Did Wyatt Earp Kill Curly Bill?

[@prudd72]

Bob is a National Treasure! There is nobody who can express the love for the history quite like he can. It is contageous

[@dustypendleton6694]

Your narrative, including all the failed attempts but finally nailing down the spot in Cottonwood Springs; makes me feel as if I'd dragged my old bones along with you. Well done, amigo. well done indeed.

[@Jhony-cq8oq]

Pi

[@thomasallen3818]

My dad got me interested in reading True West Magazine. He owned grocery stores from January 1950 on until he retired in the 80’s, and all of the stores had magazine and news stands. I can remember going to see relatives in Tucson, Patagonia and Tombstone in the early 50’s through the my last visit in 2016. But my internet in the stories began when I was about 5 or 6. He would read stories that were published in True West and I would fantasize about being there at the different sights we had visited. By the time I was 7 or 8, I was seeking out the magazine when it was distributed to one of our stores. Now that I’m older, much older, I still enjoy the articles and stories along with Bob’s wonderful artwork. I’ve worn boots and a cowboy hat since I could walk, and started riding horses when I was 2. You see, in addition to my dad owning grocery stores and convenience stores, he was a rancher and we raised cattle to butcher and sell in our meat markets. In 2021 my last Quarter Horse, Cash died at 31 and 1/4 years old. And as I said, I’m getting old myself so now I just sit back and enjoy watching your videos and look forward to seeing each new publication of True West. Thanks for a lifetime of enjoyment, I’ve always felt I was born in the wrong century. God Bless!

[@waynewilson2365]

Great story. The legend of the Earp's gunfight in Tombstone and Wyatt's vendetta has always fascinated me. It's amazing that 140 years later we can still discover new information about those events.

[@johnnapier1892]

Me too. Can't get enough of it

[@posoh-matemonesa]

I have been reading about the wild west and Wyatt Earp's tale for awhile. Thanks for this video. My great-grandmother was Texas Jack Vermillion's cousin. I only found that out about ten years ago. It's such an important time in our history!

[@monkman9856]

The truth of history is what's most important. Thanks, my hat's off to all of you.

[@mpwallacemartinwallace2825]

Been following you since 1977. I moved back to Ohio in '98. But still look for your stories all the time. Thank you.

[@steveburd7861]

Love this story, thanks Bob for buying True West and keeping this history alive

[@MLukacs]

Thank you, Bob! It’s good that Wyatt Earp’s story was verified, especially by the people you mentioned. It helps a lot when you describe and show the landscape where historical events occurred. Please continue to post this kind of content.

[@timrobinson6573]

If you like the landscape then check out the InRangeTV video titled "How Wyatt Earp killed Curly Bill Brocious". They go to the location and do a re-enactment.

[@johnharris8191]

"He said, she said, they said." Nobody knows.

[@walterminer4990]

Thank-you, this really nails it! There has been much doubt or controversary about the book and you just set the record straight! Best to ya',,,,!

[@rolandjohnson5090]

That last message was a fail. What I was trying to convey is that I have followed you for quite some time, and now you have succeeded in archiving all of the True West magazines (which had to be an enormous task), and I appreciate all that you have done with western history. So, I subscribed for both the digital and hard copy of the magazine. I would recommend that anyone who hasn't subscribed should do so. The work that you have done, as well as that you have inspired, is priceless. Thank you for all of that!

[@pwrprtt1234]

I'm a fan of historical research! When you discover the actual place where history was made? You turn the legendary myth into reality! Fantastic Story Bob! Thanks!😎

[@chadghost8204]

Fantastic story! To know that guys like you and other top tier old west historians have done the leg work, and verified these priceless pieces of history with your own eyes is very satisfying for those of us who can’t be there ourselves. Thankyou!

