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Virgil Walter Earp
Virgil Walter Earp ( July 18, 1843 – October 19, 1905) was born in Lincoln County, Kentucky, was a prominent lawman and frontier figure known for his role in the American Old West. As the eldest of the Earp siblings, Virgil took on a leadership role within the family, guiding his younger brothers Wyatt, Morgan, and James. A seasoned law enforcement officer, Virgil served as a deputy U.S. marshal and, later, as the town marshal of Tombstone, Arizona. His most notable moment came during the infamous Gunfight at the O.K. Corral on October 26, 1881, where he, alongside Wyatt and Doc Holliday, confronted a group of outlaws known as the Cowboys. Despite surviving the gunfight, Virgil’s tenure in Tombstone was marred by violence and personal loss, including the assassination attempt that severely injured him and ultimately led to the death of his brother Morgan. Virgil’s resilience and sense of justice left a lasting imprint on the lore of the Old West.
Early Life and Family
Virgil Walter Earp was born on July 18, 1843, in Hartford, Kentucky. He was the second of Nicholas and Virginia Ann Cooksey Earp’s five sons. The Earp family moved frequently during Virgil’s childhood, eventually settling in Pella, Iowa. Growing up in a large and adventurous family, Virgil, along with his brothers James, Wyatt, Morgan, and Warren, developed a strong sense of camaraderie and loyalty that would shape their future endeavors.
Civil War Service
In 1861, at the age of 18, Virgil enlisted in the Union Army during the American Civil War. He served with the 83rd Illinois Infantry Regiment and later transferred to the 17th Illinois Cavalry. His service was marked by bravery and resilience, traits that would later define his career as a lawman. After the war, Virgil returned to civilian life, married his first wife, Ellen, and started a family. Unfortunately, Ellen died shortly after the birth of their daughter.
Life as a Lawman
Virgil’s career as a lawman began in the 1870s. He held various positions across different towns, working as a constable in Prescott, Arizona, and as a deputy U.S. marshal. His reputation for enforcing the law with determination and fairness quickly spread. In 1879, Virgil moved to Tombstone, Arizona, where he would play a crucial role in one of the most famous events in Western history.
The Gunfight at the O.K. Corral
Virgil Earp’s most notable moment came on October 26, 1881, in Tombstone. As the city marshal of Tombstone, Virgil, along with his brothers Wyatt and Morgan, and their friend Doc Holliday, faced off against the Clanton and McLaury brothers in what became known as the Gunfight at the O.K. Corral. The confrontation, which lasted only about 30 seconds, resulted in the deaths of three outlaws and left Virgil seriously wounded. Despite his injuries, Virgil’s leadership and bravery during the gunfight cemented his place in the annals of the American West.
Later Years and Legacy
Following the gunfight, Virgil is held for a preliminary trail for his role in the gunfight which led to the death of three men. On November 19th, 1881, Virgil Earp, still seriously injured from the gunfight, testified from his bedside at the Cosmopolitan Hotel. He is exonerated on November 30, 1881 with the finding on Judge Wells Spicer.
Virgil’s troubles were far from over. In December 1881, he was ambushed and shot by unknown assailants, leaving him with a permanently crippled left arm. Despite this setback, Virgil continued to serve as a lawman, moving to California, where he worked as a law enforcement officer in various capacities, including city marshal of Colton and constable in Vanderbilt.
Virgil Earp passed away on October 19, 1905, in Goldfield, Nevada, at the age of 62. He was buried in the Riverview Cemetery in Portland, Oregon. His life, marked by courage, resilience, and a commitment to justice, left a lasting legacy in the history of the American West. Virgil Earp’s story, along with those of his brothers, continues to captivate the imaginations of those fascinated by the era of the Old West.
Virgil Earp in the news
 Los Angeles Daily Herald – December 30, 1882On December 30, 1881 the Los Angles Daily Herald broke the news of the Assassination attempt on Marshall Virgil Earp The Los Angles Daily Herald… |
 The Tombstone Epitaph, October 27, 1881The following is the original transcript of The Tombstone Epitaph published on October 27, 1881 on the infamous gun fight at the O K Corral… |
 Tombstone Daily Nugget, October 27, 1881The Tombstone Daily Nugget, October 27, 1881 described the the infamous gun fight at the O K Corral between the Earps and the Clanton faction… |
Earp Family Members
 James Cooksey EarpJames Cooksey Earp ( June 28, 1841 - January 25, 1926 ) James Cooksey Earp ( June 28, 1841 - January 25, 1926 ) was… |
 Morgan Seth EarpMorgan Seth Earp, born on April 24, 1851, in Pella, Iowa, was a notable figure of the American Old West, primarily recognized for his association… |
 Virgil Walter EarpVirgil Walter Earp ( July 18, 1843 – October 19, 1905) was born in Lincoln County, Kentucky, was a prominent lawman and frontier figure known for his… |
 Warren Baxter EarpWarren Baxter Earp ( March 9, 1855 - July 6, 1900 ), the youngest of the Earp brothers, was born into a family that would… |
 Wyatt Berry Stapp EarpWyatt Berry Stapp Earp (March 19, 1848 – January 13, 1929) was an American lawman and gambler who became a legendary figure of the Old… |
Statement of Albert Billickie in the Preliminary Hearing in the Earp-Holliday Case
Albert Bilicke became a successful hotelier and entrepreneur. He is best known for his role as a key business leader in Tombstone, particularly through his involvement in the development and management of the famous Tombstone Grand Hotel.
