Johnny Ringo

[thomascanty]

I'm slowly working my way through a huge backlog of graveside pictures, and have spent the past week or two going through some shots I took at the Boothill Graveyard in Tombstone, Arizona on September 29, 2003. (Yes, I really have so many that I'm over a year behind!)

Anyway, these pictures reminded me of a couple shots from my Travel section (which I get to much faster than the graveside pictures) of Johnny Ringo's grave. Ringo was, of course, a notorious outlaw who had many infamous encounters with Doc Holliday and Wyatt Earp.

Ringo's body was found leaning against an oak tree near Turkey Creek on July 13, 1882. His death was officially ruled a suicide, though many people believed he was murdered. Wyatt and/or Doc are usually given as the most likely killers, but Doc Holliday couldn't have done it. He was in Colorado at the time. The ending to the movie Tombstone is completely fictitious.

Ringo's grave is located on private property, about 50 miles east of Tombstone. After asking around for a while we finally found out where to go. A long drive later, including several miles on unpaved roads, we found the ranch, asked for and were given permission to visit the grave by the very elderly owner, and I got my pictures.

http://www.ldphotography.net/cdpf/ringo01.jpg

http://www.ldphotography.net/cdpf/ringo02.jpg

I'm still looking for Big Nosed Kate (Doc's girlfriend) and Mattie Blaylock (Wyatt's second wife). I haven't been to Doc's grave yet either, but I know where it is. I've found everyone else from that era.

[dewmuw]

I love these sort of stories that accompany pictures. You could turn them into a book!

[sparker1]

Very interesting story. This is my favorite grave in Tombstone's Boot Hill.

[thomascanty]

Very interesting story. This is my favorite grave in Tombstone's Boot Hill.

Yep, I got a picture of that one the same day as Ringo's.

And, since I'm telling stories here:

Lester Moore was the Wells Fargo station agent in Naco, Arizona, near the Mexico border. One day a man named Hank Dunstan showed up to claim a package he was expecting. The package was all banged up and he started arguing about it. The argument got heated, and both men reached for their guns. Lester took four .44 slugs to the chest, and as he fell dying he got off one shot, hitting Dunstan in the chest. Both men died.

[CyberDyneSystems]

Johnny Ringo!

That's amazing.. I had no idea these sites were in tact.

I loved "Tombstone".. even if it was little fictitious.. I thought Val Kilmer as Doc Holiday was perfect!

[CyberDyneSystems]

A teamster from Trukey Creek?

Wouldn't be Wyatts pal "Turkey Creek Jack Johnson" would it?

[marie]

love the shots
I mean photographs:confused:


I can't imagine someone like Johnny Ringo committing suicide, but can imagine him being murdered

I wonder do people collect or take :lol: some of the stones on the grave

I imagine they are replaced often


must have been exciting seeing the 'set up' and taking the pictures

[marie]

Yep, I got a picture of that one the same day as Ringo's.

And, since I'm telling stories here:

Lester Moore was the Wells Fargo station agent in Naco, Arizona, near the Mexico border. One day a man named Hank Dunstan showed up to claim a package he was expecting. The package was all banged up and he started arguing about it. The argument got heated, and both men reached for their guns. Lester took four .44 clugs to the chest, and as he fell dying he got off one shot, hitting Dunstan in the chest. Both men died.:shock:


lucky we don't be within shooting distance on the forum at times




:mrgreen:

[thomascanty]

A teamster from Trukey Creek?

Wouldn't be Wyatts pal "Turkey Creek Jack Johnson" would it?

I have no idea. No account I've ever read about it gives the teamster's name.

Also, I mispoke in my original message. I also still need to find Virgil Earp. I know where he's buried, I just haven't made it up to Oregon yet.

Curly Bill Brocious would be a great find, too, but unfortunately nobody knows where he's buried...

[thomascanty]

I can't imagine someone like Johnny Ringo committing suicide, but can imagine him being murdered

I wonder do people collect or take :lol: some of the stones on the grave

I read a book about Ringo a while ago, and it said he suffered from severe bouts of depression, so suicide is definitely a likely possibility.

I don't know if people take those stones or not, but I'd imagine you're right. It wouldn't surprise me if people do. But, since the grave is very remote and on private property, I don't think it gets many visitors, so that probably helps keep them from disappearing too quick.

[sparker1]

I think every grave at Boot Hill has an interesting story. Some of them may even be true, or partially true. We can't even imagine the toughness required in those times. The locations of stage stops never fail to impress me with their remoteness. What characters it took to survive back then.

