FRED DODGE VS. LESLIE BLACKBURN, WHO WAS TOMBSTONE’S FOUNDING AND MUTINOUS FIRE FIGHTER, By John D. Rose.
Fire was a constant danger in boom towns. Buildings in business districts often stood side by side, and some were made of frame construction. If they had the economic base to mature, these mining camps might become cities with water systems that were hopefully adequate enough to control blazes when they broke out. But even larger cities experienced remarkable devastation when fires erupted – San Francisco and Chicago as examples. Joining the local firefighting departments was considered an honorable pursuit. These firefighters would often place themselves in the line of danger in protecting life and property. Many joined for this purpose. Some who sought local offices joined their department as it was good press when they appeared in the local news attending a fireman’s ball, or better yet, actually putting out a fire. Some of Tombstone’s best-known names became involved with firefighting while living there.
Tombstone Engine Company No. 1. In the last row nearest the building, the man at the far right (his image has been cropped and magnified) has been speculated as being Wyatt Earp. There has been debate over this assertion in the historical community.
Copy scan of this image in the collections of John D. Rose.
Politics and personal conflicts can and will interfere in the affairs of any town, and equally so in Tombstone, which was never known as a bastion of perpetual peace and harmony in the first place. Billy Allen joined the first established engine company in town, and would be witness to and participant in a drama related to local firefighting. The trouble began in the fall of 1882, when one of the founders of Tombstone Engine Col #1 incited a near mutiny. L.F. Blackburn was an early arrival in Tombstone, and had prior experience as a firefighter before arriving there. Looking back to September of 1880 it was reported, “From Leo Blackburn we learn that a meeting of those interested in forming a hose company will be held during the coming week.”
Blackburn followed up on his public promise to organize less than two weeks later. “A meeting of the Tombstone Hose Co. No. 1. was held at Danner & Owens’ hall last evening to effect a permanent organization…About twenty members were present. In a few terse statements the President stated that the object of the meeting was permanent organization, and called for nominations for Foreman. L. F. Blackburn, an old fire-laddie with years of experience in the San Francisco and Virginia City [departments] was placed in nomination, and elected by acclamation.” The name of this organization was later officially known as Tombstone Engine Co. No.1.
The November 19, 1881 issue of the Daily Epitaph recorded the history of the founding of this and the second Tombstone fire company. Of the first it reported: “Accordingly, on the date last mentioned [this issue cites September 9th, 1880 as the date of the organizational meeting] a large and enthusiastic meeting was held, and arrangements for permanent organization completed. The following officers were then elected: President, H.B. Jones; secretary, Wyatt Earp; foremen, L.F. Blackburn; first assistant foreman, M.E. Joyce; second assistant foreman, James Bennett; treasurer, James Vogan; trustees, B.A. Fickas, J.H. Behan, H.M. Woods and M. Williams…After this regular meetings were held twice monthly until June 1st, 1881, when the first annual election of officers took place and the following named gentlemen were elected: Foreman, L.F. Blackburn; first assistant, Geo. Atwood; second assistant, Wm. Allen…The constitution provides that all officers of the company shall be elected annually. The uniform consists of a red woolen shirt and black pants with black cap and belt.” Among the delegates elected was S.B. Comstock, with whom Billy and Andy Ames went to court over a disputed mining claim a year and a half earlier.
By November 1881, “The company at present numbers 100 active and about 30 honorary members and is in a very flourishing condition.” Its engine house was located on the corner of Fifth and Toughnut Streets, and still stands today, though some of its walls have been rebuilt.
The Epitaph reported an odd occurrence at one of its early meetings. “About this time, an interloper loaded to the water line with ‘Oh, be Joyful’ put in an appearance, and after repeated warnings to keep quiet which he paid no heed too, was unceremoniously pitched through a window by Marshal White who was present.”
