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Arizona Pioneer & Cemetery Research Project
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Presentation
Version 112112
IKE CLANTON
GRAVE RESEARCH
“X” MARKS THE SPOT
HIDDEN IN PLAIN SIGHT
By: Neal Du Shane
Contents
MAP WITH DISTANCES FROM PEG
LEG WILSON’S CABIN
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Joseph Isaac (Ike) Clanton (1847-June 1, 1887), Parents: Newman Haynes Clanton and Mariah Sexton
Kelso |
It can and will be
argued for centuries, that Joseph Isaac (Ike) Clanton was a major influence in
the history of Arizona, good, bad or indifferent. As with most early pioneers
their negative influences are most often documented and written as to a
person’s character.
Ike it would seem was
a leader in “The Cowboy” gang after the “Old Man” (Newman Clanton) was killed. Ike
was a major influence in the Earp brothers and Doc. Holiday confrontation in
Tombstone at the O.K. Corral.
It is not our intent to
re-document this world famous historical event but rather try to research the
seldom documented facts on Ike Clanton, specifically trying to document his
demise and where he was believed to be so unceremoniously interred.
Nov. 15, 2012 after
several years of research we traveled to Eagle Creek to investigate what
historical knowledge we had accumulated as to Ike Clanton’s final resting
place. As of this date Ike has been at rest 125 years, 5 months, and 14 days. Eighteen miles off the Coronado
Trail black top, we arrived at Smelly Crossing (the third water crossing) along
Eagle Creek. A short distance along the main road you are within the San Carlos
Apache Reservation but there are no issue’s with the tribe, traveling on this
main road. There are a few deserted Ranches along the way and a few are still
lived in and actively ranching in the area.
SATELLITE
IMAGE
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|
At the convergence of
Eagle Creek, Middle Prong Creek and Wet Prong Creek we proceeded to set up for
our hike, for the most part we followed Wet Prong Creek. A short distance up
the creek we came across the remains of “Peg Leg” Wilson’s cabin on the right
about 100’ off the creek. Only the remains of the fireplace, with no chimney
are still visible.
Apparently “Peg Leg” Wilson owned the cabin where
Ike Clanton was killed on Wet Prong Creek. Research finds the first Wilson
surname found as owner of the Double Circle was Abner Wilson who
was manager and part owner in 1909. The Wilson family mentioned by the Double
Circles owners was absentee owners in the 1920's and 30's. We found no family relationship
between James and Abner Wilson. It is believed “Peg Leg” was one James Wilson
and had killed a man in Silver City, NM in 1886 before moving to this area.
No recorded brands for Jim Wilson, but
there were brand books missing. Jim Wilson aka “Peg Leg” Wilson. http://www.roundvalleyaz.com/owens2.html, this site refers to
Miller as Albert Millet (possibly a misprint). The sheriff of Apache County
at this time was Commodore Perry Owens.
Geronimo surrendered
in 1886. Non-Indians started filling in the ranching areas after that
date. The Apache Reservation (San Carlos) is within a quarter mile of the
gravesite. Speculating “Peg Leg” Wilson relocated to this area in 1886 and his
Cabin on the ranch would have been very new at that time.
|
Fireplace at “Peg Leg” (James) Wilson’s former cabin |
A natural "X" marks what is believed to be Ike Clanton's grave |
It was discovered what
we believe is the final resting place of Ike Clanton in front of a rock with a
natural “X” in the rock as the headstone. In addition to Ike’s grave we identified
an additional five graves within 100’ of Ike’s grave and all the graves were verified
and confirmed. None of these graves have a headstone and very faint rock
outlines as to the perimeter of each grave. It is believed these graves were of
rustlers that may have had encounters with Clanton and Wilson over the
ownership of the livestock that was being kept here for resale to the military at
surrounding forts in Arizona at the time.
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|
Wm. Creach April 18, 1886 Double Circle Ranch Brand on the steer
etching. |
Documented two
additional graves slightly east of this site and the information for A. Warren April
18, 1886 and a person by the name of Wm. Creach April
18, 1886 are visible in the outcropping of rock. It was well known “Peg Leg”
Wilson’s cabin was the center of a horse and cattle rustling operation and
these two graves are believed to be the aftermath of a confrontation between
the individuals involved. It would be interesting to know if Mr. Warren and Mr.
Creach were cowpokes for the Double Circle Ranch confronting Wilson and Clanton
or involved in the midnight asset reduction of the ranch? Regardless of their intent, the only record of
their demise was scratched on the rock face above their grave sites.