[@maureengill6031]

Your story of finding Cottonwood Springs was so interesting! I’m so glad your friend could find the exact location! You really bring these stories to life! I’m glad that Wyatt Earp’s account of the gunfight and the true location matched! The detail of the gunshot holes in his coat, hat, boot and saddle horn were amazing! Thanks so much for your interest in the Old West! Your pregnant wife was so patient and a good sport on the trail to Iron Springs.

[@michaelmeyers2026]

I've heard that colonel George Washington rode in front of his troops under fire, to encourage them in the fight. His coat was reported full of bullet holes. It was said he was never even wounded during his lifetime. 😎👍

[@JackJermain]

excellent story, so awsome to see the stories proven out great hard work paying off . thank you for sharing.

[@BillJohnson-sq5fn]

Very interesting and truly fun to share your excitement. Thank you!

[@PR-BEACHBOY]

It must be fun being you Bob! Also about 20 years ago I had the honor of dropping in on Marshall Trimble totally unannounced and on the spur (no pun intended) of the moment. He was in his office at Scottsdale Community College (if my memory serves correctly) I couldn’t have been treated with more warmth and kindness by he and his secretary! He spent over an hour with me telling stories and sharing his vast knowledge of the Earps etc. I finally had to leave because of other engagements but I had the distinct feeling that Marshall would’ve stayed there for as much time as I wanted. His Western library is amazing as well. He’s one of the only people I’ve ever met who actually has a copy of Timothy Fattig’s book “Wyatt’s Earp” which I’ve looked for for ever since! What a true gentleman!

[@larryhall882]

Fantastic demonstration of never giving up especially when the details are that important to get it straight for history's sake.Great story.

[@jackdelay6558]

I love the story. It brings light the true facts, proving the authenticity of the story. Thank you Bob! We can always count on you to get provable facts.

[@depthcharge-lx5bt]

I remember listening to Bob on the radio, always a dedicated fan!

[@JW...-oj5iw]

You must be a Zany Zonie!

[@DavidRice111]

Bob, I have several of your books which I obtained after visiting Dodge City and Tombstone. As a youngster, I spent a great deal of time at my uncle's hacienda in Old Mammoth, Az, which is where I learned to ride horses. In all the years I have fooled around with horses & cattle, I've never enjoyed riding as much as I did in the Arizona desert! Thanks so much for what you do!

[@davidfornkahl8374]

Your Awesome! I could listen to you forever. I'm glad I found you on You Tube. I have seen you on the History Channel before.

[@jameswinter6125]

Great story Bob. I love western history, so please keep them coming.

[@denicehicks7253]

My family lived in Tombstone, so I really enjoy hearing stories about Cochise County. Thanks for sharing your wealth of knowledge.

[@nightowl5475]

Thanks for your great work Bob! You know, I get the feeling, Wyatt Earp was never satisfied in one area too long unless he was making decent money. He seemed to be a wanderer. I get the feeling, he couldn’t wait to get outta Tombstone, AZ. Just from all the ordeals he went through and loosing his brother there, made Wyatt long for greener pastures. Can you imagine, as he aged, just looking at his older photos, I get the feeling, when I look in his eyes, I see a lot of pain and regrets in his past life. Yes, he was stoic in nature and didn’t say much, but he was a human being. Many of nights, I’d imagine he cried thinking about his brother and his past life, the hardships. I see sadness through his eyes of a hard-lived life with sadness. He missed his friend Doc Holiday immensely and longed for the times when he shared a friendship he never really could pen to paper. Doc Holiday was an outcast due to his consumption. But, Doc knew Wyatt truly respected him because Wyatt was a bit of a loner and outcast in his younger days. Something tells me, if you embellished or told tall-tales, you know, BS, Wyatt wouldn’t care for that type of person. If you were honest and easy-going, he would take to you.

[@rogerharris8081]

The best part is Wyatt’s story is verified. All of the details of the terrain were just as he described. Maybe other incidents are more fact than fiction too.

