Without Bat Masterson You Would Have Never Heard of Wyatt Earp

One of them was a writer and the other one wasn't. One was a politician and the other one wasn't. One of them went to New York and made it in media and the other one didn't. Bat Masterson made Wyatt Earp the legendary hero he is today. Without him, no one would know who Wyatt Earp is.
Bob Boze Bell is known as America's Western Storyteller. He is an artist, author, writer and serves as executive editor of True West magazine. Bell is a popular, sought-after figure in television documentaries about the Old West, appearing as an expert in dozens of Wild West history shows. Bell won an Emmy Award as Executive Producer of the PBS special, Outrageous Arizona, a zany look at the state's centennial, that he also wrote and helped direct. As an author, Bell has brought to life Billy the Kid, Geronimo, Doc Holliday, Wyatt Earp and Wild Bill Hickok in his best-selling Illustrated Life and Times series. His books Classic Gunfights I, II and III are must-reads about the most important Old West gunfights. Bell’s Bad Men is now in its fourth printing, while his illustrated autobiography, The 66 Kid: Raised on the Mother Road, gives personal insight into the passions that have driven him on his lifelong quest to interpret the history of the American West for audiences around the world.
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[@rongendron8705]

I'm 75 & my grandfather, (John Cooke) was born in 1883 & a Spanish-American War veteran! While in the Navy in 1900-01 & on leave in San Francisco, he & his shipmates attended a prizefight, held on a barge (illegal to have it on land) where Bat Masterson was the referee! Listening to some of my grandfather's adventures in the Navy was like hearing living history!

[@chrisb8655]

That's incredible, Ron. Thanks for posting.

[@scrappydoo7887]

I'd love to have history like that in my family. I bet you have a good number of stories to tell 👍

[@keithcaudill4111]

Bob I've known you since I was about 13 or 14 you played drums in my dads band at The long horn in Tucson, we played some times with Rick Vail it was alot of fun those gigs,thank you for keeping the wild west alive ,,,I'm Keith Caudill Ray's son I think Ray would be happy with what you did with his magazines 😆 lol

[@robertschumann7737]

Didn't Tonto's great great grandson Long Dong Silver sing in that band?

[@persecutedchurch654]

​@@robertschumann7737q❤q❤❤❤q❤

[@polycarphunter2257]

i found Bat Masterson's grave in the Bronk at Woodlawn cemetery. i use to install burial vaults. i was surprised to find him in NY and a sportswriter. always thought he died in the old west.

[@claudioanysio2701]

America is The Worlds Greatest Country and its Glorious History and Heroes are oustanding ....and ought to be honored forever !!! God Bless America ....Land That I Love !!! Great Job ..Mr Bob !!! Thank You for your job!

[@charlesreid9337]

the amount of stupid in this comment is mindblowing

[@scrappydoo7887]

Yea that's a bit of a stretch but it's definitely built on excellent foundations

[@j.dunlop8295]

My uncle J.D. was as talkative as Wyatt Earp, he was a rancher-cowboy who trained cutting horses. I saw him mount a horse, and make it dance on a dime, at seventy years old! It was unbelievable!

[@Terrswithin]

As a long haul truck driver in the 90's I discovered Your magazine which turned my travels on old American highways into great visits and adventures . Great Memories .

[@charlesreid9337]

Colorado. Trucker here. Only went there once. Driving a 65' long truck through the colorado canyons.. after seeing them in all those old westerns was.. mindblowing. And understanding for the first time that if outlaws or natives caught you in those canyons ... you were just fucked.

[@wilburharvey5693]

2yrs in Tombstone and walking the same boardwalks that Wyatt Earp walked down was the a time that I will never forget

[@edwinthompson6510]

Wilbur ,,,,,,my grandfather worked with Wyatt Earp in Nome ,,,Alaska they ran a saloon together with Josie his wife called the Dexter Hotel,,,,i have letters sent from grandad in Nome telling of the exploits of Wyatt as a young law officer in the mid west boom towns such as Tombstone,,,,, i live not 30 miles from Tombstone were have a ranch,,,,,,,,,, Edwin J Thmpson

[@YohoPublications]

@@edwinthompson6510 I am a writer who would love to see those letters!

