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.`

Thomas McLaury

Posted on April 12, 2024 by Destination4x4

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

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

Life in Tombstone

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

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

The Gunfight at the O.K. Corral

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

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

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

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

Personal Characteristics and Legacy

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

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

Joseph Isaac Clanton

Posted on March 22, 2024 by Destination4x4

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.

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

Posted on March 14, 2024 by Destination4x4

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.

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

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

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 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

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

Statement of Albert Billickie in the Preliminary Hearing in the Earp-Holliday Case

Posted on March 12, 2024 by Destination4x4

Albert Clay Billicke ( June 22, 1861 - May 7, 1915 ) — Albert Clay Billicke ( June 22, 1861 – May 7, 1915 )

Albert Bilicke became a successful hotelier and entrepreneur. He is best known for his role as a key business leader in Tombstone, particularly through his involvement in the development and management of the famous Tombstone Grand Hotel.

Bilicke’s connection to Tombstone began in the 1880s when he partnered with George R. Watt to establish the Grand Hotel, which opened in 1880. This luxurious establishment quickly became a social and economic hub in the town, attracting notable figures of the time, including lawmen like Wyatt Earp and Doc Holliday. The hotel was a symbol of the prosperity brought by the silver mining boom that had put Tombstone on the map.

Under Bilicke’s management, the Grand Hotel thrived until the decline of the silver mines led to economic hardships in the region. Despite these challenges, Bilicke remained an influential figure in Tombstone’s business community, known for his sharp business acumen and commitment to the town’s development.

Albert Clay Bilicke’s legacy in Tombstone is remembered as one of entrepreneurship, resilience, and a deep connection to the town’s early history. His contributions helped shape Tombstone during its most vibrant years, leaving an indelible mark on the community.

Statement of Albert Billickie

On this twenty-eighth day of November, 1881, on the hearing of the above entitled cause, on the examination of Wyatt Earp and J. H. Holliday; Albert Billickie, a witness of lawful age, being produced and sworn, deposes and says as follows:

Albert Billickie, Cosmopolitan Hotel, 409 Allen Street, Tombstone, Arizona, hotel keeper.

In response to questions:

[I] knew Tom McLaury by sight, and saw him on October 26^th last, “walking down the south side of Allen Street and enter Everhardy’s butcher shop, and very shortly come out again, walk down the street a few steps further, cross Allen Street obliquely to the corner of Fourth Street. This was probably about 2 o’clock.”

(Q) State if you observed what change if any occurred between the time of his going into the butcher shop and the time of his coming out, with respect to his possession of any arms.

(A) I saw no arms on him, neither when he went into the butcher shop nor when he came out.

(Q) What was his appearance when he went in, and what was his appearance when he came out; with respect to the possession of concealed arms?

(A) When he went into the butcher shop his right-hand pants pocket was flat and appeared as if nothing was in it. When he came out, his pants pocket protruded, as if there was a revolver therein.

CROSS-EXAMINATION

(Q) You say in your examination in chief, that you only knew Tom McLaury by sight and had no personal acquaintance with him. How did it happen that you watched him so closely the different places he went and the exact position of his right-hand pants pocket when he went into the butcher shop and the exact form of a revolver in the same right-hand pocket when he came out?

(A) Every good citizen in this city was watching all those cowboys very closely on the day the affray occurred, and as he was walking down the street my attention was called to this McLaury by a friend and so it happened that I watched him very closely.

(Q) Do you know every good citizen in Tombstone, or did you on that day?

(A) I know not all of them, but a great many.

(Q) Do you know what the opinions of all good citizens of Tombstone were on that day by conversation or conversations with them about watching Thomas McLaury in this city, and if so, tell us who they were. [Question crossed, without comment.]

(Q) About how long did he stay in the butcher shop, and was he in your sight while in there?

(A) He was in the butcher shop but a few moments and was out of my sight from the time he entered until he again appeared. He then walked a few feet down Allen Street and crossed to the corner of Fourth and Allen and walked down Fourth Street. I did not see him alive anymore that day. Everhardy’s butcher shop is directly opposite the Cosmopolitan Hotel, and I was standing on the sidewalk in front of the hotel when I saw what I have related.

[Signed] Albert Billickie

References

http://law2.umkc.edu/faculty/projects/ftrials/earp/billickietestimony.html

John Henry Holliday – Doc Holliday

Posted on February 18, 2024 by Destination4x4

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.

Early Life

John Henry Holliday, famously known as “Doc” Holliday, was born on August 14, 1851, in Griffin, Georgia, to Henry Burroughs Holliday and Alice Jane McKey. Raised in a well-to-do Southern family, Holliday enjoyed a privileged upbringing despite the turmoil of the Civil War. His mother taught him refined manners, and he received a classical education, excelling in academics. Holliday’s early life was marred by the death of his mother from tuberculosis in 1866, a disease that would later shape his own fate. After her passing, his father remarried, causing familial tension.

Holliday pursued higher education at the Pennsylvania College of Dental Surgery, graduating in 1872 with a degree in dentistry at the age of 20. He returned to Georgia to practice dentistry in Atlanta but was soon diagnosed with tuberculosis, the same illness that claimed his mother. Advised to seek a drier climate for his health, Holliday moved west in 1873, beginning a new chapter that would define his legacy.

Life in the West

In the American West, Holliday’s declining health and restless spirit led him to abandon dentistry for a life of gambling, drinking, and gunslinging. Settling first in Dallas, Texas, he earned a reputation as a skilled card player but also became embroiled in disputes, showcasing his quick temper and proficiency with firearms. His tuberculosis, coupled with heavy drinking, gave him a gaunt appearance and a fatalistic outlook, earning him the nickname “Doc” from his dental background.

Holliday drifted through towns like Denver, Cheyenne, and Deadwood, surviving on gambling winnings and occasional dental work. In 1877, in Fort Griffin, Texas, he met Wyatt Earp, a deputy marshal, forming a lifelong friendship that would cement his place in Western lore. Holliday’s loyalty to Earp and his brothers would lead him to Tombstone, Arizona, by 1880, where he became entangled in the region’s volatile conflicts.

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.

Later Years and Death

By 1882, Holliday’s tuberculosis and hard-living lifestyle had taken a severe toll. He parted ways with Earp after the vendetta ride and drifted through Colorado, living in towns like Leadville and Denver. His gambling and drinking habits led to multiple arrests, and his reputation as a dangerous man followed him. Despite his declining health, Holliday remained defiant, often staring down death with a sardonic wit.

In 1887, Holliday arrived in Glenwood Springs, Colorado, hoping the town’s hot springs would alleviate his tuberculosis. However, his condition worsened. On November 8, 1887, at the age of 36, John Henry Holliday died in a sanatorium, reportedly looking at his bare feet and remarking with surprise that he was not dying “with his boots on,” defying his expectation of a violent end.

Life in Tombstone

The Gunfight at the O.K. Corral

Personal Characteristics and Legacy

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Early Life

The Clanton Family and the Cowboy Faction

The O.K. Corral Gunfight

Later Life and Death

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Early Life and Family

Civil War Service

Life as a Lawman

The Gunfight at the O.K. Corral

Later Years and Legacy

Virgil Earp in the news

Earp Family Members

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Statement of Albert Billickie

References

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John Henry “Doc” Holliday (1851–1887)

Early Life

Life in the West

Later Years and Death

Articles Related to Doc Holliday

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