In addition to pitching the drunk out and onto an unsuspecting patch of dirt on Allen Street, important business was covered, not only for the fire fighters, but local property owners as well. Some were still not in compliance with simple measures passed by the town council to reduce the chance of a rapidly spreading fire. “The attention of the Marshal was called to the ordinance, providing that each property owner should have constantly on hand two barrels of water and buckets, and a request made that he enforce said ordinance.”
When Tombstone suffered the tragic loss of Marshal Fred White, Leslie Blackburn was part of the committee to honor his memory. White received a fatal wound as he attempted to disarm Curly Bill Brocius in October of 1880. “Tribute of Respect. At a meeting of the Tombstone Hose Company No. 1, held at the office of Harry B. Jones on the 30th day of October, A.D. 1880, the death of Fred G. White, a member of the company, was announced.
“On motion of Harry Woods a committee of five members was appointed to draw resolutions of condolence, expressive of the sense of the company in their loss.
“The following committee was appointed for that purpose: J.F. Hutton, Foreman L.F. Blackburn, President Harry B. Jones, Dr. G.T. Henderson and W.H. Burdett, who reported the following resolutions, which were unanimously adopted:
“Whereas, In the decree of fate it was written that our beloved fellow member, Frederick G. White, should be taken from us in the flower of his youth and usefulness, falling into the unknown while in the discharge of his duty;
“Resolved, That in the death of Frederick G. White, our company has lost an efficient member, a warm friend and a noble heart. In his death we realize a loss which cannot be supplied to the company, an efficient member, the community a conscientious and able officer, and his family a devoted relative.
“That we condole with the father and brother of our deceased friend, and extend to them such consolation as in this sad hour may tend to alleviate their sorrows.
“That this company attend in a body the funeral of our deceased brother; and that a copy of these resolutions be drawn by the secretary of company and presented to his father.”
A second fire company was established on June 26, 1881, just four days after Tombstone’s first great fire. If recent events had proven anything, it was that Tombstone could always use more hands against the spread of such a destructive force. And it was not unusual for a growing city to have more than one company. “RESCUE HOOK AND LADDER CO. NO. 1 was organized June 26, 1881, constitution and by-laws drawn up, and the following officers elected: President, A.O. Wallace; vice-president, C.D. Reppy; secretary, W.E. Ludlow; treasurer, E.T. Kearney; foreman, R.S. Hatch; first assistant, Howard Lee; second assistant, Dan. McCann…The uniforms consist of a blue woolen shirt and patent leather caps and belt…The company hold[s] regular meetings at their house on the first Wednesday in each month…”
Their engine house was located on Fourth Street between Allen and Toughnut. “A most commendable spirit of harmony and good fellowship exists between the two companies, which fact, considering the many sterling qualities of each, and that unity is strength, tends to the conviction that in the matter of security against the ravages of the fire-fiend, Tombstone is unrivalled by any town of its size or population on the Pacific coast.”
L.F. Blackburn, still the foreman of Engine Company No. 1 two years after its founding, had a combative side which came to the forefront in a heated exchange with the high-spirited Fred Dodge, who was dominating a meeting of the local Republicans, the same meeting that “Keno Ike” Isaacs attended which became quite lively.
“The County Committee Meet and Engage in a Disreputable Wrangle—The Countrymen on Top.
“True to his word, Fred Dodge appeared in town Wednesday, having ridden from Bisbee to down the city ringsters in the Republican County committee.” Apparently, Dodge had been anticipating this meeting and felt he needed to be there, perhaps to balance out the other members present, which totaled eight. Ike Isaacs announced the costs of the upcoming campaign and was proceeding to read an assessment of candidates when he was sharply cut off by Dodge, who told him he had no power to do that. When Isaacs brought it up a short time later, he “was again choked off by Dodge, and a good deal of ill-natured growling ensued.”
As the meeting progressed, it “was moved that three additional members from the city be added to the county committee…Ike moved to make it five…Fred Dodge said that five was too many…” and that one of the named appointees would not serve.