[@MrZola1234]

The story is 100% uncorroborated. He was a habitual liar. Bill Curly was not in the area the time he claims.

[@kensanity178]

I've always felt that Wyatt Earp was a lawman who would just follow a bad guy out of town, and only Wyatt would return.

[@MrZola1234]

@@kensanity178 that is the Hollywood created image of him, but keep in mind Wyatt spent about 5 years part-time "lawing". He spent the rest of his adult life as a gambling hustler, saloon and prostitution business, selling fake gold nuggets, fixing boxing matches and participating in vigilante murders. Read Wyatt Earp, a Viginate Life.

[@kensanity178]

Well, that tells you that he was no angel, which is kind of what I meant. He wouldnt have been beyond just doing what he knew had to be done. No science back then, so when there wasnt a witness, there wasn't any evidence.

[@MrZola1234]

@@kensanity178 he was basically a 2 bit hustler and liar. Allie Earp, widow of one of the brothers put it best when she was asked in the 30’s about the legends around the Earps - she said it was all Gingerbread.

[@douglasturner6153]

That's good detective work The important thing is that Earp's physical description of the place matches exactly. After 46 years it's easy to mix terrain names up. And Stuart Lake wrote the book. He may have gotten that Spring"s name detail from someone else when he was final editing. When is the archeology dig with metal detectors?

[@nilo70]

A very good question

[@rocksandoil2241]

I love these stories - as a geologist who once wandered the West in search of oil and even uranium, I found so many old cabins and read so many tales that seemed far fetched - I marveled at what their story was. And it was only going to Lincoln, White Sands, Three Rivers, and all those place that you understood Garrett, The Kid, Oliver Lee, and all those stories to be fascinating even when you were sure both sides telling a different story were doing so from a different perspective. And it was that way where ever I went - E Utah, Wyoming, SW Colorado, and places nearer my home in Oklahoma... good stuff.

[@PF92079]

Love these videos. As a westerner who grew up on all these stories you really do them justice and bring them to life. Would love to see photo's of where the shootout was!

[@johnburris7711]

Thanks for the incredibly detailed story. It’s important to know that the stories about the things that these people did isn’t just folklore and are actually historically important to shaping our country.

[@MiguelSanchez-cn2mi]

Love the old west History thanks for keeping it alive!

[@oleterra]

Kept my fascinated, as you spoke i could see the re-runs of the movies in my head,, thank you.

[@robertspecht1911]

Thank you Bob for the update. I jad heard the story by someone else who visited Iron Creek and said the Cottonwood were no longer there. Names of areas can easily get messed up.

[@reubenrichardson2322]

I'm a lover of history and especially of Earp, Billy the Kid and all of those western gun slingers. Being from Texas I always wondered about Wes Hardin getting the drop on Hicock. Thank you Bob for your investigative history lesson and blessings to your dear wife. Reuben Richardson

[@Washoejim]

Thank you, Bob, you always bring the story to life.

[@Phalanx443]

Outstanding! This is exactly why I'm so into history. What was once considered a "Tall Tail" has at long last become "Truth Told".

[@jaycos3]

The History of the West owes a lot to men like you Bob.🔫🤠👍

[@carlsowell8099]

I'm so into the wild west stories. Thank You for bringing us stories of the past.

[@mltchbrooks1860]

Great story. I really enjoy the history of our Wild West heritage!! Thank you!!

[@micahellyons3893]

Great info. My grandmother told us, that we were related to doc holiday. He was a distant cousin to her. On top of that, there's a picture of her sitting on Wyatt Earps lap. She was a small toddler. I'm still searching for the pic.

[@Thepurolife]

Fascinating story, thank you for that. The history always intrigues me!

[@timhess2833]

Bob, as an avid WE fan I love your explanation of locating the Cottonwoods Sprgs fight. I mental was with you all the way. Thank you sharing on this video. Tim H

[@jmsiii4751]

Another great video, thank you. I have always had an interest in pretty much anything with Wyatt Earp.

[@markdandeneau3404]

Love hearing these stories.

[@WildBill0072]

So many historians have a first hand account but, failing on early attempts to verify, discount the first hand narrative. Thank you for following through. A lesser historian would just have written it off as a tall tale.

[@misstaylor7369]

Such a great story. I am a big fan of the Earp’s. Thank you so much.

[@markbastings4451]

Loved all this information and great historical content. Appreciate all that you do Bob!!👏👏👏

[@bartetzenhouser2943]

Very good! I really liked your narrative. It sheds much light on this and really brings it to life; not just s story, but real life events!!

[@davidchilders9961]

Thank You for your persistence! I am 5th generation Texan and love Texas and the West History and I also love seeing the locations in person. Keep the stories coming!

[@delorisfernando8216]

I could listen to your fascinating stories all day long! Thank you for sharing!!!

[@tbone1574]

When i was in high-school during the early 70s Bob was a DJ at KDKB 93.3 in Phx...

[@jameskleist4019]

Thank you great job in your research, I like it. 😊 Glad you found it where that shootout took place.

[@frankdillon6127]

i know the feeling of being at these actual locations. my family moved to Tombstone in 1953/4 i was 8 years old and loved the thought of walking on the same streets as Earp.

[@dks13827]

Frank are you still in Arizona these days ?

[@frankdillon6127]

@@dks13827 no left arizona in 1972 havent been back, probably wouldent recognize it now. old guy i once new said its wise to not go home after many years, because the fond memories will be gone. i lived in Tombstone way before it became a restored tourest town. i remember the Bird cage was abandand and boarded up.

[@gilream]

Mr. Bell...I really like your videos but this is one of my favorites. A fantastic story .

[@snydedon9636]

I’m a pretty big history buff. I really enjoy bob’s videos so much. It would be so cool to sit down with him and just talk about the Wild West history. Thanks bob for all your videos, much appreciated.

[@steiny3353]

Snyde Don. I'm Australian, and I love all the old west history. Can't get enough of it and I know exactly what Bob means when he says how awesome it is to actually stand on the very spot that various famous events took place. I would love to be able to do that. Visit the Alamo, Custer's last stand, The Texas Rangers headquarters, and so many other places. I had planned on visiting my Son (also Australian),in Dallas, and the last stand was on my to do list, but the Covid stuffed up those plans.

[@snydedon9636]

@@steiny3353 hopefully you get to plan the trip again.

[@steiny3353]

@@snydedon9636 .One can only hope, mate.

[@williamphillips4344]

Job well done.Love when old tales turn out to be true. To bad so many old events are lost and not recorded.But sometimes they just pop up and give us little taste of old west real history. Thank you.

[@marklambert4793]

Amazing story! God! I love western history ❤️ Thank You! 👍

[@TheHighflight769]

Bob Boze Bell 🔔 you are Awesome! I love your True West Magazine & the way you separate the wheat from the chaff from the truth myth lies fiction! Hand Salute OORAH!!!!!

[@louislascelles1846]

Thank you for putting in all the effort to investigate and share your findings !

[@bluehawk7199]

I love the old west as much as you do, I live in Ky and wish I lived in Arz.

[@fedemotta3]

Great video, it's always very interesting to hear you tell your experiences. Awesome that you guys went to really verify Wyatt story.

[@johngruber-s5v]

Very well done , enjoy the old west history.

[@doYYY-gq1ox]

I am a huge American West fan so thank you for your work documenting such an iconic part of our history.

[@rogereide]

Wow this is so great that you actually could see exactly what Wyatt described in the book!!

[@ronniehardison9827]

Exalent work. Being an amateur historian of the old west. This really help bring clarity to the story.