[thomascanty]

I think every grave at Boot Hill has an interesting story.

Yes, almost all of the people buried in Boot Hill have an interesting story. I'm almost finished working my way through all of the grave pictures from there, and I've been reading the stories behind the deaths as I go. The best one is definitely Glenn Will, one of the more recent people buried there. This story is hilarious.

In August 1952, the Tombstone post office received this strange letter:

Postmaster, Tumbstone, Ars. August 14-52
Dear Sir: Just a line to ask a favor, and I hope you have time to grant.
I am wondering if this is the Tumbstone town where the rich silver
mines were and the water drowned them and before it did water was
sold for a dollar a glass. I have heard some tails that roor a Tumbstone
town that it hapened that way.

I wish you would rite and let know if this town of yourn is that town if
it is I will pay you a visit in the spring of 1953 as I like to visit old
mining Camps if this is the place I wihs you wood give me some data
about it. Thanking you in return for any favors shone me I remain your
friend. I am enclosing one of my Photoes ana wood thank you for one
of yourn.

Glenn Efrom Will
1130 Curtis Street
Albany, Calif.

The Postmaster didn't know what to do with the letter and eventually sent it to the Chamber of Commerce. They replied, sending Mr. Will a brochure with some information about the town. Pretty soon they received another letter, this one even stranger:

Just a line to let you no your nice letter was gladly received
and I was more than glad to here from you and the infermation it
contained. I wood say the Chamber of Commerce are doind a good
job, working for the good of soiety in lotting the worald no of the
wonderful sun shine and altude they have. I Bronco Bill and the
Rodeo Kid think that Dr. Sun lies a wonderful healing power it
works it cures through the skin as an grate tonic and helth builder.
It increses the activity of the mind. It strengthens the power of the
Will. It quiets the nervis system. It studies the muscular action of
the body and its warm glowing rays southes and relieves paine.

How far is it to a producing oil field. The only Cowboy that could
shoot a horse fly on the wing and the inventor of western moves
was Bronco Bill. Thanking you for an early reply.

'Bronco Bill', Curtis St. Albany, Calif. (Over)

May the Chamber of Commerce life be long and happy and may they
build a bigger and better Tumbstone before they say their through.
And I sincerely wish the best of everything to you Bronco Bill Bids
them all a do.

That was the last letter they received from Mr. Will, aka Bronco Bill, and they forgot about him until March 19, 1953 when the Railway Express Agency called them to say they had a package waiting with $1.92 postage due. Edna Landin, the Chamber of Commerce President, went to pick up the mystery package. It was an urn from the Oakland California Crematorium, with a permit attached reading "Removal Permit For The Cremated Remains of Glenn Will, A La 'Bronco Bill', for interment of said remains in Boothill Cemetery, Tombstone, Arizona."

They eventually tracked down Will's son (the Rodeo Kid mentioned in the second letter) and asked him why he had sent them his father's ashes, to which he replied "Well, he planned on going there long about this time so I just sent 'im." They then asked why he had sent him C.O.D. His answer was "I didn't have no money." When they asked what he wanted them to do with the remains, he said "He was a Donker and my mother was a hard shell Baptist. Do what you will with 'im. He wanted to go to Tombstone so bury 'im or put 'im on a shelf. Won't make no difference to 'im now."

So, they had a funeral. On March 27, 1953 the Hubbard Mortuary in Bisbee handled the services. Tombstone's Mayor served as pallbearer and the famous Rose Tree Museum supplied the flowers. Even though Boot Hill had been closed since 1884 when it was declared full, they made room for Bronco Bill.

[marie]

That was the last letter they received from Mr. Will, aka Bronco Bill, and they forgot about him until March 19, 1953 when the Railway Express Agency called them to say they had a package waiting with $1.92 postage due. Edna Landin, the Chamber of Commerce President, went to pick up the mystery package. It was an urn from the Oakland California Crematorium, with a permit attached reading "Removal Permit For The Cremated Remains of Glenn Will, A La 'Bronco Bill', for interment of said remains in Boothill Cemetery, Tombstone, Arizona."

They eventually tracked down Will's son (the Rodeo Kid mentioned in the second letter) and asked him why he had sent them his father's ashes, to which he replied "Well, he planned on going there long about this time so I just sent 'im." They then asked why he had sent him C.O.D. His answer was "I didn't have no money." When they asked what he wanted them to do with the remains, he said "He was a Donker and my mother was a hard shell Baptist. Do what you will with 'im. He wanted to go to Tombstone so bury 'im or put 'im on a shelf. Won't make no difference to 'im now."

So, they had a funeral. On March 27, 1953 the Hubbard Mortuary in Bisbee handled the services. Tombstone's Mayor served as pallbearer and the famous Rose Tree Museum supplied the flowers. Even though Boot Hill had been closed since 1884 when it was declared full, they made room for Bronco Bill.that is a wonderful story Lonnie

I think my father would have loved to read it

how I loved reading what the the son said..
'well. he planned on going there about this time so I just sent 'im'
and then ..
' he wanted to go to Tombstone so bury 'im or put 'im on a shelf ,won't make no diffference to 'im now'

he was good to do that even

I wonder are there any more descendants after that who are interested in what happened the ashes
it's wonderful stuff
and all the rest (pun)

thanks for all that Lonnie

[stoneylonesome]

Great thread and some very intersting info on the "Wild West" love the photos, Get busy Lonnie I can't wait to see more, I may live in the East but I'm a Cowboy in heart and spirit. :lol: :lol: :lol:

[thomascanty]

Get busy Lonnie I can't wait to see more

I'm going as hurrier as I can. I'm almost done working on the pictures, but then I have to put the web pages for them together. This can take a while, and I'm leaving for Laughlin, NV first thing Tuesday morning, so don't expect the Tombstone gallery to be on my web site for a couple weeks. Sorry.

In the meantime, here's a shot of Glenn Will's marker:

http://www.ldphotography.net/cdpf/glennwill.jpg

[CyberDyneSystems]

What a fantastic story!

Sounds like "Bronco Bill" was a bit removed from the point in history when he should have walked this earth! I love it that "Tumstone" decided to honor him :)

[rick barclay]

Great story. Those Boot Hill folks certainly are an accomodating lot.

[marie]

Great story.


Those Boot Hill folks certainly are an accomodating lot.
:lol:
dead or alive




thanks Lonnie

[sparker1]

I went back in my files and found a photo from a couple years ago, taken near Fort Bowie in Southern Arizona. From the small town of Willcox, you drive about 30 miles into the wilderness, then hike about 2 miles to reach the remains of the fort. Along the trail are the ruins of a station for the Butterfield Stage Line, and near there an old cemetery. You may not be able to read the markers due to reduced size, but one is for a 3 month old child, another a 5 month old, and another for an adult killed by (I can't read the rest). It's a touching place, just thinking how difficult life must have been in such rugged, desolate terrain. Not far away is the stronghold of Cochise and his band of Apaches.

[thomascanty]

From the small town of Willcox

When you drove through Willcox, did you stop at the Willcox Historic Cemetery? Warren Earp, one of Wyatt's lesser known brothers, is buried there.

Warren was at the train depot with Wyatt and Doc when Frank Stilwell was killed. He was also part of Wyatt's vengeance posse after Morgan's death.

Warren was shot to death in the Headquarter Saloon in Wilcox by John Boyett, with whom he'd been arguing.

http://www.ldphotography.net/eeTravel/images/medium/10D_Willcox_002.jpg

[sparker1]

Wow, more interesting stuff. Lonnie, you have apparently done some great research into this area. Unfortunately, I didn't visit the Willcox cemetery, and don't usually seek them out that often. I have seen gravesites of various legendary figures, such as Kit Carson, Billy the Kid, Daniel Boone, etc. Looking back, I'm sure I have missed many opportunities for this.

[Ballen Photo]

Great photos and history lessons Lonnie.:D
I AM however crestfallen to hear that the great "Hollywood" ending portrayed by the movie "Tombstone" was ficticious.:( :cool: ;)
-Bruce

[thomascanty]

A teamster from Trukey Creek?

Wouldn't be Wyatts pal "Turkey Creek Jack Johnson" would it?

I just found the name of the teamster who discovered Ringo's body! It was a man named John Yoast, a long time acquaintance of Ringo's.

[oc_storm]

You mentioned you were looking for Mattie's and Kate's graves. Kate is buried in a cemetery in Prescott, AZ and Mattie is in a lonely ghost town cemetery in Pinal, AZ off of AZ-60.

Mattie's grave...

[jopfin]

Wonderful insight and history lesson, thank you for sharing.............Joe

[thomascanty]

You mentioned you were looking for Mattie's and Kate's graves. Kate is buried in a cemetery in Prescott, AZ and Mattie is in a lonely ghost town cemetery in Pinal, AZ off of AZ-60.

