Schieffelin
Ed Schieffelin

Millville emerged in 1878 following Ed Schieffelin’s discovery of silver in the Tombstone area. Schieffelin, along with his brother Al and partner Richard Gird, recognized the need for a milling operation to process the raw silver ore into bullion. The San Pedro River’s water supply made it an ideal location, as water was essential for ore refinement, unlike the water-scarce Tombstone. Gird selected a site on the east bank of the San Pedro River, where two stamp mills—the Gird Mill and the Corbin Mill—were constructed to crush and process ore. Millville was formally established as the industrial heart of the region, with Charleston, on the west bank, serving as the residential and commercial settlement for mill workers and their families.

The town’s layout was functional, centered around the milling operations. By May 1879, Millville had a post office, though it closed less than a year later on May 3, 1880, as Charleston became the primary residential hub. The mills relied on surface water corralled by Gird’s dam, which powered six mills at peak production, operating day and night from Millville to Contention City.

Economic Significance

Millville’s economy was driven by its role in silver processing. At its peak between April 1881 and April 1882, the mills produced $1,380,336.97 in bullion, a staggering amount for the time, equivalent to tens of millions in today’s dollars. The Gird Mill alone processed 15 to 20 tons of ore daily, with mule teams hauling 40,000 to 50,000 pounds of ore from Tombstone. This output fueled the regional economy, attracting workers, merchants, and opportunists to the San Pedro Valley.

The mills’ success depended on infrastructure like Gird’s dam, which controlled water flow from the San Pedro River. However, the dam sparked controversies with local ranchers, who contested the mills’ water usage. Floods occasionally breached the dam, causing disruptions, such as in 1881 when a man nearly drowned crossing the swollen river. Despite these challenges, Millville’s mills were a cornerstone of the Tombstone silver boom, processing ore that enriched investors and sustained the region’s growth.

Social Dynamics and Reputation

Millville’s social fabric was shaped by its industrial focus and proximity to Charleston, which had a rowdier reputation. Millville itself was strictly controlled by Richard Gird, who prohibited alcohol to maintain order among workers, a contrast to Charleston’s liberal leasing laws and saloons. The mills were dangerous workplaces, with accounts of violent incidents, such as a worker allegedly killing another and disposing of the body in a furnace.

Charleston, home to about 400 residents at its peak, housed mill workers and their families, as well as notorious figures like Frank Stilwell, a saloon owner and deputy sheriff suspected of murdering Morgan Earp, and the Clanton Gang, whose ranch was five miles south. Despite Charleston’s reputation as “tougher and livelier than Tombstone,” fueled by Eastern newspapers, the Tombstone Epitaph in May 1882 described it as “well regulated and free from turmoil.” Millville, by contrast, was quieter, focused on industry rather than social life. No successful robberies of silver or payroll were recorded, though a failed attempt in Millville on March 25, 1882, resulted in the murder of mining engineer M. R. Peel.

The region’s cultural landscape was enriched by pre-Columbian petroglyphs near the river, which attracted visitors and added historical depth. Informational signs along trails today highlight this heritage, connecting Millville’s brief existence to the area’s longer human history.

Decline and Abandonment

Millville’s decline began in 1886 when Tombstone’s silver mines flooded, halting ore production. The discovery of water beneath Tombstone allowed milling to shift closer to the mines, reducing the need for Millville’s riverside operations. A miners’ strike in 1885–1886 and the 1887 earthquake further weakened the region’s economy. By 1889, both Millville and Charleston were largely abandoned, earning their status as ghost towns. Small-scale smelting continued in Millville until 1892, and ore dumps were revisited after 1900 with improved technology, but the town never recovered.

Charleston’s infrastructure was dismantled by Mexican residents who used materials for firewood, while Millville’s stone embankments and adobe foundations eroded. The Arizona and Southeastern Railroad’s construction altered local drainage, further threatening the sites’ preservation. By the early 20th century, Millville was a relic, its mills reduced to crumbling ruins.

