...an introduction to speculation; in this case a favoured view toward Wyatt Earp's testimony. I suspicion that much of the town spent endless hours in the local saloons exchanging viewpoints on what was actually seen and what was discussed as authoritative.
...The majority of witnesses who claimed to observe the break-out of the shooting did not support Wyatt Earp's version though it was certainly favoured by Justice Spicer.
This seems to be a rather unusual way for Burns to begin his account of the street fight, since the next paragraph is directly from Wyatt Earp's statement at Spicer's Hearing. Maybe he is attempting to... more
We notice on Burns' 'Sources' page ix quite a few old-timers' names. Two of them stand out as contemporaries who were close to the action: Breakenridge and Edward Vail of Empire Ranch notoriety. The latter... more
Was this Edith Kitt, the 1934 interviewer of FRANCIS J. VAUGHAN, whose comments re many of the Cochise County citizens was spoken of here earlier in the year? If so, Bob, what exactly did her position... more
Sharon, in a quick search of newspapers.com for "F.J. Vaughn" and "Frank Vaughn" I came up with literally hundreds of articles fom Tucson, Tombstone, and Bisbee papers. There seems to have been two 'F.J.... more
...and so you can see why his statements might be more acceptable regarding the situation out at Drew's. Sadly, Mrs. Kitt did not seem to have a curious nature as she did not attempt to pursue any additional... more
Sharon, because of his long public service Frank Vaghn's staements "might be more acceptable", as you say. However, when it comes to anything related to the Earps one has to be very careful with the memoirs... more
Hello Sharon, This is not going to add much to what has already been provided, but Edith Kitt is mentioned in two notes in Mark Dworkin's book: Edith Kitt to Burns, on Arizona Pioneer's Historical Society... more
The online bio says that Edith Kitt assumed the position of secretary of the Arizona Historical Society and remained the secretary for the Society for 22 years and became a leading authority on Arizona... more
Bob - sorry for waiting so long in responding. I THINK, in my mess of books, I have Burns', but can't find it with a hay rake! Books stacked everywhere! Does Burns' sources state the names of the "pioneers... more
William P. Breakenridge "my chronicles of John Slaughter are based on the recollections of Mrs. John Slaughter of Douglas, on the clippings treasured in her scrapbook and on the manuscript memoirs...written... more
for this list! It's too darned bad that Mrs. Kitt did not file all her interviews in one place... as well as under the interviewees' names! Of course, I'm just selfishly thinking of the research time it... more
Bob, I hope you can give us more on this. It was fun to see MR. Lutley's name at the top as I happen to own the Lutley house in Tombstone. My elderly neighbour, who passed away many years ago, used to... more
I'm looking into a few of them, but Lutley is two or three years late for being a true contemporary to our early 80s action. Henry Smith is another matter, being a true contemporary for all of the time... more
You will be happy to know I am trying to keep the house as close to the original as I can. It is now 140 years old and was originally Judge Moses' home for about a year. The walls are very thin and there... more
Lutley House — Sharon Cunningham,Wed Sep 28 2022 9:05
Great to see in my mind's eye, your home, Joyce. I'm so glad it has owners who care for history... even a 140-year old house! Hugs, my ol' Friend. Sharon
...It is interesting that Edith Kitt had an impressive Resume and was considered a leading authority on Arizona history; but when reading over Frank Vaughn's memoirs recorded by Mrs. Kitt, I am disappointed... more
Hi, Jerry, Joyce and Bob... Thanks for your input on Mrs. Kitt. After learning her given name, I finally found her online and saw her ages-long contribution to AZ history. Joyce, I agree with you about... more