You know how to get to Mattie's grave? Could you PM me directions? I'd really appreciate it! I've been trying to figure that one out for the longest time. I have a trip scheduled to go out there in a couple weeks, but was thinking of cancelling because I can't figure out where Pinal was located.

I know where Kate is buried, but just haven't made it there yet.

[thomascanty]

I found Mattie today! I'm so buzzed right now... :D After two years, tons of research, countless emails, etc. Finally! Unfortunately, oc_storm proved no help at all. No reply, and his info and picture were straight from Find-A-Grave where I'm already a contributor anyway. Ok, maybe a little help... He did indirectly point me in the right direction in a way.

Mattie was quite an adventure, involving a few punishing miles of driving on very bad, unmaintained dirt/gravel/rocky roads. Low clearance cars, like my Cavalier, can make it if you drive slow enough to avoid the worst obstacles. A high clearance vehicle (preferrably 4WD) would be better, especially in winter when it gets wet and muddy here -- there are two stream crossings which were thankfully dry today.

Aww, hell... I'm rambling. Here are the pictures of her grave:

http://www.ldphotography.net/rrbbspix/mattie1.jpg

http://www.ldphotography.net/rrbbspix/mattie2.jpg

The epitaph reads:

Celia Blaylock-Earp
1850-1888

From within the swirling dust devil
of the elf owl's cactus home
for abandoned dreams at the Silver King
first shattered in Tombstone
she does not haunt the desert
in judgment nor in blame
Celia Blaylock-Mattie Earp
seeks justice to her name

From her sixteen year old bright star reach
to the laudanum-whiskey glass
she will tell you how a life can be
reduced to a tintyped past
depicting moments almost of
a wife who failed to lend
credence to the legendary
"honor" among men

If there be a time hereafter
when troubled souls might rest
free from careless consequence
of weakness in the flesh
I do not think it out of place
to invoke to the dry rock earth
God's rest to the yet departing soul of
Celia Blaylock-Earp

michael papaianni
25 Dec '93

The reference to laudanum is due to her death from a laudanum overdose. After Wyatt left her for Josephine Marcus, Mattie moved to Pinal where, as a laduanum addict, she worked as a prostitute. She eventually died of an overdose of laudanum and whiskey, usually believed to be a suicide.

[sparker1]

Congratulations, Lonnie. You worked for this one. BTW, get yourself a good 4 wheel drive so you can continue this rough pastime.

Since this thread started, I went to where Doc Holliday is buried in Glenwood Springs, CO. Unfortunately, the "boot" I was wearing for stress fracture kept me from hiking up the hill to see the actual grave.

[Becca]

Great thread and wonderful pictures! You should do a book!

[Scottes]

Wow! Great stuff Lonnie, just great. The stories are excellent!

[kenyc]

I think every grave at Boot Hill has an interesting story. Some of them may even be true, or partially true. We can't even imagine the toughness required in those times. The locations of stage stops never fail to impress me with their remoteness. What characters it took to survive back then.

True but to paraphrase something I once heard, "It's often the times that make the men."

:)
We do what we have to do.
KAC

[stoneylonesome]

Great one Lonnie; It looks as if people visited often what with all the flowers, I assume that those are not real. Very interesting history there, thanks for sharing.

[thomascanty]

Congratulations, Lonnie. You worked for this one. BTW, get yourself a good 4 wheel drive so you can continue this rough pastime.

Thanks. Yes, I really do need 4WD a lot of times. I really punish my Cavalier... I think my next vehicle will definitely have it. Maybe a Subaru Outback or something like that.

Too bad you couldn't make it up that hill to Doc's grave.

Great thread and wonderful pictures! You should do a book!

You aren't the first one to tell me that! :D Once I track the last few down, maybe I will start putting a book on these together.

Great one Lonnie; It looks as if people visited often what with all the flowers, I assume that those are not real. Very interesting history there, thanks for sharing.

I really doubt Mattie's grave gets visited all that often, as difficult as it is to get to and in a mostly unknown location. Those are plastic flowers on the marker. In all the ghost town cemeteries I've been too, usually every grave is decorated with plastic flowers and sometimes other things (like toys on children's graves). It makes the cemetery look a little less neglected even when it rarely sees any visitors. It's also done out of respect for the pioneers who are buried there. I have my own little tradition. I carry a bag of pennies with me and leave one on every grave I visit. Sometimes when I've gone back to a cemetery a year or two later I'll find my pennies still there.