Current Status and Preservation

Today, Millville is part of the San Pedro Riparian National Conservation Area, managed by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM). The site is accessible via a 1.8-mile loop trail, the Millville Historic Townsite and Rock Art Discovery Trail, which features interpretive signs about the area’s history and petroglyphs. The trail, rated as easy, takes about 38 minutes to complete and offers views of the San Pedro River, ghost town ruins, and natural features. Visitors report informative signage but note the lack of shade and occasional hazards like rattlesnakes.

The BLM and organizations like the Friends of the San Pedro River work to preserve the sites, though no official signage marks Millville along Charleston Road. The ruins consist of stone walls, adobe foundations, and remnants of the Gird and Corbin Mills, visible from the trail. The nearby Clanton Ranch, Fairbanks ghost town, and Presidio Santa Cruz de Terranate add to the region’s historical attractions.

Conclusion

Millville, Arizona, encapsulates the fleeting prosperity of the Wild West’s mining boom. From its founding in 1878 to its abandonment by 1889, the town played a critical role in processing Tombstone’s silver, driving economic growth in the San Pedro Valley. Its industrial focus, contrasted with Charleston’s lively social scene, highlights the diverse dynamics of frontier life. Though reduced to ruins, Millville’s legacy endures through preserved trails and historical narratives, offering a glimpse into Arizona’s rugged past. The San Pedro Riparian National Conservation Area ensures that Millville’s story, alongside its natural and cultural surroundings, remains accessible to future generations.

Millville Town Summary

NameMillville, Arizona
LocationCochise County, Arizona
Latitude, Longitude31.6350, -110.1737
Elevation1216 meters / 3990 feet
GNIS
Post OfficeMay 26, 1879 – May 3, 1880

Millville Trail Map

Millville is located about 9 miles southwest of Tombstone, Arizona. Charleston and Millville are not accessible by car and can only be reached by hiking up the San Pedro River. The Bureau of Land Management has begun maintaining trails to and from the area. 

Refereces

  • GhostTowns.com
  • AllTrails. Millville Historic Townsite and Rock Art Discovery Trail.
  • Archaeology Southwest. Charleston and Millville Sites.
  • Wyatt Earp Explorers. Charleston & Millville, A.T. by John D. Rose.
  • Natural Atlas. Millville Historic Townsite.
  • Roadtrippers. Charleston & Millville Historic Townsite.
  • Michael Kleen. The Ruins of Millville and Charleston, Arizona.
  • Ghost Towns of Arizona. Millville Ghost Town.
  • Southern Arizona Guide. Exploring the Millville Ruins with the FSPR.

William Brocius

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

William Brocius, better known as “Curly Bill” Brocius, was a notorious outlaw of the American Old Old West, born around 1845, though some sources suggest 1840 or 1858. His birthplace remains uncertain, with speculation pointing to Crawfordsville, Indiana, Texas, or Missouri. His birth name is equally elusive, with possible names including William Graham, William Bresnaham, or William Brosius. Some accounts suggest he was born William Graham in Indiana, where he reportedly worked as a struggling farmer with a wife and three children—Jacob, Lizzie, and Ellie—before the Civil War. According to family lore, Brocius accepted $500 to serve as a substitute for a wealthy man drafted into the Union Army, leaving his family behind. After the war, he did not return home, possibly spending time in the South before resurfacing in the Arizona Territory by the late 1870s.

Criminal Beginnings

Brocius’s criminal career began to take shape in the late 1870s. He may have been linked to William “Curly Bill” Bresnaham, who, along with Robert “Dutch” Martin, was convicted of an attempted robbery of an Army wagon in Texas in 1878. The pair was sentenced to five years in Huntsville prison but escaped, possibly fleeing to the Arizona Territory. Brocius was also associated with the Jesse Evans gang in New Mexico during the Lincoln County War, a conflict that involved Billy the Kid. By 1878, Brocius had settled in Arizona, initially delivering cattle to the San Carlos Reservation before gravitating to the boomtown of Tombstone.