[@m3vt2seffn]

My favorite one is Billy the kid I love to hear his stories all the time

[@jolufepi9670]

Sir, I am Canadian and just knowing that Bat Masterson was Canadian has made my year. Thank you for your memory and your stories. 👍🇺🇾🤝🇨🇦🧉🥃

[@ciAMkia]

Having spent a good deal of time in the incredible country of Canada, I can only add that it is one of the most beautiful places I have ever seen. I have been around the world, and Canada holds a special place in my heart and my imagination. As a kid, my family took a vacation in the far north of Quebec next to a reserve. We fished on this amazing lake and stayed in these wonderful cabins. This coincided with my 12th birthday. I caught the largest Muskie that week of anyone staying there. The trip was magical for me. On my mom's side of the family, we're Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, from my grandfather, a full blood. This trip and the subsequent fishing proved him correct on fishing for muskies and northern pike. That's how I caught the biggest fish, following his advice. LMAO! Indeed, Bat Masterson, a hero of mine, was a Canadian and a proud one at that. And you should always be proud to be Canadian, too. I salute you and your majestic country. Long may we sing, Oh, Canada! I love that song! And hockey, too. Oh, and don't forget, you can count Keanu Reeves as a proud Canadian, too!

[@ciAMkia]

Oh, one more thing Sir, every Canadian I have ever met has been exceedingly cool and kind. I try very hard to be kind enough to be asked if I am Canadian. I work at it every day. So, I have that going for me. I hope it makes up for all of the people I took out as a sniper in the military. I do hope it works. Hey, I'm American Indian, and I'm not a Christian, so all of that heaven and hell stuff doesn't play for me. When I die, again, well I died twice in October so I have job experience, LMAO. I was riding my paint horse Utani, which is Cherokee for "too big", up a big hill with a Winchester in my saddle scabbard and a Colt .45 on my left hip for a nice cross draw, just like Bat Masterson, so that was what happened to me when I was dead. I can live with that if you can pardon my humor. LMAO! Being Indian doesn't suck bro! Take care my Canadian friend, I truly hope you have a safe and happy life that is as fulfilling as my life has been. There's not a bloody thing I regret. I have climbed mountains all over this hemisphere. I just failed on Denali, twice. But in my second failure, I helped save the lives of 2 Czech climbers. So, my failure was perhaps not such a failure after all. I have 2 daughters, 1 stepdaughter, 1 former son in law who is family, we have 3 grandchildren, and 1 more on the way. My wife and I live on a gorgeous 60-acre farm in the middle of nowhere in Virginia. I get to drive my dream car, a Mercedes CL 55 AMG. I am married to the most incredible woman who is the best person I have ever known. I have known her since I was 15 years old. She's perfect for me and me for her. We have a Belgian Malinois/German Shepherd who loves us, but don't piss her off. I have a gun safe filled with my favorite firearms and I just got a new one to use in shooting competitions. Oh, my wife outshoots everyone who comes to shoot skeet with us. She's badarse with a shotgun. And no, I can't match her at skeet shooting. Now, rifles or handguns, well, then I own the shooting range. Which we have here on our farm. I can even get out to 600 meters to shoot my handbuilt sniper rifle. I really like it much better now that I only put holes in paper or shoot steel targets with it. It did bother being a sniper except for this: on overwatch I protected my guys. That was my job and I was bloody good at it. No one ever got past me to shoot one of my boys. And yes, I thought of them as my boys because I was old enough to at least be their older brother. So, there's most of my life, my very good Canadian friend. I hope you can see that I have tried to have a life worth living. I served my country. I served my family. I served my tribe. And I have love, and respect for them all. I also have respect for every person I meet. I try to treat every person the same, with respect and care. That is how we are taught. Also, children and women are sacred to us, in our tribe. They represent the future of our tribe and that is sacred. I think that is a good grounding for all men. With those ideas all men can do the right things and protect them, with our lives if need be. Does that make sense? Anyone can answer that question, if they would care to. Be safe, be well, and be happy. Bonsoir!

[@jolufepi9670]

@@ciAMkia My dear friend, I must confess a few things; The first is that I am Canadian only by papers, since I was born and raised in the Eastern Republic. from Uruguay in South America Atlantic coast between Argentina and Brazil. I live in Ontario Canada and have felt at home at the six nation pow wows almost every year. I am not full blood but I do have aboriginal blood; Charrua could compare it to the Apaches who originated here as a branch of the Ojibwa tribe. I have never dared to dance because I don't want to be disrespectful but I plan to ask permission and do it one day. I have served, but not like you in a war, but I have dressed in uniform fighting crime and injustice but I came to the conclusion that it is like wanting to fight the wind. My wife and I had a yellow Pinto horse and we called it m'hijo, which is short for My Son. He is waiting for me on the "other side of the river" in some meadow to continue our eternal journey, maybe we will meet there. I come from a small country without aborigines because the "Creoles" (half blood) were in charge of annihilating them, these countries do not treasure having you "living history" past in the present. How much I must thank you because until I started going to the pow wow I felt lost in a limbo. And yes... the answer to your question is whether it was worth it to bleed, cry impotently and keep fighting no matter what, the answer is yes. I am and I feel Canadian because I live here and if this is my home I will defend it and every Canadian as my own brother. Thank you for sharing your life story, here at the gun-show I have met many ex-combatants from the first, second, Korean, Vietnam and recent wars, only those of us who have shed our blood, that of others and have dried the blood of our friends ; with a look we recognize ourselves 🫡 . Thank you for your service and please excuse my writing in English. 👍🇺🇾🤝🇨🇦🤗🪶🧉🐎⚖️🗽

