Tag: Arizona

Arizona, located in the southwestern region of the United States, is renowned for its diverse landscapes and cultural richness. Home to iconic natural wonders such as the Grand Canyon, Monument Valley, and the red rocks of Sedona, Arizona offers a dramatic and varied terrain that ranges from arid deserts to pine-covered mountains. The state’s climate is typically characterized by hot summers and mild winters, with the southern parts being desert-like while the northern regions experience a more temperate climate. Arizona is also rich in Native American history, with numerous tribes such as the Navajo, Hopi, and Apache having deep roots in the region. The state’s cities, including Phoenix and Tucson, blend modern urban life with a strong appreciation for the natural environment and cultural heritage. Arizona’s economy thrives on tourism, technology, and agriculture, making it a dynamic and multifaceted state.

Bisbee Daily Review Newspaper

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Bisbee Daily Review Newspaper
Bisbee Daily Review Newspaper

The Bisbee Daily Review, a cornerstone of Arizonas journalistic history, emerged in 1901 and served the mining community of Bisbee until 1971. This paper traces its evolution from its origins as the Weekly Orb in 1896 through multiple title changes, political
shifts, and corporate influences, particularly the Phelps-Dodge Corporations control. By examining its role in reporting mining news, shaping public opinion, and navigating labor conflicts, this study highlights the newspapers significance in reflecting Bisbees
socio-economic dynamics. Drawing on archival records and secondary sources, the analysis underscores the Reviews transformation into a weekly publication and its eventual merger into modern periodicals, illustrating its enduring legacy in Cochise Countys media
landscape.

Introduction

Introducing the historical context and significance of the Bisbee Daily Review In the rugged mining town of Bisbee, Arizona, the Bisbee Daily Review emerged as a vital institution, chronicling the pulse of a community driven by copper extraction. Founded in 1901, the newspaper evolved from earlier publications, navigating a turbulent landscape of editorial changes, political affiliations, and corporate dominance. Its pages captured the aspirations and struggles of a mining hub, from labor disputes to community events, making it a primary source for understanding Arizona’s early 20th-century history. This paper explores the Review’s origins, its role under the Phelps-Dodge Corporation’s influence, its coverage of significant events like the 1917 Bisbee Deportation, and its eventual transition into contemporary publications, arguing that it was both a product and shaper of Bisbee’s socio-economic identity.

Origins and Early Evolution (1896–1901)

Tracing the newspaper’s roots and initial transformations The Bisbee Daily Review’s lineage began in 1896 with the Weekly Orb, an independent paper serving Bisbee’s burgeoning mining community. Under editors Alvan W. Howe and G.M. Porter, it transitioned into the Arizona Daily Orb in 1898, reflecting the town’s growing economic ambitions. The publication underwent rapid masthead changes, becoming the Cochise Review and Arizona Daily Orb in 1900, adopting a Republican stance, and later the Cochise Review and Bisbee Daily Herald. These shifts mirrored Bisbee’s dynamic political and economic landscape, as mining interests vied for influence.

By August 1901, the Cochise Review briefly aligned with Democratic principles, but stability arrived when William Kelly purchased it in November 1901. Kelly’s acquisition marked a pivotal moment, as the paper transitioned from a weekly to a daily format by mid-1902, renaming itself the Bisbee Daily Review. Promising “mining news from every county in Arizona” and billing itself as published in “the best mining city on earth,” the Review positioned itself as an authoritative voice for the region’s copper industry.

Corporate Influence and the Phelps-Dodge Era (1903–1971)


Analyzing the impact of Phelps-Dodge’s control on editorial content In 1903, William Kelly and his father, “Major” George Kelly, formed the Consolidated Printing Company, acquiring all dailies in Arizona’s southeastern mining districts. Their partnership with Walter Douglas of the Phelps-Dodge Corporation, a dominant force in Bisbee’s Copper Queen mine, tied the Review to corporate interests. By 1909, Phelps-Dodge began purchasing these newspapers, and by 1925, it owned the Review outright. Historian James Byrkit argues that Phelps-Dodge’s control “intimidated editors” and stifled criticism, ensuring “nothing reflecting unfavorably on the company would appear in newsprint”.