Life in Tombstone and the Clanton Gang

Tombstone, Arizona, was a wild, silver-rich town in the late 1870s, described as the “toughest town on earth.” Brocius, a heavy-set man over six feet tall with dark curly hair, dark eyes, and a reputation for unpredictability, quickly became a central figure in the Cochise County Cowboys, a loose-knit gang of rustlers and outlaws led by the Clanton family. Known for his quick draw and trick shooting—able to hit running jackrabbits or shoot quarters from volunteers’ fingers—Brocius was both feared and charismatic. His “Jekyll-and-Hyde” personality made him a volatile leader, respected by the likes of “Old Man” Clanton and his sons, particularly the reckless Billy Clanton.

Brocius’s criminal activities included cattle rustling, stagecoach robbery, and murder. After Old Man Clanton’s death in an ambush in 1881, Brocius assumed leadership of the Cowboys, which grew to over 400 members and became the largest rustling operation in American history, operating across Arizona, New Mexico, and Mexico. His most infamous act was the Skeleton Canyon Massacre in July 1881, where he and his gang ambushed a Mexican trail herd, killed six vaqueros, and reportedly tortured and murdered others, netting over $75,000 in loot. This massacre, which left bleached bones scattered in the canyon, drew the ire of President James Garfield, who demanded the gang’s dissolution.

The Shooting of Fred White

Fred White
Fred White

Brocius’s notoriety peaked on October 27, 1880, when he shot Tombstone’s first marshal, Fred White, during a chaotic night of gunfire on Allen Street. The Clanton gang, including Brocius, was recklessly shooting up the town. When White confronted Brocius near the Birdcage Theater and attempted to disarm him, Brocius’s .45 discharged, fatally wounding White in the abdomen. Wyatt Earp, then a deputy sheriff, pistol-whipped and arrested Brocius. White, before dying two days later, testified that he believed the shooting was accidental, a claim supported by Wyatt Earp and a demonstration that Brocius’s pistol could fire from half-cock. Brocius was acquitted in November 1880, but the incident fueled his enmity with the Earp family, marking the start of the Earp-Cowboy feud.

Escalating Conflicts and the Earp Vendetta

Brocius’s vendetta against the Earps intensified after the Gunfight at the O.K. Corral in October 1881, where Billy Clanton and the McLaury brothers were killed. Brocius was absent during the gunfight, possibly recovering from a gunshot wound to the face sustained earlier that year. He was implicated in the ambush of Virgil Earp in December 1881 and the assassination of Morgan Earp in March 1882, though evidence of his direct involvement is inconclusive. Some reports suggest he left Arizona in December 1881 to avoid a larceny charge, casting doubt on his presence during these events.

Death or Disappearance

On March 24, 1882, Wyatt Earp claimed to have killed Brocius during a shootout at Iron Springs (now Mescal Springs) in the Whetstone Mountains. According to Earp, his posse stumbled upon Brocius and other Cowboys cooking a meal. In the ensuing gunfight, Earp shot Brocius in the chest with a shotgun, killing him instantly. However, no body was recovered, and Brocius’s grave has never been identified. Some accounts, including those from Cowboys’ associates, suggest his body was buried at Frank Patterson’s ranch near the Babocomari River. Others, including contemporary sources, argue Brocius had already left Arizona or fled to Mexico, and the lack of physical evidence fueled speculation that he survived. The Tombstone Nugget and Epitaph offered rewards of $1,000 and $2,000, respectively, for proof of his death, but no one claimed them.

Legacy and Controversy

Curly Bill Brocius remains an enigmatic figure, his true identity obscured by aliases and conflicting accounts. Described as crafty, conscienceless, and a born killer, he was both a feared outlaw and a charismatic leader. His supposed death at Wyatt Earp’s hands is one of the Old West’s enduring mysteries, with historians divided on whether he died in 1882 or returned to Texas, possibly living until 1909 as William Albert Brosius. His story has been immortalized in films like Tombstone (1993), where Powers Boothe portrayed him as a ruthless yet remorseful antagonist, and in books by historians like Steve Gatto, who dubbed him “Tombstone’s Most Famous Outlaw.” Brocius’s life encapsulates the lawlessness and violence of the Arizona Territory, leaving a legacy as one of the Wild West’s most infamous figures.

