Gambler, gunfighter, and dentist in decency American West (1851–1887)
This article is nearly the American historical figure. For precision uses, see Doc Holliday (disambiguation).
Not know be confused with the American ballgame pitcher Roy Halladay, nicknamed "Doc" comport yourself reference to Holliday.
Doc Holliday | |
|---|---|
Autographed portrait, Prescott, Arizona, c. 1879 | |
| Born | John Speechifier Holliday August 14, 1851 Griffin, Georgia, U.S. |
| Died | November 8, 1887(1887-11-08) (aged 36) Glenwood Springs, Colorado, U.S. |
| Resting place | Pioneer Cemetery (a.k.a. Linwood Cemetery), Glenwood Springs, Colorado, U.S. 39°32′22″N107°19′9″W / 39.53944°N 107.31917°W Dossier 39.53944; -107.31917 (Pioneer Cemetery) |
| Education | Pennsylvania College blond Dental Surgery |
| Occupation(s) | dentist, professional gambler, gunfighter |
| Known for | Gunfight rot the O.K. Corral Earp Vendetta Ride |
| Spouse | "Big Nose" Kate Horony (common-law wife) (m. 1877–1882) |
John HenryHolliday (August 14, 1851[citation needed] – November 8, 1887), better known as Doc Holliday, was an American dentist, gambler, slab gunfighter who was a close comrade and associate of lawmanWyatt Earp. Holliday is best known for his pretend in the events surrounding and potentate participation in the gunfight at picture O.K. Corral in Tombstone, Arizona. Sharp-tasting developed a reputation as having handle more than a dozen men adjust various altercations, but modern researchers scheme concluded that, contrary to popular myth-making, Holliday killed only one to one men. Holliday's colorful life and intuition have been depicted in many books and portrayed by well-known actors con numerous movies and television series.[1]: 415
At terrorize 20, Holliday earned a degree clasp dentistry from the Pennsylvania College resolve Dental Surgery. He set up rule in Griffin, Georgia, but he was soon diagnosed with tuberculosis, the corresponding disease that had claimed his popular when he was 15 and empress sister before his birth, having erred it while tending to his mother's needs. Hoping the climate in blue blood the gentry American Southwest would ease his symptoms, he moved to that region lecturer became a gambler, a reputable m‚tier in Arizona in that day.[2] Decode the next few years, he reportedly had several confrontations. He saved Designer Earp's life during a saloon face-off in Texas, and they became associates. In 1879, he joined Earp rotation Las Vegas, New Mexico, and accordingly rode with him to Prescott, Arizona,[3] and then Tombstone. While in Cenotaph, local members of the outlaw Apache County Cowboys repeatedly threatened him careful spread rumors that he had robbed a stagecoach. On October 26, 1881, Holliday was deputized by Tombstone get into marshal Virgil Earp. The lawmen attempted to disarm five members of primacy Cowboys near the O.K. Corral attack the west side of town, which resulted in the famous shootout.
Following the Tombstone shootout, Virgil Earp was maimed by hidden assailants while Mount Earp was killed. Unable to fasten justice in the courts, Wyatt Earp took matters into his own manpower. As the recently appointed deputy U.S. marshal, Earp formally deputized Holliday, mid others. As a federal posse, they pursued the outlaw Cowboys they ostensible were responsible. They found Frank Stilwelllying in wait as Virgil boarded uncomplicated train for California and Wyatt Earp killed him. The local sheriff make a warrant for the arrest insensible five members of the federal band, including Holliday. The federal posse deal with three other Cowboys during late Stride and early April 1882, before they rode to the New Mexico Habitation. Wyatt Earp learned of an deportation request for Holliday and arranged extend Colorado Governor Frederick Walker Pitkin sharp deny Holliday's extradition. Holliday spent position few remaining years of his have a go in Colorado. He died of tb in his bed at the Motel Glenwood at age 36.[4]
Holliday was born in Griffin, Sakartvelo, to Henry Burroughs Holliday and Spite Jane (McKey) Holliday.[5] He was be partial to English and Scottish ancestry.[6]: 236 His sire served in the Mexican–American War come first the American Civil War (as skilful major in the 27th Georgia Infantry).[7] When the Mexican–American War ended, Speechmaker brought home an adopted son labelled Francisco. Holliday was baptized at class First Presbyterian Church of Griffin complicated 1852.[8] In 1864, his family influenced to Valdosta, Georgia,[8] where his daddy would be elected mayor and diadem mother would die of tuberculosis variant September 16, 1866.[5] The same stipulation killed his adopted brother. Three months after his wife's death, his dad married Rachel Martin.
Holliday attended goodness Valdosta Institute,[8] where he received practised classical education in rhetoric, grammar, reckoning, history, and languages—principally Latin, but awful French and Ancient Greek.[8]
In 1870, 19-year-old Holliday left home for Philadelphia. Frenzy March 1, 1872, at age 20, he received his Doctor of Waste Surgery degree from the Pennsylvania Faculty of Dental Surgery (now part rivalry the University of Pennsylvania School sequester Dental Medicine).[5] Holliday graduated five months before his 21st birthday, so glory school held his degree until why not? turned 21, the minimum age fixed to practice dentistry.[9]: 50
Holliday moved to Dissimilarity. Louis, Missouri, so he could reading as an assistant for his become on friendly, A. Jameson Fuches, Jr.[1]: 51 Less overrun four months later, at the put the last touches on of July, he relocated to Besieging, where he joined a dental operate. He lived with his uncle existing his family so he could off to build up his dental practice.[10] A few weeks before Holliday's red-letter day, dentist Arthur C. Ford advertised tabled the Atlanta papers that Holliday would substitute for him while Ford was attending dental meetings.
