Doc Holliday

Doc Holliday, ca 1880

Doc Holliday was born John Henry Holliday in Griffin, Georgia on August 14, 1851. It’s a little South of Atlanta. His ancestral roots were Scottish and English.

His mother was born Alice Jane McKey. His father was Henry Burroughs Holliday, who served in the military as a Major. First in the Mexican-American war, and then in the Confederate Army of the Civil War. They married on January 8, 1849, both natives of South Carolina.

The Mexican American War ended in 1848. When father Henry returned to Griffin after the war, he brought a war-orphan boy home with him. Named Francisco Hidalgo, he adopted as a son.

This image of Doc Holliday is believed to be from around 1880.

Doc Holliday, ca 1880
Doc Holliday, ca 1880

Henry and Alice had their first-born child on December 3, 1849. A daughter named Martha Eleanora. She died when just over 6 months old.1

John Holliday’s Early Years

Soon after John Henry came into the family, he was baptized at the local First Presbyterian Church, on March 21, 1852.

He’d had a birth defect, a cleft palate. His parents obtained corrective surgery for him.4

John lived in Griffin with his adopted brother, Francisco. Plus three of his mother’s siblings.3 When John Henry “Doc” Holliday was old enough, his father taught him to shoot and handle a gun. His mother taught him piano, and worked with him on speech and manners.4

In 1864 the family moved to Valdosta, Georgia. John spent adolescent school days there. Attending a private school, the Valdosta Institute. No longer there, a marker notes the historic interest.2 It’s where he received classical education that stayed with him through life.

Doc Holliday baptized at this Presbyterian Church
Where Doc Was Baptized

Yes – Doc Holliday Knew Latin

He studied French and Latin, also a bit of Greek. A course he enjoyed was Rhetoric. It involved advanced English language usage. It sure influenced the way he spoke throughout his life! There’s a famous scene in the fictional Tombstone movie where Doc speaks Latin with his nemesis, Johnny Ringo. Though conjured out of thin air, it does have a veneer of plausibility since he was known both for florid language and for speaking Latin. If you’ve ever wondered what they are saying in the movie we’ve put together a Tombstone Latin translation article for you.

On September 16, 1866 his mother, Alice, died from tuberculosis (then known as consumption). We don’t know what young John thought, when three months later his father remarried. A young woman from down the street, Rachel Martin, became his wife. She was much younger than Henry Holliday!3

Less than a year later, John was sent to North Georgia, spending a summer with relatives. Southern post-civil war reconstruction was ongoing at that time. Perhaps factoring into his visit.

Robert Kennedy Holliday was John’s uncle in Jonesboro GA. His daughter, Doc’s cousin Mattie, was about 1-1/2 years older than Doc. They hit it off well together. A lasting “kissing cousin” kind of friendship.3

Doc Holliday Dentist

In 1870 John “Doc” Holliday went to Philadelphia, enrolling in the Pennsylvania School of Dentistry. Entailing two years’ coursework, plus dental labs and clinicals. His father paid his tuition and books. But he helped, working summer jobs in Valdosta.

He was 20 years old upon his education completion in March 1872. But he couldn’t get his diploma for authorization as a dentist by his school, until age 21. So then ineligible for a Georgia dentist’s license. 

His solution was collaboration with fellow graduate Auguste Jameson Fuches. They went to his hometown of St. Louis, Missouri, and practiced together there until John’s birthday.3 

Doc Holliday, age 20
John Henry Holliday Graduation Photo

When he reached 21, John Henry returned to Georgia. He received his inheritance, through his mother’s side. And gained a Dentist position in Atlanta, working alongside Doctor Arthur C. Ford. There, he roomed with his uncle, Doctor John Stiles Holliday.3

Doc Holliday Dental Office
Doc Holliday Griffin Dental Office Property

His adopted brother Francisco had married, had six children. They lived East of Griffin, in Jenkinsburg. 