George ‘Brownie’ Holmes

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George “Brownie” Holmes (April 11, 1892 – April 11, 1980) was a notable figure in Arizona history, best known for his lifelong pursuit of the Lost Dutchman Mine, a legendary gold mine in the Superstition Mountains. Born in Phoenix, Arizona Territory, Holmes was deeply connected to the region’s pioneer heritage and spent over six decades searching for the elusive mine, following in the footsteps of his father, Richard J. “Dick” Holmes. This report explores Holmes’ life, his contributions to the lore of the Lost Dutchman Mine, and his lasting legacy.

The skull of Adolph Ruth being held by searcher Brownie Holmes.
The skull of Adolph Ruth being held by searcher Brownie Holmes.

Early Life and Background

George Brown Holmes was born on April 11, 1892, in Phoenix, Arizona Territory, just months after the death of Jacob Waltz, the prospector associated with the Lost Dutchman Mine. His nickname “Brownie” derived from his grandmother’s maiden name, Brown, as his father wanted him to carry both family names—Holmes and Brown. Holmes came from a pioneering Arizona family. His grandfather, Richard J. Holmes Sr., arrived in Arizona in 1847, when it was still part of Mexico, and worked as a geologist and mineralogist, discovering gold at La Paz in 1853. His father, Dick Holmes, was a rancher and civilian packer for the U.S. Army, born in 1865 at Old Fort Whipple.

Holmes grew up immersed in Arizona’s rugged frontier culture. His father’s involvement in the search for the Lost Dutchman Mine, sparked by Waltz’s deathbed confession in 1891, profoundly influenced Brownie’s life. Dick Holmes claimed to have received a box of gold ore and directions to the mine from Waltz, setting the stage for Brownie’s lifelong quest.

Career and Lifestyle

Holmes led a varied career rooted in Arizona’s outdoor and ranch. He worked as a ranch hand for much of his life, notably for the Barkley family, and spent a decade with the Arizona Fish and Game Department as a packer and trapper. He also drove a stagecoach along the Apache Trail for Wes Hill, a role that connected him to the Superstition Mountains and its lore. A World War I veteran, Holmes served in what was then called the Great War, adding to his rugged persona.

Despite his adventurous life, Holmes was reserved about the Lost Dutchman Mine, avoiding interviews and public disputes. He relished anonymity, believing it allowed him to search for the mine without interference from other treasure hunters. His work as a cowboy and his time in the Superstition Mountains gave him intimate knowledge of the terrain, which he leveraged in his searches.

The Lost Dutchman Mine and Holmes’ Role

Holmes’ pursuit of the Lost Dutchman Mine began with his father’s legacy. Dick Holmes, present at Waltz’s deathbed in 1891, allegedly received gold ore and cryptic directions to the mine. After Dick’s death in 1930, Brownie continued the search, spending over 60 years exploring the Superstition Mountains. His belief in the mine’s existence was unwavering, rooted in his father’s accounts and physical evidence like gold ore samples.

Holmes was a significant oral historian of the Lost Dutchman legend, sharing stories with select individuals about key figures like Jacob Waltz, Julia Thomas, and the Petrasch brothers. However, he was cautious, often providing contradictory or vague information, possibly to protect the mine’s location. Some Dutchman hunters speculated that Holmes deliberately misled others to safeguard his search.

The Holmes Manuscript

One of Holmes’ most controversial contributions is the Holmes Manuscript, a 41-page document allegedly authored by him around 1944 with the help of ghostwriter Charles Kenison. The manuscript includes a nine-page section titled The True Story of the Lost Dutchman of the Superstitions as Told to Me by My Father Dick Holmes, by Jacob Wolz on His Deathbed. It details Dick Holmes’ experience at Waltz’s deathbed and Brownie’s subsequent searches. However, Holmes denied writing it, though he admitted to providing much of the information.

The manuscript is contentious due to its embellishments (e.g., references to “tiny dwarf deer”), factual inaccuracies, and differing writing styles between sections. Some believe Holmes commissioned it to attract investors or partners, but abandoned the project after disagreements with Kenison. The manuscript resurfaced in the Arizona State Library archives in the 1970s and was later published in Dr. Thomas E. Glover’s book The Lost Dutchman Mine of Jacob Waltz, Part 2: The Holmes Manuscript. Despite its flaws, it remains a key historical document, offering insights into the early days of the Dutchman search.