“Blackburn—How do you know?
“Dodge—‘Tis none of your business.
“Blackburn, threateningly—You hadn’t better be too saucy.
“Dodge—I’ll be as saucy as I damn [well] please.
“Here the chairman rapped for order, and editor Dunbar, who was sitting near Blackburn, caught hold of that statesman, while Ayers held on to the fiery Dodge. Street and Bates implored for peace, and reminded the belligerents that the press representatives were present and would give the racket away.
“Another wrangle then ensued between Dodge and Blackburn over the appointing of a finance committee…While speaking on his [Dodge’s] motion, Blackburn interrupted him, and Dodge told him to sit down.
“Blackburn—Shut your d—n mouth.
“Dodge—You can’t shut it.
“B.—I’ll give you any kind of a game you want.
“D.—You can’t give me anything, and the less chin music you give the better.
“Both men were advancing on each other, but the other members interfered and thus spoiled the row.” New motions were discussed and voted upon, with an occasional new argument, “but Dodge, as usual, had things his own way…”
Blackburn followed up on his public promise to organize less than two weeks later. “A meeting of the Tombstone Hose Co. No. 1. was held at Danner & Owens’ hall last evening to effect a permanent organization…About twenty members were present. In a few terse statements the President stated that the object of the meeting was permanent organization, and called for nominations for Foreman. L. F. Blackburn, an old fire-laddie with years of experience in the San Francisco and Virginia City [departments] was placed in nomination, and elected by acclamation.” The name of this organization was later officially known as Tombstone Engine Co. No.1.
The November 19, 1881 issue of the Daily Epitaph recorded the history of the founding of this and the second Tombstone fire company. Of the first it reported: “Accordingly, on the date last mentioned [this issue cites September 9th, 1880 as the date of the organizational meeting] a large and enthusiastic meeting was held, and arrangements for permanent organization completed. The following officers were then elected: President, H.B. Jones; secretary, Wyatt Earp; foremen, L.F. Blackburn; first assistant foreman, M.E. Joyce; second assistant foreman, James Bennett; treasurer, James Vogan; trustees, B.A. Fickas, J.H. Behan, H.M. Woods and M. Williams…After this regular meetings were held twice monthly until June 1st, 1881, when the first annual election of officers took place and the following named gentlemen were elected: Foreman, L.F. Blackburn; first assistant, Geo. Atwood; second assistant, Wm. Allen…The constitution provides that all officers of the company shall be elected annually. The uniform consists of a red woolen shirt and black pants with black cap and belt.” Among the delegates elected was S.B. Comstock, with whom Billy and Andy Ames went to court over a disputed mining claim a year and a half earlier.
By November 1881, “The company at present numbers 100 active and about 30 honorary members and is in a very flourishing condition.” Its engine house was located on the corner of Fifth and Toughnut Streets, and still stands today, though some of its walls have been rebuilt.
The Epitaph reported an odd occurrence at one of its early meetings. “About this time, an interloper loaded to the water line with ‘Oh, be Joyful’ put in an appearance, and after repeated warnings to keep quiet which he paid no heed too, was unceremoniously pitched through a window by Marshal White who was present.”
In addition to pitching the drunk out and onto an unsuspecting patch of dirt on Allen Street, important business was covered, not only for the fire fighters, but local property owners as well. Some were still not in compliance with simple measures passed by the town council to reduce the chance of a rapidly spreading fire. “The attention of the Marshal was called to the ordinance, providing that each property owner should have constantly on hand two barrels of water and buckets, and a request made that he enforce said ordinance.”
When Tombstone suffered the tragic loss of Marshal Fred White, Leslie Blackburn was part of the committee to honor his memory. White received a fatal wound as he attempted to disarm Curly Bill Brocius in October of 1880. “Tribute of Respect. At a meeting of the Tombstone Hose Company No. 1, held at the office of Harry B. Jones on the 30th day of October, A.D. 1880, the death of Fred G. White, a member of the company, was announced.
