Tag: Tombstone

Tombstone, Arizona, nestled in the southeastern part of the state, is a legendary town steeped in Wild West history. Established in the late 1870s, it quickly gained notoriety as a mining boomtown, drawing a diverse population of prospectors, outlaws, and lawmen. The town is perhaps best known for the infamous Gunfight at the O.K. Corral in 1881, where Wyatt Earp and his brothers, alongside Doc Holliday, faced off against the outlaw Clanton gang. Today, Tombstone preserves its frontier charm with historic saloons, museums showcasing artifacts from its tumultuous past, and regular reenactments of the gunfight that made it famous. Visitors can stroll down Allen Street, lined with authentic Old West buildings, or explore nearby attractions like Boothill Graveyard, where many of Tombstone’s early residents, including gunfight participants, are buried.`

Edward Lawrence Schieffelin

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Edward Lawrence Schieffelin, a rugged and determined prospector, carved his name in the annals of American history as the man who discovered silver and founded the legendary mining town of Tombstone, Arizona. Born on May 7, 1847, in the small town of Wellsboro, Pennsylvania, Schieffelin embodied the spirit of adventure and exploration that characterized the American West during the late 19th century. From his humble beginnings as a prospector to his eventual success in striking it rich, this biography delves into the life and achievements of Ed Schieffelin, shedding light on his extraordinary journey and his enduring legacy in the American mining industry.

Edward Lawrence Schieffelin
Ed Schieffelin

Early Years and Adventurous Spirit

Edward Lawrence Schieffelin, known as Ed, was born into a family of eight siblings. Raised in a modest household, he developed a strong work ethic and a sense of wanderlust from an early age. Ed’s adventurous spirit led him to leave his hometown in pursuit of opportunities out West when he was just a teenager. Inspired by stories of the California Gold Rush, Schieffelin set out on a quest for fortune and adventure into California, Death Valley, Colorado, New Mexico and Arizona.

In 1877, at the age of 30, Schieffelin arrived in Arizona Territory. The region was known for its hostile terrain, inhabited by hostile Native American tribes and infested with outlaws. It was an untamed and dangerous land, yet Schieffelin saw the untapped potential hidden within the rocky mountains and rugged landscapes.

The Discovery of Tombstone

Undeterred by the challenges, Schieffelin embarked on a solo prospecting expedition in the southeastern part of Arizona Territory. Despite being warned by soldiers at the nearby Fort Huachuca about the “all he would find would be his own tombstone,” Schieffelin remained undeterred and ventured into the wilderness.

After several months of searching and enduring hardships, Schieffelin struck silver in 1877. His find, located in the area that would become Tombstone, Arizona, ignited a rush of prospectors and speculators. Schieffelin named the mining district “Tombstone” in response to a friend,  Al Sieber who predicted he would only find his own tombstone.

As the news of Schieffelin’s discovery spread, the town of Tombstone boomed with activity. Miners, gamblers, and businessmen flocked to the area, transforming the once desolate region into a thriving mining town. Schieffelin, known for his eccentric personality and adventurous spirit, became a legend in his own right.

The Legacy of Tombstone

Tombstone, under Schieffelin’s influence, rapidly grew into a bustling frontier town. The rich silver veins of the area attracted numerous mining companies, turning Tombstone into one of the wealthiest towns in the West. The town quickly developed essential infrastructure, including saloons, theaters, banks, and a newspaper, the “Tombstone Epitaph,” which chronicled the tumultuous events that unfolded in the region.

Schieffelin, though he had made his fortune, continued to lead the life of a prospector, always searching for the next big strike. However, he faced his fair share of challenges and setbacks. The mines faced legal disputes, water shortages, and labor conflicts, which took a toll on the town’s prosperity. Despite the challenges, Tombstone remained a symbol of the American frontier spirit and resilience.

Ed Schieffelin Monument

A 25 ft tall monument is erected near to spot of Ed Shieffelin original claim in Tombstone. The monument represents the type of marker a miner makes in claiming a strike. A plaque on the monument reads, “Ed Shieffelin, died May 12, 1897, aged 49 years, 8 months. A dutiful son, a faithful husband, a kind brother, and a true friend.” The monument is located just to the East of Ed Schieffelin Monument road, north of the town of Tombstone.