[marie]

I found Mattie today! I'm so buzzed right now... :D After two years, tons of research, countless emails, etc. Finally! Unfortunately, oc_storm proved no help at all. No reply, and his info and picture were straight from Find-A-Grave where I'm already a contributor anyway. Ok, maybe a little help... He did indirectly point me in the right direction in a way.

Mattie was quite an adventure, involving a few punishing miles of driving on very bad, unmaintained dirt/gravel/rocky roads. Low clearance cars, like my Cavalier, can make it if you drive slow enough to avoid the worst obstacles. A high clearance vehicle (preferrably 4WD) would be better, especially in winter when it gets wet and muddy here -- there are two stream crossings which were thankfully dry today.

Aww, hell... I'm rambling. Here are the pictures of her grave:

http://www.ldphotography.net/rrbbspix/mattie1.jpg

http://www.ldphotography.net/rrbbspix/mattie2.jpg

The epitaph reads:

Celia Blaylock-Earp
1850-1888

From within the swirling dust devil
of the elf owl's cactus home
for abandoned dreams at the Silver King
first shattered in Tombstone
she does not haunt the desert
in judgment nor in blame
Celia Blaylock-Mattie Earp
seeks justice to her name

From her sixteen year old bright star reach
to the laudanum-whiskey glass
she will tell you how a life can be
reduced to a tintyped past
depicting moments almost of
a wife who failed to lend
credence to the legendary
"honor" among men

If there be a time hereafter
when troubled souls might rest
free from careless consequence
of weakness in the flesh
I do not think it out of place
to invoke to the dry rock earth
God's rest to the yet departing soul of
Celia Blaylock-Earp

michael papaianni
25 Dec '93
The reference to laudanum is due to her death from a laudanum overdose. After Wyatt left her for Josephine Marcus, Mattie moved to Pinal where, as a laduanum addict, she worked as a prostitute. She eventually died of an overdose of laudanum and whiskey, usually believed to be a suicide.

delighted for you finding that Lonnie

I see the verse was put there in 1993
the photo probably also


storm's quote >

"You mentioned you were looking for Mattie's and Kate's graves. Kate is buried in a cemetery in Prescott, AZ and Mattie is in a lonely ghost town cemetery in Pinal, AZ off of AZ-60.
unquote"

I am not sure about the names 'Mattie' and 'Kate' Lonnie
are they two different people ?
you mention Mattie and then you say, here are pictures of her grave.

and Celia is the name on the 'plaque '
whatever,
I know you must be thrilled to have found her (whichever name she was known by mostly ) resting place
and to have been able to take shots of it is wonderful
:cool:

[Steve Parr]

I'm slowly working my way through a huge backlog of graveside pictures, and have spent the past week or two going through some shots I took at the Boothill Graveyard in Tombstone, Arizona on September 29, 2003. (Yes, I really have so many that I'm over a year behind!)

Anyway, these pictures reminded me of a couple shots from my Travel section (which I get to much faster than the graveside pictures) of Johnny Ringo's grave. Ringo was, of course, a notorious outlaw who had many infamous encounters with Doc Holliday and Wyatt Earp.

Ringo's body was found leaning against an oak tree near Turkey Creek on July 13, 1882. His death was officially ruled a suicide, though many people believed he was murdered. Wyatt and/or Doc are usually given as the most likely killers, but Doc Holliday couldn't have done it. He was in Colorado at the time. The ending to the movie Tombstone is completely fictitious.

Ringo's grave is located on private property, about 50 miles east of Tombstone. After asking around for a while we finally found out where to go. A long drive later, including several miles on unpaved roads, we found the ranch, asked for and were given permission to visit the grave by the very elderly owner, and I got my pictures.

http://www.ldphotography.net/cdpf/ringo01.jpg

http://www.ldphotography.net/cdpf/ringo02.jpg

I'm still looking for Big Nosed Kate (Doc's girlfriend) and Mattie Blaylock (Wyatt's second wife). I haven't been to Doc's grave yet either, but I know where it is. I've found everyone else from that era.

Okay... I think you and me need to start hangin' out together a bit more often...

Steve

[Maureen Souza]

Gosh, Lonnie.... I do not know how I missed this whole thread. My brother Chris Lived in Willcox for years and now lives in Tuscon. I have been to the Willcox cemetery several times as well as some old Indian burial sites up around Cochise Nat'l Monument. It is fascinating history and I love all your photos. I have some as well, taken on film more than 20 years ago!

