Camillus Sidney Fly – Photographer and Lawman
Camillus "Buck" Sidney Fly, more frequently recognized as "C.S. Fly," carved a prominent place for himself in the annals of the American West. While he is celebrated primarily for his extensive photographic documentation of Tombstone, Arizona, during its tumultuous years, a less widely known aspect of his life reveals him to have also been a lawman, actively participating in maintaining order in a burgeoning frontier town. This article delves into the multifaceted life of Camillus Sidney Fly, exploring his journey from a Missouri birth to his lasting legacy as a chronicler of the Wild West.
The Fly family resided in Andrew County, Missouri, when Camillus Sidney Fly entered the world in 1849. His parents, Captain Boon and Mary Percival Fly, had initially planned a westward migration to California. However, Mary’s pregnancy with her seventh child prompted a temporary delay. Unwilling to subject her unborn child to the rigors of the trail, they patiently waited for his arrival. On May 2, 1849, Camillus Sidney Fly was born. Just weeks later, on May 24th, the family embarked on their ambitious trek to California, where young Fly spent his formative years in Napa County.
In San Francisco, on September 29, 1879, Camillus married Mary "Mollie" E. Goodrich. Mary, herself a skilled photographer, shared her husband’s passion for the art. Shortly after their marriage, the couple ventured eastward to the Arizona Territory, settling in the infamous town of Tombstone in December 1879. Camillus Sidney Fly, who preferred the moniker "Buck," and his wife immediately established a temporary photographic studio within a tent. Their entrepreneurial spirit drove them to construct more permanent and accommodating facilities.
By July 1880, they had inaugurated a twelve-room boarding house, coupled with a dedicated studio space christened the "Fly Gallery." This establishment was strategically located at 312 Fremont Street, a prime location in the heart of Tombstone’s bustling commercial district. The Fly Gallery quickly became a focal point for residents and visitors alike, seeking to capture their likenesses against the backdrop of the legendary Western town. The name Camillus Sidney Fly became synonymous with photographic excellence in the region.
On October 26, 1881, Camillus Sidney Fly found himself in a uniquely significant position. The notorious Gunfight at the O.K. Corral, an event that has become deeply ingrained in Western lore, unfolded just off Fremont Street, in close proximity to his studio and Jersey’s Livery Stable. During the intense exchange of gunfire, Cochise County Sheriff John Behan sought refuge within the Fly Gallery, a silent observer to the unfolding drama. He was soon joined by Ike Clanton, who fled the scene in terror, vociferously proclaiming his unarmed status. When the smoke cleared and the echoes of gunfire subsided, Fly, armed with a Henry rifle, emerged to disarm the mortally wounded Billy Clanton. Surprisingly, Fly did not photograph the immediate aftermath of the gunfight. Legend suggests that he was dissuaded from doing so by threats from one of the Earp brothers.
Alongside his professional endeavors, Camillus Sidney Fly and Mary adopted a young girl whom they named Kitty. Mary played a crucial role in the family business, managing both the boarding house and the studio while Camillus traveled extensively throughout the region, capturing images of its diverse landscapes and inhabitants. In her husband’s absence, Mary emerged as one of the few female photographers of that era, diligently serving customers who could afford the studio’s standard rate of 35 cents per photograph.
In March 1886, Fly accompanied General George Crook to Canyon de Los Embudos for crucial negotiations with the Apache leader Geronimo. It was during this expedition that Camillus Sidney Fly secured his place in history, capturing a series of iconic photographs of the negotiations, Geronimo himself, and other members of his band of Apaches on March 25th and 26th. These images, now widely recognized, provide a rare and invaluable visual record of a pivotal moment in the history of the American West.
However, concurrent with his rising professional success, Fly grappled with a growing dependence on alcohol. The year following his capture of the famous Apache photographs, his wife, Mary, made the difficult decision to separate from him, taking their adopted daughter with her. Fly departed Tombstone on December 17, 1887, embarking on a tour of Arizona with his collection of photographs. He briefly established a studio in Phoenix in 1893, but the following year, he returned to the Tombstone area. Meanwhile, Mary continued to operate the Fly Gallery in Tombstone, maintaining the business in his absence.
Despite his increasing struggles with alcoholism, Fly’s reputation and standing within the community remained intact. In 1895, he was elected as the Cochise County Sheriff, a testament to the trust and respect he commanded. He served in this capacity for two years, upholding the law in a region known for its lawlessness. After his term as sheriff concluded, he transitioned to ranching in the Chiricahua Mountains, pursuing a more pastoral existence. Camillus Sidney Fly passed away in Bisbee on October 12, 1901. Although he and Mary had been estranged for many years, she remained devoted to him. She was present at his bedside during his final moments and arranged for his remains to be transported back to Tombstone, where he was laid to rest in the Tombstone Town Cemetery, marked by a stone memorial.
Following her husband’s death, Mary continued to manage the Tombstone gallery independently. In 1905, she published a collection of her husband’s photographs from the Indian campaigns, titled Scenes in Geronimo’s Camp: The Apache Outlaw and Murderer. This publication served to further solidify Camillus Sidney Fly’s legacy as a significant chronicler of the American West. In 1912, Mary finally retired, relocating to Los Angeles, California. Before her departure, she generously donated her husband’s extensive collection of negatives to the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, D.C., ensuring the preservation and accessibility of his invaluable work for future generations. Mary Fly passed away in 1925, leaving behind a legacy as a pioneering female photographer and a devoted custodian of her husband’s artistic achievements. The name of Camillus Sidney Fly lives on through her dedication.