The Matchbox Affidavit

In April 1969, Holmes provided a sworn affidavit detailing the provenance of a matchbox crafted from gold ore from Waltz’s mine. According to the affidavit, Dick Holmes sold Waltz’s gold to the Goldman Brothers Store in Phoenix in 1891. James “Jimmie” Douglas purchased the ore and had it made into a matchbox, which he gifted to Gus Hirschfeld for meritorious service. Hirschfeld later gave the matchbox to Holmes. The affidavit, notarized in Maricopa County, is considered significant evidence that Waltz possessed gold, supporting the mine’s existence. Additional jewelry, including cufflinks, a stud, a stickpin, and a ring, was also made from Waltz’s ore, with some pieces displayed at the Superstition Mountain Museum.

Connection to the Adolph Ruth Case

Lost Dutchman Mine searcher Adolph Ruth
Lost Dutchman Mine searcher Adolph Ruth

Holmes is linked to the 1931 disappearance and death of Adolph Ruth, a prospector searching for the Lost Dutchman Mine. In 1932, Holmes and his dog reportedly found Ruth’s skull on Black Top Mesa, which had bullet holes, fueling speculation of foul play. Some theories suggest Holmes may have been involved, though no evidence supports this. The Ruth case remains one of the darker chapters in the Dutchman saga, and Holmes’ discovery of the skull added to his mystique.

Personal Life and Legacy

Holmes married Thelma Neff-Harwick and had one daughter, Georgia, for whom he had a ring made from Waltz’s gold ore. Tragically, Georgia died young. Holmes was well-liked, with hundreds attending his memorial. He died of heart failure on his 88th birthday, April 11, 1980, at his Phoenix home. Per his wishes, his ashes were scattered in the Superstition Mountains, forever tying him to the land he loved.

Holmes’ legacy endures through his contributions to the Lost Dutchman Mine legend. His stories, the Holmes Manuscript, and the matchbox affidavit provide tangible links to Arizona’s frontier past. While he never found the mine, his dedication inspired generations of treasure hunters. In a 1980 conversation with friend Clay Worst, Holmes reflected, “Clay, I don’t know if the Dutchman lied to my father or not, but I know my father never lied to me, and I know I never lied to you,” underscoring his belief in the mine and his integrity.

Conclusion

George “Brownie” Holmes was a quintessential Arizona pioneer whose life intertwined with one of the West’s greatest mysteries. His relentless search for the Lost Dutchman Mine, rooted in family legacy and personal conviction, made him a central figure in its lore. Through his oral histories, the Holmes Manuscript, and the matchbox affidavit, Holmes left an indelible mark on Arizona history. His story embodies the spirit of adventure, perseverance, and the enduring allure of the unknown.

Sources

  • Tom Kollenborn Chronicles: George ‘Brownie’ Holmes
  • The Lost Dutchman Mine Part Seven: Brownie Holmes – Jason Roberts
  • George “Brownie” Holmes Affidavit – DesertUSA.com
  • Brownie Holmes Remembered – TreasureNet
  • The Holmes Manuscript – DesertUSA.com
  • The Brownie Holmes Manuscript – TreasureNet
  • The Holmes Manuscript (The Lost Dutchman Mine of Jacob Waltz, Part 2) – Amazon.com
  • Lost Dutchman Gold & Glenn Magill – The Arizona Report

The Murder of Morgan Earp – March 18, 1882

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The murder of Morgan Earp on March 18, 1882, in Tombstone, Arizona Territory, was a pivotal act of revenge in one of the most infamous feuds of the American Old West. It stemmed directly from escalating tensions between the Earp brothers (lawmen) and the loosely organized group of outlaws known as the Cochise County Cowboys. Morgan’s assassination triggered Wyatt Earp’s extralegal vendetta, marking a dramatic escalation in the conflict.