He’d contracted tuberculosis (TB). Francisco died January 13, 1873. Doc Holliday probably attended his funeral, as the next day he returned to Griffin completing a property sale.3

Nine months later, Doc was in Dallas Texas. Before that, many buzzes circulate of his activities:3

  1. He left the Atlanta practice, opening his own office in Griffin with inheritance funds
  2. His relationship with cousin Mattie was troublesome. She had affection for him. As a Catholic, she didn’t want more involvement. They were too closely related. He tried overcoming her objections.
  3. His TB symptoms began. He’d had regular exposure to his mother and brother over time. John (Doc) Holliday contracted tuberculosis from one them. He was thinking about solutions.
  4. He had an incident requiring him to avoid the law. Local boys used a swimming hole on Holliday land along the Withlacoochee River. Doc chased some black kids from the river one day, firing a shotgun. Some say he killed two, wounded a few. Others say he shot over their heads. No charges were filed. The family asked him to leave town until the event memory faded.

Doc Holliday Goes West

Doc Holliday & Partner Dentists
Ad in The Dallas Daily Herald – Satuday, October 4, 1873 – Page 4

In Dallas, John “Doc” Holliday began a dental practice. He moved here for the drier climate. His doctors advised that may ease his TB symptoms.

His father arranged a meeting with John A. Seeger, a local dentist. They partnered together, opening a practice on Elm.5 Together they won dental awards at the Dallas County Fair.6

On March 2, 1874 a Dallas newspaper reported the two dentists went their separate ways. Doc Holliday opened his own practice in an office over a bank in town. It didn’t go well. His bedside manner suffered with continuous coughing spells. That lost him patients. He began losing interest in the practice which he couldn’t maintain.

Booking.com

Doc Holliday – Gambler & Gun-Fighter

The Old West Barrooms in Dallas attracted more and more of his attention. He enjoyed card games and was good at gambling. Alcohol eased the pain of his illness. That initiated his new lifestyle. He began relying on gambling for income.

He started promoting and embellishing tales of his own gun-play experiences. Establishing a virile reputation, needed since he appeared rather sickly.

Doc was arrested after a “minor” gunfight with a barkeep in a Dallas saloon. It wasn’t long after this he left town. Some say after shooting and killing an important local. Next stop was West Texas.5

Doc Holliday arrested in Dallas
From The Dallas Weekly Herald – Saturday, January 2, 1875 Page 3

Doc’s Wild West

In Fort Griffin Texas, Doc Holliday continued gambling. In June 1875 he found himself in court there. The Grand Jury indicted him for illegal gaming in a saloon. He paid a fine and moved on.7

His next destination was Denver Colorado by winter 1876. Along the way he stopped in Jacksboro TX. It’s rumored his reputation here gave him the name: Deadly Dentist.5 In Denver more tall tales of his menacing ways developed. During the year, he also spent a little time in Cheyenne Wyoming, Dodge City, Deadwood and then Breckenridge Colorado.7

He returned to Fort Griffin in late 1877. It was a momentous trip.

He met two individuals who played a large part in his life. In John Shanssey’s saloon he met Mary Katherine Harony, well known as Big Nose Kate. Doc Holliday also first met Wyatt Earp there, beginning a life-long friendship. So did Wyatt Earp actually write about their friendship, publishing a book called “My Friend Doc Holliday by Wyatt Earp“?

After leaving Texas, Doc and Kate headed for Dodge City, Kansas.

Big Nose Kate
Mary Katherine Harony at 40 Years Old

Dentistry in Dodge City

Big Nose Kate entered Dodge with Doc Holliday at the beginning of June 1878. Doc tried an honest living at his dental profession again. Renting an office at Dodge House, he’d often work an entire day. But his evenings at gambling.

Doc Holliday Dentist in Dodge City
From the Dodge City Times – Sat., June 8, 1878 – Page 3
Long Branch, Dodge City
From: Dodge City Times – Saturday, June 22, 1878 – Page 4

Wyatt Earp turned up in town. He and Doc renewed their friendship. Wyatt introduced him to brothers Morgan and Virgil. Wyatt found Doc useful in some of his activities.

In September that year, someone crept up behind Wyatt to shoot him in the back. Doc Holliday saw this, warning his friend, shooting Wyatt’s assailant. He saved his life and Wyatt never forgot this!7 Wyatt would tell the story throughout his life.