Bilicke’s connection to Tombstone began in the 1880s when he partnered with George R. Watt to establish the Grand Hotel, which opened in 1880. This luxurious establishment quickly became a social and economic hub in the town, attracting notable figures of the time, including lawmen like Wyatt Earp and Doc Holliday. The hotel was a symbol of the prosperity brought by the silver mining boom that had put Tombstone on the map.
Under Bilicke’s management, the Grand Hotel thrived until the decline of the silver mines led to economic hardships in the region. Despite these challenges, Bilicke remained an influential figure in Tombstone’s business community, known for his sharp business acumen and commitment to the town’s development.
Albert Clay Bilicke’s legacy in Tombstone is remembered as one of entrepreneurship, resilience, and a deep connection to the town’s early history. His contributions helped shape Tombstone during its most vibrant years, leaving an indelible mark on the community.
Statement of Albert Billickie
On this twenty-eighth day of November, 1881, on the hearing of the above entitled cause, on the examination of Wyatt Earp and J. H. Holliday; Albert Billickie, a witness of lawful age, being produced and sworn, deposes and says as follows:
Albert Billickie, Cosmopolitan Hotel, 409 Allen Street, Tombstone, Arizona, hotel keeper.
In response to questions:
[I] knew Tom McLaury by sight, and saw him on October 26th last, “walking down the south side of Allen Street and enter Everhardy’s butcher shop, and very shortly come out again, walk down the street a few steps further, cross Allen Street obliquely to the corner of Fourth Street. This was probably about 2 o’clock.”
(Q) State if you observed what change if any occurred between the time of his going into the butcher shop and the time of his coming out, with respect to his possession of any arms.
(A) I saw no arms on him, neither when he went into the butcher shop nor when he came out.
(Q) What was his appearance when he went in, and what was his appearance when he came out; with respect to the possession of concealed arms?
(A) When he went into the butcher shop his right-hand pants pocket was flat and appeared as if nothing was in it. When he came out, his pants pocket protruded, as if there was a revolver therein.
CROSS-EXAMINATION
(Q) You say in your examination in chief, that you only knew Tom McLaury by sight and had no personal acquaintance with him. How did it happen that you watched him so closely the different places he went and the exact position of his right-hand pants pocket when he went into the butcher shop and the exact form of a revolver in the same right-hand pocket when he came out?
(A) Every good citizen in this city was watching all those cowboys very closely on the day the affray occurred, and as he was walking down the street my attention was called to this McLaury by a friend and so it happened that I watched him very closely.
(Q) Do you know every good citizen in Tombstone, or did you on that day?
(A) I know not all of them, but a great many.
(Q) Do you know what the opinions of all good citizens of Tombstone were on that day by conversation or conversations with them about watching Thomas McLaury in this city, and if so, tell us who they were. [Question crossed, without comment.]
(Q) About how long did he stay in the butcher shop, and was he in your sight while in there?
(A) He was in the butcher shop but a few moments and was out of my sight from the time he entered until he again appeared. He then walked a few feet down Allen Street and crossed to the corner of Fourth and Allen and walked down Fourth Street. I did not see him alive anymore that day. Everhardy’s butcher shop is directly opposite the Cosmopolitan Hotel, and I was standing on the sidewalk in front of the hotel when I saw what I have related.
[Signed] Albert Billickie
References
Barnwell and Searchlight Railroad
The Barnwell and Searchlight Railroad was a twenty three miles long railroad which connected Searchlight, Nevada to Barnwell California and the larger rail network of the Mojave Desert. Between 1907 and 1910, the gold mines of Searchlight produced $7 million dollars in gold and boasted a population of 1,500. Ore is shipped to Barnwell via the Barnwell and Searchlight rail service. In order to reduce costs, the Quartette company constructed a twenty-stamp mill on the Colorado River. The new mill utilized a 15 mile narrow gauge rail is constructed down to the mill in an attempt to further reduce costs.
Following the discovery of gold in Searchlight in 1897 a gold rush brought industry into the high desert of the Mojave. In 1900, the Quartette Mining Company formed and within a short years a population of 5000 people works the area.
