Big Bear, CA
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Billy Claiborne
Billy Claiborne was an American Old West gunfighter and outlaw known for his involvement in some of the most famous events of the period, particularly in Tombstone, Arizona. Born in 1860 in Yazoo County, Mississippi, Claiborne’s early life is somewhat obscure, but he rose to infamy during his time in Tombstone, where he became associated with notorious figures like the Clanton and McLaury brothers.
Early Life
Little is known about Claiborne’s early years, including his family background or what led him to the West. Like many young men of the time, he was likely drawn by the prospect of adventure, opportunity, and perhaps the hope of striking it rich in the burgeoning mining towns.
Tombstone and the Earp-Clanton Feud
Claiborne arrived in Tombstone, Arizona, during a time of significant tension between lawmen and outlaws. The town was a hotbed of conflict, particularly between the Earp brothers (Wyatt, Virgil, and Morgan) and a group of outlaws known as the Cowboys, which included Ike Clanton, Curly Bill Brocius, and the McLaury brothers.
Claiborne became associated with the Cowboys, a loose affiliation of rustlers, ranchers, and bandits who were at odds with the Earp brothers. Claiborne wasn’t as prominent as some of the other members of the group, but he was known for his quick temper and willingness to engage in violence.
The Shootout at the O.K. Corral
Claiborne’s most infamous connection is with the Shootout at the O.K. Corral, one of the most famous gunfights in the history of the American West. The shootout occurred on October 26, 1881, and involved the Earp brothers, their ally Doc Holliday, and members of the Cowboys. Claiborne was present during the events leading up to the gunfight but did not directly participate in the shootout itself. However, he was friends with Billy Clanton, one of the Cowboys who was killed in the gunfight.
Claiborne did testify for the prosecution at the preliminary hearing of Wyatt Earp and Doc Holliday, but the two men are exonerated.
Violent End
After the Gunfight at the O.K. Corral on October 26, 1881, Claiborne’s life took a downward spiral. He idolized William “Billy the Kid” Bonney and even adopted the nickname “Billy the Kid” after the latter’s death in 1881. Claiborne’s growing reputation as an outlaw and his increasingly erratic behavior led to a series of confrontations with lawmen and citizens alike.
In November 1882, Billy Claiborne’s life came to a tragic end in Tombstone, Arizona. The exact circumstances of his death involve a confrontation that escalated into violence. Claiborne, who was reportedly intoxicated, had a dispute with a local gambler and gunman named Franklin “Buckskin” Leslie.
Leslie, known as a skilled marksman and a man not to be trifled with, was confronted by Claiborne on the streets of Tombstone. Claiborne, emboldened by alcohol and his desire to prove himself as a dangerous gunman, challenged Leslie to a fight. Accounts of the event vary, but it is generally believed that Claiborne drew his weapon first. However, Leslie, quick on the draw, fired at Claiborne, hitting him and inflicting fatal wounds.
Billy Claiborne succumbed to his injuries shortly after the confrontation. He was buried in Tombstone’s Boothill Graveyard, a resting place for many of the town’s notorious characters. His death marked the end of a brief and troubled life, largely overshadowed by the more infamous figures of the Old West.
Franklin “Buckskin” Leslie, the man who shot Claiborne, continued his life as a gambler and gunman, eventually fading into obscurity. Claiborne’s death is often remembered as a cautionary tale of the dangers of living by the gun in a lawless and tumultuous time.
Legacy
Billy Claiborne is remembered as a minor figure in the tumultuous history of Tombstone and the American West. While he lacked the notoriety of more famous gunfighters, his life and death are emblematic of the chaotic and often violent nature of frontier life. His involvement with the Cowboys and his death at the hands of “Buckskin” Frank Leslie have ensured that he remains a part of the legend of Tombstone, even if his role was a relatively small one.
Grand Jury Indictment for the Killing of Frank Stilwell
The following is the Grand Jury Indictment for the Killing of Frank Stilwell which charges Doc Holliday, Wyatt Earp, Warren Earp, Sherman McMasters along with John “Turkey Creek Jack” Johnson
Frank Stilwell, an outlaw and former deputy sheriff, met his end on March 20, 1882, in Tucson, Arizona. Stilwell was deeply involved in the ongoing feud between the Earp brothers and the Clanton – McLaury faction, which culminated in the infamous Gunfight at the O.K. Corral. After the gunfight, the Earp brothers embarked on what became known as the Earp Vendetta Ride, seeking retribution for the murder of Morgan Earp, which they believed was orchestrated by Stilwell and his associates. On the night of March 20th, Wyatt Earp and his posse tracked Stilwell to a train station in Tucson, where they found him lying in wait, possibly intending to ambush Virgil Earp, who was traveling with his wife. Without hesitation, Wyatt Earp and his men opened fire on Stilwell, killing him on the spot.