Doc also met others there in Dodge City. Men who’ve made historical notoriety: Bat & Ed Masterson, Luke Short, Charlie Bassett, Dog Kelly (city mayor), Creek Johnson, Chalk Beeson (Long Branch Saloon co-owner) and entertainer Eddie Foy.7

IPA at Dodge City says ad in the 1800s
Dodge City Times – 1878 – Page 4

In November 1878, Doc Holliday left Dodge for dryer climes again. His health had taken a downturn with pneumonia. He traveled to recover in Trinidad, Colorado. Then went south, ending up in Las Vegas, New Mexico.7 


Doc Holliday Goes to Arizona

Doc began working with another dentist in Las Vegas NM. But regularly at his sideline: gaming tables. He partnered with former Dodge City deputy, John Joshua Webb, opening a saloon. That’s when he heard of Tombstone Arizona’s silver strike.

Stories of Doc Holliday in gunfights and killings surfaced during those years. Especially in New Mexico. Little truth of them can be confirmed.8 Probably it’s bluster to maintain the Doc Holliday reputation.

But What Guns Did Doc Holliday Carry?

Because of his gambling “occupation” Doc wanted protection with him. As a child, his father trained him well in gun handling. But his disease sapped his strength. Doc chose weapons for practicality, with his health status in mind.

What he liked best were two double action Colt pistols, which worked well for him. Doc Holliday carried either the nickel-plated .41 caliber Thunderer, or else the .38 caliber Lightening.

Doc Holliday's Guns: Colt Double Actions
The Type of Gun Doc Carried: A Colt 1877 Lightning Double Action .38 Calibur Photo Credit: Hmaag

We’ve put together a more in-depth article on Doc Holliday’s guns to straighten out any questions you might have.

Doc Holliday in Prescott AZ

About October 1879 Wyatt told Doc he was heading to Prescott AZ. Wyatt’s brother Virgil Earp was there, but was going to Tombstone AZ for a lawman position. He and his brothers also had interest in silver mining there.

They left for Prescott in November. Doc started gambling there. He stayed, since his winnings were good and regular. He met John Behan and John Clum, while gaming. He’d meet up with them again later in Tombstone.

Kate and Doc lived in a Prescott hotel room together. Some arguments arose between them. She wasn’t fond of Wyatt Earp, who was trying to convince Doc to come to Tombstone. Both Doc and Kate were intelligent, strong personalities, leading to clashes. Still their strong attraction kept them together. Doc finally decided to join Wyatt in Tombstone.

Kate refused to go with him. Instead she moved to Globe, Arizona.

Doc Holliday signed Portrait
Taken in Prescott, AZ – 1879 – And Signed

Doc Holliday in Tombstone

Doc Holliday's Room in Tombstone AZ
Re-Creation of Doc’s Room at Fly’s Boarding House

Doc Holliday got to Tombstone AZ in September 1880. He took a room at Fly’s Boarding House. Big Nose Kate joined him from time to time, staying awhile. Probably she was with him at Fly’s three times when he lived in Tombstone. Each time they eventually got into a bad argument. He’d throw her out or she’d leave.7

While in Tombstone, Doc consistently gambled. He dealt the games and played. All along Doc was drinking (his favorite is said to be Old Overholt Whiskey). To ease TB’s pain and coughing spasms. With consistent drinking, one gets tolerance for alcohol. Thus over time he could imbibe a quantity, without showing obvious effects.

Doc Holliday Faro Table
Sign on His Faro Table in The Bird Cage Theatre

His reputation began circulating in town. Locals frequenting saloons and gambling dens knew him. He interacted with ranch-hands and cow-boys coming into town. Local lawmen learned his name. He often gambled at the Oriental Saloon, at the Northeast corner of Allen and 5th Streets. The owner, Milton Joyce, wasn’t fond of him, helping lead to an incident.

Doc’s Tombstone Troubles Begin

On March 15, 1881, a Stagecoach robbery occurred north of Tombstone. Someone killed the shotgun rider and a passenger. The injured stage driver managed to shoot one of the culprits. Lawmen determined one of the bandits: a friend of Doc Holliday’s.

Doc felt Oriental Owner, Milton Joyce was spreading rumors of his guilt around town. Holliday was drinking all day, and entered the Oriental. Arguing with Joyce, he got thrown out.