The Barnwell and Searchlight Railroad is formed in April 1906 at the height of the gold rush in Searchlight, Nevada. The twenty three miles of track are laid down between May 1st, 1906 and March 31st, 1907. On April 7, 1907, just seven days after construction is completed the railway was leased by the California, Arizona and Santa Fe Railway
By 1919 trains travelled over the B. and S. Railroad only twice a week. A severe washout on September 23, 1923, halted traffic completely. Train service was never restored when the track is abandoned February 18, 1924. By this point, the population of Searchlight plummeted to just fifty people. Like many railroads, the valuable track was removed and recycled in other lines across the county.
Today, the rail route is a popular route for Mojave explorers and mountain bikers. The townsite is Juan is located along the route at the base of the Castle Mountains.
Barnwell and Searchlight Railroad
Railroad Summary
| Name | Barnwell and Searchlight Railroad |
| Location | San Bernardino, California Clark County, Nevada |
| Length | 23 miles |
| Gauge | Standard Gauge – 4 feet 8.5 inches (1,435 mm) |
| Date of Operation | April 16, 1906–December 28, 1911 |
References
Related Articles
 Barnwell and Searchlight RailroadThe Barnwell and Searchlight Railroad was a twenty three miles long railroad which connected Searchlight, Nevada to Barnwell California and the larger rail network of… |
 Searchlight NevadaSearchlight Nevada is a unincorporated town with a history in mining. The small town in Clark County is located south of Las Vegas in Clark… |
John Henry Holliday
John Henry “Doc” Holliday (1851–1887)
John Henry Holliday, commonly known as Doc Holliday, was an American gambler, gunfighter, and dentist who became a legendary figure of the Old West. Born on August 14, 1851, in Griffin, Georgia, Holliday graduated from the Pennsylvania College of Dental Surgery in 1872. However, his career as a dentist was short-lived due to his struggle with tuberculosis, which drove him west in search of a drier climate.
Holliday’s path soon diverged from dentistry to gambling. He became known for his involvement in various gambling establishments across the American South and West, where his sharp wit and proficiency in card games earned him a reputation as a formidable player. Despite his medical condition, which caused him frequent bouts of illness, Holliday’s gambling skills and fiery temperament made him a notable figure in the frontier towns he frequented.
His notoriety grew further due to his association with famous figures of the Old West, including the Earp brothers—Wyatt, Virgil, and Morgan Earp. Holliday’s most famous involvement came during the infamous Gunfight at the O.K. Corral in Tombstone, Arizona, on October 26, 1881.
Tensions had been escalating between the Earps and the Clanton-McLaury gang for several months. The conflict stemmed from various disputes, including accusations of cattle theft and the gang’s attempts to undermine the authority of the Earps, who were lawmen in Tombstone. The situation reached a boiling point when a confrontation seemed inevitable.
On the day of the gunfight, the Earps, including Wyatt, Virgil, and Morgan, along with their ally Doc Holliday, confronted the Clanton-McLaury gang. The dispute was partly provoked by the gang’s refusal to disarm in accordance with the town’s regulations and their ongoing threats against the Earps.
Standing by the Earps’ side, Holliday’s courage and marksmanship were instrumental in the confrontation with the Clanton-McLaury gang, a pivotal event that solidified his place in Western folklore.
Holliday’s life was marked by violence, legal entanglements, and his relentless struggle with tuberculosis. Despite his reputation as a gunfighter, many of his confrontations were linked to his defense of his friends and his own self-preservation. He was also known for his sharp wit and his ability to engage in both verbal and physical duels.
Doc Holliday died on November 8, 1887, in Glenwood Springs, Colorado, at the age of 36. His health had deteriorated significantly in the years leading up to his death, and he spent his final days in the area seeking relief for his illness. Despite his relatively short life, Holliday left an indelible mark on American history and folklore, remembered as one of the most iconic and enigmatic figures of the Old West.
Bodie: 1859-1962 (Images of America)
Nestled amongst the sage-covered, windswept hills of California’s Eastern Sierra is the site of one of the most notorious mining towns of the Old West. In 1859, gold was discovered in the treeless hills northeast of Mono Lake. By 1879, Bodie was a metropolis of nearly 10,000 souls and was briefly the third-largest city in California. Excitement was short-lived, however, and word soon spread that the mines had reached peak production. An exodus began, but contrary to popular belief, Bodie was never totally abandoned. People continued living in this curious and beautiful place throughout the 1950s, and in 1962, the California State Parks system purchased the town site. Now stabilized against the elements, Bodie is today known as the largest unrestored ghost town in the West.
Author Terri Lynn Geissinger, a local historian, tour guide, and interpreter at Bodie State Historic Park, collects the oral histories of Bodie’s denizens. With extensive experience in educational lectures, she is dedicated to preserving this town’s past for future generations. Geissinger collected the stirring images in this volume from the Bodie State Historic Park Archive, the Mono County Museum, and various families with roots in this remarkable place.
Book Summary
| Title | Bodie: 1859-1962 (Images of America) |
| Author | Terri Lynn Geissinger |
| Publisher | Arcadia Publishing |
| Pages | 128 Pages |