The killing of Frank Stilwell marked a significant escalation in the Earp-Cowboy conflict, further entrenching the deep animosities between the two factions. Stilwell’s death was just the beginning of Wyatt Earp’s relentless pursuit of those he deemed responsible for his brother’s murder. In the aftermath, the Earp brothers were charged with murder but never convicted, as they continued their vendetta across Arizona, leaving a trail of bloodshed in their wake. The killing of Stilwell thus became one of the most infamous episodes in the violent history of the American West, exemplifying the lawlessness and personal vendettas that characterized the era.
(Transcript of the Murder Indictment returned as a True Bill by the foreman of the Grand Jury John S. Carr on March 25, 1882.)
Territory of Arizona
vs
Doc Holliday, Wyatt Earp, Warren Earp, Sherman McMasters and John Johnson
In the District Court of the First Judicial District of the Territory of Arizona in and for the County of Pima
Territory of Arizona
against
Doc Holliday, Wyatt Earp, Warren Earp, Sherman McMasters and John Johnson
Doc Holliday, Wyatt Earp, Warren Earp, Sherman McMasters and John Johnson are accused by the Grand Jury of the County of Pima and Territory of Arizona on their oath by this indictment of the crime of murder committed as follows: That the said Doc Holliday at the City of Tucson in the said County of Pima on or about the 20th day of March, A.D. 1882 with force and arms in and upon the body of one Frank Stilwell then and there being, then and there feloniously, willfully, and of his malice aforethought did make an assault and the said Doc Holliday a certain gun charged with gunpowder and leaden bullets which he the said Doc Holliday in his hands then and there feloniously, willfully, and of his malice aforethought in and upon the body of him the said Frank Stilwell did discharge and shoot off giving to him the said Frank Stilwell then and there with the said gun so discharged and shot off as aforesaid in and upon the body of him the said Frank Stilwell a mortal wound of which said mortal wound he the said Frank Stilwell instantly died. And the said Wyatt Earp, Warren Earp, Sherman McMasters and John Johnson then and there feloniously, willfully and of their malice aforethought were present standing by, aiding, abetting assisting and maintaining the said Doc Holliday the felony and murder as aforesaid set forth, in manner and form aforesaid to do and commit, and so the Jurors aforesaid upon their oath aforesaid do say that the said Doc Holliday, Wyatt Earp, Warren Earp, Sherman McMasters and John Johnson, the said frank Stilwell then and there in manner and form aforesaid feloniously, willfully and of their malice aforethought did Kill and Murder: Contrary to the form of Statute in such case made and provided and against the peace and dignity of the Territory of Arizona.
Second Count
and the said Grand Jurors do further present that the said Wyatt Earp on or about the said 20th day of March A.D. 1882 at said City of Tucson in said County of Pima with force and arms in and upon the body of the said Frank Stilwell then and there being, then and there feloniously willfully and of his malice aforethought did make an assault and the said Wyatt Earp a certain gun charged with gunpowder and leaden bullets which he the said Wyatt Earp in his hands then and there had and held, then and there feloniously, willfully, and of malice aforethought in and upon the body of him the said Frank Stilwell did discharge and shoot off, giving to him the said Frank Stilwell then and there with the said gun so discharged and shot off as aforesaid in and upon the body of him the said Frank Stilwell a mortal wound of which said mortal wound he the said Frank Stilwell instantly died. And said Doc Holliday, Warren Earp, Sherman McMasters and John Johnson then and there feloniously, willfully and of their malice aforethought were present standing by, aiding abetting assisting and maintaining the said Wyatt Earp the felony and Murder as aforesaid set forth in manner and form aforesaid to do and commit. and so the Jurors aforesaid upon their oaths aforesaid do say that the said Wyatt Earp, Doc Holliday, Warren Earp, Sherman McMasters and John Johnson the said Frank Stilwell then and there in manner and form aforesaid feloniously, willfully and of their malice aforethought did Kill and Murder: Contrary to the form of the Statute in such case made and provided and against the peace and dignity of the Territory of Arizona.