Doc got his gun, and returned. He unsteadily fired at Joyce, who pulled out his own pistol. Doc fired again, his bullet piercing Joyce’s hand. The Oriental bartender tried grabbing Doc’s gun, which fired into the barkeep’s foot. Joyce retrieved his own gun, clunking Doc’s head, knocking him out. A lawman entered ending the situation.5

News reports Doc Holiday Accused of Stagecoach murder
The Weekly Arizona Miner – Fri. July 15, 1881 Page 3

Subsequently, Sheriff John Behan and Milton Joyce encountered Big Nose Kate drinking in a saloon. Grumbling about a recent argument with Doc Holliday: He’d told her to get out!

Behan and Joyce talked to her, bought her more drinks. In her drunken, angry state, she signed an affidavit stating Doc had been in on that stage robbery. A warrant for Doc’s arrest was issued.

Big Nose Kate recovered from her alcohol binge. She remembered signing something bad about Doc Holliday. She heard plans to arrest Doc, and stood witness to manipulation by John Behan and Milton Joyce. With that and Doc Holliday’s alibi, he was exonerated of the stage robbery. Doc was angry at Kate, what she’d done. He gave her money to take a stagecoach out of town.

Tensions Flare

Doc Holliday, a friend to Wyatt Earp
Controversy: Is It An Authentic Portrait?

Wyatt Earp still involved his good friend, Doc Holliday, in law enforcement and posse efforts. Whenever he needed extra men to help, he asked Doc. On August 13, 1881, Doc was probably with some Earp brothers on a Posse. It was formed by Marshal Crawley Dake to go after Cow-boy rustlers at the Mexican border. Clanton gang boss, Old Man Clanton, was killed during the posse’s raid.

There’s evidence that both Warren Earp and Doc were involved in that posse. Other Earp brothers conceivably were there. Doc seemed out commission awhile after that.5 Doc appeared around town again in October, using a cane.

Locals witnessed a clash between Holliday and Ike Clanton the evening of October 25th. They’d both been drinking all day. They ended up at the Alhambra Saloon, started insulting each other.7 Doc finally challenged Ike to try shooting him! Ike said he wasn’t armed (as was the city law!). But Doc said Ike should go get a gun.5

Doc ended it by claiming he killed Ike’s father, Old Man Clanton, blaming Ike. Threatening the same for Ike. Both left for the night. Ike to the Grand Hotel. Doc home to Fly’s, to the comfort of Big Nose Kate.

The next day, October 26, 1881, Doc and Kate went out. Ike knocked at their door that morning looking for Doc. Mrs. Fly sent him off, since they weren’t there. Later she informed Kate that Ike came by. When Doc found out, he stated “If God will let me live long enough, he will see me!”5

Doc heard about Ike roaming town that morning threatening the Earps. One of Ike’s stops was Kelly’s Wine House, boasting: “The Earps and Doc Holliday are about to be shot.” Doc threatened Billy Clanton on the street: “Glad to meet you. Hope to kill you soon.”7 

Doc Holliday in the OK Corral Gunfight

Doc went to Hafford’s Saloon, meeting Virgil, Wyatt and Morgan Earp to discuss Ike.7 He realized there was more to it. The Clanton brothers were with the McLaury brothers. They’d been to Spangenberg’s gun shop and then went to a lot off Fremont Street, next to the O.K. Corral.

Virgil said they must disarm these Cowboys. Wyatt turned to Doc, saying “Doc, this isn’t your fight.” Doc felt rather insulted, somewhat hurt that his good friend would say such a thing. He replied “That’s a hell of a thing to say to me.” Virgil Earp deputized Doc for this foray.7

The four of them walked up 4th, turned the corner, walking West on Fremont Street. John Behan tried heading them off, saying he’d already disarmed those Cow-boys. Holliday and the Earps just brushed him aside.

When they got to the lot behind the O.K. Corral, they saw Ike & Billy Clanton, Frank & Tom McLaury, and Billy Claibourne. Claibourne ran off. Virgil requested their guns. His phrasing is conjectural. A few seconds later gunshots commenced. It’s also unclear who shot first. 30 shots rang out in 30 seconds – that’s how fast it went!