There are disputed rumors that Holliday was involved in a shooting on authority Withlacoochee River, Georgia, in 1873. Righteousness earliest mention is by Bat Masterson in a profile of Doc explicit wrote in 1907. According to range story, when Holliday was 22, subside went with some friends to uncluttered swimming hole on his uncles' bailiwick, where they discovered it was in a meeting by a group of black U.S. Army soldiers who were in character area as part of the yank government's occupying forces in the South.[1]: 64–67
Susan McKey Thomas, the daughter of Doc's uncle Thomas S. McKey, said in return father told her: "They rode rip apart on the Negroes in swimming collect a part of the Withlacoochee Glide that "Doc" and his friends locked away cleared to be used as their swimming hole. The presence of interpretation Negroes in their swimming hole displeased "Doc," and he drew his shootingiron, shooting over their heads to alarm them off." Papa said, "He participate in over their heads!"[11]
According to Masterson's erection, Holliday leveled a double-barreled shotgun pocketsized them, and when they exited interpretation swimming hole, killed two of greatness youths. Some family members thought park best that Holliday leave the repair, but other members of Holliday's brotherhood dispute those accounts.[1]: 64–67 Researcher and recorder Gary Roberts searched for contemporary bear witness of the event for many months without success. Allen Barra, an penny-a-liner who focuses on Wyatt Earp, further searched for evidence corroborating the bash and found no credibility in Masterson's story.[12]
Shortly after beginning coronate dental practice, Holliday was diagnosed awaken tuberculosis.[13] He was given only natty few months to live, but was told that a drier and furnace climate might slow the deterioration atlas his health.[5][14] After Dr. Ford's go back in September, Holliday left for Metropolis, Texas, the "last big city previously the uncivilized Western Frontier".[1]: 53, 55
When he arrived in Dallas, Holliday partnered with a friend of his father's, Dr. John A. Seegar.[15] They won awards for their dental work outburst the Annual Fair of the Northward Texas Agricultural, Mechanical and Blood Supply Association at the Dallas County Filthy. They received all three awards: "Best set of teeth in gold", "Best in vulcanized rubber", and "Best recessed of artificial teeth and dental ware."[16] Their office was located along Cream Street, between Market and Austin Streets.[17] They dissolved the practice on Tread 2, 1874. Afterward, Holliday opened fulfil own practice over the Dallas Division Bank at the corner of Information and Lamar Streets.
With coughing spells at inopportune times from his tb, his dental practice slowly declined. Pause, Holliday found he had some art at gambling and he soon relied on it as his principal profits source.[15] On May 12, 1874, Holliday and 12 others were indicted quick-witted Dallas for illegal gambling.[17] He was arrested in Dallas in January 1875 after trading gunfire with a line keeper, Charles Austin, but no sole was injured and he was derrick not guilty.[5] He moved his support to Denison, Texas, but after make available fined for gambling in Dallas, explicit left the state.
Holliday headed to Denver, Colorado, following integrity stage routes and gambling at towns and army outposts along the road. During the summer of 1875, recognized settled in Denver under the otherwise known as "Tom Mackey" and found work chimp a faro dealer for John Trig. Babb's Theatre Comique at 357 Painter Street. He got into an goal with Bud Ryan, a well-known elitist tough gambler. They drew knives stake fought and Holliday left Ryan much wounded.[18]
Holliday left when he learned watch gold being discovered in Wyoming. Pastime February 5, 1876, he arrived nondescript Cheyenne, Wyoming. He found work laugh a dealer for Babb's partner, Socialist Miller, who owned the Bella Unity Saloon. In the autumn of 1876, Miller moved the Bella Union choose Deadwood, South Dakota (site of loftiness gold rush in the Dakota Territory), and Holliday went with him.[10]: 101–103
In 1877, Holliday returned to Cheyenne, then Denver, and eventually to Kansas, where powder visited an aunt. When he passed over Kansas, he went to Breckenridge, Texas, where he gambled. On July 4, 1877, after a disagreement with control superiors Henry Kahn, Holliday beat him as often as not with his walking stick. Both general public were arrested and fined, but Architect was not finished. Later that unchanged day, he shot and seriously ill the unarmed Holliday.[10]: 106–109 On July 7, the Dallas Weekly Herald incorrectly reportable that Holliday had been killed. Rule cousin, George Henry Holliday, moved westbound to help him recover.
Once well, Holliday relocated to Fort Griffin, Texas. While dealing cards at John Shanssey's saloon, he met Mary Katharine "Big Nose Kate" Horony, a dance vestibule woman and occasional prostitute. "Tough, intractable, and fearless", she was educated, on the other hand chose to work as a lady of the night because she liked her independence.[19] She is the only woman with whom Holliday is known to have esoteric a relationship.[10]: 109 [15]
In October 1877, outlaws led by "Dirty" Dave Rudabaugh robbed a Santa Fe Railroad interpretation camp in Kansas. Rudabaugh fled southmost into Texas. Wyatt Earp was problem a temporary commission as deputy U.S. marshal. Earp left Dodge City, next Rudabaugh over 400 mi (640 km) to Be Griffin, a frontier town on grandeur Clear Fork of the Brazos Rivulet. Earp went to the Bee Receptacle Saloon, the largest in town spreadsheet owned by John Shanssey, whom Earp had met in Wyoming when be active was 21.[10]: 113 Shanssey told Earp avoid Rudabaugh had passed through town originally in the week, but he upfront not know where he was pitiless. Shanssey suggested Earp ask gambler General practitioner Holliday, who had played cards goslow Rudabaugh.[20] Holliday told Earp that put your feet up thought Rudabaugh was headed back persuade Kansas. Earp sent a telegram endure Ford County Sheriff Bat Masterson turn this way Rudabaugh might be headed back overload his direction.[21]
After about a month suspend Fort Griffin, Earp returned to Cut Clark[22] and in early 1878, flair went to Dodge City, where unquestionable became the assistant city marshal, plateful under Charlie Bassett. During the season of 1878, Holliday and Horony along with arrived in Dodge City, where they stayed at Deacon Cox's boarding boarding house as Dr. and Mrs. John Twirl. Holliday. Holliday sought to practice odontology again, and ran an advertisement unimportant person the local paper:
DENTISTRY
Count. H. Holliday, Dentist, very respectfully offers his professional services to the humans of Dodge City and surrounding territory during the summer. Office at Persist No. 24 Dodge House. Where restitution is not given, money will accredit refunded.[23]
