George W. Earp – Cowboy and Lawman
George Washington Earp, a name perhaps less immediately recognizable than that of his famous cousin, Wyatt Earp, carved his own unique niche in the annals of the American West. While sharing the Earp family’s propensity for frontier life, George distinguished himself as a cowboy, a town promoter, a lawman, and a long-lived figure who witnessed significant transformations in the nation. His story offers a compelling glimpse into the multifaceted experiences of those who shaped the landscape and society of the burgeoning Western territories.
Born on December 13, 1864, in Montgomery County, Missouri, George W. Earp entered a world already steeped in tales of westward expansion and opportunity. The allure of the open range and the independent spirit of the cowboy lifestyle beckoned him from a young age. At the age of 18, fueled by a burning ambition to embrace the cowboy life, he set his sights on Dodge City, Kansas, a bustling hub of cattle drives and frontier activity.
Interestingly, his arrival in Dodge City coincided with Wyatt Earp’s preparations to journey southwest toward the legendary Tombstone, Arizona. Despite the familial connection, Wyatt, perhaps discerning a certain naiveté in his young cousin, deemed Dodge City too rough an environment for him. Instead, he directed George W. Earp towards the relatively more "civilized" Garden City, Kansas.
In Garden City, George W. Earp finally realized his dream of becoming a cowboy, immersing himself in the demanding yet rewarding work of tending to cattle, riding the open range, and experiencing the camaraderie of fellow cowboys. This period undoubtedly shaped his character, instilling in him the values of hard work, self-reliance, and resilience that would serve him well throughout his life. In June 1883, he married Anna Maxwell in Marion County, Kansas, marking the beginning of a family that would eventually include three children. His life then took a turn towards civic duty, as he transitioned from the open range to working for the Garden City government land office.
The narrative of George W. Earp then takes an interesting turn. The Ulysses Townsite Company, a venture aimed at establishing and developing the town of Ulysses, Kansas, was organized in Garden City. Recognizing his organizational skills and ambition, the company appointed George as its manager. By the spring of 1885, he was actively surveying the townsite of Old Ulysses in Grant County, Kansas, laying the groundwork for its future development.
George W. Earp quickly emerged as one of the town’s leading promoters, actively working to attract settlers, businesses, and investment to the fledgling community. His efforts were rewarded when, in the same year, at the young age of 21, he was appointed as the first postmaster of Ulysses. This role placed him at the heart of the town’s communication network, further solidifying his influence and connection to its residents. Further demonstrating his commitment to the town, Earp, along with other early settlers, spearheaded the construction of the first structure in Ulysses – a hotel – providing much-needed lodging and a gathering place for the growing population.
At the age of 23, George W. Earp was elected as both mayor and constable of Ulysses, Kansas. This dual role placed him at the forefront of both civic administration and law enforcement in the town. While historical accounts are scarce regarding specific instances of his law enforcement activities, legend suggests that he was "just as free with his gun" as Wyatt and his associates. This anecdotal evidence paints a picture of a man willing to uphold the law and maintain order in a frontier environment where disputes were often settled through force.
The early years of Ulysses were marked by a fierce county seat battle with the neighboring town of Tilden (later renamed Appomattox). The establishment of Grant County in 1887 ignited a rivalry between the two towns, each vying for the prestige and economic benefits associated with being the county seat. Though Ulysses was initially designated as the temporary county seat, an official election was scheduled for October 16, 1888, to determine the permanent location.
These county seat battles were notorious for their corruption and violence, and the contest between Ulysses and Tilden was no exception. According to George W. Earp’s later accounts, the Ulysses Town Company, determined to secure the county seat for their town, went to great lengths to ensure a favorable outcome. They allegedly imported several notorious gunmen "to protect the security of the ballot" during the election.
Among the hired guns were figures like Bat Masterson, Luke Short, Ed Dlathe, Jim Drury, Bill Wells, and Ed Short, all seasoned veterans of the frontier underworld. These men, known for their skill with firearms and their willingness to use them, added a palpable sense of tension and potential violence to the election proceedings. The imported gunmen constructed a formidable lumber barricade across the street from the polling place, strategically positioning themselves behind it with their Winchesters and six-shooters. Their presence served as a clear deterrent to any potential attempts to steal the ballot box or disrupt the election process.
Despite the presence of these heavily armed men, the election proceeded without any major incidents of violence. In the end, Ulysses emerged victorious, securing its position as the permanent county seat of Grant County. Whether the presence of the gunmen played a decisive role in preventing fraud or intimidation remains a subject of speculation, but it undoubtedly contributed to the atmosphere of heightened tension and the stakes involved in the county seat battle.
In 1893, Earp’s career took another turn when he was appointed as a U.S. Deputy Marshal in Wichita. This appointment placed him within the federal law enforcement system, giving him the authority to enforce federal laws and apprehend fugitives. Later in his career, he transitioned to the United States Revenue Service field office, further demonstrating his adaptability and commitment to public service.
In 1933, George W. Earp moved to Joplin, Missouri, where he embarked on a new career as an income tax consultant. His long and varied career demonstrated his adaptability and his willingness to embrace new challenges. Remarkably, he continued working until the age of 91, showcasing his exceptional vitality and work ethic.
A few years before his death, George W. Earp suffered a stroke. He passed away on December 21, 1960, at the remarkable age of 96. He was laid to rest at the Maple Grove Cemetery in Wichita, Kansas, marking the end of a long and eventful life that spanned nearly a century of American history. He was recognized as the last of the line of the "Fighting Earps," a testament to the family’s legacy of frontier spirit and law enforcement. George Washington Earp’s story is a reminder that the history of the American West is not solely defined by its most famous figures, but also by the countless individuals who contributed to its development and shaped its identity.