There has been some
confusion of the surname etched on the rock, Creach
or Creaghe. St. George Creaghe
was a deputy and neighbor rancher to Ike in Nutrioso, AZ. St. George Creaghe lived a long healthy life and had many children. On the 1880
census it listed him as being born in 1859 in Ireland
and as 21 years old. His wife was Sarah who was born in New Mexico. He
moved from Apache County to Colorado where he died years later. We tried
to determine if there was ever a William (Bill) Creaghe,
and the only one we found was not age appropriate.
There was a Bill Creach who worked for the Double Circle ranch. His
name will come up in newspapers of the period from Clifton. We have had
little luck finding the A. Warren. There were several with that initial in
Tombstone, and Pima County in the 1880 Census. As employees of
the Double Circle Ranch, Creach and Warren might have
discovered the Rustlers hideout and killed by same.
SPINGERVILLE
MORMON CEMETERY
It is doubtful Ike or
the Clanton's immediate family were Mormon. Later
descendants of his brothers and sisters were possibly. It
has never been mentioned or documented.
“Old Mormon Cemetery”
is a name given by locals. It was probably just "the cemetery"
at one time. John Wayne the actor, owned the
ranch and enjoyed telling people that Ike was buried there. The original Sheriffs
report stated he was shot and buried on Eagle Creek, AZ.
Apache
County had both the Mormon and Outlaw factions. Outlaws caused the Mormons
a lot of grief by constant harassment and stealing of their livestock and in
some cases
shooting them for little or no reason. They were a good source for
livestock to steal and move south.
Ike would have been
in the Outlaw group, but there is no record that has been found where Ike specifically
did harm to a Mormon. He was accused of all sorts of things, but never
found Guilty. One article stated Detective Brighton, who shot Ike, was a
Mormon. There is a lot online from Apache County newspapers of the period,
along with writings from several historians who can substantiate the information.
|
Flat area where an additional 5 graves were identified |
Author points we believe is Ike's grave |
To dispel urban
legends regarding the rumors that Ike was buried with his personal belongings
(which were few), it is our belief Ike was not buried with his guns, bridal or
saddle. Logically the cowboys, Indians, law enforcement officers, ranchers, at
the scene would have shared all of Ike’s worldly belongings, including his
horse and divided them amongst themselves. This was the custom of the day and
to bury worldly belongs like this would not have been logical, as this was not
the custom. Anything that wasn’t blood stained or had a hole in it was valuable
to the individuals at the scene.
In addition to these
two graves and Ike Clanton’s an additional five graves were researched and
identified within 100’ of Ike’s grave site. No headstones were placed and all
record of their history is only etched in the rock or the natural “X” formation
at the head of Ike’s grave. A faint formation of rock outlines the parameters
of these five graves. With the cattle that roam the area many of the rocks have
been scattered and misplaced from their original placement and are challenging
to identify the actual grave.
Other than the remote
location and mileage to reach this site it is overgrown with wild shrubs and
weeds. There is no clear trail to hike but we were able to access it without
too much difficulty. We accessed it in the fall of the year and much of the
area was free of leaves and we could reach it with little difficulty. If you
tried to hike this in the summer or spring the growth of the shrubs may make
this sojourn more of a challenge and the water flow in the creeks would be a
major challenge. This area is best accessed in the dry season and the 18 miles
of gravel road would be a challenge if snow packed or wet. Only then would we
suggest a four wheel drive vehicle but you never know how the weather can
change, so be prepared for the worst conditions. There a few scattered ranches
along the road but most are abandoned with only three having year round
residences.
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Free Range Long Horn cattle of the Double Circle Ranch |
After the shootout at
Tombstone, Ike and his brother Phinn moved their ranching operations to
Springerville where they became the scourge of local ranchers with constant
cattle thefts. Phinn wound up in Yuma Territorial Prison warrants were
issued for Ike. Two officers from Apache County were determined to either
capture or kill Ike. One was C.V. Brighton, a former friend of Ike. The
other was named Miller.
On the morning of May
31, 1887, the two law officials were eating breakfast with “Peg Leg” Wilson at
his ranch located on upper Eagle Creek. Many years later cousins of Ike
tried to dig up his grave because they incorrectly speculated his gun and
spurs had been buried with him, but with the knowledge of all the trouble that
had beset the parties who robbed King Tut's grave they had second thoughts they
stopped and filling in the grave.
It was discovered
that Jonas V. Brighton and Albert Miller, the officers involved in the shooting
of Ike were actually from Apache County.
But Ike Clanton's
run-ins with the law were not over, however!
Charged with
cattle-rustling, Ike and his brother Phineas also known as Fin or Phin Clanton were
cornered by The Mormon Detective Jonas V. Brighton, in Springerville, Eagar,
Arizona. Fin Clanton surrendered, but Ike resisted and was later shot dead at “Peg
Leg” Wilson’s Cabin!