[thomascanty]

I am not sure about the names 'Mattie' and 'Kate' Lonnie
are they two different people ?
you mention Mattie and then you say, here are pictures of her grave.

and Celia is the name on the 'plaque '

That's what makes tracking these people down so hard sometimes. They changed their names at the drop of a hat back then. Mattie was originally known as Celia Ann (or Anne) Blaylock, but for some reason always went by the name Mattie while she was with Wyatt.

Kate Elder, Doc Holliday's girlfriend, is buried under a marker that reads "Mary K. Cummings".

Okay... I think you and me need to start hangin' out together a bit more often...

LOL... Looking for a free tour guide, huh? :lol: Let's go! :D

Gosh, Lonnie.... I do not know how I missed this whole thread. My brother Chris Lived in Willcox for years and now lives in Tuscon.

It's a nice area to visit, but I don't think I'd want to live here. It's just a little too hot for my comfort. I finally made it to Bisbee yesterday and I could definitely see myself living there, though! I fell in love with that little town. It's beautiful up there.

[marie]

That's what makes tracking these people down so hard sometimes. They changed their names at the drop of a hat back then. Mattie was originally known as Celia Ann (or Anne) Blaylock, but for some reason always went by the name Mattie while she was with Wyatt.
Kate Elder, Doc Holliday's girlfriend, is buried under a marker that reads "Mary K. Cummings".
:shock:
I can see why it is difficult to track down anyone
thanks for explaining Lonnie

:)

[thomascanty]

And here's Big Nose Kate. I found her in Prescott, AZ today. Now to plan the trips to Oregon for Virgil and Colorado for Doc... :)

http://www.ldphotography.net/rrbbspix/kate.jpg

By the way, in case anyone was wondering, she was called Big Nose Kate, not because of a physical feature, but because she was a gossip and was always "sticking her nose in other people's business."

[Ballen Photo]

Congrats on another find in your quest. :D

By the way, in case anyone was wondering, she was called Big Nose Kate, not because of a physical feature, but because she was a gossip and was always "sticking her nose in other people's business."I didn't know that, but it makes sense. :cool:
-Bruce

[Maureen Souza]

Keep 'em coming Lonnie. Love the stories with the photos!

[marie]

And here's Big Nose Kate. I found her in Prescott, AZ today. Now to plan the trips to Oregon for Virgil and Colorado for Doc... :)

http://www.ldphotography.net/rrbbspix/kate.jpg

By the way, in case anyone was wondering, she was called Big Nose Kate, not because of a physical feature, but because she was a gossip and was always "sticking her nose in other people's business."
:lol:

:cool:
must have been real nice for you finding this
it's lovely
lotsa 'Cummins' (the name) around here

[stoneylonesome]

Fantastic; Great find. I'm glad you explained the nickname. For a minute there I thought she might have been as attractive as 'Belle Starr' :lol: :lol: :lol:

Boy the movies sure beautifies them.:rolleyes: :rolleyes: :D

[jgjulio]

How did I miss this thread until now? Great stories, great photos. Very interesting. I agree with the idea of this effort becoming the beginning for a book!

[thomascanty]

lotsa 'Cummins' (the name) around here

I didn't know that was an Irish name. :cool:

Boy the movies sure beautifies them.:rolleyes: :rolleyes: :D

They'd have to. Neither of them were exactly beauties, at least not what we would consider so today.

This was Kate:
(Removed -- link is now dead)

This was Mattie:
http://www.findagrave.com/photos/2002/363/7036854_1041266676.jpg

Thanks again for all the comments, everyone!

[marie]

yes, its an Irish name Lonnie
must take a photo of one of the public houses downtown name of 'Cummins'
there are plenty around
those pictures are nice
today they would have different hair styles to suit their faces
which would probably make them appear more beautiful

I copied these snippets
this is a listing for names which originated from a certain area over here


COUNTY SLIGO

Boyle Burke Cooke Cowell Cummins Kilrehill MacClancey MacConway
MacDermott MacDonough MacGeraghty MacFirbis O'Brogan O'Cavagan
O'coleman O'Conaghty O'Corley O'Corr O'Devlin O'Donnell O'Dowd
O'Durhan O'Feeny O'Flannelly O'Gara O'Gavagan O'Greane O'Hara
O'Harte O'Hawley O'Keevan O'Kernaghan O'Loughman O'Meehan O'Moran
O'Morgan O'Morrison O'Morrissey O'Moynagh O'Mulclohy O'Mullany
O'Mulvany O'Spillane Taaffe Walker Wilson

Cummins - O
Comàin, "a hurley". Geraldine Cummins was a novelist and biographer; her
sister Ashely was an international hockey player. Commons, Comyns,

nice stories and pictures Lonnie
;)
good luck with the novel
:cool:

[thomascanty]

This was Kate:
http://www.findagrave.com/photos/2002/119/8191_1020160883.jpg


I just wanted to make a slight correction to this thread. I was just informed by email that the picture above is not Big Nose Kate (aka Kate Elder). It's a prostitute nicknamed Rowdy Kate, who was killed by a stray bullet in a Bisbee, Arizona saloon.