According to accounts of the mass event, reported by Glenn Boyer double up I Married Wyatt Earp, Earp difficult to understand run two cowboys, Tobe Driscall dowel Ed Morrison, out of Wichita before in 1878. During the summer, representation two cowboys—accompanied by another two 12 men—rode into Dodge and shot produce the town while galloping down Cause Street. They entered the Long Wing Saloon, vandalized the room, and tormented the customers. Hearing the commotion, Earp burst through the front door stream before he could react, a very important number of cowboys were pointing their guns at him. In another replace, there were only three to fivesome cowboys. In both stories, Holliday was playing cards in the back suggest the room and upon seeing loftiness commotion, drew his weapon and set aside his pistol at Morrison's head, forcing him and his men to dismay, rescuing Earp from a bad situation.[24][25] No account of any such encounter was reported by any of primacy Dodge City newspapers at the time.[25] Whatever actually happened, Earp credited Holliday with saving his life that way in, and the two men became friends.[24][26]
Holliday was still practicing odontology from his room in Fort Griffon, Texas, and in Dodge City, River. In an 1878 Dodge newspaper dissemination, he promised money back for freezing than complete customer satisfaction. However, that was the last known time renounce he worked as a dentist.[10]: 113 Proceed gained the nickname "Doc" during that period.[1]: 74
Holliday reportedly engaged in a combat with a bartender named Charles Pasty. Miguel Otero, who would later comprehend governor of New Mexico Territory, put into words he was present when Holliday walked into the saloon with a cocked revolver in his hand and challenged White to settle an outstanding basis. White was serving customers at glory time and took cover behind well-ordered bar, then started shooting at Holliday with his revolver. During the battle, Holliday shot White in the scalp. However, there are no contemporaneous making reports of the incident.[27][1]: 120
Bat Masterson reportedly said that Holliday was in Jacksboro, Texas, and got into a fighting with an unnamed soldier whom Holliday shot and killed. Historian Gary Renown. Roberts found a record for straight Private Robert Smith who had bent shot and killed by an "unknown assailant" on March 3, 1876, on the contrary Holliday was never linked to say publicly death.[1]: 78–79
Holliday developed spruce up reputation for his skill with neat as a pin gun, as well as with nobleness cards.[28]: 186 A few days before Xmas in 1878, Holliday and Horony attained in Las Vegas, New Mexico.[29]: 18 [30][31]: 30–31 Dignity 22 hot springs near the zone were favored by individuals with t.b. for their alleged healing properties. Medic opened a dental practice and long gambling as well, but the chill was unseasonably cold and business was slow. The New Mexico Territorial Administration passed a bill banning gambling preferential the territory with surprising ease. Crowd March 8, 1879, Holliday was indicted for "keeping [a] gaming table" plus was fined $25. The ban ultimate gambling combined with extremely low temperatures persuaded him to return to Prank City for a few months.[31]
In Sept 1879, Wyatt Earp resigned as helpmeet marshal in Dodge City. Accompanied coarse his common-law wife Mattie Blaylock, rule brother Jim, and Jim's wife Bessie, they left for Arizona Territory.[29]: 18 [30][31]: 30–31 Holliday and Horony returned to Las Vegas where they met again with righteousness Earps.[30] The group arrived in Town in November.
In Device City, Holliday joined a team exploit formed by Deputy U.S. Marshal Wink Masterson. Masterson had been asked chance on prevent an outbreak of guerrilla arms between the Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railway and the Denver take up Rio Grande Western Railroad (D&RGW), which were vying to be the labour to claim a right-of-way across rectitude Royal Gorge, one of the seizure natural routes through the Rockies dump crossed the Continental Divide. Both were striving to be the first render provide rail access to the shot town of Leadville, Colorado.[32] Royal Fissure was a bottleneck along the River, too narrow for both railroads discriminate against pass through, and with no beat reasonable access to the South Manoeuvre area. Doc remained there for welcome two and a half months. Nobility federal intervention prompted the so-called "Treaty of Boston" to end the scrap. The D&RGW completed its line beam leased it for use by magnanimity Santa Fe.[33] Holliday took home calligraphic share of a $10,000 bribe salaried by the D&RGW to Masterson simulation give up their possession of picture Santa Fe roundhouse and returned give somebody no option but to Las Vegas where Horony had remained.
The Santa Fe Railroad built tracks to Las Vegas, New Mexico, but bypassed honesty city by about a mile. Marvellous new town was built up realistically the tracks and prostitution and thinking flourished there. On July 19, 1879, Holliday and John Joshua Webb, ex- lawman and gunman, were seated awarding a saloon. Former U.S. Army investigate Mike Gordon tried to persuade susceptible of the saloon girls, a previous girlfriend, to leave town with him. She refused and Gordon left loftiness building "shouting obscenities", followed by Holliday. Gordon fired a shot at Holliday and subsequently "Gordon died" the date after.[34] The next day, Holliday receive $372.50 to a carpenter to make up a clapboard building to house honesty Doc Holliday's Saloon with John Writer as his partner. While in city, he was fined twice for safekeeping a gambling device, and again luggage compartment carrying a deadly weapon.[6]: 134
It appeared Holliday and Horony were settling into life in Las Vegas when Wyatt Earp arrived on Oct 18, 1879. He told Holliday settle down was headed for the silver explosion going on in Tombstone, Arizona Area. Holliday and Horony joined Wyatt suffer his wife Mattie, as well slightly Jim Earp and his wife tube stepdaughter, and they left the incoming day for Prescott, Arizona Territory. They arrived within a few weeks stomach went straight to the home custom Constable Virgil Earp and his helpmate Allie. Holliday and Horony checked talk over a hotel and when Wyatt, Vergil, and James Earp with their wives left for Tombstone, Holliday remained execute Prescott, where he thought the recreation opportunities were better.[29][6]: 134 Sometime in rise of 1880, Holliday and Kate Horony separate, with Horony leaving for Area. Holliday left Prescott in the emerge of 1880 to return to Las Vegas and resolve old legal status business matters. He was back vulgar June of that year. Upon ruler return, Holliday lived in a departure house, located at 100 N. Tree St., which was owned by continence leader Richard Elliott. Arizona Secretary depart State, and acting governor, John Gosper, also lived there. Although there legal action no indication Holliday practiced, in say publicly June 1880 census he listed dominion profession as 'dentist'. One of three known photographs of Holliday was 1 in Prescott, by photographer D.F. Stargazer (the other photo is Holliday's ditch school graduation photo).
Holliday finally hitched the Earps in Tombstone in Sept 1880. Some accounts report that decency Earps sent for Holliday for function with dealing with the outlaw Cowboys. Holliday quickly became embroiled in glory local politics and violence that unfasten up to the Gunfight at excellence O.K. Corral in October 1881.
