Posted on 03/31/2019 7:23:14 AM PDT by Leaning Right
Ditto!
Yes, along with his life mate Josie. Most people don't know how much Wyatt and Josie traveled throughout the west. They even stayed at the now famous Hotel Del Coronado in San Diego.
Until the shootout in Tombstone, he had killed only one man prior. His technique was to use his Colt or draw from a trouble maker's holster and bop the guy upside the head. That's why he was fired as deputy Sheriff in Dodge City under Sheriff Bat Masterson. The City Council thought he was over-zealous in any confrontation.
There were stories of him taking bullets to his duster during the Vengence Ride, but just anecdotes in various tales and books. Personally, I think that is the most interesting part of his life.
You probably already know there was no shootout at the OK Corral. It was an empty lot #42 behind the corral on Fremont street. Of course, the title, Gunfight At Lot #42 doesn't have the same ring to it. I've been there know it was one street over from Allen Street, the main street.
You can probably guess the Wyatt Earp is my favorite old west legend. While there are countless books about him and the shootout, I have the two most definitive/conclusive books (with court, newspaper, and other citations) if you are interested.
Please. Titles?
butch and sundance jumping off the cliff into the river.
"Inventing Wyatt Earp. His Life And Many Legends" by Allen Barra. First copyright: 1998
It is a thick paperback book that has countless citations from various documents and other sources. Sure there are more recent books, but this was hailed as the seminal story of the Earp saga. The first 2 pages are from news sources you'll recognize. It's a long read with more characters and situations never covered in the movies, but it's fascinating.
However, if you want to know about the Earp/Clanton/McClaury feud, this is your best start. There was much more to that showdown than any movie has presented. One example: Half the populace supported the Cowboys for infusing money into Tombstone through their cattle rustling ventures that grew from the Clanton ranch. The other half supported the Earps for bringing peace and civility to town. There were even 2 different newspapers - one sided with the Cowboys, the other with the Earps.
Little know facts: The term cowboy came from that town. Before they were called cattle wranglers or drovers. Also, the Cowboys didn't wear red sashes, they mostly wore Mexican sombreros to mingle in as they stole Mexican cattle.
Go ahead and read the Clanton ancestors' books. I've read a couple. They just make excuses and accusations towards the Earps that don't gel with court documents, both newspapers, and eye-witness written depositions.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.