[@ciAMkia]

@JoLuFePi This is not an issue for me. Think about it, I am an American only by a matter of time. My Cherokee Tribe sided with the British during the American Revolution. We did. We hated the Americans. They kept taking our lands. The Brits at least have us our due. So, don't sweat it. I've Bern to Uruguay. I'll deny it. But, I have. Ever heard of Mount Illimani or Mount Alpa Mayo Chico in Bolivia?

[@ciAMkia]

Well I've climbed them both. I have incredible photos of the summit of Illimani. You cannot tell the difference between the clouds or the the mountain. It's magical my brother. Just magical. I feel so fortunate, by near happenstance, I have found a brother. I have found a brother. You have no idea how close you're life mirrors my own. I grew up an Army brat. So, I was always the new kid. Plus, I was always the smartest kid. Also, at the time, I was just a skinny, smart, little kid. My dad was 82nd Airborne. The rule for me in the house was:

[@billcaldwell2755]

Best western stories in America. My grandad was a Sherrif in California and I was a bouncer in the biggest bar in AZ. Love the exciting stories. Can't wait to see another.

[@ronniejones6075]

EXTREMELY interesting....loved it. Keep up the excitement 😊!!

[@sunnybeaches1331]

I really LOVED this! Great work. Bat Masterson would be proud of you!

[@WhoDaresWins-B20]

As a Brit and a massive fan of Wyatt Earp; his brothers, Batt Masterson and not forgetting Dr. John Henry Holiday; may I congratulate you sir; on a bloody fantastic programme. I thoroughly enjoyed this presentation. I have purchased the TV series starring Hugh O'Brian in the Life and legend of Wyatt Earp; and I watch it over and over - All Six Series of that programme. It is such a pity that the postage between the US and Australia is so expensive, as I would have purchased your books and posters on this subject. Bob Boze BELL, I Thank you kindly for a marvellous presentation. It had always been my dream to visit places such as Elsworth, Kansas, Wichita, Kansas, Dodge City Kansas and Tombstone Arizona but sadly; health issues prevent me from travelling.

[@scrappydoo7887]

As a fellow Brit I absolutely agree with you 👍 I may have been a year behind but I've just found the channel lol

[@TowGunner]

The Luke Short Dodge City incident is one of my favorite stories about The West. Imagine Wyatt Earp, Bat Masterson, and Charlie Bassett having your back? The "Dodge City War" had ended without a shot being fired!

[@charlesreid9337]

Bat Masterson.. from everything ive read and despite his flaws.. was the real deal (i doubt earp was). He wasn't a white knight but he was one of a very few who were legitimately dangerous.. and only when he needed/chos eto be

[@edhoffman2627]

Bob I used to listen to you 30 years ago on KSLX out of Scottsdale AZ. You told great stories, had some great April fools pranks, and did this hilarious bit about a bank. So awesome to see you’re still telling these great historical tales with your usual panache!!!

[@victorringe9404]

Pima Road is shut down,intersections are blocked.

[@waynehowell4707]

L8 7

[@johng4250]

I have been a subscriber to “True West” for near 10 years and it’s always great to hear BBB tell his stories of the old west. You keep ‘em com’n and I’ll keep watch’n.

[@charlesreid9337]

i read it (and others) as a kid. What i loved about them was they didnt mythologise like most media did. They tried their best to show the truth as best they could

[@arthurvassy7499]

Excellent as always. What I found most poignant was the mention of how after a certain point Earp and Masterson went their separate ways and never saw each other again. I think how that reality is reflected in all our lives. We have close friends, share whatever adventures there may be, and then just like that go this way and that into different worlds. To my mind that makes our connection to these stories that much more profound. Thank you, Bob.

[@williamboyd8688]

So true

[@gulammuhammad4106]

I am western fan since i was a kid.still watch my old western Collection movies.But they don't make like it was in 40s and 50s.never get tired of watching them.

