Blog Archives

A couple more characters from "Vendetta Ride: The True Story Of Wyatt Earp" by Gregory Alan Burhoe.

Nellie and Allie Earp are the wives of James and Virgil Earp. Nellie has worked as a prostitute, before falling in love with James. Although she has mastered few skills expected of a proper wife in the 1800's, she learns a lot from Allie, the spunky wife of Virgil. Nellie has yearned for a safe, comfortable and normal life, which she has found with James. She also shares his pleasant temperament and hopeful spirit.

What Allie lacks in physical stature she makes up for in energy, being highly expressive, opinionated and outgoing. She is old-fashioned in some ways and progressive in others, believing that women should have the right to vote and to have a say in politics and business (which is controversial in her time.) Allie is a hardworking housekeeper, but also rubs shoulders with the wives of important men to aid Virgil with his business ventures and criminal investigations.

0 Comments

Johnny Behan and Josephine Marcus

11/13/2019

0 Comments

A couple more characters from "Vendetta Ride: The True Story Of Wyatt Earp" by Gregory Alan Burhoe.

Johnny Behan is an ambitious hotel manager and lawman whose shining optimism and charisma has earned him many friends in Tombstone. Johnny has a way of making anyone like him, no matter what their class or political leaning. He aspires to build himself into a political figure of great importance in Tombstone. He's had a romantic interest in Josephine for years, writing her many letters until she at last accepts his invitation.

Josephine 'Jose' Marcus is a young travelling actress and adventurer, seeking true love and excitement. She was born in New York City by parents of Prussian Jewish descent, and grew up in San Francisco. Her parents send her money to support her financially while she travels, always with a Black maid and dear friend at her side named Julia. Josephine is quite taken with Johnny, although she holds reservations due to the romantic scandals of his past and his tendency to notice other women. She is hopeful she can win the heart of her charming gentleman.

0 Comments

A couple more characters from "Vendetta Ride: The True Story Of Wyatt Earp" by Gregory Alan Burhoe.

Morgan Earp is the younger brother to Wyatt Earp. Known for his immortal spirit, bravery and big heart, Morgan is one of the most liked of the Earp brothers. He is regarded as good-natured, though his fiery temper sometimes gets him into trouble, as he hasn't learned to control it as well as James, Virgil and Wyatt have. Morgan has a zest for life, but also a humility and loyalty which makes him so well liked. He's secretly spiritual, viewing the world as a wondrous adventure.

Louisa 'Lou' Earp is Morgan's wife, who shares the same spiritual and curious outlook as her husband. Her parents, worried for letting their beloved daughter venture off to the dangerous town of Tombstone, keep her safe at home. But Louisa agonizes over her husband being so far away, finally putting her foot down so she can reunite with him.

0 Comments

Title Text.A couple more characters from "Vendetta Ride: The True Story Of Wyatt Earp" by Gregory Alan Burhoe.

Tom and Frank McLaury are 'innocent ranchers' whose skill for rustling (stealing livestock) was earned over time. Sly and sneaky, the McLaury brothers are rarely caught breaking the law. If they are, they will fight their accusers in every way imaginable. More than death, what the McLaury brothers fear most is imprisonment. They live on their own terms, and they value their reputation as 'honest businessmen'. Any threat to their focused pursuit of success is promptly dealt with.

0 Comments

'Old Man' Clanton and Phin Clanton

11/10/2019

0 Comments

Newman 'Old Man' Clanton is the closest thing the Cowboys association has to a central leader. He and his sons organize many of their cattle raids. He makes sure every man gets his fair share after the stolen goods are sold. If one ever needs a favor, perhaps some help dodging the authorities, 'Old Man' Clanton is the man to see.

Ike's older brother Phineas 'Phin' Clanton is a seasoned rancher and rustler. Both a bean counter and a wildcard, Phin follows his father's lead to expand the family business—be it within or against the law.

0 Comments

A couple more characters from "Vendetta Ride: The True Story Of Wyatt Earp" by Gregory Alan Burhoe.

Ike Clanton is a larger-than-life character. He's a key figure in the Clanton gang and the Cowboys association. Easily described as "boisterous" and "over-dramatic", Ike prefers a life of high-stakes adventure with fearsome comrades.

Ike's younger brother Billy Clanton is both a hard-working rancher and a thrill-seeking gunslinger. Being a member of the feared and respected Clanton family has made Billy proud, bold and perhaps a little over-confident.

0 Comments

William 'Curly Bill' Brocius and Johnny Ringo are two of the leaders of the criminal organization known as the Cowboys. Unlike how they have often been depicted, these men dress and act highbrow well enough to mingle with the Arizona elite without many folks guessing that they are actually murderous bandits. Many feel they actually came from affluent backgrounds, especially Johnny Ringo. Even 'Big Nose' Kate Elder is convinced of this, judging by his refined manners, intelligence and sophistication. Indeed, it is hard to know the true gentiles from the scum of the earth in a town like Tombstone.

Curly Bill is a gentle, boyish, fun loving soul who can turn wicked on a dime. Men claim he can shoot a dime out between their fingers with a pistol (which is entirely possible because veterans have said this of my own grandfather, who was a sharp marksman in WW2!) Johnny Ringo is a charismatic leader who takes responsibility when Cowboy members get into trouble. He is loved for his protectiveness of his brethren, but also feared for his infamous temper. He eventually earns the title: 'King of the Cowboys.'

0 Comments

Mattie Blaylock And Bat Masterson

11/7/2019

0 Comments

A couple more characters from my historical novel "Vendetta Ride: The True Story Of Wyatt Earp." Mattie Blaylock is the second wife of Wyatt Earp. She's a tragic figure, an ex-prostitute and drug addict who struggles with inner demons. Bat Masterson is a renowned lawman and gunslinger. He is a good friend to Wyatt, experiencing a number of adventures with him between Dodge City and Tombstone. (And he was Canadian, eh.)