[@TrayDyer38]

Kevin Costner’s Wyatt Earp movie is by far one of my favorite movies. They play it all the time on one of the One of the cable movie Channels . No commercials... I think I’ve watched it, no kidding, no less than 14 times in the last 3 months.... no matter how far into the movie it is when it’s on.

[@douglashall2141]

Thanks Bob always appreciate your stories and your time investigating them and sharing them with us. From one old western fan.

[@jimmeymills]

That is a great story, and I'm so glad you found out it was Cottonwood Springs , jmills cowboy history fan !

[@TheMilspyguy]

Thanks for info Bob Bell! Appreciate you! Merry Christmas too!

[@Sound_of_a_Raven]

Cool story all the way through. Greatly appreciate the history. I love the old west.

[@g-pawmikey5508]

Well done, thank you, I too enjoy visiting the old west sites, last fall I had the opportunity to visit fort Bridger. My wife, myself and the worker, were the only people there. Those two were inside, I just sat there near the old stretch rack, you could feel the history, and imagine what it was like. What was amazing to me was the small diameter of the fort wall "logs" were 2.5 inches 3 maybe. Thank you for your excellent incites.

[@seanstipsky9473]

Thanks a ton, Bob! Love these biographical videos! We are so lucky to have you around. By the way, I grew up (and still live) in your home town.

[@vykoden9462]

What a fantastic narrative and an even more amazing discovery. Congratulations are definitely in order! Thanks for sharing this with us.

[@brucekobza6875]

Very good...I am very interested in the old west anything I can learn...so this was good. A very interestingg time in the westward movement of America...the old west. Watching Gunsmoke as I write this. Bruce

[@jameswulzen590]

good one. My Uncle was one of the owners that owned the Diamond Springs Hotel and Bar, historical site in Diamond between Hangtown and El Dorado in Calif. Black Bart ran in these areas back in the day and My Grandfather was the parade gereral in charge of the festivities for Placerville western days. I spent my summer and winter school vacations up there. I'm 83 now, was 9 back then.

[@mattbergseid9196]

Thanks James, hope you are doing well.....

[@wmjohns881]

Always enjoy Bob’s videos 🤠

[@clarkbarnes7709]

Thank you so much for your effort to prove that these events did take place. I love everything about history and to be able to walk where people of the past walked. THANK YOU.

[@kevinnoble6320]

This guy tells the story awesome. Thanks bob boze bell

[@dwaynehope1689]

it's amazing these places are still around. great job

[@markhall750]

Awesome history has always fascinated me of wyatt eyrpt,Ringo doc and all of them wish could have been there

[@WhoDaresWins-B20]

Love your work Bob. For a Brit and a History Tragic/Freak; I love the stories relating to Wyatt Earp his brothers and the Clanton Cowboys. I first herd of Wyatt Earp when I was a teenager and saw the TV programme with Hugh O'Brian. I got a copy of the full series which I watch from wo to go four times a year. I have looked at all your programmes regarding this matter, which I greatly appreciate. I would love to visit the Little Bighorn Battlefield; the Alamo, Elsworth, Wichita, Dodge, Tombstone, Gayleville, Bisbee et al. Unfortunately; I am over a 24 hour flight fro the US, and use a four wheel walker to get about. Apart from that, you chaps in the US drive on the right hand side, and we drive on the left. A trip to the States back in 2015 scared the fertiliser out of me when driving. I am just content now to sit and watch your programmes, which are very informative. Best wishes and Regards to yourself and your family.

[@davekuper3996]

True to your nature you figured it out - with help, but you figured it out. Wish there were photos but your description is like a video. Thank You for your dedication and determined quest for brushing dust out of old hoof prints to find a true trail.

[@hettro-cv6082]

That was Great! I had heard about Wyatt having his gun belt down around his knees before, Amazing!

[@tfx1184]

Fantastic story telling .. I could listen and feel the passion in telling it

[@greghorn35]

Awesome history uncovered!

