George Bravin – Tombstone’s British Marshal
The dusty streets of Tombstone, Arizona, conjure images of gunfights, saloons, and legendary lawmen. Among the figures who shaped this iconic Wild West town was George Bravin, an unlikely marshal whose story begins not on the American frontier, but in the rolling hills of Devon, England. Born in March 1860, George Bravin was the thirteenth child of Richard and Catherine Bravin. His early life was marked by hardship, as his father passed away when he was just three years old. By the age of nine, young George was already self-reliant, working various jobs to contribute to his family’s well-being. Little did anyone know that this boy from rural England would one day become a respected figure in the turbulent landscape of the American West.
At the age of 18, driven by the spirit of adventure and the promise of opportunity, George Bravin immigrated to the United States. He embarked on a journey that would lead him through the heart of the American West. He first found himself in Cripple Creek, Colorado, a booming mining town fueled by the insatiable demand for gold. Here, Bravin worked as a miner, gaining firsthand experience in the demanding and often dangerous conditions of the mining industry. However, the allure of Tombstone, Arizona, with its tales of silver riches and lawlessness, proved too strong to resist. In 1882, he made the move southwest, drawn to the legendary town that was rapidly becoming synonymous with the Wild West.
Tombstone in the 1880s was a vibrant and volatile place. Silver mining was the lifeblood of the town, attracting a diverse population of prospectors, entrepreneurs, gamblers, and outlaws. The streets buzzed with activity day and night, and the threat of violence was ever-present. Upon his arrival, George Bravin once again found employment in the mines. For several years, he toiled underground, extracting the precious ore that fueled Tombstone’s economy. His time in the mines came to an abrupt end in 1888 when he was nearly asphyxiated in a mining accident, a stark reminder of the perilous nature of his occupation. That same year marked a significant turning point in his personal life. He married Mary Ellen Butler, a 19-year-old local woman whose own roots lay in British soil, her father also being an immigrant from Britain. Their union would blossom into a large family, with the couple eventually raising ten children.
Leaving the mines behind, Bravin demonstrated his entrepreneurial spirit by investing his savings wisely. He ran a livery barn for a couple of years, providing essential services to the town’s residents and visitors. He also made astute investments in several mining claims, showcasing his understanding of the local economy and his ability to capitalize on opportunities. These ventures proved successful, allowing him to establish himself as a respected member of the Tombstone community.
George Bravin‘s affable nature and genuine interest in others made him a popular figure in Tombstone. His friendly disposition earned him a wide circle of friends, and he quickly became known for his integrity and fairness. In 1891, his popularity translated into political success when he was elected county assessor. This position reflected the community’s trust in his abilities and his commitment to serving the public good. Further demonstrating his business acumen, Bravin also purchased the Arcade Saloon on Allen Street, the heart of Tombstone’s bustling entertainment district.
Despite his success as a businessman and elected official, fate had another path in store for George Bravin. In 1894, he surprised many by accepting the position of deputy sheriff. Though he didn’t necessarily fit the stereotypical image of a hardened lawman, possessing a more scholarly appearance, Bravin embraced the role with dedication and quickly earned the respect of his colleagues and the community. He approached his duties with diligence and a commitment to upholding the law, proving that courage and integrity were more important than physical appearance.
The following year, on September 25, 1895, Bravin’s career in law enforcement took another step forward when he was appointed as a U.S. Deputy Marshal. This prestigious appointment recognized his competence and his commitment to maintaining order in the region. In 1896, he accepted the position of the first elected constable in Pearce, Arizona, a burgeoning mining camp located east of the Dragoon Mountains. Determined to prevent Pearce from descending into the same lawlessness that plagued other boomtowns, Bravin set about establishing a strong law enforcement presence. He hired Burton Alvord, a man with a reputation as a tough and capable lawman, as his deputy. However, this partnership would prove to be short-lived and ultimately lead to unforeseen consequences.
Just six months after hiring Alvord, George Bravin decided that the need for such a forceful deputy had diminished in Pearce and let him go. Little did he know that Alvord would soon abandon his commitment to the law and embark on a path of crime. Alvord moved to Willcox, where he continued to work as a deputy constable, but his reputation began to shift. He became known for his excessive drinking and his willingness to use deadly force, foreshadowing his descent into outlawry. By the turn of the century, Alvord had fully embraced a life of crime, partnering with Billy Stiles to form the Alvord-Stiles Gang. The gang initially engaged in cattle rustling but soon escalated to robbing trains, becoming a notorious threat to the region’s security.
Meanwhile, George Bravin returned to Tombstone, where he continued his service as a lawman. In 1900, fate intervened when the Alvord-Stiles Gang attempted to rob a train in Fairbank, a town near Tombstone. Their attempt was thwarted by the legendary lawman Jeff Milton, who apprehended Alvord and brought him to the Cochise County Jail. There, Alvord found himself face to face with his former boss, George Bravin. The encounter must have been fraught with tension and irony, as the two men reflected on their contrasting paths.
On April 7, 1900, while Bravin was responsible for some 25 prisoners in the jail, Billy Stiles orchestrated a daring escape. Stiles visited Alvord and other gang members, then brandished a gun, demanding the release of all the prisoners. In the ensuing chaos, Stiles shot Bravin, severing two of his toes. The prisoners, including Alvord, seized the opportunity and escaped, leaving Bravin injured and humiliated.
Despite the setback, Bravin remained steadfast in his commitment to law enforcement. On June 20, 1908, he was involved in a dramatic gunfight with a Mexican man named Marcello Mendez. Mendez had shot a local woman three times, prompting Bravin and another constable named Kelly to rush to the scene. They found Mendez hiding under a bed, and as they approached, he opened fire again. Although the lawmen sustained only powder burns, Mendez was fatally wounded, struck in the head and heart. The woman who had been shot survived, a testament to the bravery and quick action of Bravin and his fellow constable.
For the next nine years, George Bravin continued to serve as a lawman in Tombstone, upholding the law and protecting the community he had come to call home. At the age of 55, in 1917, he fell ill and was admitted to a hospital in Douglas, Arizona. He never fully recovered and passed away at his daughter’s home in Douglas on October 21, 1918. His body was returned to Tombstone, where his funeral was one of the largest ever held, a fitting tribute to a man who had dedicated his life to the town’s service. He was buried in the Tombstone Cemetery (not Boot Hill), a final resting place among the many other pioneers and figures who had shaped the town’s history.
George Bravin‘s life story is a testament to the transformative power of the American West. From his humble beginnings in rural England to his role as a respected lawman in Tombstone, he embodied the spirit of adventure, resilience, and community service. Though he may not be as widely known as some of the other legendary figures of the Wild West, his contributions to Tombstone’s history are undeniable. He was a man of integrity, courage, and dedication, who left an indelible mark on the town he served.