Notable Gamblers: The Fascinating Biography of Wyatt Earp
The legendary life of Wyatt Earp is as vibrant and lively as the saloons and Wild West that he made a name for himself in. Although some of what we know about him may not be completely factual, it doesn't take away from the inspiration his approach to life has been and the love he still garners to this day.
Known for his unmatched expertise in tense gunfights, Wyatt Earp wore many hats - from buffalo hunter to Deputy Marshal, miner, gambler, and top-notch card dealer. It's no wonder the big screen has immortalized his story numerous times. Some of the notable actors that have portrayed him include Henry Fonda, Burt Lancaster, James Garner, Kurt Russell, and Kevin Costner.
What's so captivating about him?
Who Was Wyatt Earp?
Born in March 1848, this farm boy from Iowa later moved with his family to California in 1864. He had his first encounter with a gun and honed his shooting skills on a daily basis. His precision with a firearm earned him the title of an ace marksman.
Later, he tried his hands at buffalo hunting and stagecoach driving, taking him to various places. In 1870, he married Urilla Sutherland, only to witness her tragic death due to typhoid fever less than a year later.
That set off Wyatt's journey to Oklahoma, where he eventually became the deputy town Marshall of Dodge City. Despite a rocky start, he won his way as a respectable man by helping the police capture thieves and doing a stint as a card dealer at the Long Branch Saloon. This was when he met his lifelong buddies, Doc Halliday and Bat Masterson.
When the couple, Wyatt and his lover Mattie Blaylock, relocated to Tombstone, Arizona in search of silver in 1879, he found employment as a card dealer at the Oriental Saloon. His brothers also moved to Tombstone with their wives.
Wyatt's brother Virgil was the town Marshal when they arrived. The Earps forged an agreement with a local rancher and gang member, Ike Clanton, in March 1881. However, things took a foul turn when Clanton crossed them.
In the infamous O.K. Corral gunfight of October 26, 1881, Wyatt, his brothers, and Doc Holliday faced off against the Clanton-McLaury ranching families - including Ike and his brother Billy, as well as the McLaury brothers, Tom and Frank.
Prior to the confrontation, Wyatt, who had developed feelings for traveling actress Josie Sarah Marcus, existing arranged to take her away the following day.
The O.K. Corral gunfight was the epitome of a high-stakes showdown, with both sides taking major casualties. Clanton's side suffered the brunt of the damage, with Ike being the only survivor seeking revenge.
On the Earp side, Wyatt remained unharmed, while his brothers and Holliday suffered injuries. Consequently, Clanton filed charges of murder against them but a judge cleared their names in late November.
Despite this, the spilled blood called for reciprocal vengeance. In December 1881, Virgil was assassinated by a group of unknown individuals, and in March 1882, Wyatt and his brother Morgan were attacked. Morgan died on the spot in a saloon, leaving Wyatt to seek retribution.
The Infamous O.K. Corral Gunfight
As the Wyatts settled in Tombstone, tensions between them and the Clanton-McLaury families began to rise. Virgil, the town Marshal, was assisted by Wyatt in capturing some cowboys. Ike Clanton, with connections to the cowboys, struck a deal with Wyatt.
By October that year, the escalating tensions resulted in open hostilities. Clanton had been boozy all day the day before, lashing out at anyone who'd listen that he was going to take revenge on Holliday and the Earps.
When Holliday learned of this, he confronted Clanton.
Wyatt and his brothers threatened Clanton with detention, and they parted ways on sour terms, each expecting the worse.
The following day, the blowout occurred at the O.K. Corral.
Wyatt's team included his two brothers, Virgil and Morgan, and best friend, Doc Holliday. In opposition was Ike with his brother Billy, and the McLaury brothers, Tom and Frank.
The day before the massacre, Clanton had been swigging booze all day, making death threats against Holliday and the Earps. When Holliday caught wind of it, their skirmishes commenced.
Despite Ike's side's heavy casualties, he was the only one who managed to walk away with his life, full of thirst for retribution. On the Earp side, Wyatt was miraculously unharmed, but his brothers and Holliday suffered injuries.
The charges of murder filed by Clanton were cleared in late November, but the bloodshed set off a cycle of retaliation.
In December 1881, Virgil, the town Marshal, was killed in an ambush by an unidentified group. In March of the following year, Wyatt and Morgan were targeted in a saloon shooting. Despite taking several lives, Wyatt escaped.
How Wyatt Earp Died
Wyatt Earp lived on for four more decades, intermittently wandering the West. Trying his hand at writing, he attempted to pen a memoir of his adventures in the Wild West, although it was poorly received.
His wide-ranging experiences with the Wild West made him a valuable resource for Hollywood's western movies, sharing his stories with great vigor and zeal.
Earp succumbed to prostate cancer on January 13, 1929, at the age of 80. His remains were cremated, and his ashes were placed in the family burial site of Josie, his spouse, which was located south of San Francisco. Josie passed away in 1944 and was also laid to rest there. They didn't have any children.
The Enduring Character of American Heroes
Given his action-packed and intriguing life, it's no surprise that Wyatt Earp continues to inspire countless Americans even to this day.
Although his own attempt at writing a memoir didn't meet with much success, Stuart N. Lake's 1931 biography titled "Wyatt Earp: Frontier Marshal" gained immense popularity.
While parts of the biography contain fictional elements, the persona of Wyatt Earp provided a beacon of hope and inspiration for people during the Great Depression era.
With his fearless loyalty and determination in all he did, it's clear why Earp remains a cherished figure in the hearts of many.
Featured image: YouTube
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