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

Background and Events Leading Up to the Murder

Morgan Seth Earp was born on April 24, 1851, in Pella, Iowa, the son of Nicholas Porter Earp and Virginia Ann Cooksey. He was one of several brothers, including Virgil, Wyatt, James, and Warren, who would become central figures in frontier law enforcement and legend. Morgan worked various jobs before becoming a lawman, including roles in Dodge City, Kansas, and eventually Tombstone, Arizona.

By the late 1870s and early 1880s, Tombstone had boomed as a silver mining town, attracting prospectors, businessmen, and outlaws. The Earp brothers—Virgil (as town marshal and deputy U.S. marshal), Wyatt, and Morgan—aligned with law-and-order interests, often clashing with the Cochise County Cowboys. This group, including figures like Ike and Billy Clanton, Tom and Frank McLaury, “Curly Bill” Brocius, Johnny Ringo, Frank Stilwell, and others, engaged in cattle rustling, stagecoach robbery, and smuggling across the U.S.-Mexico border. The Cowboys resented the Earps’ interference in their operations, and death threats against the brothers became common.

Tensions peaked in 1881. On October 26, 1881, Virgil Earp, as town marshal, decided to enforce a city ordinance banning firearms in town. He deputized his brothers Wyatt and Morgan, along with Wyatt’s friend Doc Holliday, to disarm a group of Cowboys gathering near the O.K. Corral. The confrontation erupted into the famous Gunfight at the O.K. Corral (actually in a vacant lot on Fremont Street). In about 30 seconds, around 30 shots were fired. Billy Clanton and brothers Tom and Frank McLaury were killed. Virgil was wounded in the leg, Morgan was shot through the shoulder (crossing both shoulder blades), and Doc Holliday was grazed. Wyatt emerged unscathed. Ike Clanton and Billy Claiborne fled.

Ike Clanton pressed murder charges against the Earps and Holliday. A month-long preliminary hearing followed, presided over by Judge Wells Spicer. Witnesses testified on both sides, but Spicer ruled the lawmen acted within their duties, exonerating them.

The Cowboys sought further revenge. On December 28, 1881, Virgil Earp was ambushed in Tombstone while walking home—shot in the arm and left permanently crippled (his arm was later amputated). Wyatt was appointed a deputy U.S. marshal by U.S. Marshal Crawley Dake to pursue the attackers, with Morgan serving as a deputized posse member.

Threats continued, and on March 18, 1882—about five months after the O.K. Corral—revenge culminated against Morgan.

The Murder of Morgan Earp

On the evening of March 18, 1882, Morgan, then 30 years old, had attended a musical performance at Schieffelin Hall in Tombstone. He later went to Campbell & Hatch’s Billiard Parlor on Allen Street to play pool (billiards) against owner Bob Hatch. Wyatt was present, seated nearby watching, along with friends like Dan Tipton and Sherman McMaster. The group had received warnings of threats that day.

Around 10:50 p.m., an assassin (or assassins) fired at least two shots from outside through the upper pane of a four-pane glass door at the rear of the parlor (the lower panes were painted over). The first bullet struck Morgan in the back, just left of the spine near the left kidney, passed through his body, shattered his spinal column, and exited near the gall bladder region before lodging in the thigh of bystander George A.B. Berry. A second shot missed Wyatt Earp, who was nearby, and embedded in the wall.

Morgan collapsed instantly onto the billiard table, paralyzed and in severe pain. Friends and companions—including Wyatt Earp, Dan Tipton, and Sherman McMaster—rushed to his side. They attempted to help him stand or move, but Morgan protested, reportedly saying, “Don’t, I can’t stand it. This is the last game of pool I’ll ever play.” They carefully lifted and dragged him a short distance to the floor near the card room door, away from potential further gunfire through the window, in an effort to shield him and make him more comfortable.

Dr. George E. Goodfellow, also known as the "Gunfighter's Surgeon"
Dr. George E. Goodfellow, also known as the “Gunfighter’s Surgeon”

Medical help arrived quickly in the small mining town. Dr. William Miller was the first physician on the scene, followed shortly by Drs. Matthews (or Millar) and George E. Goodfellow. Goodfellow, widely regarded as one of the leading experts in the United States on treating abdominal and gunshot wounds (having gained extensive experience in Tombstone’s violent environment), conducted a thorough examination. He determined the wound was mortal almost immediately. The bullet had caused massive internal hemorrhage by damaging major blood vessels, passed through the left kidney and loins, and severely injured the spinal column, leading to paralysis and rapid collapse.