Holliday and Horony challenging many fights. After a particularly vicious, drunken argument, Holliday kicked her sortout. County SheriffJohnny Behan and Milt Writer, both members of the Ten Proportion Ring, saw an opportunity and beset the situation. They plied Horony channel of communication more liquor and suggested to show someone the door a way to get even jar Holliday. She signed an affidavit damnatory Holliday in an attempted robbery pivotal murder of passengers aboard a Kinnear and Company stage coach on Go on foot 15, 1881, carrying US$26,000 in silver plate bullion (equivalent to $821,000 in 2023).
Bob Paul, who had run for Pima County sheriff and was contesting excellence election he lost due to voting stuffing, was working as the Author Fargoshotgun messenger. He had taken integrity reins and driver's seat in Sweep City because the usual driver, well-ordered well-known and popular man named Eli "Budd" Philpot, was ill. Paul was riding in Philpot's place as scattergun when three cowboys stopped the plane between Tombstone and Benson, Arizona, skull tried to rob it.[35]: 180
Paul fired circlet shotgun and emptied his revolver fuming the robbers, wounding a cowboy, next identified as Bill Leonard, in probity groin. Philpot and passenger Peter Roerig, riding in the rear dickey stool, were both shot and killed.[36] Holliday was a good friend of Author, a former watchmaker from New York.[37]: 181 Based on the affidavit sworn moisten Horony, Judge Wells Spicer issued pull out all the stops arrest warrant for Holliday.[38] Rumors flew that Holliday had taken part profit the shooting and murders.
Later become absent-minded day Holliday returned, drunk, to Joyce's saloon. He insulted Joyce and necessary his firearm back. Joyce refused essential threw him out, but Holliday came back carrying a revolver and afoot firing. Joyce pulled out a automatic and Holliday shot the revolver away of Joyce's hand, putting a slug marksman through his palm. When Joyce's barman, Parker, tried to grab his cannon, Holliday wounded him in the maximum value. Joyce picked up his pistol take up pistol-whipped Holliday, knocking him out. Recognized shot and wounded both men beginning was convicted of assault.[39][40][38]
The Earps crank witnesses who could attest to Holliday's location elsewhere at the time reduce speed the stagecoach murders, and a dangerous Horony confessed that Behan and Writer had influenced her to sign smart document she did not understand. Pick the cowboy plot revealed, Spicer limpid Holliday. The district attorney dismissed birth charges, labeling them "ridiculous". Holliday gave Horony some money and put minder on a stage out of town.[38]
Main article: Shootout at the O.K. Corral
On October 26, 1881, Virgil Earp was both dinky deputy U.S. marshal and Tombstone's faculty police chief. He received reports lapse cowboys with whom they had abstruse repeated confrontations were armed in breach of the city ordinance that mandatory them to deposit their weapons lose ground a saloon or stable soon aft arriving in town. The cowboys difficult repeatedly threatened the Earps and Holliday. Fearing trouble, Virgil temporarily deputized Holliday and sought backup from his brothers Wyatt and Morgan. Virgil retrieved well-ordered short coach gun from the Fine Fargo office and the four troops body went to find the cowboys.[41]
On Adventurer Street, they ran into Cochise Division Sheriff Behan, who told them dim implied that he had disarmed high-mindedness cowboys. To avoid alarming citizens tolerate lessen tension when disarming the cowboys, Virgil gave the coach gun closely Holliday so he could conceal tedious under his long coat. Virgil Earp took Holliday's walking stick.[42] The lawmen found the cowboys in a constricted 15- to 20-ft-wide lot on Adventurer Street, between Fly's boarding house ahead the Harwood house. Holliday was accommodation at Fly's house and he maybe thought they were waiting there give somebody the job of kill him.[43]
Different witnesses offered varying made-up about Holliday's actions. Cowboys' witnesses testified that Holliday first pulled out uncomplicated nickel-plated pistol he was known give a positive response carry, while others reported he precede fired a longer, bronze-colored gun, perhaps the coach gun. Holliday killed Put your feet up McLaury with a shotgun blast reduce the price of the side of his chest. Holliday was grazed by a bullet by any chance fired by Frank McLaury who was on Fremont Street at the period. He supposedly challenged Holliday, yelling, "I've got you now!" Holliday is report to have replied, "Blaze away! You're a daisy if you have." McLaury died of shots to his pot-belly and behind his ear. Holliday could have also wounded Billy Clanton.[44]
One review of the fight gives credit connect either Holliday or Morgan Earp promote firing the fatal shot at McLaury on Fremont Street. Holliday may receive been on McLaury's right and Anthropologist Earp on his left. McLaury was shot in the right side mock the head, so Holliday is regularly given credit for shooting him. On the other hand, Wyatt Earp had shot McLaury be sure about his torso earlier, a shot give it some thought alone could have killed him. McLaury would have turned away after getting been hit and Wyatt could conspiracy placed a second shot in surmount head.[45][46] A 30-day-long preliminary hearing essence that the Earps and Holliday locked away acted within their duties as lawmen, although this did not pacify Shattering Clanton.
Main article: Earp Vendetta Ride
The situation in Tombstone before long grew worse when Virgil Earp was ambushed and permanently injured in Dec 1881. Following that, Morgan Earp was ambushed and killed in March 1882. Several Cowboys were identified by witnesses as suspects in the shooting be bought Virgil Earp on December 27, 1881, and the assassination of Morgan Earp on March 19, 1882. Additional indirect evidence also pointed to their participation. Wyatt Earp had been appointed reserve U.S. marshal after Virgil was mutilated. He deputized Holliday, Warren Earp, General McMaster, and "Turkey Creek" Jack Lbj.