Third Count
and the said Grand Jurors do further present that the said Warren Earp on or about the said 20th day of March A.D. 1882 at said City of Tucson in said County of Pima with force and arms in and upon the body of the said Frank Stilwell then and there being, then and there feloniously, willfully and of his malice aforethought did make an assault and the said Warren Earp a certain gun charged with gunpowder and leaden bullets which he the said Warren Earp in his hands, then and there had and held, then and there feloniously, willfully and of his malice aforethought in and upon the body of him the said Frank Stilwell did discharge and shoot off giving to him the said Frank Stilwell then and there with the said gun so discharged and shot off as aforesaid in and upon the body of him the said Frank Stilwell a mortal wound of which said mortal wound he the said Frank Stilwell instantly died. And the said Doc Holliday, Wyatt Earp, Sherman McMasters and John Johnson then and there feloniously, willfully and of their malice aforethought were present, standing by, aiding, abetting assisting and maintaining the said Warren Earp the felony and murder as aforesaid set forth in manner and form aforesaid to do and commit. and so the Jurors aforesaid upon the oaths aforesaid do say that the said Warren Earp, Doc Holliday, Wyatt Earp, Sherman McMasters and John Johnson the said Frank Stilwell then and there in manner and form aforesaid feloniously, willfully and of their malice aforethought did Kill and Murder: Contrary to the form of Statute in such case made as provided and against the peace and dignity of the Territory of Arizona.
Fourth Count
and the said Grand Jurors do further present that the said Sherman McMasters on or about the said 20th day of March A.D. 1882, at said City of Tucson in said County of Pima with force and arms in and upon the body of the said Frank Stilwell then and there being, then and there feloniously, willfully and of his malice aforethought did make an assault and the said Sherman McMasters a certain gun charges with gun powder and leaden bullets which he the said Sherman McMasters in his hands then and there had held, then and there feloniously willfully and of his malice aforethought in and upon the body of there the said Frank Stilwell did discharge and shoot off, giving to him the said Frank Stilwell then and there with said gun so discharged and shot off as aforesaid in and upon the body of him the said Frank Stilwell a mortal wound of which said mortal wound he the said Frank Stilwell instantly died. and the said Doc Holliday, Warren Earp, Wyatt Earp and John Johnson then and there feloniously, willfully and of their malice aforethought were present standing by, aiding, abetting, assisting and maintaining the said Sherman McMasters the Felony and Murder as aforesaid set forth, in manner and form aforesaid, to do and commit. And so the Jurors aforesaid do say that the said Sherman McMasters, Doc Holliday, Wyatt Earp, Warren Earp and John Johnson the said Frank Stilwell then and there in manner and form aforesaid feloniously willfully and of their malice aforethought did Kill and Murder: Contrary to the form of the Statute in such case made and provided and against the peace and dignity of the Territory of Arizona.
Fifth Count
and the said Grand Jurors do further present that the said John Johnson on or about the said 20th day of march A. D. 1882 at said City of Tucson in said county of Pima with force and arms in and upon the body of said Frank Stilwell then and there being, then and there feloniously, willfully and of his malice aforethought did make an assault, and the said John Johnson a certain gun charged with gun powder and leaden bullets which he the said John Johnson in his hands then and there had and held, then and there feloniously, willfully, and of his malice aforethought in and upon the body of him the said Frank Stilwell did discharge and shoot off, giving to him the said Frank Stilwell then and there with the said gun so discharged and shot off as aforesaid in and upon the body of him the said Frank Stilwell a mortal wound he the said Frank Stilwell instantly died, and the said Doc Holliday, Warren Earp, Wyatt Earp and Sherman McMasters then and there feloniously, willfully and of their malice aforethought were present standing by, aiding, abetting, assisting, and maintaining the said John Johnson the Felony and Murder as aforesaid set forth, in manner and form aforesaid to do and commit and so the Jurors aforesaid upon their oaths aforesaid do say that said John Johnson Doc Holliday, Wyatt Earp, Warren Earp and Sherman McMasters the said Frank Stilwell then and there in manner and form aforesaid feloniously, willfully and of their malice aforethought did Kill and Murder: Contrary to the form of the Statute in such case made and provided and against the dignity and peace of the Territory of Arizona
Hugh Farley District Attorney
of Pima County Arizona Territory
References
The Coolidge Examiner – Lookout Station on Superstition Mountain
Adolph Ruth was a nove treasure hunter whose pursuit of the legendary Lost Dutchman Mine led to his mysterious disappearance in the Superstition Mountains in 1931. Ruth, a 66-year-old man from Washington, D.C., was drawn to the mine after receiving a set of maps allegedly showing its location. Despite warnings about the dangers of the rugged terrain and the mine’s deadly reputation, Ruth ventured into the Superstitions alone in June 1931. When he failed to return, a massive search ensued, involving local authorities, volunteers, and even aircraft. Ruth’s remains were discovered six months later, deep within the Superstitions, with his skull showing signs of a gunshot wound, sparking rumors of foul play.