[@hg-nf9ol]

hello bob,im in sw missouri and here sw of Rolla everyone is related to Jesse James except me. ive been out west, watched all the westernsand love western history! thanks bob!

[@britzdog3440]

Excellent story. This era is so full of fascinating stories.

[@cochisecounty_travels]

Great video and explanation. I’ve wandered around Cochise County for years. Like you, I want to walk where they walked and see what they saw. Glad you got ahold of Bill Evans.

[@nygrentony]

Lovely story! Wish I had the money to go to US and visit all these places. Thanks for sharing this burnt egg story

[@WhoDaresWins-B20]

Many thanks Bob for another excellent presentation. Gee Whiz; I wish I could also walk where those chaps walked. I strongly believe that you cannot get an appreciation of history unless you walk the same paths. In fact; I am a British History freak and tragic. About 20 years ago; I returned home to the UK which I left as a child, to get the feel of all the various battle grounds going back to Roman times. I started out on a three week trip and ended up staying over 12 months; much to my wife's annoyance. Even in that 12 months; I hardly scratched the history surface, so I understand what you are saying when you said you are a strong believer in walking over the same steps as the characters of the past.

[@lesleyewen-foster3629]

I LOVE this stuff!!!! I'm going to tell you a story you just might.like. I work with a young woke, gay girl who has maybe 3 drops of Native American blood. She is SUCH a victim and of course knows everything about Native Americans.(End of the Trail sums it up) I was talking to another woman in the office about all the things Geronimo did; teach school, farming, celebrity, selling his autograph and the buttons off his clothes and eventually dying a wealthy. Miss Woke butted in, red in the face and IN MY FACE she said, "I don't know what your source is but I DO KNOW Geronimo would NEVER have ridden in Roosevelt's parade!! And she swept out of the office, all her sails flying.So I logged onto her computer and gave her a new wallpaper. In large letters it says across the top Smithsonian Institute. You know the picture of course. And I put a little post it note that said Geronimo, with a little arrow pointing at his head. I haven't seen this unpleasant girl since, probably best for both of us.

[@stoneblue1795]

Great stories (and facts) so well told sir. Thanks for this, very interesting accounts.

[@getzenfan]

I know Bill Evans, a good man and true long time local aficionado of Wyatt Earp and those days of yore in Tombstone. Spending time with Bill has brought all my 1950’s cowboy TV westerns to life, but for real in what actually happened in and around Tombstone about the Earps and Clantons and all those personalities of days gone by.

[@terryschiller2625]

Sir thank you I love western history so much! My claim to fame if you can call it. Was a good friend of mine and I went to hole in the wall near Kaycee Wyoming about a year after Robert Redford visited it. Went in on horseback with the owns of the land. Had Redford's book the out law trail with the pictures in knew it was the right place. LoL I was in heaven!!

[@ChrisTopher-zo1vg]

I would love more stories from you. I love listening to you tell them.

[@robdavidson4945]

I appreciate your interest and diligence ferreting out the facts. Years ago I bought a True West Magazine to give to some of my friends and family in Scotland. The front cover had a modern art version of I believe Billy the Kid. I flopped open to a random page and saw the name Jeanette Allen marrying Jack Langrishe in Deadwood , SD. She is either an older sister or Aunt to my Great Grandmother. Her Great Grandfather is Ethan Allen. I started to ask my Mom about her family on the Yankee side because of the article. Some I had already heard from her Mom back in the1960's. I'm now in my late 60's so I can say as a matter of fact that "Old History" is closer than we think.

[@albertwaggoner3249]

Thank you, so great to confirm and yet correct our history. You do fantastic work. so very important and enjoyable. Please keep up the good work.

[@janicedunnahoo7288]

Fun and interesting information, always more out there to be discovered, no matter! Thank you so much!

[@lindy952]

Great presentation and narration by a very relatable guy. Thk you.

[@harleyhawk7959]

it's one thing reading history, when you see where history was made, puts it into a whole new realm.