Volume 7 , Issue 11

1881: Bat Masterson's Last Shootout

".....For several years, Masterson drifted around the West. Early in 1881, news that his younger brother, Jim, was in trouble back in Dodge City reached Masterson in Tombstone, Arizona. Jim's dispute with a business partner and an employee, A.J. Peacock and Al Updegraff respectively, had led to an exchange of gunfire. Though no one had yet been hurt, Jim feared for his life. Masterson immediately took a train to Dodge City.

When his train pulled into Dodge City on this morning in 1881, Masterson wasted no time. He quickly spotted Peacock and UPDEGRAFF and aggressively shouldered his way through the crowded street to confront them. I have come over a thousand miles to settle this, Masterson reportedly shouted. I know you are heeled [armed]-now fight! All three men immediately drew their guns. Masterson took cover behind the railway bed, while Peacock and Updegraff darted around the corner of the city jail. Several other men joined in the gunplay. One bullet meant for Masterson ricocheted and wounded a bystander. UPDEGRAFF took a bullet in his right lung. The mayor and sheriff arrived with shotguns to stop the battle when a brief lull settled over the scene. UPDEGRAFF and the wounded bystander were taken to the doctor and both eventually recovered. In fact, no one was mortally injured in the melee, and since the shootout had been fought fairly by the Dodge City standards of the day, no serious charges were imposed against Masterson. He paid an $8 fine and took the train out of Dodge City that evening....." -- Highlights of April 16 - 1881: Bat Masterson's Last Shootout & Two Tree Place   |  View or Add Comments (0 Comments)   |   Receive updates ( subscribers)  |   Unsubscribe

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