The search for Adolph Ruth and the circumstances of his death only added to the mystique of the Lost Dutchman Mine, fueling speculation that the mine was cursed or guarded by violent forces. His disappearance and the discovery of his skull intensified public interest in the mine, drawing even more treasure hunters to the perilous mountains. Despite exhaustive investigations, the exact details of Ruth’s fate remain shrouded in mystery, and the Lost Dutchman Mine continues to elude those who seek it, keeping its secrets hidden within the treacherous landscape of the Superstition Mountains.
LOOKOUT STATION ON SUPERSTITION MOUNTAIN
One of the last strongholds of the real West, rugged, defiant Superstition mountain, has at last been opened to curious Arizonians and visitors from other states. Through provisions made by a company which has established a lodge at the foot of the mystic peak 45 miles east of Phoenix, the mountain may now be climed to its summit. R. A. Bird, Mesa, and H. C. Johnson, Gilbert, have opened a temporary lodge near the base of the mountain, arranged to make trips from there to the peak.
From the latter point a great area of South-Central Arizona may be seen in panorama, as from an airplane. The Salt River and Gila valleys and the intervening mountains, the cities of the one valley, the ancient Indian landmarks of the other, are clearly visible.
The company lias announced plans to erect a lookout station on the highest peak of the Superstition mountian, and plans by next summer to have a lodge and camping accommodations.
The temporary lodge now is reached by turning off Apache Trail one and one fourth miles north of Goldfield. It is one and a half miles from the high way. The mountain trip will be made over the old Peralta trail, on which Adolph Ruth lost his life in June, 1931. Ruth was the ninth man known to have died in search of the fabled Lost Dutchman mine.
Guides on the trail trips are thoroughly familiar with the legends which have been woven about Superstition mountain, and on the trips will be able to point out the prominent features connected with them, such as the “Indian turned to stone” on the south ridge, the archeological evidence of inhabitation of the mountains, and the famed cactus orchards which appear at several points in the mountains.
The Coolidge Examiner Articles About Disappearance of Adolph Ruth
 The Coolidge Examiner – The Search for Ruth Still FutileLost Dutchman Mine searcher Adolph Ruth The Coolidge Examiner of July 17, 1931 headlines the "Search for Ruth Still Futile" as he is lost looking… |
 The Coolidge Examiner – Search for Ruth SuspendedLost Dutchman Mine searcher Adolph Ruth The Coolidge Examiner of August 7, 1931 announces the Search for Rush Suspended due to heat in the Superstition… |
 The Coolidge Examiner – Search for Adolph Ruth in the Superstition MountainsThe Search for Adolph Ruth in the Superstition Mountains ends it tragedy as reported by the Coolidge Examiner on December 18, 1931. After months of… |
 The Coolidge Examiner – Lookout Station on Superstition MountainLost Dutchman Mine searcher Adolph Ruth Adolph Ruth was a nove treasure hunter whose pursuit of the legendary Lost Dutchman Mine led to his mysterious… |
References
- The Coolidge examiner. [volume] (Coolidge, Ariz.), 11 Nov. 1932. Chronicling America: Historic American Newspapers. Lib. of Congress. <https://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn94050542/1932-11-11/ed-1/seq-1/>
The Coolidge Examiner – Search for Adolph Ruth in the Superstition Mountains
The Search for Adolph Ruth in the Superstition Mountains ends it tragedy as reported by the Coolidge Examiner on December 18, 1931. After months of searching, the remains of Lost Dutchman searcher Adolf Ruth are found, it what some believe are mysterious circumstances.
Adolph Ruth was a treasure hunter whose pursuit of the legendary Lost Dutchman Mine led to his mysterious disappearance in the Superstition Mountains in 1931. Ruth, a 66-year-old man from Washington, D.C., was drawn to the mine after receiving a set of maps allegedly showing its location. Despite warnings about the dangers of the rugged terrain and the mine’s deadly reputation, Ruth ventured into the Superstitions alone in June 1931. When he failed to return, a massive search ensued, involving local authorities, volunteers, and even aircraft. Ruth’s remains were discovered six months later, deep within the Superstitions, with his skull showing signs of a gunshot wound, sparking rumors of foul play.
The search for Adolph Ruth and the circumstances of his death only added to the mystique of the Lost Dutchman Mine, fueling speculation that the mine was cursed or guarded by violent forces. His disappearance and the discovery of his skull intensified public interest in the mine, drawing even more treasure hunters to the perilous mountains. Despite exhaustive investigations, the exact details of Ruth’s fate remain shrouded in mystery, and the Lost Dutchman Mine continues to elude those who seek it, keeping its secrets hidden within the treacherous landscape of the Superstition Mountains.