John Peters “Johnny” Ringo

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Johnny Ringo was an American gunfighter and outlaw most commonly associated with the infamous happenings in Tombstone, Arizona. He was often portrayed as the hired gun of the Clanton faction, an antagonist to Doc Holiday, and could be responsible for the kill of Morgan Earp. Although not formally educated, he supposedly quoted Shakespeare and cultivate an image of the refined gunman. Although in Tombstone at the time, and quarreled with Doc Holiday, he did not participate in the gunfight or every mince more than words with Holiday.

John Peters "Johnny" Ringo ( May 3, 1850 – July 13, 1882 )
John Peters “Johnny” Ringo ( May 3, 1850 – July 13, 1882 )

John Peters “Johnny” Ringo is born May 3, 1850 to Martin and Mary Peters Ringo in Greens Fork, Indiana. On July 30, 1864, when Johnny was 14, his family was relocation from Wyoming to California. While en route, Martin Ringo, Johnny’s father was killed when he stepped off their wagon holding a shotgun, which accidentally discharged. The head wound was gruesome and the family if forced to bury him on a hillside next to the trail. On their arrival in California, the family settled in San Jose.

Mason County War

In 1869, Johnny aged 19, left San Jose and moved to Mason County, Texas. While in Texas be befriended a former Texas Ranger Scott Cooley, who was the adoptive son of Rancher Tim Williamson. Williamson is arrested by a hostile mob and killed by Peter “Bad Man” Bader on May 13th, 1875. Following, Ringo and Colley rage a war of terror of those they felt guilty to Williamson’s murder. This became locally know as the “Hoodoo War” or the “Mason County Ware”.

On August 19th, 1875, Scott Cooley and Ringo killed Charley Bader when they mistook him for his brother Pete. The two men are jailed for the murder in Burnet, Texas, but soon escaped.

The Mason County War is over in November 1876 with about a dozen lives lost.

Ringo in Tombstone

Johnny found his way to Tombstone in the winter of 1880. He had a reputation of a bad temper and an alcoholic. He becomes associated with the Cochise County Cowboys alongs with the Clanton’s and may have participated in some of their “activities”. Ringo did not participate in the famous gunfight, however, on January 17th, 1882, he and Doc Holiday traded words and almost had a gunfight before both men were arrested.

Ringo was a fine man any way you look at him. Physically, intellectually, morally. He was six feet tall, rather slim in build, although broad-shouldered, medium fair as to complexion with gray-blue eyes and light brown hair. His face was somewhat long. He was what might be called an attractive man. His attitude toward all women was gentlemanly. He must have been a gentleman born. Sometimes I noticed something wistful about him, as if his thoughts were far away on something sad. He would say, ‘Oh, well,’ and sigh. Then he would smile, but his smiles were always sad. There was something in his life that only he, himself, knew about …. He was always neat, clean, well dressed, showed that he took good care of himself. He never boasted of his deeds, good or bad, a trait I have always liked in men. John…was a loyal friend. And he was noble, for he never fought anyone except face to face. Every time I think of him, my eyes fill with tears.

Mary Katherine Horony Cummings – Big Nose Kate

Following the attacks on Virgil and Morgan Earp, Wyatt Earp blamed Ringo for the ambush and murder of Morgan on March 18th, 1882. Morgans death prompted a “vendetta” ride which sees Wyatt hunting those whom he blamed for Morgan’s death. March 20th, 1882, Wyatt killed Frank Stillwell in Tucson, Arizona. Following, Johnny Ringo is deputized into a possse to search for the Wyatt and Holiday, although they never find them.

Mysterious Death

During Tombstone’s Fourth of July festivities, Ringo drank heavily. Two days letter he left Tombstone with several bottles of liquor. On July 8th, Deputy Billy Breakenridge ran into Ringo at Dial’s Ranch in the South Pass of the Dragoon Mountains. During this encounter “Ringo was very drunk, reeling in the saddle.” He encouraged Ringo to follow him back to the Goodrich Ranch. But, “he was drunk and stubborn and went on his way. I think this was the last time he was seen alive.”

At about 3pm on July 13, ranch hands at a nearby ranch heard a shot.

On July 14th, 1882, Ringo’s lifeless body is discovered by Teamster James Yoast, Ringo is found dead among “a bunch of five large black jack oaks growing up in a semicircle from one root, and in the center of them was a large flat rock which made a comfortable seat.” 

On discovery, Ringos body is already blacked from the hot Arizona sun.