As the shooting started, Ike ran off. Both McLaury brothers were mortally wounded, dead within minutes. Billy Clanton was dead. Doc Holliday did lots of damage. He killed Tom McLaury, struck Frank McLaury with a slug, and probably hit Billy Clanton with a bullet. Doc Holliday himself was barely grazed.

Doc Holliday described at the O.K. Corral gunfight in the news
From the Arizona Weekly Citizen – Sunday October 30, 1881 Page 3

For the Whole Gunfight at the O.K. Corral Story – Click Here

Tombstone Shooting’s Aftermath

O.K. Corral Shootout Arrests
From the Tombstone Nugget – Mon., Oct. 30, 1881

Ike Clanton soon filed a complaint with the court. A warrant was issued to arrest Wyatt Earp and Doc Holliday. The other Earps were seriously injured, and weren’t then charged.

Witnesses presented testimony during November 1881. Judge Spicer gave his decision: “the defendants were fully justified in committing these homicides.” It was needed in their job as deputies.5

Cowboys After the OK Corral Gunfight
Arizona Weekly Citizen -Sun., Nov. 27, 1881 – Page 3, Heading: Tombstone Topics

Virgil Attacked – Arm Incapacitated

Ike and his fellow Cow-boys didn’t take the judgment well. One response came the night of December 28th at Virgil Earp. Walking on Allen Street, near the Crystal Palace Saloon after leaving the Oriental. Bullets struck his left arm, side and back. He survived, but was handicapped thereafter. Frank Stilwell was named among the shooters, but got off with an alibi.

Holliday & Earps get bail
Arizona Weekly Citizen – Sunday, November 27, 1881 – Page 3

Ringo Confronts Doc

In mid January 1882, Johnny Ringo, friend of the Cow-boys, accosted Doc Holliday. Ringo was pretty drunk, and Doc wasn’t that sober! Ringo challenged Doc to a shoot-out. Doc’s good friend Wyatt was near-by. He interceded, along with Marshal James Flynn. The two were separated. That ended it for the time being.5

Morgan Earp Murdered

Another retribution that shook Wyatt Earp to his soul happened March 18, 1882. Morgan Earp was killed, playing pool in Campbell & Hatch’s on Allen Street. Doc found out, reacting with his heart and gut. He searched Tombstone, breaking down doors where he thought offenders may be.

A coroner’s jury determined the murderers. Frank Stilwell, among those listed, even boasted of delivering the fatal shot.5 Wyatt Earp resolved to get justice for Morgan, in his own way. His friend Doc always supported him. Doc and Wyatt traveled by train escorting Virgil and Allie Earp to Tucson AZ. The couple caught the train to the Earp family home in Colton California, for Morgan’s burial. 

Morgan Earp Gravestone
Morgan Earp Gravestone

Wyatt and Doc got off the train in Tucson, now March 20, 1882. Suddenly Frank Stilwell appeared, a chase ensued. Wyatt blasted off shots at Stillwell, killing him. Doc appeared, firing twice more at the dead Stillwell. A warrant named Doc and Wyatt in his death, plus others in their party that day.5

Wyatt Earp’s Vendetta Posse

Wyatt aimed to get everyone behind the murder of his brother Morgan. His friends stood with him, including Doc Holliday. They formed a posse. Cochise County Sheriff John Behan had his warrants. So Behan tried to arrest Wyatt and Doc as they left town. But they refused to be detained.

On March 22, 1882 they rode into the Dragoon Mountains to locate Pete Spence. At Spence’s camp was Florentino Cruz. As he ran from the posse, they shot him down.

Next they went to Iron Springs in the Whetstone Mountains. Nine Cow-boys were there waiting in ambush. Wyatt allegedly killed Curly Bill Brocius and Johnny Barnes. The others escaped. Curly Bill’s body was never recovered.

Since John Behan didn’t arrest Wyatt and Doc, he secured a posse to get it done. After Iron Springs, Wyatt’s vendetta ride went Northwest to Henry Hooker’s Sierra Bonita Ranch. That’s Southwest of Safford, Arizona. Hooker gave them food and shelter. He protected them from Behan’s posse when they followed.