[@jackhowland3737]

Yep, life gets in the way every time.

[@djfglobal3377]

I find myself thinking the same about my life and people that I considered amazing

[@Tadicuslegion78]

Bat Masterson is one of those names I’d always heard but knew nothing about until I read Tom Clavin’s Dodge City. There’s a guy who needs an updated movie

[@dianebarrett9714]

Thanks for the mention of Tom Calvin’s book. I just ordered Dodge City. I am looking forward to reading it. I always love true stories about the West.

[@charlesreid9337]

from all i know there isn't actually that much information about him. He was an opportunist. Definitely not an angel but.. he was also not what the earps and.. a lot of the western gunfighters were.. a monster.

[@ksman9087]

If I remember my history correctly, Bat and Wyatt were Buffalo hunters before they became deputies. They had noticed that the hunters that they had observed rode up to the heard on horses while shooting. This stampeded the heard and they only could get a very few buffalo at a time. They also had to take time out of hunting to cook meals. Bat and Wyatt put their heads together and figured out that if they got some cured buffalo hides, hid under them and walked slowly toward the heard with rifles and ammo in hand they could shoot many buffalo and the heard would not stampede. They also hired a cook to save the time it took them to make meals. This worked very well and they came in with a huge wagon load of buffalo hides at a good profit for them.

[@davidrice3337]

Some Indian must have told them

[@charlesreid9337]

watch the video on the earps. It appears the whole "earps hunting buffalo" was absolute bullshit and instead they were in peoria illinois.. committing crimes and avoiding the law

[@Erginartesia]

My mom used to tell me about my ‘great uncle who was Bat Masterson”. We had his ‘deringer’ until my grandmother sold it (she wasn’t very good at keeping memories). I’m fascinated about the part of Bat Masterson’s going to New York, as I’m trying to connect the dots about his ties to our family.

[@FacesoftheForgotten]

Well done. Especially loved your analogy on Wyatt’s and Bat‘s courage with walking in the biker bar. That is one to remember. 👍

[@eugenesullivan]

'Bat' was the usual shortening of Bartholomew until the 1950s. It was his original name, before he changed it to 'William Barclay.' Well done, Bob!

[@victorshults242]

Love the old west 🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸💪👍

[@robertspecht1911]

Bob Bell, Bob here! Love the deep history on Wyatt and Bat, and Doc.

[@benridge6570]

Thank you, my father was born in 1912 in Sweetwater Texas. Told me when he was a boy. Cowboys would show up now and then. They would feed and take care of there horse for the night.

[@jerryclark482]

I really enjoy these presentations by Bob. I grew up in southern Arizona in a little town called Patagonia. I was raised by my father who was born in 1893 and I heard so many stories from him that were told to him by his father. His father had seen Wild Bill when he had been Marshal of Hays City. He also was visited by Jesse James on his farm in Kansas on some of his forays through there.

[@daviddauch7010]

Good story -

[@ExKUKicker]

Jerry, What part of Kansas (the town?) did your father live in?? I grew up in Eastern Kansas, but have resided in Wichita for 42 years.

[@edwinthompson6510]

Jerry its really ironic how many people an relate to the old western boom towns ,,,,, lik you so can i my father was told me about his father great granddad Thompson ,,,, he went off to t Klondike gold rush in a town called Nome he met up with Wyatt Earp they ran a saloon called The Dexter together letters sent to grandma which i still have sent home o grandma n Utah,,,,,these letters talk of life with an about Earps life in the boom town where h was a law officer,,,,,,, ok guys ,,,,,,Edwin j

[@subhashnamey5562]

This is very good that you know so much about famous men from the wild west ,Bat Masterson , Wyatt Earp, Wild Bill . I've seen hundreds of Westerns and and learn from movies. Your father was born in 1893 that's making real history. I think you should pen your memoirs for first hand knowledge. How old are you ? Thanks for your input. From India Pune City.( Jai Maharashtra)

[@ciAMkia]

Jerry Clark, I'll one up on the next commenter, David. That's not just a "good" story, it's a great story. Well done, Sir.

[@apsomar]

Thank you very much Bob it's nice to watch you telling all those stories,great job

[@palmswede]

I am a 6th generation Kansan and love reading the history of the Old West, especially Kansas. I was told by my Grandma that my Grandfather knew Wyatt Earp so I have a sense of connection when read about period history.

[@charlesreid9337]

it's kindof amazing how much of old west mythology happened there. No offense.. but there isnt a lot there even now. And not a lot of people comparitively. But the shady folk always seemed to show up there doing shaddy shit

[@parrot849]

I always been a “western”history fan, and have to say your oral narratives are some of the best I’ve ever heard here on KZbin. Thank you very much sir.