His feet were wrapped in strips of cloth torn from his undershirt. Ringo had lost his horse with his boots tied to the saddle. The coroner’s report noted that “He had evidently traveled but a short distance in this foot gear.” A bullet hole is found at his right temple and an exit wound at the back of his head. The fatal wound was upward at a 45-degree angle between the right eye and ear. His Colt Single Action Army .45 revolver was still in his right hand with the hammer rested on the empty chamber. A knife cut was found at the base of his scalp, as if “someone had cut it with a knife.” His horse was found eleven days later about 2 miles away with Ringo’s boots still tied to the saddle. 

Despite the later claims by Wyatt Earp to have killed him, or movie depictions of Doc Holiday dispatching him and a show down, it is not difficult to image a very drunk Johnny Ringo committing suicide, after falling off and loosing his horse.

Summary

NameJohn Peters Ringo
Also Know ASJohnny Ringo, Johnny Ringgold
Birth / DeathMay 3, 1850 – July 13, 1882
Cause of DeathSuicide, Cochise County, Ariona
Side armColt Single Action Army .45 revolver
VictimsJames Cheyney – Killed – September 25, 1875 – Mason County, Texas
Charley Bader – Killed – August 19th, 1875 – Mason County, Texas
Louis Hancock – Wounded – December 1879 – Safford Arizona

References

The Tombstone Epitaph, October 27, 1881

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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 between the Earps and the Clanton faction in Tombstone. The Tombstone Epitaph offers historical editions for purchase.

The Arizona Historical Newspaper, the Tombstone Epitaph announces the gunfight at the O K Coral.
The Arizona Historical Newspaper, the Tombstone Epitaph, October 27, 1881 announces the gunfight at the O K Coral.

YESTERDAY’S TRAGEDY

Tombstone Daily Epitaph – October 27, 1881

Three Men Hurled Into Eternity in the Duration of a Moment


Stormy as were the early days of Tombstone nothing ever occurred equal to the event of yesterday. Since the retirement of Ben Sippy as marshal and the appointment of V.W. Earp to fill the vacancy the town has been noted for its quietness and good order. The fractious and much dreaded cowboys when they came to town were upon their good behaviour and no unseemly brawls were indulged in, and it was hoped by our citizens that no more such deeds would occur as led to the killing of Marshal White one year ago. It seems that this quiet state of affairs was but the calm that precedes the storm that burst in all its fury yesterday, with this difference in results, that the lightning bolt struck in a different quarter from the one that fell a year ago. This time it struck with its full and awful force upon those who, heretofore, have made the good name of this county a byword and a reproach, instead of upon some officer in discharge of his duty or a peaceable and unoffending citizen.

Since the arrest of Stilwell and Spence for the robbery of the Bisbee stage, there have been oft repeated threats conveyed to the Earp brothers — Virgil, Morgan and Wyatt — that the friends of the accused, or in other words the cowboys , would get even with them for the part they had taken in the pursuit and arrest of Stilwell and Spence. The active part of the Earps in going after stage robbers, beginning with the one last spring where Budd Philpot lost his life, and the more recent one near Contention, has made them exceedingly obnoxious to the bad element of this county and put their lives in jeopardy every month.

Sometime Tuesday Ike Clanton came into town and during the evening had some little talk with Doc Holliday and Marshal Earp but nothing to cause either to suspect, further than their general knowledge of the man and the threats that had previously been conveyed to the Marshal, that the gang intended to clean out the Earps, that he was thirsting for blood at this time with one exception and that was that Clanton told the Marshal, in answer to a question, that the McLowrys were in Sonora. Shortly after this occurrence someone came to the Marshal and told him that the McLowrys had been seen a short time before just below town. Marshal Earp, now knowing what might happen and feeling his responsibility for the peace and order of the city, stayed on duty all night and added to the police force his brother Morgan and Holliday. The night passed without any disturbance whatever and at sunrise he went home to rest and sleep. A short time afterwards one of his brothers came to his house and told him that Clanton was hunting him with threats of shooting him on sight. He discredited the report and did not get out of bed. It was not long before another of his brothers came down, and told him the same thing, whereupon he got up, dressed and went with his brother Morgan uptown. They walked up Allen Street to Fifth, crossed over to Fremont and down to Fourth, where, upon turning up Fourth toward Allen, they came upon Clanton with a Winchester rifle in his hand and a revolver on his hip. The Marshal walked up to him, grabbed the rifle and hit him a blow on the head at the same time, stunning him so that he was able to disarm him without further trouble. He marched Clanton off to the police court where he entered a complaint against him for carrying deadly weapons, and the court fined Clanton $25 and costs, making $27.50 altogether. This occurrence must have been about 1 o’clock in the afternoon.

