William “Billy” Breakenridge – Lawman, Surveyor, Author
William Milton "Billy" Breakenridge, a figure etched in the annals of the American West, embodies a multifaceted persona that extends beyond the typical image of a frontier lawman. While he earned renown as a peace officer in the notorious town of Tombstone, Arizona Territory, his life encompassed roles as a Civil War veteran, a surveyor, and ultimately, an author who chronicled his experiences in a captivating memoir. Breakenridge’s story is a testament to the diverse experiences that shaped the individuals who tamed the Wild West.
Born on December 26, 1846, in Watertown, Wisconsin, William “Billy” Breakenridge embarked on a westward journey at the tender age of fifteen, drawn by the allure of the Pike’s Peak mining region in Colorado. This early exposure to the frontier instilled in him a spirit of adventure and self-reliance that would define his life. His youthful quest for fortune soon evolved into a commitment to national service.
In 1864, at the age of seventeen, William “Billy” Breakenridge enlisted in Company B of the Third Colorado Cavalry, joining the ranks of soldiers engaged in the tumultuous Civil War. His military service included participation in the infamous Battle of Sand Creek, a controversial event that remains a subject of historical debate. Beyond Sand Creek, Breakenridge participated in numerous skirmishes, gaining firsthand experience in the brutal realities of armed conflict and solidifying his resolve under pressure.
Following the Civil War, Breakenridge drifted westward, eventually arriving in Arizona Territory around 1876. By 1880, he had settled in Tombstone, a burgeoning town known for its silver mines, saloons, and a general disregard for law and order. It was here that William “Billy” Breakenridge began his career as a lawman, accepting a position under Sheriff Johnny Behan, the sheriff of Cochise County.
His affiliation with Behan and his later accounts placed Breakenridge on the side of those opposing the Earp brothers and Doc Holliday. He was soon appointed a U.S. Deputy Marshal, a designation that significantly expanded his authority beyond the confines of Cochise County. This federal appointment empowered him to pursue outlaws and maintain order with a broader jurisdiction, solidifying his reputation as an effective lawman in a volatile environment. This period would define his legacy as a defender of justice in a dangerous land.
While Breakenridge’s reputation as a gunfighter was undeniable, he reportedly preferred to avoid violence whenever possible. He reserved the use of his firearm as a last resort, a testament to his character that prioritized de-escalation and restraint. Yet, when forced to draw his weapon, he acted with swiftness and precision, earning him the respect, and fear, of many who crossed his path. This reputation as a skilled marksman contributed to his effectiveness as a lawman, deterring potential criminals and maintaining a fragile peace in Tombstone.
Breakenridge was present in Tombstone during the infamous Gunfight at the O.K. Corral, a pivotal event in the history of the American West. His allegiance to Sheriff Behan and his amicable relations with the Clanton faction placed him in opposition to the Earp brothers, adding another layer of complexity to his legacy. In his later memoirs, he offered a critical assessment of Wyatt Earp, portraying him as a desperate character, thus solidifying his role as a dissenting voice in the Earp narrative.
On March 26, 1882, William “Billy” Breakenridge faced a particularly dangerous encounter. The night before, two men, Zwing Hunt and Billy Grounds, attempted to rob the Tombstone Mining and Milling Company in Charleston, Arizona. Their attempt went sour when they shot and killed a man before fleeing empty-handed. Breakenridge quickly assembled a posse and tracked the killers to the Jack Chandler Ranch near Tombstone. A brief but intense gunfight erupted, resulting in the death of Billy Grounds and the wounding of Zwing Hunt. Tragically, one of Breakenridge’s deputies, John Gillespie, was also killed in the exchange. Hunt later escaped but was reportedly killed by Apache Indians.
In 1888, Breakenridge embarked on a significant career change, accepting a position as a surveyor for Maricopa County. This shift reflected his diverse skill set and his desire to contribute to the development of the Arizona Territory in a more constructive capacity. One of his primary responsibilities was surveying the Salt River to identify potential dam sites, a crucial endeavor for the region’s future water management and agricultural development.
In July 1889, Breakenridge led a team from Phoenix, including James McClintock, William J. Murphy, and John R. Norton, to examine the dam sites he had identified. After a week-long journey on horseback, they reached Box Canyon, near the confluence of Tonto Creek and the Salt River. Breakenridge firmly believed that this location was the ideal site for a dam, a conviction that would prove remarkably prescient. His assessment was later validated when construction began on the Roosevelt Dam in September 1906, more than a decade later. The dam, completed in 1911, stands as a testament to Breakenridge’s surveying skills and his vision for the future of Arizona.
James McClintock, who accompanied Breakenridge on the surveying expedition, went on to become a prominent Arizona historian, authoring the three-volume book series Arizona: The Youngest State. His historical work, which often references his experiences with Breakenridge, provides valuable insights into the early development of the state and the contributions of individuals like Breakenridge.
Later in his life, Breakenridge returned to law enforcement, accepting a position as a detective with the Southern Pacific Railroad. This role involved investigating robberies and other crimes committed against the railroad, placing him once again in the path of outlaws and criminals.
In 1895, Breakenridge and a posse tracked outlaws Grant Wheeler and Joe George, who had repeatedly robbed or attempted to rob the railroad. The pursuit led them to Colorado, near Mancos, where they surrounded Wheeler on April 26. Faced with the prospect of capture and imprisonment, Wheeler chose to take his own life rather than surrender.
In his later years, Breakenridge dedicated himself to writing his memoirs, chronicling his experiences as a lawman, surveyor, and participant in the tumultuous events of the American West. In 1928, his book, Helldorado: Bringing the Law to the Mesquite, was published. The book offered a firsthand account of life in Tombstone, the Gunfight at the O.K. Corral, and numerous encounters with outlaws and Native Americans.
Helldorado generated significant controversy, particularly from Wyatt Earp and his wife, Josie, who criticized Breakenridge’s portrayal of events as biased and inaccurate. Despite these criticisms, the book fueled public interest in Tombstone and its history, leading to the creation of Helldorado Days, an annual celebration commemorating the famous gunfight.
William “Billy” Breakenridge passed away in Tucson, Arizona, on January 31, 1931, at the age of 84. Before his death, he expressed a willingness to relive his life, a testament to his adventurous spirit and his unwavering commitment to the principles he held dear. His life, as a lawman, surveyor, and author, leaves behind a complex and compelling legacy.