The Most Interesting Man In Tombstone Arizona, John Clum. By G.C. Stevens

 

 Photo from John Clums book "It All Happened in Tombstone "

John Clum: The Crusading Mayor of Tombstone

Early Life and Career

John Philip Clum was born on September 1, 1851, near Claverack, New York, into a family of German and Dutch descent. His early life was marked by education at Rutgers University, though financial difficulties led him to leave before graduation. His journey west began when he joined the U.S. Army Signal Corps and was assigned to Santa Fe, New Mexico, as a weather observer. This was the start of an adventurous life that would lead him to become one of the most notable figures in the Old West.


Apache Agent and Capture of Geronimo

In 1874, Clum was appointed as an Indian agent for the San Carlos Apache Reservation in Arizona, a role where he introduced innovative governance methods including the establishment of an Apache police force and court system. His most famous act during this tenure was the peaceful capture of the Apache leader Geronimo in 1877, making him the only agent to achieve this feat without bloodshed. This period of his life showcased his ability to negotiate and manage complex intercultural relations.


The Tombstone Epitaph and Mayoral Position 

The discovery of silver in Tombstone, Arizona, in 1877, attracted Clum, who saw an opportunity to start a newspaper. On May 1, 1880, he launched "The Tombstone Epitaph," which quickly became a voice for law and order in the turbulent town. Clum's involvement in local politics led to his election as Mayor of Tombstone in 1881, under a new city charter. His administration was characterized by efforts to combat lawlessness and corruption, aligning himself with the town's reformist elements.


Friendship with Wyatt Earp and the Gunfight at the O.K. Corral

Clum's tenure as mayor coincided with one of Tombstone's most infamous events: the Gunfight at the O.K. Corral on October 26, 1881. As a supporter of the Earp brothers, Clum's newspaper defended the actions of Wyatt, Virgil, and Morgan Earp, along with Doc Holliday, in the shootout against the Clanton and McLaury brothers. His editorial stance made him a target of those who opposed the Earps, leading to an alleged assassination attempt on him in December 1881 when his stagecoach was attacked.

Later Years and Legacy

After leaving Tombstone in 1882, Clum's career took him to various postal service roles across the U.S., including a significant stint in Alaska where he helped expand postal services during the gold rush. He also worked as a lecturer for the Southern Pacific Railroad, sharing stories of his adventures in the West. His later years were spent in California, where he passed away on May 2, 1932. Clum's legacy is not only in his administrative and journalistic contributions but also in his portrayal in numerous films and TV series, reflecting his colorful life in the Wild West.


John Clum's story is one of courage, reform, and the spirit of the American frontier. His efforts in Tombstone to instill law and order during a time of chaos, his friendship with key historical figures, and his dedication to public service across different roles highlight a life lived with both adventure and purpose. His contributions to the narrative of the Old West remain a testament to his enduring impact on American history.