This corporate grip shaped the Review’s coverage, particularly during labor conflicts. The 1917 Bisbee Deportation, where Phelps-Dodge orchestrated the forced removal of striking miners, saw the Review praising citizen actions against strikers, reflecting its alignment with corporate interests \citep{uarizona}. Despite this bias, the newspaper remained a vital source of local news, offering insights into community life, from social events to economic developments.

Cultural and Editorial Features

Exploring the newspaper’s content and community role The Bisbee Daily Review was more than a corporate mouthpiece; it was a cultural institution. From 1940 to 1955, its Sunday editions featured black-and-white comic sections, transitioning to color from 1955 to 1959. Published as the Bisbee Sunday Review from 1925 to 1933, these editions fostered community engagement. The paper’s focus on mining news, alongside coverage of births, marriages, and obituaries, made it a repository of Bisbee’s social history.

Its archives, spanning 1901 to 1922 with over 54,617 searchable pages, reveal a commitment to documenting local life. Advertisements, such as those for the Bank of Bisbee in 1913, highlight economic aspirations, while notices for fraternal organizations like the Order of Eastern Star underscore community ties.

Transition and Legacy (1971–Present)

Detailing the Review’s decline and merger into modern publications The Review’s daily publication ended in 1971 when William Epler purchased it from Phelps-Dodge, reverting it to a weekly format. In 1974, the Wick family acquired the paper, merging it with the Daily Herald Dispatch in 1976. This consolidation birthed two enduring periodicals: the Sierra Vista Herald and Bisbee Daily Review, published in Sierra Vista, and the Bisbee Daily Review and Sierra Vista Herald, published in Bisbee. These publications continue to serve Cochise County, maintaining the Review’s legacy of community-focused journalism.

The Wick family’s stewardship, under Wick Communications, emphasized adaptability, with expansions in Sierra Vista’s facilities reflecting the evolving media landscape. The Review’s archives, available through the Library of Congress and Newspapers.com, remain invaluable for researchers, offering digitized access to Bisbee’s past.

Conclusion

Summarizing the Review’s historical significance The Bisbee Daily Review encapsulates the interplay of journalism, corporate power, and community identity in Arizona’s mining heartland. From its roots as the Weekly Orb to its role as a Phelps-Dodge-controlled daily, it mirrored Bisbee’s economic and social evolution. Its coverage of events like the Bisbee Deportation reveals the tensions between labor and capital, while its comic sections and local notices highlight its role as a community anchor. Though no longer a standalone daily, its legacy endures in the Sierra Vista Herald and Bisbee Daily Review, preserving Bisbee’s story for future generations. This historical analysis affirms the Review’s dual role as a reflection of and influence on the town’s complex history.

Upper Antelope Canyon

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Located just outside of Page, Arizona Upper Antelope Canyon is arguably the best known slot canyon on the planet, yet few people will know its name outside of desert enthusiasts.  For those unaware of these structures, slot canyons are extremely narrow canyons, carved by water, which are typically just a few feet wide, but may be just a few inches.  The typically arid dessert can instantly turn into raging torrent of water in just a few minutes with just a few inches of water.  This water picks up speed, and debris such as sand, which scours the landscape including rock.  Antelope Canyon is found on Navajo Tribal land, and access to the canyon is only allowed with a Navajo Guide.

Molten Wave - Located in Antelope Canyon near Page, Arizona Antelope Canyon is the best known slot canyon.
Molten Wave – Located in Antelope Canyon near Page, Arizona Antelope Canyon is the best known slot canyon.
Parallelism – The smooth canyon walls of Antelop Canyon offer amazing photographic images.

Antelope Canyon is actually two separate slot canyons located a short distance from each other on either side of US 98.  Upper Antelope Canyon is know as Tse’ bighanilini, which in Navajo means “the place where water runs through rocks.”  Travel to the Canyon is done via Navajo run transport and you are allowed about 2 hours for your visit.  The site is at about 4,000 feet elevation and the canyon walls rise 120 feet above a stream bed.

I would like to thank the LeChee Chapter of the Navajo Nation for keeping this location sacred and available to us.

James Rathbun, Destination4x4.com

Access into the upper canyon is simply a walking into a canyon.  The trail is flat and sandy and very easy to manage.  Upon entrance into the Upper Antelope Canyon you are immediately struck by the texture and color of this place.  Just inside the entrance, is a small chamber which seems to great you, and the pink and orange glow of the light bouncing off the walls force your eyes up.  The geography is such, that the narrow opening high above you lets in a small fraction of the available light, and that light bounces down towards the bottom of the canyon.

Relatively short, Upper Antelope Canyon may be traversed in just 5 minutes.  However, this is simply a waste of your time if you just rush through.  The only complaint of the canyon, are the other visitors.  As a photographer, I have many photographs ruined by people turning a corner and walking into my frame while I was making an exposure.  This does not mean they were rude or anything but patient, but rather an unfortunate side effect of composing photographs with long exposure times in a 18 inch wide slot Canyon.

French Curve - Upper Antelope Canyon
French Curve – Upper Antelope Canyon

As with all beautiful things, we must share this location and Antelope Canyon is a must stop location every time I visit the area.  There is a hidden danger, in that the very forces which sculpt a slot canyon are still very much in play and every few years a new story will appear about someone being killed in a slot canyon due to a sudden flash flood.

I would like to thank the LeChee Chapter of the Navajo Nation for keeping this location sacred and available to us.

Upper Antelope Canyon Map

North Rim Campground

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North Rim Campground, perched on the remote and rustic North Rim of Grand Canyon National Park at an elevation of 8,200–8,300 feet, is a scenic haven for campers seeking solitude and stunning views. With 90 mixed-use campsites, including 78 for tents, trailers, and RVs (up to 40 feet) and 12 tent-only walk-in sites, it operates from May 15 to October 15, with reservations required via Recreation.gov. Located 210 miles from the bustling South Rim, North Rim Campground offers a quieter, less crowded alternative, nestled in a dense forest of ponderosa pines and aspens. Its proximity to the canyon’s edge and trails like the Transept and North Kaibab makes it a prime base for exploring the North Rim’s dramatic vistas. Below is a detailed review of its setting, amenities, accessibility, and overall experience, paired with a vivid description of the Grand Canyon.

Description of the Grand Canyon

The Grand Canyon, one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World, is a colossal chasm carved by the Colorado River over millions of years, stretching 277 miles long, up to 18 miles wide, and over a mile deep. From the North Rim, at an elevation of 8,000–9,000 feet, the canyon reveals a distinct character compared to the South Rim. Its higher elevation and forested Kaibab Plateau setting create a greener, cooler landscape, with sweeping views of layered red, orange, and cream-colored rock formations that tell a geological story spanning nearly two billion years. The North Rim’s vistas, such as those from Bright Angel Point or Cape Royal, emphasize the canyon’s depth and vastness, with distant buttes and temples rising from the depths, often framed by lush meadows and aspen groves that turn golden in fall.

The canyon’s ecosystem teems with wildlife, including the endemic Kaibab squirrel, mule deer, and elusive mountain lions, while condors soar above the cliffs. The North Rim, receiving only 10–15% of the park’s visitors, offers a serene experience, with quieter trails and viewpoints that feel intimate despite the canyon’s immense scale. Sunrises and sunsets paint the rock layers in vibrant hues, and the night sky, unmarred by light pollution, is a stargazer’s paradise. The rugged terrain and remoteness demand respect, with monsoon thunderstorms (June–September) and early snows adding to the wild, untamed beauty.

Campground Details

Location and Accessibility

North Rim Campground is located at the end of State Highway 67, 41 miles south of Jacob Lake, AZ, and 210 miles (4.5 hours) from Grand Canyon Village on the South Rim. Accessible via Highway 89A to Highway 67, it’s a remote destination with no direct road across the canyon. The campground is one mile north of the North Rim Visitor Center and Grand Canyon Lodge, connected by the scenic Transept Trail (1.2 miles). A free shuttle operates within the North Rim area, though most attractions, like Bright Angel Point, are within walking distance.