A possee is forming it looks like here. Wyatt Earp's included Doc Holliday

Wyatt & Doc’s Posse Leave Arizona

About the first week of April 1882, Doc Holliday headed out of Arizona. Wyatt Earp’s posse was along. They knew their best interests were to leave Arizona Territory.

They entered New Mexico Territory. Spending their first night in Silver City.

Then Deming and on to Albuquerque. Witnesses reported an argument between Wyatt and Doc Holliday at a restaurant there. Concerning Wyatt’s relationship with Josephine Marcus. Doc made a racial slur about her Jewish heritage.5,7

They each went their separate ways. Wyatt went to Gunnison Colorado, while Doc Holliday went to Denver.7 In late May, Arizona put an extradition effort through to Colorado. Doc Holliday was arrested.

Silver City NM Old West era cabin
Silver City NM Historic Area
Doc Holliday arrested in Denver.
Arizona Daily Star, Friday: May 19, 1882 – Page 4
Doc Holliday not returned to Arizona
Colorado Denies Holliday Extradition Reported in Arizona Daily Star Friday: May 19, 1882 – Page 4

But Doc wasn’t released back to Arizona for technical reasons. Therefore he wasn’t extradited, and remained in Colorado.

Sheriff Paul and Doc Holliday in Tombstone AZ
Humorous News Report: Tombstone Epitaph, Sat., June 3, 1882 Pg. 2 – Commenting on Doc Holliday Not Extradited

Doc went to Gunnison the month after, meeting with Wyatt. Josie was there, too. Doc’s health was now failing more. He was very thin, pretty weak, lacking energy. His cough was quite bad. Now, looking much older than his 31 years. Still he carried on, stopping in a few Southern Colorado towns. Finally ended up in Leadville at the end of 1882.


Doc Holliday in Leadville CO

Leadville Colorado 1880
Leadville in 1880s

The elevation there wasn’t good for his lungs. Tuberculosis had probably damaged half his lung tissue by now = useless for absorbing oxygen. Mucus from TB encouraged pneumonia. Plus clogged up decent lung area, further blocking oxygen absorption.

Plus remaining passable lung area was hampered in absorbing oxygen because of elevation. The air pressure there is lower. Good air pressure is needed to press oxygen molecules into the bloodstream for body usage.

So his brain wasn’t getting needed oxygen. For all those reasons! That would affect his gambling skills. And it did.

He also self-medicated with drinking and regular laudanum doses. His thinking was fuzzy. His winnings were down. In fact, losses were so bad he started pawning jewelry he owned. And borrowing small amounts of money from various friends and enemies. And not quick to pay it back. That lead to another notorious life incident.9

Doc Holliday frequented Hyman's Saloon

His hang-out in Leadville was Hyman’s Saloon.

Two old foes were in town. On edge, Doc heard they’d threatened him. Billy Allen demanding his $5 loan be repaid, or else! 

As Allen entered the saloon, Doc fired his gun. He hit him with his first shot, fired again and missed. Saloon patrons disarmed him.

Doc was arrested. A jury trial found him not guilty March 28, 1885: self defense. Part of his defense was his weak condition.5,9


Doc Holliday: Dying Days & Death

Doc Holliday made his way to Glenwood Springs, Colorado in May 1887. Spring waters there were reputed to have healthful properties. Actually, with sulfurous odors, not really a good inhalant for tuberculin lungs! 

Doc took a room in Hotel Glenwood. It specialized in people visiting town for these local springs. In particular they went to the Yampah Hot Springs. A man he’d known from his past days in Tombstone, Charlie Smith, was in town at the time. It’s from him we fortunately have a look at Doc’s last days.

Glenwood Springs, Colorado

Origen Charles Smith’s writings surfaced. They went through many narrow escapes! Descendants of a Smith associate preserved them through the years. A recent descendant, Clifton Brewer, collaborated with a descendant/relative of Doc Holliday. She’s Karen Holliday Tanner. They presented a historical work of Smith’s notes. She also authored an authoritative book on the life of John Henry Holliday.

Here are details of Doc’s experiences, based on memorandums by Charlie Smith…10

Doc Holliday Historical Sign in Glenwood CO
Historical Sign in Glenwood CO – With Info on Hotel Glenwood

Charlie had a room across the hall from Doc at the Hotel Glenwood. Mr. Smith kept journals, and wrote letters detailing the events. He said Doc took the narrow gauge railway from Leadville. It was a difficult for him. He continually coughed, constantly bringing up bloody mucus. He needed a cane to walk. His hair was silvery gray.