April
1887, in Springerville, Albert Miller, 36, was a cattleman who was appointed
deputy sheriff by Owens. He had previous experience as a deputy when Tom Perez
was sheriff and had arrested Juan Carrillo on Dec. 29, 1884 in Springerville
for killing Jose Rafael Aragon over a gambling dispute.
George
Powell, 34, a cattleman and rustler who had a ranch near Vernon, was the other
deputy. Baldwin still held three warrants for Powell's arrest for stealing
horses in Springerville in January. By agreement, these charges would be
dropped for his cooperation in securing indictments against the Clanton’s.
The
third lawman was Jonas V. Brighton, 40, a detective who arrived in 1885 from
Wichita, Kan. at the request of Henry Smith, president of the Apache County
Stock Growers Association. In 1886, Brighton ran a blacksmith shop and saloon
in Springerville where he obtained valuable information regarding the
activities of the outlaws.
The
Clanton’s, Isaac, 39, and Phineas, 42, had long been suspected of running a
rustling operation, taking stolen livestock from the Springerville area to
Clifton and southern Arizona by way of the Blue River down to Eagle Creek.
Tired of being hunted by Wyatt Earp and his posse after the famous O.K. Corral
gunfight in Tombstone Oct. 26, 1881, they had secluded themselves on a ranch
owned by their sister Mary near Nutrioso. Phin arrived in June and Ike in
August 1882. By 1885, each had a 160-acre ranch 10 miles east of Springerville
near the New Mexico border. Congressional Medal of Honor winner Ebin Stanley,
43, who was married to Mary, also had a ranch there.
The
"Clanton-Stanley Outfit" was targeted by Owens and the Stock
Association as a priority. On March 1, 1887, George Powell testified before the
grand jury, giving names, dates and locations of stolen livestock which
implicated Charles Gray, Robert Gray, Ike Clanton, Phin Clanton, Ebin Stanley
and Lee Renfro.
A
warrant for the arrest of Lee Renfro had already been issued on Feb. 26,
accusing him of murder in the shooting death of Isaac Ellenger which occurred
at Phin's Cienega Amarilla ranch the previous November. Springerville citizens
were outraged at the unprovoked incident. The Critic reported, "Mr.
Ellinger lived several days in great agony, suffering a thousand deaths, and
died on the tenth of November. Renfro, seeing that his victim had received a
mortal wound asked for a horse, which was at once provided by the Clanton’s,
and Lee Renfro rode away."
Ebin
Stanley was arrested on March 1 and locked in jail. Because of poor health,
certified by the county physician, Stanley's bonds were reduced and he was
released.
Phin
Clanton was arrested and jailed on April 30 by George Powell and Albert Miller.
Charles Gray was arrested on May 1, jailed and charged with grand larceny.
Around
May, St. George Creaghe reported, "Some parties
had appropriated, stolen and driven off almost every saddle horse he had, some
eight or ten." John C. Wahl also had his horses "appropriated from
his range near Nutrioso." Mr. Horton had a mule stolen at the same time
and "followed the trail on foot for three or four days" to the Blue
in the direction of Eagle Creek.
On
May 14, deputies Albert Millet, George Powell and J.V. Brighton left
Springerville for the Horton brothers' camp on the Black River. Upon their
arrival, tracks were found from the band of horses stolen from Mr. Wahl. One of
the Horton’s, who was acquainted with the mountains, accompanied the deputies,
following the trail to Solomonville.
After
resting several days there, Brighton and Miller arrived at "“Peg Leg”"
Jim Wilson's ranch on Eagle Creek the evening of May 31, 1887.
TIME LINE
BY: ANDY BRUNSON
March 18, 1882
Morgan Earp is
murdered while playing pool at the Campbell and Hatch Saloon in Tombstone.
March 20, 1882
Frank Stilwell is
murdered by Wyatt Earp at the Tucson train station. Ike Clanton and Peter
Spencer are said to have been with Stilwell.
March 22, 1882
Wyatt Earp murders
Florentino Cruz at Pete Spencer’s wood camp, located at South Pass in the
Dragoon Mountains. Cruz was also called Indian Charlie.
March 24, 1882
Wyatt Earp kills
“Curly Bill” Brocius in Mescal Springs, in the Wetstone Mountains, also known
as Iron Springs, Arizona. Johnny Barnes will also die from gunshot wounds from
this gunfight.
July 13, 1882
One of Ike Clanton’s
best friends and business associates John Peter Ringo was found dead on Turkey
Creek, Sulphur Springs Valley, Arizona of an apparent suicide.