The campground features paved roads and parking spurs, but many sites are not level, with tight curves and narrow passages through trees, limiting larger RVs. Five sites (11, 14, 15, 16, 18) offer canyon views, while tent-only sites (T-1 to T-6) border the Transept Canyon rim. Three wheelchair-accessible sites are available, with nearby flush toilets and sinks, though the tent-only area has a vault toilet. The uneven terrain and walk-in tent sites (20–200 feet from parking) may pose challenges for those with mobility issues.

Amenities

Each campsite includes a picnic table, fire ring with grill, and access to shared bear-proof food storage lockers (required for food and scented items). The campground offers drinking water, flush toilets, and sinks throughout, with a vault toilet in the tent-only section. Coin-operated showers and laundry are available near the general store, though they may close during water restrictions. A free dump station and potable water for RVs are located near the entrance. The general store, a short walk away, stocks groceries, camping supplies, and firewood, while the Grand Canyon Lodge offers dining options, including sit-down and grab-and-go meals. No electric, water, or sewer hook-ups are available at sites.

Campsite Layout and Privacy

The campground is nestled in a thick ponderosa pine and aspen forest, providing ample shade but limited privacy due to closely spaced sites. Premium sites (11, 14, 15, 16, 18, 23, 24, 25, 26, 29, 31) offer filtered canyon views, while tent-only sites T-1 to T-6 border the Transept Canyon rim, providing scenic outlooks. “Site 18 was incredible—steps from the rim with a jaw-dropping view,” noted a camper (Tripadvisor, 2024). Sites are generally well-spaced, but some, like site 51, have layout issues, with trees obstructing pull-through access, requiring backing out (Campendium, 2024). The forested setting and quiet atmosphere enhance the experience, though noise from nearby campers can occasionally disrupt the peace.

RV and Tent Camping

The campground accommodates tents, RVs, and trailers up to 40 feet, though many sites are limited to 15–27 feet due to tight turns and trees. The maximum length includes both the RV/trailer and tow vehicle, and pop-outs or awnings may not fit at some sites. Tent-only sites require a short walk (20–200 feet) from the parking lot, accommodating up to six people per site. Three group sites (A, B, C) allow up to 25 people and three vehicles (max 12 feet). Generators are permitted during restricted hours (7–9 AM, 12–2 PM, 5–7 PM). Free parking is available, with overflow near the general store.

Reservation and Cost

Reservations are required from May 15 to September 15, bookable up to six months in advance via Recreation.gov, with sites costing $18–$50 per night (group sites up to $55). From October 16 to October 31, sites are first-come, first-served, weather permitting. Demand is high, and sites often sell out quickly. “Book at 7 AM sharp six months out, or check for cancellations daily,” advised a camper (PerfectCamp, 2024). A backcountry permit ($10 plus $8 per person/equine per night) is required for winter camping (snowshoeing or skiing in). Arizona uses Mountain Standard Time year-round, except in the Navajo Nation.

Activities and Attractions

North Rim Campground is a gateway to the North Rim’s serene trails and viewpoints. The Transept Trail (1.2 miles) connects the campground to the Grand Canyon Lodge and Bright Angel Point, offering rim-hugging views. The North Kaibab Trail, accessible via the Bridle Trail (0.8 miles), descends 14.2 miles to Phantom Ranch, requiring a backcountry permit for overnight hikes. Other trails, like the Uncle Jim and Widforss, offer scenic loops with canyon vistas. The Cape Royal Scenic Drive (25 miles) features stunning overlooks like Roosevelt Point. Mule rides, ranger-led programs, and stargazing events (including the June Star Party) are available. The nearby general store and lodge provide dining, a gift shop, and a visitor center with educational exhibits.

