Game of Draw


John Ringo was in Galeyville on August 8, 1881. He got into a poker a game and began to lose all his money. When he asked for the men at the table to loan him some funds so that he could continue the game, they refused. Upset at their refusal he left the saloon but soon returned with a man named Dave Estes. The two men held up the poker game and stole around $500 and a horse. The Tombstone Nugget carried the news of this event on August 11, 1881.

Name Confusion Returns

In this article about the Galeyville robbery, the newspaper used the name Ringold instead of Ringo. This appears to have been the first reference to this name since Ringo had left Texas. The article renewed the confusion over Ringo's true name. Ringo was indicted for this incident on November 26, 1881. Deputy Sheriff William Breakenridge went to Galeyville to bring Ringo to Tombstone to answer the indictment. The trip cost the taxpayer $55.00.

Ringo and Breakenridge arrived in Tombstone on November 29, 1881. Ringo stayed at the Grand Hotel and the following morning he was officially arrested by Deputy Neagle. On December 1, 1881, he was brought before Judge William Stillwell's court. At this time Ringo was asked whether his true name was John Ringgold or not. Ringo remarked that it was not, his real name was John Ringo. A new indictment was read to him and he was given one day to prepare for trial. He pled not guilty and was then released on bond. When no witnesses against him showed up the following day his case was continued.

Ringo's Challenge

In January, it appears that rumors began to spread that Ringo was involved in a recent stage robbery. When Ringo appeared in Tombstone he learned of the talk and became furious. He walked out into the streets and encountered Wyatt Earp and Doc Holliday. Appearently, he believed that they were in some way responsible for the accusation. An argument ensued, which nearly resulted in a gunfight. Constable James Flynn stopped the conflict when he grabbed Ringo from behind. Ringo, Doc, and Wyatt were brought before A. O. Wallace's Police Court. On January 18, 1882, the Tombstone Epitaph commented:

"J.H. Holliday, Wyatt Earp, Ringo arrested for carrying deadly weapons. Earp discharged, Holliday and Ringo fined $30 each."

Wyatt Earp's charge was dismissed as he was a Deputy U. S. Marshal at the time and was entitled to carry a weapon. Ringo now began to take an active part in the growing Earp-Clanton feud.


The Official Scandal


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