[@justinsane7128]

I recently watched the bat Masterson series from the 50s, he wrote it and made himself quite a hero in most of them

[@charlesreid9337]

as you do :P

[@fas1242]

Great story of Wyatt and Bat. Far cry from the movies and tv programs. These men were heroic figures of the West

[@stoneblue1795]

You are a legend yourself, sir. We are quite fortunate to hear these accounts for sure. ~ Thank you.

[@lonteter3262]

Great stuff as always. My family has been in Wichita since the beginning -- my grandfather's cousin was in the first census. My great-grand mother's family lived in the little town of Sedgwick at the same time the Mastersons were there and had to have known them. I grew up on Wyatt Earp stories and met Hugh O'Brian at a local TV station. I later learned that Stuart Lake embellished the Earp story, giving him credit for a lot of things other men had done... but I still love the legend. As a young newspaper reporter, I wrote about an incident that was in the Wichita Beacon at the time it happened, a century earlier. Earp Was playing cards in a local saloon when his revolver fell on the floor and discharged, sending the whole saloon into a panic. Wyatt had failed to follow his own advice (as reported in Lake's book) about making sure the hammer was resting on an empty chamber. Earp was never marshal of Wichita; he was a city police officer whose main job was killing stray dogs and collecting "fines" -- actually license fees -- from houses of prostitution that were deemed crucial to keeping the Texas cattle drives in Wichita. In fact, Earp was fired by the city for beating up Marshal Michael Meagher's (say that five times fast) opponent in the city election, William Smith, who in fact had been Earp's first boss there.) Sometimes the truth is more interesting than the made-up stories.

[@aleksanderhiller7506]

"You talk til much for a fighting man". What a line!

[@kentharris3878]

Bob, you bring these stories to life. I have always been fascinated by the Wyatt Earp (and Bat Masterson) stories, but it seems you always find or share something I was not aware of. Thanks for the fun and perspective.

[@deejayimm]

Wyatt Earp was absolutely nothing like everyone thinks he was. He's been glamorized in so many books and movies it's ridiculous.

[@barbarazimet7313]

OMG!!!! Bob this was absolutely amazing!!! I have always wanted you to do a piece on Bat Masterson and this was the perfect piece to watch while I am at home recovering from surgery!!!! In honor of Black History month I would love to see you do a show on Bass Reeves! He never seems to get his due during Black History Month & he definitely deserves them!!!!!

[@lindabyrd9742]

I first learned of Bass Reeves through True West. Can't remember how many years ago, now.

[@a-train3503]

Bass Reeves slowly getting his recognition, Jerry Skinner did a bio on him years ago

[@tonyoconnor6784]

Love every word, thank you kindly, 🇨🇮💚🇨🇮💚

[@johnnauman2709]

Great story about great men. Always enjoy this.

[@johnadams5489]

What a GREAT piece of Western History! Thanks so much.

[@johnniersmith6863]

I joy it also please keep bringing it to us thank you

[@deborahscholl4339]

Hello Mr. Bob I had to tell you after your Grand mother story about Wyatt Earp about how he was my Grand mother lived in Goldfield Nav. and said the same about Vrigel Warp how funny how the story changed over the years thank you for keeping the old west alive God Bless Bill

[@noelcollins1072]

I enjoyed your talking points about Bat Masterson and Wyatt Earp. I hadn't heard that Wyatts' biographer Stuart Lake knew Bat Masterson, and worked in the white house, you explained that very well.

[@jpb252]

I find the scroll badge particularly interesting. I'm no historian and the only time I've seen a badge like that before was in the 1950 movie "Dallas" starring Gary Cooper. In the movie newly appointed U.S. Marshal Martin Weatherby, played by Lief Erickson, has a scroll badge similar to the one worn by Wyatt Earp in the photograph. Didn't realize they actually had badges like that; you learn something new every day.

[@HootOwl513]

I think ''Sand'' got to prominence as a synonym for courage because of railroad technology of the day -- sand was sometimes spread on the steel tracks so the steel tires of the driving wheels could gain traction. Engineers had a lever in the cab, to release a sand compound under the wheels when they were slipping. ''Grit'' had a similar meaning.

[@bobbell7213]

Very cool. Makes sense! Thanks.

[@charlesreid9337]

thanks!

[@scottyarthuraustralia7567]

Great story Mr. Bell. Thank you. Keep em coming.

[@jimwortman9247]

Love these stories of the old west! Keep them coming!

[@johnrichardson1345]

I love to listen to you tell these stories Bob, please keep the stories coming!

[@jamescassidyCAS55]

Thanks for another excellent tale of the old West, well done Bob

[@maggiejane6327]

Love listening to your stories! ...l am a history buff since I've been a knee high to a grasshopper.. especially the "Old West" .. more of the American West then the Canadian West since l live on the border of New York State, and Ontario, Canada.. I guess l always have been interested in cowboy 🤠 stories due to my Mother was born and raised in Southern Saskatchewan, Canada on a farm . my Mother was born in 1922 one of 6 kids.. and she would tell me tales about heading into town with her Mother my Grandmother and sometimes one or two other siblings would ride on the wagon to head into tow as well.. My Mum said while walking to a drugstore in town one time she saw cowboy's riding into town a whole bunch of them now at this time she was only about 6 or 7 yes. old, however, my Mum said she would never forget watching them ride into town on their horses.. l guess one time she went into town my Mum and Grandmother just the two of them this time. My Mum was about 12 years old she was heading to the general store while her Mother was in looking at fabric to make clothes for the six kids.. my Mum suddenly looked around while walking across the dirt street to the store and when she turned she bumped into a cowboy who she recognized was one of the cowboy's she saw before who came into town that one day.. l laugh even today remembering my Mother said, he was good looking, tall, dark brown hair and eyes with a big bushy mustache... hahaha.. dirty and dusty as can be from only arriving into town from riding the range ... She said she never forget this cowboy said hi to her while passing her on the street while she walked to the general store. Made her day... 😊 she said, even though she was 12 at the time and she believes the cowboy were in his 20's give or take she never forgot the interaction... Who doesn't like cowboy's .. 😊♥️🤠.. Anywho .. l found your site and subscribed, and thank you for your True Life Western stories..👍 👍 ... All amazing, and soo interesting !! Hello from Ontario, Canada 🇨🇦

[@budinfield9746]

Hi Bob, my name is Bud Infield. I love history and am currently working on opening an old west museum in Shasta lake California. We recently got lucky and acquired one of Calamity Jane's pistols for display. Maybe when we get open you can come visit!

[@herdfan697278]

Love the stories of the old west! Keep them coming!

[@terryschiller2625]

Thank you Sir. I love all the history of the old West and this is awesome.

[@goldrush49]

Does something happen when you reach a certain age? I couldn’t stand western movies and history as a kid. As I hit my mid 30’s I couldn’t get enough of either I’m kind of obsessed now. And this was awesome.

[@deduce9980]

Some of us who grew up with it still can't get enough. I think learning to appreciate history just adds to the thrill of discovery and learning.

[@charlesreid9337]

they were morality plays. Unsure of your age but they probably seem... quaint, vanilla, simplistic. All the utterly false history we're taught as children, and at one time televison.. was really about teaching morality. Morality plays. Even though.. well it was utter bullshit. I think the generations after mine missed that. Art became edgier..and frankly more realistic and honest. That is probably a good thing. But unfortunately we lost that societal teaching of morality

[@bngbraz2]

Facts vs fiction, I really enjoy your magazine and your historic objectivity. Love our West!

[@adphipps33]

I love these stories! I’d love to hear more about Billy the Kid and the Lincoln Co War! We hear so much about the OK Corral; let’s hear more about The Lincoln Co War…

[@andrewthompson6192]

Thank you so much for expanding on Wyatt Earp's exploits as a frontier lawman legend with legendary lawman partner Bat Masterson. the 2 complimented each other. I absolutely agree with everything you said !

[@charlesreid9337]

they.. werent partners.. at all. And most of Earps career was as the opposite of a lawman

[@andrewthompson6192]

@@charlesreid9337 Yes, they were partners As to the part of the Earps being on the opposite side of a lawman for much of their careers, this is true, for the old west was about survival, and many times outlaws become lawmen, who rode both sides of the fence

[@brianperry]

Names from my childhood brought to life...Thanks for the History lesson...I visited Northfield Minnesota in the early nineties where another famous gunfight/bank robbery took place.. A Brit on vacation ..

[@chucklong5382]

I really enjoy things about these men, especially their friendship and the courage that they had. Thanks!

[@kennylong7281]

This is great history. Thank you.

[@ronsouth3359]

I have no words that was wonderful

[@bradfordbarrettluckotheIrish]

Great Vlog Bob! I had a cold beer in the Oriental Saloon just 2 days ago, awesome place…I felt Wyatt was there in Spirit.

[@jimwortman9247]

Loved your latest podcast about Wyatt Earp and Bat Masterson. I could sit and listen all day if I had the time.

[@alandormire4587]

Thank you. I enjoyed learning the connection between the two gentlemen.

[@KowboyUSA]

Something I liked about Costner's _Wyatt Earp_ was, even if likely not exactly historically accurate, the highlighting of a Wyatt- Bat Masterson connection.

[@luisvaldes1568]

Tom Sizemore as BAT.

[@dianebarrett9714]

What was the name of that movie? I saw it but want to see it again.

[@KowboyUSA]

@@dianebarrett9714 Wyatt Earp (1994)

[@dianebarrett9714]

@@KowboyUSA Thanks

[@joelgoldstein9487]

I REALLY ENJOY THE WAY YOU PRESENT YOUR MATERIAL ,AND YOUR ENTHUSIASM FOR THE STORY AND FACTS. GREAT JOB 👍👌👍

[@toyotaBrad62]

Love all of your stories, yes more please

[@brucevandermeulen4170]

Thanks, Bat Masterson, we have a shady but actual hero from the old west.

[@MarkSmith-js2pu]

Hey Bob, I love western history too. I moved to Phoenix in 88, and remember your radio gig with the realtor. Funny as hell you two, hilarious at times. Anyway I proudly display number 30/150 “The Doctor Will See You Now” over the mantle. Glad to have found you here. Subbed.

[@deborrastrom8559]

I have 4 brothers & 1 was like Eryp & one is like Bat. 👍 I get it.! Lol My grandfather talked of stories about both men & he was born in the late 1800's my dad was the youngest of his 7 siblings & idolized these two men all his life because of the stories my grandfather( a writer himself - in Chicago & a fan of Mastersons writings) would tell. Thankyou so much for this, it is a telescopic view into a past I never knew, it always sounded too good to be truth. But I had one brother a hero in the Navey (like Erp.) & one brother ( like Masterson) in another military service & both had awards of outstanding heroism & they as boys use to pretend to be Erp & Masterson & all those heros back then as well as a Superhero of one type or the other. Men of outstanding characters never know how they effect generations...nor would they necessarily believe it, if told as often they are just humble minded..naturally. 🤔 ❤️ 💙 💜 I was transported thankyou!

[@johnharris8021]

I don't know if you are full of hot air, but I enjoy listening to your stories.

[@geraldgoll482]

This was an excellent presentation and we certainly need more of them. You left out the fact that Bat Masterson was one of the 28 Buffalo Hunters at the 2nd Battle of Adobe Walls in 1874 in which they were under siege by 700 American Indians led by Chief Quanta Parker and mystical medicine man Isa Te. The not only held off the Indians for 3 to 4 days but beat the Indians when Billy Dixon (a later Medal of Honor medal winner) shot Isa Te off his horse from a distance of almost a mile, killing him. Quanta Parker had already been wounded by the hunters and they Indians gave up and left. Only 2 hunters, young teenagers and their dog was killed when the boys were caught outside the building sleeping in a wagon and one of the hunters inside the building was killed when a rifle the wife of the trading post misfired while she loaded it. A defining story about Bat Masterson. After Masterson became a New York sports columnist for (I believe) The Morning Telegraph in his late middle age he was informed that two young(er) men from the west were at the nearby bar they all hung out at, claiming they knew all about Masterson’s claimed law enforcement days and he was a fraud, coward and basically nothing but a braggart and weakling. Masterson now an older guy and a little overweight went down into the bar found the two men and beat both of them, allegedly knocking one or both of them out.

[@tyronefarrell2080]

I have read many of these stories but enjoyed your Western looks and get-up, as well as comfortable story telling way that gave the account of two gunman of the West a fine telling.

[@winchester714]

Great Job Mr. Bell! I've always enjoyed your magazine also.

[@johnhenryellison3882]

Great information! My aunt , Sarah Grace Bakarich, wrot Gunsmoke, the true story of tombstone. She lived on a ranch close to the area, infact part of the ranch originally was the clanton ranch. She talks about the fine art of buffaloing that Wyatt had developed.

[@jimmymacias6335]

Mr. Bell I love the Hell out of these stories you tell I wish you could do one a week, but I look forward to them I met you once years ago your a good man with a great heart and some amazing historical facts and legends much thanks

[@mathewcalitz9399]

I'm a frustrated wannabe gunslinger born in the wrong era and wrong country (South Africa) I love your videos, shedding realistic light on myth and legend. I see a great deal of parallels between your explanations and the Costner movie version

[@deduce9980]

Look up the youtube video on the shootout with an armored car in South Africa and a gang of hijackers. One of the wildest videos I've ever see, There are gun slingers there even now or at least modern day stagecoach robberies!