Wildlife and Safety

The Kaibab Plateau hosts unique wildlife, including the tassel-eared Kaibab squirrel, found nowhere else. Black bears, mule deer, and elk roam the area, requiring strict food storage in bear-proof lockers to prevent encounters. “Bears are rare, but squirrels and ravens will steal anything not locked up,” warned a camper (The Dyrt, 2023). Rangers enforce compliance with citations. Trash must be disposed of in bear-proof dumpsters, and recycling is available. The 8,200–8,300-foot elevation can cause altitude issues, and weather varies from warm summer days (60–80°F) to cold nights (30–50°F), with monsoon thunderstorms (June–September) and potential snow in May or October. Check forecasts and pack rain gear and warm layers.

Campground Map

Camper Feedback

Positives

  • Location and Views: Campers rave about the proximity to the canyon rim. “Steps from our site to incredible views of Transept Canyon,” said a reviewer (Tripadvisor, 2024). Sites 11, 14, 15, 16, and 18 are prized for canyon views.
  • Quiet Atmosphere: The campground is notably serene. “Incredibly quiet even when full—couldn’t hear neighbors at 8:30 PM,” noted a camper (The Dyrt, 2021).
  • Amenities: Clean flush toilets, drinking water, and pay showers are highlights. “Bathrooms were spotless, and the store had everything we needed,” said a reviewer (PerfectCamp, 2024).
  • Staff: Rangers and hosts, like Bill, are praised for their helpfulness. “Bill helped us navigate a tricky site—top-notch host!” (Campendium, 2024).

Negatives

  • Site Layout: Some sites, like 51, have poor design. “Trees blocked the pull-through, making it tough to back out,” reported a camper (Campendium, 2024). Uneven sites can challenge trailer leveling.
  • Reservations: Booking is competitive. “Sites sell out in minutes—be ready at 7 AM,” advised a reviewer (Hipcamp, 2024).
  • Limited Amenities: Showers and laundry may close during water restrictions. “Coin machine ate our money, and the store staff weren’t helpful,” complained a camper (PerfectCamp, 2024).
  • Access: The remote location (4.5 hours from the South Rim) deters some. “Worth it, but it’s a long drive,” noted a reviewer (Yelp, 2024).

Tips for Campers

  • Book Early: Reserve six months in advance on Recreation.gov at 7 AM MST. Check daily for cancellations if you miss the window.
  • Choose Rim Sites: Book sites 11, 14, 15, 16, 18, or T-1 to T-6 for canyon views. Verify RV/trailer fit on Recreation.gov.
  • Bring Bikes: Bikes are ideal for navigating the North Rim’s trails and roads. “Biking to Bright Angel Point was a highlight,” said a camper (Tripadvisor, 2024).
  • Wildlife Safety: Store all scented items in bear-proof lockers. A padlock adds security against theft or animals.
  • Plan for Weather: Pack for cool nights, rain, and potential snow in May or October. A tarp or rainfly is essential during monsoons.
  • Arrive Early: Check-in is at 12 PM MST; arrive early to settle in and explore nearby trails before sunset.

Overall Experience

North Rim Campground is a gem for those seeking a quieter, more intimate Grand Canyon experience. Its forested setting, rimside views, and access to trails like the Transept and North Kaibab make it a hiker’s paradise. The campground’s clean facilities, friendly staff, and proximity to the lodge enhance its appeal, though competitive reservations and occasional site layout issues are drawbacks. “The North Rim’s solitude and stunning vistas make this the best NPS campground I’ve stayed at,” summed up a camper (Tripadvisor, 2024). With early booking, careful site selection, and preparation for the remote location, North Rim Campground offers an unforgettable escape into the Grand Canyon’s majestic beauty.

Sources: Recreation.gov, NPS.gov, The Dyrt, Tripadvisor, Campendium, PerfectCamp, Hipcamp, GrandCanyonTrust.org, JamesKaiser.com

The Assassination Attempt of Virgil Earp

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Virgil Earp 1843 -1905
Virgil Earp 1843 -1905

The assassination attempt on Virgil Earp, a key figure in the law enforcement of the Old West, occurred on December 28, 1881, in Tombstone, Arizona Territory. This event was part of the larger conflict known as the Earp-Cowboy feud, which culminated in the infamous Gunfight at the O.K. Corral.