The After-Occurrence


Close upon the heels of this came the finale, which is best told in the words of R.F. Coleman who was an eye-witness from the beginning to the end. Mr. Coleman says: I was in the O.K. Corral at 2:30 p.m., when I saw the two Clantons and the two McLowrys in an earnest conversation across the street in Dunbar’s corral. I went up the street and notified Sheriff Behan and told him it was my opinion they meant trouble, and it was his duty, as sheriff, to go and disarm them. I told him they had gone to the West End Corral. I then went and saw Marshal Virgil Earp and notified him to the same effect. I then met Billy Allen and we walked through the O.K. Corral, about fifty yards behind the sheriff. On reaching Fremont street I saw Virgil Earp, Wyatt Earp, Morgan Earp and Doc Holliday, in the center of the street, all armed. I had reached Bauer’s meat market. Johnny Behan had just left the cowboys, after having a conversation with them. I went along to Fly’s photograph gallery, when I heard Virg Earp say, “Give up your arms or throw up your arms.” There was some reply made by Frank McLowry, when firing became general, over thirty shots being fired. Tom McLowry fell first, but raised and fired again before he died. Bill Clanton fell next, and raised to fire again when Mr. Fly took his revolver from him. Frank McLowry ran a few rods and fell. Morgan Earp was shot through and fell. Doc Holliday was hit in the left hip but kept on firing. Virgil Earp was hit in the third or fourth fire, in the leg which staggered him but he kept up his effective work. Wyatt Earp stood up and fired in rapid succession, as cool as a cucumber, and was not hit. Doc Holliday was as calm as though at target practice and fired rapidly. After the firing was over, Sheriff Behan went up to Wyatt Earp and said, “I’ll have to arrest you.” Wyatt replied: “I won’t be arrested today. I am right here and am not going away. You have deceived me. You told me these men were disarmed; I went to disarm them.”

This ends Mr. Coleman’s story which in the most essential particulars has been confirmed by others. Marshal Earp says that he and his party met the Clantons and the McLowrys in the alleyway by the McDonald place; he called to them to throw up their hands, that he had come to disarm them. Instantaneously Bill Clanton and one of the McLowrys fired, and then it became general. Mr. Earp says it was the first shot from Frank McLowry that hit him. In other particulars his statement does not materially differ from the statement above given. Ike Clanton was not armed and ran across to Allen street and took refuge in the dance hall there. The two McLowrys and Bill Clanton all died within a few minutes after being shot. The Marshal was shot through the calf of the right leg, the ball going clear through. His brother, Morgan, was shot through the shoulders, the ball entering the point of the right shoulder blade, following across the back, shattering off a piece of one vertebrae and passing out the left shoulder in about the same position that it entered the right. The wound is dangerous but not necessarily fatal, and Virgil’s is far more painful than dangerous. Doc Holliday was hit upon the scabbard of his pistol, the leather breaking the force of the ball so that no material damage was done other than to make him limp a little in his walk.

Dr. Matthews impaneled a coroner’s jury, who went and viewed the bodies as they lay in the cabin in the rear of Dunbar’s stables on Fifth street, and then adjourned until 10 o’clock this morning.

The Alarm Given


The moment the word of the shooting reached the Vizina and Tough Nut mines the whistles blew a shrill signal, and the miners came to the surface, armed themselves, and poured into the town like an invading army. A few moments served to bring out all the better portions of the citizens, thoroughly armed and ready for any emergency. Precautions were immediately taken to preserve law and order, even if they had to fight for it. A guard of ten men were stationed around the county jail, and extra policemen put on for the night.

Earp Brothers Justified

The feeling among the best class of our citizens is that the Marshal was entirely justified in his efforts to disarm these men, and that being fired upon they had to defend themselves, which they did most bravely. So long as our peace officers make an effort to preserve the peace and put down highway robbery — which the Earp brothers have done, having engaged in the pursuit and capture, where captures have been made of every gang of stage robbers in the county — they will have the support of all good citizens.  If the present lesson is not sufficient to teach the cow-boy element that they cannot come into the streets of Tombstone, in broad daylight, armed with six-shooters and Henry rifles to hunt down their victims, then the citizens will most assuredly take such steps to preserve the peace as will be forever a bar to such raids.