This was Kate Elder:
http://www.ldphotography.net/cdpf/kate01.jpg

Another shot of Kate Elder, at age 80:
http://www.ldphotography.net/cdpf/kate02.jpg

[Balliolman]

SUPERB thread! I hope it continues :-D

[baldybaldstock]

This thread is great!. Very interesting. There is the supposed grave of "little John" about 20 miles from me, who was one of "Robin hood"s merry men!. Unfortunately I dont have a pic of it so I'll have to do something about that!.

[marie]

I just wanted to make a slight correction to this thread. I was just informed by email that the picture above is not Big Nose Kate (aka Kate Elder). It's a prostitute nicknamed Rowdy Kate, who was killed by a stray bullet in a Bisbee, Arizona saloon.

thanks for that latest information Lonnie
:)

[stoneylonesome]

Thanks Lonnie for sharing this with us.

[thomascanty]

Y'know, I just realized this thread doesn't have a picture of Wyatt Earp's grave site. How could I let that slip by all this time? I found him almost two years ago, just a handful of months after visiting Johnny Ringo's!

Wyatt is buried in Colma, CA, (not to be confused with Coloma, CA, where James Marshall discovered gold in the tailrace of John Sutter's lumber mill) just a few miles south of San Francisco. Colma is a town made up pretty much entirely of cemeteries. I think I once heard someone refer to it as the town of 1,000,005 residents -- 5 living and 1,000,000 dead. Wyatt and his third and final wife Sadie, for whom he left Mattie, are buried in the Hills of Eternity Memorial Park, a Jewish cemetery. Wyatt was not Jewish, but Sadie was. They are in the Marcus family plot. Sadie's given name was Josephine Sarah Marcus, her father being the second half of Neiman-Marcus, famous for their department stores. Her father had written her out of his will because of her wild lifestyle, but she and Wyatt successfully sued the estate after his death and were awarded (I'm going by memory here, so don't quote me) about $2,000,000. Sadie had a gambling habit and quickly pissed it all away, though.

This is their marker:
http://www.ldphotography.net/eeTravel/images/medium/Wyatt_Earps_Grave_Site_001.jpg

That is not a shadow of my head! It's from the marker in front of theirs...

[Vega$50]

You have done a superb job in documenting this piece of history...well done!

[10Dennis]

This thread is actually better than reading the history book! :)

[marie]

Y'know, I just realized this thread doesn't have a picture of Wyatt Earp's grave site. How could I let that slip by all this time? I found him almost two years ago, just a handful of months after visiting Johnny Ringo's!



Sadie had a gambling habit and quickly pissed it all away, though.


:confused: :( :rolleyes: :rolleyes:

the father would have turned in his grave at the outcome



http://www.ldphotography.net/Travel/20040324/slides/Wyatt%20Earp's%20Grave%20Site%20001.jpg

[Pawnee Dan]

Very interesting thread about a very interesting time. These were very colorful people.

[TodNTexas]

nice

[SecondHand]

This is a really great thread! I've read many books and studdied much on Tombstone's history and know that you've done your homework. You've got everything right. I've visited Tombstone once, it has been my best vacation yet. Never did get out to see Ringo's gravesited though. Maybe another time. Here's a little fact that not many people know. Origonally, Tombstone was a Tent City built among the mines in the hills. I tried to get up there and see it (if there is anything to see) when I was there, but unfortunately the mines are fenced off from a distance and no access. They used to give tours of the mines of Tombstone, but a number of years ago an earthquake in mexico changed the flow of the underground rivers and flooded the mines out. It would be neat to see though.