Background

Virgil Earp, along with his brothers Wyatt and Morgan, was heavily involved in law enforcement in Tombstone. The town, at the time, was a hotbed of tension between the Earps and the Cowboys, a loosely organized group of outlaws and rustlers. The Gunfight at the O.K. Corral on October 26, 1881, where Virgil played a leading role as Tombstone’s town marshal, escalated these tensions. In this shootout, three Cowboys—Tom McLaury, Frank McLaury, and Billy Clanton—were killed, while Virgil and his brothers emerged relatively unscathed. This event intensified the animosity between the Earps and their enemies.

The Assassination Attempt

On the night of December 28, 1881, Virgil Earp was ambushed while walking down Allen Street in Tombstone. He was on his way from the Oriental Saloon to the Cosmopolitan Hotel, where he and his wife were staying. As Virgil passed by the intersection of Fifth and Allen streets, he was shot from behind with a shotgun. The blast struck his left arm and shoulder, shattering his humerus bone and causing severe injuries.

Despite the severity of his wounds, Virgil survived the attack, though he was permanently maimed. His left arm was nearly useless for the rest of his life. The attack on Virgil Earp was widely believed to be an act of revenge by the Cowboys for the events at the O.K. Corral. However, no one was ever officially charged with the crime. Ike Clanton and his associates, who had been involved in the earlier conflict with the Earps, were prime suspects, but insufficient evidence and the chaotic nature of Tombstone’s justice system at the time made it difficult to pursue any legal action.

Aftermath

The attack on Virgil Earp further inflamed the feud between the Earps and the Cowboys. Just a few months later, on March 18, 1882, Morgan Earp, another of Virgil’s brothers, was shot and killed in another ambush. This event prompted Wyatt Earp to lead a vendetta ride against the Cowboys, resulting in a series of violent encounters and killings.

Virgil Earp, despite his injury, continued to serve as a lawman. He left Tombstone in 1882 and eventually settled in California, where he served as a law enforcement officer in Colton and other areas. He lived until 1905, passing away at the age of 62.

The assassination attempt on Virgil Earp remains a significant event in the history of the American West, symbolizing the violent and often lawless nature of frontier life during that era.

Testimony of R. J. Campbell in the Preliminary  Hearing in the Earp-Holliday Case Campbell

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The "Gird Block" in Tombstone, Arizona, housing (L-R) the Old Hotel Nobles, the Tombstone Epitaph, and the Mining Exchange Building. The Mining Exchange was where the Earps and Doc Holliday defended themselves against murder charges after the Gunfight at the O.K. Corral. At far right is Schieffelin Hall.
The “Gird Block” in Tombstone, Arizona, housing (L-R) the Old Hotel Nobles, the Tombstone Epitaph, and the Mining Exchange Building. The Mining Exchange was where the Earps and Doc Holliday defended themselves against murder charges after the Gunfight at the O.K. Corral. At far right is Schieffelin Hall.

Testimony of R. J. Campbell
in the Preliminary  Hearing in the Earp-Holliday Case,
Heard before Judge Wells Spicer

November 23, 1881

On this twenty-third day of November, 1881, on the hearing of the above entitled cause, on the examination of Wyatt Earp and J. H. Holliday; R. J. Campbell of Tombstone, a witness of lawful age, being produced and sworn, deposes and says as follows: 

R. J. Campbell, Tombstone, Arizona Territory, Clerk of the Board of Supervisors, of Cochise County, Arizona Territory.

(Q) [Question not written.]

(A) I know Ike Clanton and know William Clanton and Frank McLaury, and only knew Tom McLaury by sight. Had no acquaintance with him.

(Q) Did you know the reputation of the three former during their lives and that of Ike Clanton for coolness and courage and for expertness and dexterity in the use of firearms?

[Prosecution objects. Overruled.]