References

Charleston Arizona

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Charleston, Arizona, now a ghost town in Cochise County, was a short-lived but vibrant settlement in the Arizona Territory from the late 1870s to the late 1880s. Situated on the west bank of the San Pedro River, approximately 9 miles southwest of Tombstone, Charleston thrived as a milling and residential hub for workers processing silver ore from Tombstone’s prolific mines. Its economy, culture, and notoriety were shaped by its proximity to the silver boom, its lawless reputation, and its association with infamous figures like the Clanton family and other outlaws. This report explores Charleston’s founding, development, decline, and lasting legacy, drawing on historical accounts and archaeological insights.

Charleston, circa 1885 - Photograph by C. S Fly
Charleston, circa 1885 – Photograph by C. S Fly

Establishment and Purpose

Charleston was founded in 1878 to support the milling operations of Tombstone’s silver mines, which lacked sufficient water for ore processing. On October 28, 1878, Amos Stowe claimed 160 acres on the west bank of the San Pedro River, opposite the milling site of Millville, where two stamp mills were constructed to process silver ore. Stowe’s strategic claim capitalized on the need for a residential and commercial center for mill workers. He laid out the town in a grid of 26 blocks with 16 lots each, implementing an attractive leasing system that drew businesses rapidly. By May 1879, Charleston boasted about 40 buildings, including a post office established on April 17, 1879, named after its first postmaster, Charles D..

Millville, on the east bank, was purely functional, with the Tombstone Mining and Milling Company’s 10- and 20-stamp mills powered by the San Pedro’s water. Charleston, however, became the social and economic hub, housing workers and their families. The 1880 U.S. Census recorded a population of 350, though estimates suggest it peaked at over 400 during its busiest period. The town featured four general stores, a meat market, a drug store, two restaurants, two Chinese-operated laundries, Mrs. Hughes’ Boarding House, the Eagle and Royal Hotels, and between 13 and 15 saloons, reflecting its bustling, rough-and-tumble character.

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

Economic and Social Life

Frank Stilwell
Frank Stilwell

Charleston’s economy was tethered to Tombstone’s silver production. Miners earned $4 per day, while mill workers and mechanics made $5 to $7, with the smallest currency in circulation being a quarter (“two bits”), as nickels were unknown. The mills processed a steady stream of ore, and the town’s prosperity attracted diverse residents, including stockmen, prospectors, and soldiers from nearby Fort Huachuca, who frequented Charleston’s saloons. The town’s adobe structures, described as utilitarian rather than ornamental, lined the riverbank alongside prospectors’ camps and Sonoran workers’ shacks.

Socially, Charleston was lively but volatile. The “crack of the revolver” was common, and coroner’s juries frequently convened to investigate shootings. The town’s nightlife featured the “dolorous chant” of Mexican workers and the braying of mules, dubbed “Arizona canaries.” Saloons, including one owned by outlaw Frank Stilwell until he sold it to Jacob W. Swart in 1881, were central to the town’s culture. Ike Clanton operated an early canvas “hotel,” one of the first boarding houses, underscoring the Clanton family’s influence.

Lawlessness and Infamy

Reputation and Outlaw Connections

Charleston earned a wild and lawless reputation, amplified by East Coast newspapers that sensationalized its violence. The Clanton Ranch, located 5 miles south and operated by Newman “Old Man” Clanton and his sons John, Phin, Ike, and Billy, was a hub for notorious figures, including Johnny Ringo, “Curly Bill” Brocius, Pete Spence, and Frank and Tom McLaury. These men, linked to cattle rustling and stagecoach robberies, frequented Charleston, cementing its image as a “nest of outlaws”.

Despite its reputation, Charleston never experienced a successful robbery of silver or money, a testament to the vigilance of mill security. However, a notable incident occurred on March 25, 1882, in Millville, when outlaws Zwing Hunt and Billy Grounds attempted to rob the Tombstone Mining Company, killing mining engineer M. Robert Peel. The bandits fled, leaving a white Stetson and boot prints that identified them. Hunt later escaped custody with help from his brother Hugh but was killed by Apaches in the Chiricahua Mountains.

Justice Under Jim Burnett

Justice in Charleston was idiosyncratic, embodied by Justice of the Peace Jim Burnett, who ran his court with unchecked authority. Burnett imposed eclectic fines—cash, cattle, or even nine cords of wood for theft—pocketing the proceeds. In one case, he fined saloon owner Jacob Swart $1,000 for a fatal shooting, reinforcing his role as Charleston’s de facto dictator. Burnett’s methods, while corrupt, maintained a semblance of order until the town’s decline. He later served as Justice of the Peace in Pearce but was killed in Tombstone in 1897 by rancher William Greene, who falsely believed Burnett caused his daughter’s death by blowing up a dam.

Decline and Abandonment

Economic Collapse

Charleston’s fate was tied to Tombstone’s silver mines, which began flooding in the mid-1880s, reducing ore production. A miners’ strike in 1884 further disrupted operations, and by 1885–1886, parts of the mills were dismantled and relocated to Tombstone to cut shipping costs. The Sonoran Earthquake of May 3, 1887, measuring 7.6 on the Richter scale, devastated Charleston, leaving most adobe structures in ruins. By October 24, 1888, the post office closed, and by 1889, both Charleston and Millville were ghost towns.

Post-Abandonment Uses

In the 1890s, Mexican immigrants briefly occupied Charleston, using wooden structures for kindling, hastening the town’s decay. During World War II, Fort Huachuca soldiers used the site, dubbed “Little Tunisia” for its resemblance to North African terrain, for urban combat training with live ammunition, further damaging the ruins. Erosion from the San Pedro River also ate away at the adobe foundations, leaving only scattered remnants.

Legacy and Modern Context

Today, Charleston is part of the San Pedro Riparian National Conservation Area, managed by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), which protects its archaeological remains. Accessible only by hiking a ¾-mile trail from East Charleston Road, the site consists of adobe fragments and stone foundations hidden among mesquite and thorny brush. The Friends of the San Pedro River offer guided tours, highlighting Charleston’s role in Arizona’s mining history.

Charleston’s legacy endures as a symbol of the Arizona Territory’s volatile boom-and-bust cycle. Its association with the Clantons and other outlaws ties it to the lore of Tombstone and the Gunfight at the O.K. Corral. Historians like Thomas E. Sheridan, in Arizona: A History, contextualize Charleston within the broader narrative of the American West, where mining towns shaped economic and cultural landscapes before fading into obscurity. The town’s ruins, though sparse, evoke the rugged spirit of a frontier defined by opportunity and lawlessness.

Conclusion

Charleston, Arizona, was a fleeting but significant chapter in the American West, born from Tombstone’s silver boom and extinguished by its decline. Its role as a milling and social hub, its infamous residents, and its rapid rise and fall encapsulate the transient nature of frontier towns. While little remains of Charleston today, its story—preserved in historical records and the sparse ruins along the San Pedro—offers a window into the economic, social, and cultural dynamics of Arizona’s territorial era. As a protected site, Charleston continues to draw historians, hikers, and adventurers seeking to uncover its hidden past.

Charleston Town Summary

NameCharleston, Arizona
LocationCochise County, Arizona
Also Known AsCharleston Station
Latitude, Longitude31.6358, -110.1725
Elevation1216 meters / 3990 feet
GNIS24360
Population400
Post OfficeApril 17, 1879 – October 24, 1888

Charleston Trail Map

Charleston 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. 

Charleston Arizona Persons of Interest

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

Joseph Isaac Clanton

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…
Newman Haynes “Old Man” Clanton (1816 – 1881 )

Newman Haynes Clanton

Newman Haynes Clanton was a central figure in the tumultuous period of the American frontier, representing the complex interplay of law, crime, and social dynamics…
The only known portrait photo of Frank McLaury of Tombstone.

Robert Findley McLaury

The only known portrait photo of Frank McLaury of Tombstone. Robert Findley McLaury, known as Frank McLaury (1857–1881) was a notable figure in the American…
Thomas McLaury of Tombstone in 1879

Thomas McLaury 

Thomas McLaury of Tombstone in 1879 Tom McLaury, born as Thomas McLaury, was a key figure in the tumultuous environment of the American frontier during…
William "Curly Bill" Brocius

William 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…

References

Johnny Behan

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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.