[@kurtgoar519]

Thank you sir for your great work over the years. I recall the old AM radio program perhaps in the 2000s I truly enjoyed all of your great information, entertainment, History.. You folks are the greatest.

[@jeffchrist6753]

Excellent. Thoroughly enjoyed that Mr. Bozell thank you

[@Mycorabel]

GREAT HISTORY LESSON

[@kentuckyjustice1408]

Love these stories. 👍👍👍

[@jackiestewart3651]

Wow! Listening from U.K..very interesting to hear the back story. Thankyou and great story telling!

[@davea5852]

You Bob are a fabulous storyteller. I love these types of videos and love the magazine.

[@outdoorloser4340]

Love these old stories ❤

[@waynec.4064]

Always a delightful treat to see these videos put out by Mr.Bell. They are just like sitting around a wood burning stove listening to a knowledgeable fellow tell you a story of "days gone by" in the Old West!!

[@stevenbonovitch2497]

Thanks Bob I love your videos, I have a question though. Are you sure that is a badge on Wyatt’s shirt and not a caterpillar? I have read most of the Bat Masterson, Wyatt Earp story. There was a strong bond between these men. I often wondered if Wyatt had tried to get Bat to join him on the vendetta ride, We will never know. Thanks for 5he videos

[@rosss.mortensen5862]

I am a True West Maniac, and a history buff, so I always enjoy your magazine, and your take on what really happened from a real life perspective.

[@SoMDHarleyRider]

Just visited Tombstone and Boot Hill. Saw all your books (which I already have) at the Boot Hill gift shop. I meant to ask them if you ever visit. I'm loving my time here in AZ.

[@gregmonks9708]

Around ten years ago I read a newish biography of Wyatt Earp that had me rivetted from start to finish. I avoid most biographies because the writers are all too often biased cheerleaders, but this one took an unflinching look at Earp and his life and was one of the best I've ever read.

[@deduce9980]

Title?

[@kennethclayton1526]

Title of the book, or author. Are you talking about Allen Barra's book, the life and many legends of wyatt earp? That's the best I've seen so far.

[@ceciliomendez5976]

What a great story! Liked the detailed sincere details. Thanks for helping me understand better the untold side of western history.

[@thehalographicmind3976]

Great Story ...Two thumb up ! 👍👍

[@kendelvalle8299]

Excellent recounting of history.

[@perrywatson8505]

This was PRICELESS LOOKING FOWARD TO MORE THANK YOU SIR!!

[@ap3126]

Thank you for sharing some great stories. It’s fascinating we need so much more to know about our history in the past as I am part Native American Indian and I have learned so much and understanding and even from my father who is in heaven now but explain to me in the 30s that my grandma would tell him when he was five and six not to say he was Indian but to say he was either Mexican or white because they look down at the Indians so bad even here in Southern California and Santa Barbara it’s just crazy but we need to hear all kinds of history not just good history but all history thank you keep it up

[@edwinthompson6510]

A P,,, i have a ranch on the desert edge in Southern Arizona all my wranglers are Apache Indians Chico my head wrangler he told me stories of the old times told o him by his grandfather as told b his grandfather,,,,, how to read the desert and horse whisper,,,,, dance to Apache war drums holding live diamondback rattlesnakes,,,,, and dream catchers AP you keep safe now,,,,,,,,Edwin J

[@ap3126]

Thanks for sharing Edwin keep safe also you and your family !!

[@deduce9980]

@@edwinthompson6510 Met an Apache guy at a party in Phoenix who was a high rise steelworker. Told me about bear hunting with a bow on the Rez up north in AZ in the White Mtns. Said it had been passed down for hundred of years. Very cool guy and his last name was actually Strongbow!

[@markhammond6420]

Love all your videos, please do more

[@markhansen8078]

It is interesting to hear the real stories about these American icons. There is so much junk out there about these men that is not even close to true. TY for providing true accounts. MH

[@charlesbaker7285]

always enjoy the history you bring to the table

[@violetraquelgarcia5143]

Thanks for sharing TRUTH . I love it 😀

[@sail3695]

Always a delight to have one of your presentations pop up in my KZbin feed. Thanks so much for teaching this history.

[@JohnIniguez-xt2pv]

Attitude of gratitude for all your efforts and all you share.

[@manuelalvarado7786]

Sir you sure know how to tell a factual story, even if it disagrees with what we were told for years and years your knowledge and facts is hands down what I’m riding with. Thank you for all you do and I’ll keep watching your videos with awe and enjoyment.