If you get the chance, check out Big Nose Kate's Saloon (The Grand Hotel) in Tombstone. They have turned the basement into a gift shop, but sealed off a small room on the side. This room is in it's original condition, it was the care takers quarters. I forget his name. You can look in the doorway of this room and what you'll see is his bunk, some items on some shelves, and a huge hole in the floor. The caretaker of The Grand Hotel actually dug this himself. It connects to one of the mines in the mountains where he did his own mining on his own time. It is said that he ended up with a sizeable sack of raw gold and hid it on the premises. Then he died. Rumor has it that the caretakers gold is still hidden in the building. It is also rumored that the caretakers ghost has been seen wandering throughout the building. Creepy!

Here are a couple shots of the caretakers room. Fuzzy because of some plexiglass they have over the doorway. And because they were taken with an old Sony Mavica!

http://SecondHand.smugmug.com/photos/63333749-M.jpg

http://SecondHand.smugmug.com/photos/63333750-M.jpg

I know I'm very late in posting this, but I'm fairly new here and did a search for Tombstone because it's one of the things I'm passionate about. I have my own photo's of Tombstone and surrounding areas, and love to dig them up from time to time.

Again, Great thread, and thanks!

[Gary gygax]

Greetings,

I am a new member that can't take a decent photograph to save my life, but I write a good deal. Johnny Riingo happens to be my favorite Wild West character. To the point:

Back around 1970 I read a most interesting book about tombstone. As I recall the introductory portion included a bit about Curly Bill Brocious using the road agent's spin, his pistol discharging accidentally when the law officer pulled on the barrel. The Tombstone Epitaph is frequently cited throughout. Near the conclusion of the work there is a description of how Johnny Ringo was found shot in the head with his boots off, mentioning IIRR Johnny Behind the Duce and Buckskin Frank Leslie as having cause to myrder Ringo.

Has anyone else read this book? If so, would you be so kind as to post the title, as I would very much like to re-acquire a copy as a reference work.

Cheers,
Gary

[thomascanty]

Has anyone else read this book? If so, would you be so kind as to post the title, as I would very much like to re-acquire a copy as a reference work.

I meant to reply to this yesterday but just realized I never did. Sorry.

I'm not sure what book you read. While I was in Tombstone in 2003, I visited the book store there and picked up a couple books. One was Johnny Ringo by Steve Gatto. I don't remember that anecdote from this book though, but it has been a few years since I read it. I do remember being pretty much convinced by it that Ringo's death was a suicide.

Maybe you could try calling the book store and asking them. I can't remember the store's name, but the chamber of commerce could probably help you get in touch with them. The store is on Allen Street.

Good luck tracking that book down.

[thomascanty]

Scratch one more off the list... Here's Virgil Earp:
http://www.ldphotography.net/cdpf/virgilearp.jpg

Now I just need to go to Doc Holliday's grave to complete my collection.

[marie]

Scratch one more off the list... Here's Virgil Earp:
http://www.ldphotography.net/cdpf/virgilearp.jpg

Now I just need to go to Doc Holliday's grave to complete my collection.
:cool:
very good Lonnie

good luck with the hunt

[rssfhs]

but what about Paul and George?

[SYS]

Wow, so far 5 pages on a grave site.... I now regret just driving by this place on the way back from my trip to Bisbee some years back...

Whether fiction or not, as a big fan of Val Vilmer, his portrayal as Doc was fantastic with his peculiar accent...

[fireman93514]

Thats a great story. I love Tombstone. If anyone is interested a good book is Wyatt
earp, the life behind the legend by Casey Tefertiller. Its about Wyatt but has a lot of good history of Tombstone also.

[Scarlett Nic]

Totally Fascinating thread! Tombstone is one of my all time favourite movies and to see the extent of you research inot finding all these graves and information is outstanding!
Even though i am in Oz i totaly love the history of this all. Well done on keeping to this many year project. So do you think that book will ever get made? I would like to keep tabs on any further progress.
Nic

[thomascanty]

:cool:
very good Lonnie

good luck with the hunt

Thanks. Only one more to go... :)

Whether fiction or not, as a big fan of Val Vilmer, his portrayal as Doc was fantastic with his peculiar accent...

I thought his portrayal was great, too. He definitely made the movie.

If anyone is interested a good book is Wyatt
earp, the life behind the legend by Casey Tefertiller. Its about Wyatt but has a lot of good history of Tombstone also.

I don't think I've read that one. I'll look for it...

So do you think that book will ever get made?

I'd like to think I could do it, but honestly I doubt I ever will. I just have too many projects to keep me busy and no time for another one...

[JSimonian]

Awesome thread here! I just read the whole thing and was thoroughly mesmerized! Did you end up finding the last grave site? Thank you for such an entertaining and educational thread!!