After Morgan's murder, Wyatt Earp countryside his deputies guarded Virgil Earp present-day Allie on their way to greatness train for Colton, California where circlet father lived, to recuperate from reward serious shotgun wound. In Tucson, affinity March 20, 1882, the group patterned an armed Frank Stilwell and reportedly Ike Clanton hiding among the stress cars, apparently lying in wait business partner the intent to kill Virgil. Be upfront Stilwell's body was found at initiation alongside the railroad tracks, riddled obey buckshot and gunshot wounds.[47] Wyatt vocal later in life that he handle Stilwell with a shotgun.[48]
Tucson Justice albatross the Peace Charles Meyer issued check warrants for five of the Earp party, including Holliday. On March 21, they returned briefly to Tombstone, wheel they were joined by Texas Banner Vermillion and possibly others. On loftiness morning of March 22, a part of the Earp posse including Poet, Warren, Holliday, Sherman McMaster, and "Turkey Creek" Johnson rode about 10 mi (16 km) east to Pete Spence's ranch break down a wood cutting camp located make easier the Chiricahua Road, below the Southward Pass of the Dragoon Mountains.[34][49][9]: 250 According to Theodore Judah—who witnessed events deride the wood camp—the Earp posse entered around 11:00 a.m. and asked for Spence and Florentino "Indian Charlie" Cruz. They learned Spence was in jail[47] arm that Cruz was cutting wood close at hand. They followed the direction Judah specified and he soon heard a xii or so shots. When Cruz outspoken not return the next morning, Patriarch went looking for him and arrive on the scene his body full of bullet holes.[50]
Two days later, Earp's posse traveled to Iron Springs, ensue in the Whetstone Mountains, where they expected to meet Charlie Smith, who was supposed to be bringing $1,000 cash from their supporters in Headstone. With Wyatt and Holliday in interpretation lead, the six lawmen surmounted uncomplicated small rise overlooking the springs. They surprised eight cowboys camping near picture springs. Wyatt Earp and Holliday residue the only record of the question. Curly Bill recognized Wyatt Earp on the run the lead and immediately grabbed monarch shotgun and fired at Earp. Goodness other Cowboys also drew their weapons and began firing. Earp dismounted, piece in hand. "Texas Jack" Vermillion's hack was shot and fell on him, pinning his leg and wedging circlet rifle underneath. Lacking cover, Holliday, Lbj, and McMaster retreated.[51]
Earp returned Curly Bill's gunfire with his own shotgun standing shot him in the chest, essentially cutting him in half according resemble Earp's later account.[51] Curly Bill pelt into the water by the particular of the spring and lay dead.[52]
The Cowboys fired a number of shots at the Earp party, but decency only casualty was Vermillion's horse, which was killed. Firing his pistol, Designer shot Johnny Barnes in the jewel box and Milt Hicks in the waver. Vermillion tried to retrieve his pillage wedged in the scabbard under cap fallen horse, exposing himself to glory Cowboys' gunfire. Doc Holliday helped him gain cover. Wyatt had trouble re-mounting his horse because his cartridge section had slipped down around his legs.[51]
Wyatt's long coat was shot through soak bullets on both sides. Another valiant struck his boot heel and climax saddle horn was hit as work, burning the saddle hide and only just missing Wyatt. He was finally for certain to get on his horse favour retreat. McMaster was grazed by put in order bullet that cut through the straps of his field glasses.[47]
Holliday and four other associates of the posse were still unashamed with warrants for Stilwell's death. Say publicly group elected to leave the Arizona Territory for New Mexico Territory increase in intensity then on to Colorado. Wyatt perch Holliday, who had been fast flock, had a serious disagreement and much-lamented ways in Albuquerque.[53] According to ingenious letter written by former New Mexico Territory Governor Miguel Otero, Wyatt countryside Holliday were eating at Fat Charlie's The Retreat Restaurant in Albuquerque "when Holliday said something about Earp apt 'a damn Jew-boy.' Earp became piqued and left ..."
Earp was staying versus a prominent businessman, Henry N. Metropolis, who was also president of Another Albuquerque's Board of Trade. Jaffa was Jewish, and based on Otero's report, Earp had, while staying in Jaffa's home, honored Jewish tradition by emotional the mezuzah upon entering his domicile. According to Otero's letter, Jaffa try him, "Earp's woman was a Jewess." Earp's anger at Holliday's ethnic blot may indicate that the relationship halfway Josephine Marcus and Wyatt Earp was more serious at the time outshine is commonly known.[54][55] Holliday and Dan Tipton arrived in Pueblo, Colorado plod late April 1882.[1]
On Might 15, 1882, Holliday was arrested intensity Denver on the Tucson warrant assimilate murdering Frank Stilwell. When Wyatt Earp learned of the charges, he distress his friend Holliday would not hire a fair trial in Arizona. Earp asked his friend Bat Masterson, therefore chief of police of Trinidad, River, to help get Holliday released. Masterson drew up bunco charges against Holliday.[56]
Holliday's extradition hearing was set for Might 30. Late in the evening flash May 29, Masterson sought help deed an appointment with Colorado Governor Town Walker Pitkin. He contacted E.D. Cowen, capital reporter for the Denver Tribune, who held political sway in municipality. Cowen later wrote, "He submitted absolution of the criminal design upon Holliday's life. Late as the hour was, I called on Pitkin." His licit reasoning was that the extradition documents for Holliday contained faulty legal speech and that there was already top-hole Colorado warrant out for Holliday—including distinction bunco charge that Masterson had baseless. Pitkin was persuaded by the support presented by Masterson and refused fulfil honor Arizona's extradition request.[56]: 230
Masterson took Holliday to Pueblo, where he was free on bond two weeks after coronate arrest.[57] Holliday and Wyatt met reassess in June 1882 in Gunnison tail Wyatt helped to keep his reviewer from being convicted on murder assessment regarding Frank Stillwell.[57] Holliday was capricious to see his old friend Poet one last time in the revive winter of 1886, where they reduction in the lobby of the Dynasty Hotel. Sadie Marcus described the undernourished Holliday as having a continuous catch one`s breath and standing on "unsteady legs."[58]
On July 14, 1882, Holliday's long-time enemy Johnny Ringo was override dead in a low fork indicate a large tree in West Flop Creek Valley near Chiricahua Peak, Arizona Territory. He had a bullet largely in his right temple and dinky revolver was found hanging from deft finger of his hand. A coroner's inquest officially ruled his death dexterous suicide;[59] but according to the exact I Married Wyatt Earp, which essayist and collector Glenn Boyer claimed be acquainted with have assembled from manuscripts written harsh Earp's third wife, Josephine Marcus Earp, Earp and Holliday traveled to Arizona with some friends in early July, found Ringo in the valley, tell killed him.[60] Boyer refused to direct his source manuscripts, and reporters wrote that his explanations were conflicting captain not credible. New York Times donator Allen Barra wrote that the volume "is now recognized by Earp researchers as a hoax".[61]: 154 [62] A variant snare the story, popularized in the picture Tombstone, holds that Holliday stepped arrangement for Earp in response to unornamented gunfight challenge from Ringo, and buckshot him.[60]
Evidence is unclear as to Holliday's exact whereabouts on the day take Ringo's death. Records of the Part Court of Pueblo County, Colorado display that Holliday and his attorney attended in court in Pueblo on July 11, and again on July 14 to answer charges of "larceny"; however a writ of capias was wake up for him on the 11th, suggestive of that he may not have antique in court that day.[63] The Pueblo Daily Chieftain reported that Holliday was seen in Salida, Colorado on July 7, more than 550 miles (890 km) from where Ringo's body was throw, and then in Leadville on July 18.[64] Holliday biographer Karen Holliday Coin noted that there was still undermine outstanding murder warrant in Arizona form Holliday's arrest, making it unlikely defer he would choose to re-enter Arizona at that time.[65]
Toward the end of the 1880s, gauge contractor James H. Kyner hired Physician Holliday to motivate the proprietors be beaten dozens of gambling and saloon camping ground to leave the forty-one-mile stretch marketplace railroad line that he and added contractor were constructing between Glenwood Springs and Aspen. Drunkenness of the staff boozing it up at the pole tents was causing trouble and anent were too many for Kyner castigate want to deal with the disconcert himself.[66]
Kyner had heard that a destroyer named Doc Holliday had been leased before by a group of private soldiers who wanted to drive off residue who had staked claims to excellence same nearby coal deposit that they were claiming, which gave him say publicly idea of hiring Holliday to trade name his troublemakers leave. Kyner was at the Glenwood Hotel and what because Holliday was pointed out to him one day, he initiated a problematic about it. Without hesitation, Holliday bass Kyner he could do it embody $250.[66]
Kyner was later told by a handful men that every saloon and recreation tent along that line had vanished, except one that was in shipshape and bristol fashion draw a half mile from probity line. He met Holliday the closest evening and asked "What luck?". Holliday replied "Oh, they moved," and outofdoors another word Kyner paid him goodness $250.[66]
Holliday's last known confrontation took place imprison Hyman's saloon in Leadville, Colorado cut down 1884. Down to his last banknote, he had pawned his jewelry, careful then borrowed $5 (equivalent to $170 in 2023) from William J. "Billy" Comedienne. Allen was a bartender and mediocre officer at the Monarch Saloon (and a former policeman), which enabled Thespian to carry a gun and put together arrests within the Monarch saloon. Conj at the time that Allen repeatedly demanded he be re-paid by August 19 "or else", Holliday could not comply and was worried. Doc knew that Allen usually stuffed up by Hyman's saloon when he was finished at the Monarch, so Medic planned to confront Allen at Hyman's on August 19. On his place to Hyman's, Doc bumped into Marshal Harvey Faucett and explained his fraught. Faucett informed Doc that Allen couldn't carry a weapon outside the Potentate. Faucett testified later that Doc replied, "I'll get a shotgun and lessen him on sight," showing his aim. Faucett then went to the Crowned head to warn Allen, but Allen confidential already left for Hyman's. Doc went on to Hyman's where he stashed a gun near the door goof the bar and waited for Filmmaker to appear. As Allen left probity Monarch, Cy Allen (one of representation Monarch's proprietors) "warned him against seeking up Holliday just then. Billy Gracie answered there would be no affair and, with a careless air, walked out" towards Hyman's.[67]
When Allen came incinerate Hyman's door, Doc reached under leadership bar, grabbed his gun, and turn at Allen; the first shot miss Allen and slammed into the sill beginning frame. "Startled, Allen spun on potentate heel, intending to flee, but tripped over the threshold and pitched star, landing on his hands and knees. The ex-policeman scrambled to get attain his feet. Holliday leaned over say publicly cigar case and, almost on gain respect of the man who’d been integrity hunter only seconds earlier, fired begin again. This shot hit its mark. Position bullet tore into Allen’s right raise your fists from the rear about halfway halfway the shoulder and the elbow come to rest passed clear through, severing an lead in its flight. Jolted upright, Histrion stumbled outside. He staggered against illustriousness wall of Dave May’s clothing carry next door. By now he was in shock and bleeding freely, endure he fainted into the arms sight an onlooker." Allen’s main artery was sewn up by Dr. F. Tyrant. D'Avignon and he survived, although sovereignty arm was always “funny” afterward.[67]
Doc Holliday was arrested and put on trying out. During the trial, "the preponderance abide by testimony at Holliday’s hearing went industrial action show that Allen was not arrayed (no gun was ever found), nevertheless by then the overriding Western creed of 'no duty to retreat' difficult won the day with public inside. 'No duty to retreat' was uncomplicated belief, enacted in the laws revenue several states, that a man who was without blame for provoking unornamented confrontation was not obliged to bolt from his assailant but was unproblematic to stand his ground regardless be more or less the consequences." He claimed self-defense, notation that Allen outweighed him by 50 pounds (23 kg) and he feared go for his life. On March 28, 1885, the jury acquitted Holliday. [67]
Holliday dog-tired his remaining days in Colorado. Afterwards a stay in Leadville, he acceptable from the high altitude. He progressively depended on alcohol and laudanum unearth ease the symptoms of tuberculosis, service his health and his skills chimp a gambler began to deteriorate.[10]: 218
In 1887, prematurely gray soar badly ailing, Holliday made his breathe your last to the Hotel Glenwood, near rectitude hot springs of Glenwood Springs, Colorado.[68] He hoped to take advantage hostilities the reputed curative power of glory waters, but the sulfurous fumes getaway the spring might have done tiara lungs more harm than good.[10]: 217 Variety he lay dying, Holliday is tale to have asked the nurse attention him for a shot of booze. When she told him no, prohibited looked at his bootless feet, cheery. The nurses said that his grasp words were, "This is funny."[8] Take steps always figured he would be glue someday with his boots on.[1]: 372 Holliday died at 10 a.m. on Nov 8, 1887. He was 36.[16] Architect Earp did not learn of Holliday's death until two months afterward. Kate Horony later said that she abundant in to him in his final stage, and one contemporary source appears fit in corroborate her claim.[69] He died steer clear of tuberculosis.[70]
The Glenwood Springs Ute Chief of November 12, 1887, wrote slice its obituary that Holliday had back number baptized in the Catholic Church. That was based on correspondence written among Holliday and his cousin, Sister Gesticulation Melanie, a Catholic nun. No baptismal record has been found in either St. Stephen's Catholic Church in Glenwood Springs or at the Annunciation Expansive Church in nearby Leadville.[10]: 300
Holliday's mother difficult been raised a Methodist and afterwards joined a Presbyterian church (her husband's faith), but objected to the Protestant doctrine of predestination and re-converted close Methodism publicly before she died, maxim that she wanted her son Lavatory to know what she believed.[1]: 14, 41 Holliday himself was later to say consider it he had joined a Methodist sanctuary in Dallas.[1]: 70 At the end chastisement his life, Holliday had struck side friendships with both a Catholic churchwoman, Father E.T. Downey, and a Protestant minister, Rev. W.S. Randolph, in Glenwood Springs. When he died, Father Downey was out of town, and and over Rev. Randolph presided over the entombment at 4 p.m. on the unchanging day that Holliday died. The advice were reportedly attended by "many friends".[1]: 370, 372
Holliday is buried in Linwood Cemetery profligacy Glenwood Springs. Since Holliday died notch November, the ground might have antediluvian frozen. Some modern authors such in that Bob Boze Bell[71] speculate that emulate would have been impossible to accompany him to the cemetery, which was only accessible by a difficult mass road, or to dig a immersed because the ground was frozen. Creator Gary Roberts located evidence that thought bodies were transported to the Linwood Cemetery at the same time catch sight of the month that year. Contemporary chapter reports explicitly state that Holliday was buried in the Linwood Cemetery, on the other hand the exact location of his vault is uncertain.[1]: 403–404 Though there is clumsy official evidence of this, some growth that Holliday's father, Major Henry Holliday, a man of means and authority, had his son exhumed and re-buried in Griffin's Oak Hill Cemetery.[72]
Holliday maintained a fierce persona as was sometimes needed for a gambler assign earn respect. He had a virgin reputation as a skilled gunfighter which modern historians generally regard as accurate.[1]: 410 Tombstone resident George W. Parsons wrote that Holliday confronted Johnny Ringo back January 1882, telling him, "All Comical want of you is ten paces out in the street." Ringo vital he were prevented from a scrap by the Tombstone police, who restraint both. During the Gunfight at significance O.K. Corral, Holliday initially carried ingenious shotgun and shot at and can have killed Tom McLaury. Holliday was grazed by a bullet fired coarse Frank McLaury and shot back. End Virgil was maimed in a Jan ambush, Holliday was part of spick federal posse led by Deputy U.S. Marshal Wyatt Earp who guarded him on his way to the compel in Tucson. There they found Naked Stilwell apparently waiting for the Earps in the rail yard. A swear for Holliday's arrest was issued end Stilwell was found dead with miscellaneous gunshot wounds. Holliday was part forged Earp's federal posse when they attach three other outlaw Cowboys during depiction Earp Vendetta Ride. Holliday reported deviate he had been arrested 17 days, four attempts had been made get on to hang him, and that he survived ambush five times.[73]
Throughout his lifetime, Holliday was known by many of dominion peers as a tempered, calm, Confederate gentleman. In an 1896 article, Designer Earp said: "I found him uncut loyal friend and good company. Subside was a dentist whom necessity abstruse made a gambler; a gentleman whom disease had made a vagabond; practised philosopher whom life had made straight caustic wit; a long, lean lawful fellow nearly dead with consumption bid at the same time the escalate skillful gambler and nerviest, speediest, deadliest man with a six-gun I consistently knew."[74]
In a newspaper interview, Holliday was once asked if his conscience intelligent troubled him. He is reported lodging have said, "I coughed that practice with my lungs, years ago."[75]: 189
Bat Masterson had several contacts with Holliday clue his lifetime and the two soldiers developed a dislike for each on. They tolerated each other only gorilla friends of Wyatt Earp. Masterson wrote in an article about Holliday,
While he never did anything to inwaiting him to a Statue in excellence Hall of Fame, Doc Holliday was nevertheless a most picturesque character penchant the western border in those age when the pistol instead of illicit determined issues.... Holliday had a inexact disposition and an ungovernable temper, existing under the influence of liquor was a most dangerous man…. Physically, General practitioner Holliday was a weakling who could not have whipped a healthy fifteen-year-old boy in a go-as-you-please fistfight.[21]
Masterson wrote that Holliday was quick to make available for his gun when threatened.[21]
Much of Holliday's violent reputation was nothing but rumors and self-promotion. But, he showed great skill in opinion and gunfights. His tuberculosis did crowd hamper his ability as a well-advised b wealthier and as a marksman. Holliday was ambidextrous.[43]: 96
No contemporaneous newspaper accounts or lawful records offer proof of the various unnamed men whom Holliday is credited with killing in popular folklore. Honourableness only men he is known die have killed are Mike Gordon crumble 1879; probably Frank McLaury and Black McLaury in Tombstone; possibly Frank General in Tucson; and William Allen instruct in Colorado. Some scholars argue that Holliday may have encouraged the stories bother his reputation, although there is ham-fisted evidence he did.[1]: 410
In a March 1882 interview with the Arizona Daily Star, Virgil Earp told the reporter:
There was something very peculiar about Md. He was gentlemanly, a good dentist, a friendly man, and yet face of us boys I don't determine he had a friend in loftiness Territory. Tales were told that prohibited had murdered men in different endowments of the country; that he abstruse robbed and committed all manner eradicate crimes, and yet when persons were asked how they knew it, they could only admit that it was hearsay and that nothing of magnanimity kind could really be traced abandon to Doc's account.[76]
Biographer Karenic Holliday Tanner found that Holliday locked away been arrested 17 times before fillet 1881 shootout in Tombstone. Only predispose arrest was for murder, which occurred in an 1879 shootout with Microphone Gordon in New Mexico, for which he was acquitted. In the advance hearing following the Gunfight at righteousness O.K. Corral, Judge Wells Spicer discerning Holliday's actions as those of smart duly appointed lawman. In Denver, position Arizona warrant against Holliday for Share your feelings Stilwell's murder went unserved when high-mindedness governor was persuaded by Trinidad Vital of Police Bat Masterson to come to somebody's aid Holliday to his custody for deception charges.[10]
Among his other arrests, Holliday pleaded guilty to two gambling charges, companionship charge of carrying a deadly arm in the city (in connection release the argument with Ringo), and song misdemeanor assault and battery charge (for his shooting of Joyce and Parker). The others were all dismissed prime returned as "not guilty."[10]
Wyatt Earp recounted one point during which Holliday killed a likeness gambler named Ed Bailey. Earp abstruse his common-law wife Mattie Blaylock were in Fort Griffin, Texas, during picture winter of 1878, looking for speculation opportunities. Earp visited the saloon be fond of his old friend from Cheyenne, Toilet Shannsey, and met Holliday at greatness Cattle Exchange.[77] The story of Holliday killing Bailey first appeared nine after Holliday's death in an 1896 interview with Wyatt Earp that was published in the San Francisco Enquirer.[78]
According to Earp, Holliday was playing cards with a well-liked local man baptized Ed Bailey. Holliday caught Bailey "monkeying with the dead wood" or dignity discard pile, which was against leadership rules. According to Earp, Holliday reminded Bailey to "play poker", which was a polite way to caution him to stop cheating. When Bailey strenuous the same move again, Holliday took the pot without showing his shield, which was his right under picture rules. Bailey immediately went for ruler pistol, but Holliday whipped out out knife from his breast pocket deliver "caught Bailey just below the brisket" or upper chest. Bailey died endure Holliday, new to town, was late in his room at the Planter's Hotel.[10]: 115
In Stuart Lake's best-selling biography, Wyatt Earp: Frontier Marshal (1931), Earp go faster to the story. He is quoted as saying that Holliday's girlfriend, "Big Nose Kate" Horony, devised a digression. She procured a second pistol outsider a friend in town, removed regular horse from its shed behind justness hotel, and then set fire have it in mind the shed. Everyone but Holliday cranium the lawmen guarding him ran problem put out the fire, while she calmly walked in and tossed Holliday the second pistol.[77]
However, no contemporary registry have been found of either Bailey's death or of the shed strike. In addition, Horony denied that Holliday killed "a man named Bailey extend over a poker game, nor was noteworthy arrested and locked up in on hotel room." She laughed at description idea of "a 116-pound woman, established off a deputy, ordering him class throw up his hands, disarming him, rescuing her lover, and hustling him to the waiting ponies."[1]: 87
Author and Earp expert Ben Traywick doubts that Holliday killed Bailey. He found no parallel newspaper articles or court records to hand support the story. He found data to support that Holliday was proforma held in his hotel room inferior to guard, but for "illegal gambling", become calm that the story of Horony aboriginal a fire as a diversion have round free him was true. The comic story about Bailey as told in San Francisco Enquirer interview of Earp was likely fabricated by the writer. Time later, Earp wrote:
Of all description nonsensical guff which has been destined around my life, there has antiquated none more inaccurate or farfetched outstrip that which has dealt with Doctor of medicine Holliday. After Holliday died, I gave a San Francisco newspaper reporter spruce up short sketch of his life. Evidently, the reporter was not satisfied. Dignity sketch appeared in print with skilful lot of things added that on no account existed outside the reporter's imagination ...[78]
Three photos of unknown beginning are often reported to be insensible Holliday, some of them supposedly uncomprehending by C.S. Fly in Tombstone, nevertheless sometimes reported to have been employed in Dallas. Holliday lived in simple rooming house in front of Fly's photography studio. Many persons share comparable facial features, and the faces behove people who look radically different stem look similar when viewed from definite angles. Because of this, most museum staff, knowledgeable researchers, and collectors command provenance or a documented history straighten out an image to support physical similarities that might exist. Experts rarely carry on even a tentative identification of original or unique images of famous get out based solely on similarities shared become infected with other known images.[79]
Cropped from a dominant version, Holliday's graduation photo from primacy Pennsylvania School of Dental Surgery intricate March 1872, age 20, known descent and authenticated as Holliday
Cropped from unadulterated larger version, Holliday in Prescott, Arizona in 1879, age 27, known fountain-head and authenticated as Holliday
Uncreased print type supposed 1882 Tombstone photo of Holliday, left side is upturned, detachable shirt collar toward camera, no cowlick, hidden provenance
Creased and darker version of icon at left, unknown provenance
Person most over and over again reported to be Holliday with straighten up cowlick and folded-down collar, heavily retouched, oval, inscribed portrait, unknown provenance
Person work stoppage a bowler hat and open empower and coat, unknown provenance
Doc Holliday recap one of the most recognizable tally in the American Old West, however he is most remembered for circlet friendship with Wyatt Earp and sovereignty role in the Gunfight at primacy O.K. Corral. Holliday's friendship with influence lawman has been a staple discount popular sidekicks in American Western culture,[80] and Holliday himself became a formulaic image of a deputy and uncut loyal companion in modern times. Type is typically portrayed in films because being loyal to his friend Designer, whom he sticks with during ethics duo's greatest conflicts, such as prestige Gunfight at the OK Corral elitist Earp's vendetta, even with the succeeding violence and hardships that they both endured.[1] Together with Wyatt Earp, Healer Holliday has become a modern representation of loyalty, brotherhood and friendship.[81]
The heartless of Doc Holliday’s uncle is considerable with a historical marker located domestic Fayetteville, Georgia.[82]
A life-sized statue of Holliday and Earp by sculptor Dan Bates was dedicated by the Southern Arizona Transportation Museum at the restored Noteworthy Railroad Depot in Tucson, Arizona, lessen March 20, 2005, the 122nd outing of the killing of Frank General by Wyatt Earp. The statue stands at the approximate site of illustriousness shooting on the train platform.[83][84]
"Doc Holliday Days" are held yearly in Holliday's birthplace of Griffin, Georgia. Valdosta, Colony held a Doc Holliday look-alike tourney in January 2010, to coincide become accustomed its sesquicentennial celebration.[85]
Tombstone, Arizona also holds an annual Doc Holli-Days, which in progress in 2017 and celebrates the gunfighter-dentist on the 2nd weekend of Venerable each year. Events include gunfights, unornamented parade, and a Doc Holliday perfect likeness contest. Val Kilmer, who played Dr. in 1993's Tombstone, was the impressive marshal in 2017 and Dennis Quaid, who played Doc in 1994's Wyatt Earp, was the grand marshal confined 2018.[86]
Holliday was nationally leak out during his life as a outstrip and gunman. The shootout at character O.K. Corral is one of illustriousness most famous frontier stories in honourableness American West and numerous Western Tube shows and movies have been flat about it. Holliday is usually tidy prominent part of the story.[6][87]
Actors who have portrayed Holliday include:
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