Despite the doctors’ best efforts to assess and stabilize him—likely including attempts to control bleeding, provide pain relief (common with morphine or similar in the era), and monitor his condition—there was little that could be done. Medical knowledge and technology in 1882 lacked the means to repair such catastrophic spinal and vascular damage. Morgan lingered in agony for less than an hour, dying around midnight or shortly after. In his final moments, he whispered to Wyatt (accounts vary on the exact words, but they reflected resignation, a plea for caution, or a charge to seek justice).

The physicians could only confirm the inevitability of death. Goodfellow later described the wound in detail during the coroner’s inquest: a gunshot entering near the left spinal column, exiting on the right near the gall bladder, involving the spinal column and great vessels, causing fatal hemorrhage. No surgical intervention—such as exploratory surgery or transfusion—was feasible or attempted under the circumstances, as the injury was deemed unsurvivable.

Morgan’s body was moved to the Cosmopolitan Hotel, embalmed, dressed (reportedly in a suit borrowed from Doc Holliday), and laid out for viewing. His death ignited Wyatt Earp’s famous Vendetta Ride, a vigilante pursuit of those suspected in the killing. But in the frantic minutes after the shots rang out, the desperate attempts by friends to move and protect him, combined with the rapid response of Tombstone’s doctors—including the skilled but ultimately helpless Dr. Goodfellow—represented the only real efforts to save Morgan Earp’s life. They bought him moments of comfort in his dying hour, but the assassin’s bullet had already sealed his fate.

A coroner’s inquest identified suspects including Pete Spence, Frank Stilwell, Frederick Bode, and “Indian Charlie” (Florentino Cruz), based on circumstantial evidence and threats. However, charges were dropped due to lack of evidence, alibis, or legal technicalities—mirroring frustrations after prior incidents.

Events Following the Murder

Morgan’s murder convinced Wyatt that the legal system in Cochise County was corrupt or ineffective against the Cowboys. He refused to wait for justice through the courts.

Morgan’s body was transported by train (escorted by Wyatt and others) to Colton, California, for burial at Hermosa Cemetery, where his grave marker reads “Assassinated.”

Wyatt, now acting as a federal deputy marshal with a posse including Doc Holliday, Warren Earp, “Turkey Creek” Jack Johnson, Sherman McMasters, Texas Jack Vermillion, and others, launched what became known as the Earp Vendetta Ride (or Earp Vendetta Posse). From March 20 to mid-April 1882, they hunted suspects in southeast Arizona.

Key events:

  • March 20, 1882: While escorting the wounded Virgil and his wife Allie to a train in Tucson for safety in California, Wyatt spotted Frank Stilwell (a prime suspect) at the depot. Stilwell was found the next day riddled with bullets on the tracks—widely attributed to Wyatt.
  • The posse continued pursuing others: Florentino Cruz (“Indian Charlie”) was killed after confessing involvement; “Curly Bill” Brocius was reportedly shot by Wyatt in a confrontation at Iron Springs; Johnny Barnes died of wounds; others were targeted.
  • The ride involved skirmishes across the desert, with the posse evading Cowboy ambushes and local law enforcement (including Sheriff John Behan, who opposed the Earps).

The vendetta ended by April 1882 when the posse disbanded, and Wyatt left Arizona for Colorado to avoid prosecution (he faced warrants for the killings). Some accounts suggest Wyatt and Doc may have later returned to kill Johnny Ringo (found dead in July 1882), though this remains disputed.

The events solidified the Earps’ legend in Western lore, portrayed in countless books, films (like Tombstone and Wyatt Earp), and histories as a tale of frontier justice, revenge, and the blurred line between lawmen and vigilantes. Morgan’s death remains a tragic footnote in the larger saga of the O.K. Corral and the Tombstone feud.