SEARCH FOR ADOLPH RUTH IN SUPERSTION MOUNTAINS
The finding of a human skull by an archaeological party 10 days ago in the superstition range, believed to be that of Adolph Ruth of Washington, D. C. amateur prospector, has prompted another search by deputy sheriffs and veteran cattle men for the missing man, who was 65 years old and disappeared last June while hunting for the Lost Dutchman mine.
The Coolidge Examiner Articles About Disappearance of Adolph Ruth
The Coolidge Examiner – The Search for Ruth Still FutileLost Dutchman Mine searcher Adolph Ruth The Coolidge Examiner of July 17, 1931 headlines the "Search for Ruth Still Futile" as he is lost looking… |
The Coolidge Examiner – Search for Ruth SuspendedLost Dutchman Mine searcher Adolph Ruth The Coolidge Examiner of August 7, 1931 announces the Search for Rush Suspended due to heat in the Superstition… |
The Coolidge Examiner – Search for Adolph Ruth in the Superstition MountainsThe Search for Adolph Ruth in the Superstition Mountains ends it tragedy as reported by the Coolidge Examiner on December 18, 1931. After months of… |
The Coolidge Examiner – Lookout Station on Superstition MountainLost Dutchman Mine searcher Adolph Ruth Adolph Ruth was a nove treasure hunter whose pursuit of the legendary Lost Dutchman Mine led to his mysterious… |
References
- The Coolidge examiner. [volume] (Coolidge, Ariz.), 18 Dec. 1931. Chronicling America: Historic American Newspapers. Lib. of Congress. <https://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn94050542/1931-12-18/ed-1/seq-1/>
The Coolidge Examiner – Search for Ruth Suspended
The Coolidge Examiner of August 7, 1931 announces the Search for Rush Suspended due to heat in the Superstition Mountains.
Adolph Ruth was a seasoned treasure hunter whose pursuit of the legendary Lost Dutchman Mine led to his mysterious disappearance in the Superstition Mountains in 1931. Ruth, a 66-year-old man from Washington, D.C., was drawn to the mine after receiving a set of maps allegedly showing its location. Despite warnings about the dangers of the rugged terrain and the mine’s deadly reputation, Ruth ventured into the Superstitions alone in June 1931. When he failed to return, a massive search ensued, involving local authorities, volunteers, and even aircraft. Ruth’s remains were discovered six months later, deep within the Superstitions, with his skull showing signs of a gunshot wound, sparking rumors of foul play.
The search for Adolph Ruth and the circumstances of his death only added to the mystique of the Lost Dutchman Mine, fueling speculation that the mine was cursed or guarded by violent forces. His disappearance and the discovery of his skull intensified public interest in the mine, drawing even more treasure hunters to the perilous mountains. Despite exhaustive investigations, the exact details of Ruth’s fate remain shrouded in mystery, and the Lost Dutchman Mine continues to elude those who seek it, keeping its secrets hidden within the treacherous landscape of the Superstition Mountains.
The following is the follow up article of the Coolidge Examiner of July 13, 1931.
News Article
The furnace-like head of the Superstition mountains brought an end to active efforts to solve the disappearance of Adolf Ruth, amateur prospects of Washington D.C. The 66 year old man entered the desolate rage, June 12 to hunt for the Lost Dutchman gold mine. He has not been seen since.
The Coolidge Examiner Articles About Disappearance of Adolph Ruth
The Coolidge Examiner – The Search for Ruth Still FutileLost Dutchman Mine searcher Adolph Ruth The Coolidge Examiner of July 17, 1931 headlines the "Search for Ruth Still Futile" as he is lost looking… |
The Coolidge Examiner – Search for Ruth SuspendedLost Dutchman Mine searcher Adolph Ruth The Coolidge Examiner of August 7, 1931 announces the Search for Rush Suspended due to heat in the Superstition… |
The Coolidge Examiner – Search for Adolph Ruth in the Superstition MountainsThe Search for Adolph Ruth in the Superstition Mountains ends it tragedy as reported by the Coolidge Examiner on December 18, 1931. After months of… |
The Coolidge Examiner – Lookout Station on Superstition MountainLost Dutchman Mine searcher Adolph Ruth Adolph Ruth was a nove treasure hunter whose pursuit of the legendary Lost Dutchman Mine led to his mysterious… |
References
- The Coolidge examiner. [volume] (Coolidge, Ariz.), 07 Aug. 1931. Chronicling America: Historic American Newspapers. Lib. of Congress. <https://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn94050542/1931-08-07/ed-1/seq-2/>