(A) The reputation of Frank McLaury was a brave and courageous man and that he was an expert in the use of firearms. Ike Clanton is the same. William Clanton, I can’t say for him, only by reputation, that he was an expert in the use of firearms. I did not know Tom McLaury, only by sight.

(Q) [Question not written.]

(A) I saw all of them on that day. I came down the street [in] the morning and someone told me that the Earp boys and Ike Clanton had had some trouble.1 I went to Wallace’s Court, and Wyatt Earp went in ahead of me. He took a seat on a bench inside of the railing. Ike Clanton was sitting on the outside of the railing. A few minutes after I got in, Wyatt Earp looked towards Ike Clanton and said, “You have threatened my life two or three times and I have got the best of evidence to prove it, and I want this thing stopped!”, or words to that effect. Some other conversation ensued that I don’t remember, when Wyatt Earp walked up to the railing and facing Ike Clanton said, “You cattle thieving son-of-a-bitch, and you know that I know you are a cattle thieving son-of-a-bitch, you’ve threatened my life enough, and you’ve got to fight!”, and Ike Clanton made the remark, “Fight is my racket, and all I want is four feet of ground!”

(Q) [Question not written.]

(A) Morgan Earp and Ike Clanton were having an excited conversation about arresting and knocking him down. Ike turned to Morgan Earp and said, “If you fellows had been a second later, I would have furnished a Coroner’s Inquest for the town!”

(Q) What did [you] gather from the context of the conversation that Ike Clanton meant by, “a second” later second later than what?

[Prosecution objects. Sustained.]

CROSS-EXAMINATION

(Q) Regarding Ike in court, and his wounds, “if any?”

(A) I don’t know what he was there for, only from hearsay. I understood he was there under arrest for carrying concealed weapons. He was holding a handkerchief to the side of his head. Did not pay any attention to it. Did not see him with any firearms there. I did not see Wyatt Earp have any firearms [in courtroom]. Morgan Earp, I think, had a rifle in his hands and a six-shooter. Did not see Judge Wallace there during the conversation just related. There were a great many people there and I am not positive as to who were there. Did not see Frank McLaury there, nor William Clanton, nor Tom McLaury.

(Q) Are Virgil Earp, Wyatt Earp, Morgan Earp, and Doc Holliday by reputation men of cool courage and experts in the use of firearms?

(A) They are.

(Q) How long had you known Frank McLaury on October 26th, last?

(A) Six months. His reputation [as stated in examination in chief] was a general reputation.

(Q) As to Ike’s remark about “Coroner’s Inquest for the town?

(A) The remark was made in Judge Wallace’s courtroom, and just after a conversation between Morgan Earp and Ike Clanton as to his arrest for carrying concealed weapons. It was said in the presence of a number of persons. A man called Coleman was there. I met him at the door on going in the room. I can’t remember the names of any others. It was stated in an ordinary tone of voice and there were other parties as near to him as I was.

(Q) I will ask, if, when Ike Clanton was in Wallace’s courtroom under arrest as you have stated, was that the time that Wyatt Earp said to Ike Clanton: “You cattle thieving son-of-a-bitch, and you know you are a cattle thieving son-of-a-bitch, you’ve got to fight!”?

(A) Yes sir. That was the time.

(Q) Before you heard what you stated in your last answer, did you hear Ike Clanton say anything at that place and time?

(A) This conversation took place just after I got in; and when I got in, Morgan Earp and Ike Clanton were talking excitedly.

(Q) Who was talking to Ike Clanton when he says, “Fight is my racket,” as you stated [before]?

(A) Wyatt Earp was talking to him.

(Q) When did you see Tom McLaury, Frank McLaury, and William Clanton?

(A) The last time I saw of them, they were going into the O.K. Coral, before the difficulty.

(Q) You stated in your examination in chief that Wyatt Earp told Ike Clanton, in Wallace’s courtroom, that he, Clanton, had threatened his life enough. What reply, if any, did Clanton make to that?

(A) He made no reply that I heard.

[Signed] R. J. Campbell

References