Late 1882
Ike and Phin
Clanton move to hundred miles north of Tombstone to Apache County, Arizona.
Both acquired one hundred and sixty acres in an area known as Cienega Amarilla
(Yellow Corners). There little sister Mary Elsie lived nearby in Springerville
with her husband Ebin Stanley. Ebin would begin working in the “cattle business”
with Ike and Phin.
April 1884
Ike Clanton was
helping Apache County Sheriff arrest a bunch of stage robbers up in the
mountains, where he was shot through the shoulder inflecting a nasty flesh wound.
Ike and Phin are
falsely accused and arrested on robbery charges.
December 7, 1885
During the night,
the entire Apache County Treasurer’s safe was broken into and its entire
contents stolen. Deputy Treasurer Francisco Baca claimed that the masked
robbers came to his house, took him down to the Treasurer’s office and forced
him to open the safe. Baca claimed he knew the robbers; they were Phin and Ike
Clanton, Ebin Stanley and Lee Renfro of Springerville and Mr. Buck Henderson of
St. Johns. The men were taken into custody, immediately placed bonds and it
went quickly to trial. The court found the Francisco Baca himself concocted
this story, and he was ultimately found guilty of embezzling $11,166.54
May 19, 1886
Rumors surfaced in
Springerville that Ike Clanton was involved in a gunfight over a card game with
a man named Pablo Romero. Allegedly Romero was shot through the left hip and
Ike was slightly wounded in one of his legs.
May 23, 1886
Ike Clanton and
his accusers appeared before Justice Hogue. There was insufficient evidence to
recommend a trial and the judge ordered the charges to be dropped and Ike
Clanton was released.
June 1, 1887
Ike Clanton is
murdered by Jonas V. Brighton, near Springerville, Arizona. Ike was 40 years
old. Ike was buried where he fell in an un-marked grave along Eagle Creek. Ike
was not a wanted man when J.V. Brighton gunned him down. Brighton was arrested
for the murder, tut the charge we later dropped. Some people believe Brighton
was hired by a local cattle association to rid the area of rustlers, while
others believe Brighton was a hired killer.
MAP WITH DISTANCES FROM PEG LEG WILSON’S CABIN
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A detailed story of Brighton’s killing of Ike as
retold by a reporter as written in late June 1887:
“The next morning, while they were at breakfast, Ike Clanton came riding up
to the door. Mr. Brighton got up from the table, walked to the door, and was
familiarly saluted by him. Just at this time, Mr. Miller stepped to the door,
to be ready to render any assistance needed, and when Ike saw him he wheeled
his horse and attempted to get under cover of the thick cover which grows close
to Wilson's home, at the same time pulling his Winchester from its scabbard.
Both Brighton and Miller ordered him to halt but instead of doing so, when
about twenty yards distant where the trail took a turn to the left, he threw
his rifle over his left arm attempting to fire; at this instance Detective
Brighton fired, the ball entering under the left arm and passing directly
through the heart and out under the right arm. Ike reeled in his saddle and
fell on the right side of his horse, his rifle falling on the left.
Before the fall, Brighton fired a second shot which passed through the cantle
of the saddle and grazed Ike's right leg. When Brighton and Miller walked up to
where Ike lay they found he was dead. Mr. Wilson, at whose ranch the shooting
occurred, notified the nearest neighbors and four men came over and identified
the deceased and assisted in giving him as decent a burial as circumstances
would admit.”
In late June 1996 one of Ike Clanton’s relatives, Terry Ike Clanton, along with
former Citadel professor and grave expert James A. Browning, began a search of
the area where Ike was reportedly buried. This area is near Eagle Creek in what
is now Greenlee County, Arizona. They quickly discovered a shallow grave under
a large tree that they believed contained the remains of Ike Clanton.
Since their discovery, Terry has repeatedly contacted the city officials of
Tombstone in an attempt to interest the town in exhuming the remains and
re-burying them in Tombstone’s famous Boot Hill Graveyard. So far, he has met
with a great deal of resistance from town officials who believe it is best to
"let the dead rest where they lie". Ike’s remains, if that is really
what was found, remain where they were first discovered in 1996.
It is against the law to disturb any grave or deface
headstones/markers.
Take only pictures and pay respect when visiting grave sites or
cemeteries.
Trespassing is a felony in Arizona.
Arizona Pioneer & Cemetery Research Project
Internet
Presentation
Version 112112
Copyright ©2003-2012 Neal Du Shane
All rights reserved. Information contained within this website may be
used
for personal family history purposes, but not for financial profit or
gain.
All contents of this website are willed to the Arizona Pioneer &
Cemetery Research Project (APCRP).
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