From the train station, he took the stagecoach, arriving at the Hotel Glenwood on May 24, 1887. At first he tried to earn cash by dealing Faro. But he couldn’t do it. Big Nose Kate came to town to help take care of Doc. He contacted her in Globe, letting her know his plans as he left Leadville.

Doc Holliday’s Last Words

By October Doc had another bout of pneumonia. He hadn’t gotten out of bed, sat up, or spoken a word in many days. Any activity was just delirium. A doctor told Kate he’d done all he could do.

On November 8, 1887 Charlie Smith went to Doc’s room. The bellhop let him know Doc had sat up that morning! The maid entered the room to find him that way. Was that an improvement?

When Charlie entered, Kate was there. So were a few friends, and his doctor. It was obvious to Charlie that the Doctor was telling Kate the end was near. Now Doc’s breathing was very shallow. The Doctor gave him a shot of whiskey. Doc smiled at Kate. With his last breath Doc said “This is funny.”

The Doctor recorded the time and date of Doc’s death: Nine fifty-five, November 8, 1887. He was 36 years old.


In Memorium: The Doc Holliday Grave

Glenwood Springs CO gravesite
RIP Doc Holliday

Charlie Smith continued his notes. To include information on the funeral arrangements.10

They planned it quickly, 2 p.m. the same day. Held in Linwood Colorado. Reverend Rudolph performed the ceremony. Local friends donated his adorned coffin. Undertakers lifted his body and took it to the hearse. People on the streets offered condolences to Kate, as the hearse headed out.

He was buried in Linwood Cemetery. Some controversy exists about the exact grave-site. But there’s evidence that it’s probably right where the grave marker stands, or pretty close to it. 

Kate sent Doc’s possessions to his family in Georgia. She returned to Globe Arizona the day after the funeral. Charlie Smith left Glenwood on November 10th.


Doc Holliday Legend Lives On

Doc Holliday remains a memorable name in the annals of the Old West. His name and life, short though it was, will continue to be of interest to many. How do we know?


References

1 “John Henry Holliday Family History”. Kansas Heritage Group. Archived from the original on November 16, 2017. Retrieved January 4, 2018.

2 Siebert, D. (2018). Valdosta Institute. Digital Library of Georgia. Retrieved from Georgia Info, an Online Georgia Almanac on January 4, 2018.

3 Wilcox, V. (2001). Mischievous minor: From lad to Luger. True West: History of the American Frontier. Retrieved January 5, 2018 from https://truewestmagazine.com/mischievous-minor/

4 Doc Holliday Biography.com (April 27, 2017). The Biography.com website published by A&E Television Networks. Retrieved January 4, 2018 from https://www.biography.com/people/doc-holliday

5 Traywick, B. (October 1997). Doc Holliday. Wild West Magazine. Archived from the original on May 11, 2016. Retrieved January 4, 2018.

6 Ballard, S. (n.d.). Facts any good Doc Holliday aficionado should know (and probably doesn’t). Tombstone Times. Retrieved January 4, 2018 from http://www.tombstonetimes.com/stories/facts.html

7 Gillen, P. (2017). I am John H. Holliday DDS: You may call me Doc. Bloomington IN: Authorhouse.

8 Traywick, B. (n.d.). The infamous Doc Holliday. The Tombstone News. Retrieved January 5, 2018 from http://thetombstonenews.com/the-infamous-doc-holliday-p1201-84.htm

9 Jay, R. (August 14, 2006). Spitting lead in Leadville: Doc Holliday’s last stand. HistoryNet. Wild West Magazine. Retrieved January 6, 2018 from http://www.historynet.com/spitting-lead-in-leadville-doc-hollidays-last-stand.htm

10 Holliday Tanner, K. & Brewer, C. (November 1, 2001). Doc Holliday’s last days: The Origen Charles Smith memoir. True West Magazine. Retrieved January 6, 2018 from https://truewestmagazine.com/doc-hollidays-last-days/


1 thought on “Doc Holliday”

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *