James Cooksey Earp

James Cooksey Earp ( June 28, 1841 – January 25, 1926 ) was an American lawman and the lesser-known older brother of the famous Earp brothers, particularly Wyatt, Virgil, and Morgan Earp, who were key figures in the history of the American Old West. Though James was not as prominent as his brothers, he played a role in their lives and the events that shaped their legendary status.

Early Life

James Cooksey Earp was born on June 28, 1841, in Hartford, Kentucky, to Nicholas Porter Earp and Virginia Ann Cooksey. He was the third of nine children in the Earp family. The Earp family moved frequently during James’s childhood, living in various locations across the Midwest, including Monmouth, Illinois, and Pella, Iowa.

Military Service

At the outbreak of the Civil War, James enlisted in the Union Army in 1861. He served in Company F of the 17th Illinois Infantry, participating in several battles, including the Battle of Fredericktown. However, he sustained a severe shoulder wound early in the war, which led to his discharge in 1863.

Post-War Years and Family Life

After the war, James Earp returned to civilian life and worked various jobs, including saloon keeping and law enforcement. He married Nellie “Bessie” Ketchum in 1865, and the couple would remain together until James’s death. They did not have any children.

Tombstone and the Earp Vendetta Ride

James Earp is perhaps best known for his connection to the events in Tombstone, Arizona. In 1879, he followed his younger brothers to the boomtown, where they became involved in law enforcement and the infamous conflict with the Clanton-McLaury gang. Unlike his brothers, James played a more background role in Tombstone, focusing on managing a saloon rather than directly engaging in law enforcement or the gunfight at the O.K. Corral.

Following the assassination of their brother Morgan in 1882, the Earp brothers, led by Wyatt, embarked on what became known as the Earp Vendetta Ride, seeking revenge against those they believed responsible for Morgan’s death. James did not participate in the Vendetta Ride, choosing instead to stay with his family and manage their business interests.

Later Life and Death

After the events in Tombstone, James Earp and his wife moved to various locations, including California, where they eventually settled in San Bernardino. James lived a relatively quiet life compared to his more famous brothers, staying out of the spotlight as the legends around the Earp family grew.

James Cooksey Earp passed away on January 25, 1926, in San Bernardino, California, at the age of 84. He was buried in the Mountain View Cemetery in San Bernardino. His life, though overshadowed by the exploits of his brothers, is an integral part of the Earp family history, offering a glimpse into the quieter side of the tumultuous times they lived through.

Earp Family Members