“On motion of Harry Woods a committee of five members was appointed to draw resolutions of condolence, expressive of the sense of the company in their loss.
“The following committee was appointed for that purpose: J.F. Hutton, Foreman L.F. Blackburn, President Harry B. Jones, Dr. G.T. Henderson and W.H. Burdett, who reported the following resolutions, which were unanimously adopted:
“Whereas, In the decree of fate it was written that our beloved fellow member, Frederick G. White, should be taken from us in the flower of his youth and usefulness, falling into the unknown while in the discharge of his duty;
“Resolved, That in the death of Frederick G. White, our company has lost an efficient member, a warm friend and a noble heart. In his death we realize a loss which cannot be supplied to the company, an efficient member, the community a conscientious and able officer, and his family a devoted relative.
“That we condole with the father and brother of our deceased friend, and extend to them such consolation as in this sad hour may tend to alleviate their sorrows.
“That this company attend in a body the funeral of our deceased brother; and that a copy of these resolutions be drawn by the secretary of company and presented to his father.”
A second fire company was established on June 26, 1881, just four days after Tombstone’s first great fire. If recent events had proven anything, it was that Tombstone could always use more hands against the spread of such a destructive force. And it was not unusual for a growing city to have more than one company. “RESCUE HOOK AND LADDER CO. NO. 1 was organized June 26, 1881, constitution and by-laws drawn up, and the following officers elected: President, A.O. Wallace; vice-president, C.D. Reppy; secretary, W.E. Ludlow; treasurer, E.T. Kearney; foreman, R.S. Hatch; first assistant, Howard Lee; second assistant, Dan. McCann…The uniforms consist of a blue woolen shirt and patent leather caps and belt…The company hold[s] regular meetings at their house on the first Wednesday in each month…”
Their engine house was located on Fourth Street between Allen and Toughnut. “A most commendable spirit of harmony and good fellowship exists between the two companies, which fact, considering the many sterling qualities of each, and that unity is strength, tends to the conviction that in the matter of security against the ravages of the fire-fiend, Tombstone is unrivalled by any town of its size or population on the Pacific coast.”
L.F. Blackburn, still the foreman of Engine Company No. 1 two years after its founding, had a combative side which came to the forefront in a heated exchange with the high-spirited Fred Dodge, who was dominating a meeting of the local Republicans, the same meeting that “Keno Ike” Isaacs attended which became quite lively.
“The County Committee Meet and Engage in a Disreputable Wrangle—The Countrymen on Top.
“True to his word, Fred Dodge appeared in town Wednesday, having ridden from Bisbee to down the city ringsters in the Republican County committee.” Apparently, Dodge had been anticipating this meeting and felt he needed to be there, perhaps to balance out the other members present, which totaled eight. Ike Isaacs announced the costs of the upcoming campaign and was proceeding to read an assessment of candidates when he was sharply cut off by Dodge, who told him he had no power to do that. When Isaacs brought it up a short time later, he “was again choked off by Dodge, and a good deal of ill-natured growling ensued.”
As the meeting progressed, it “was moved that three additional members from the city be added to the county committee…Ike moved to make it five…Fred Dodge said that five was too many…” and that one of the named appointees would not serve.
“Blackburn—How do you know?
“Dodge—‘Tis none of your business.
“Blackburn, threateningly—You hadn’t better be too saucy.
“Dodge—I’ll be as saucy as I damn [well] please.
“Here the chairman rapped for order, and editor Dunbar, who was sitting near Blackburn, caught hold of that statesman, while Ayers held on to the fiery Dodge. Street and Bates implored for peace, and reminded the belligerents that the press representatives were present and would give the racket away.
“Another wrangle then ensued between Dodge and Blackburn over the appointing of a finance committee…While speaking on his [Dodge’s] motion, Blackburn interrupted him, and Dodge told him to sit down.
“Blackburn—Shut your d—n mouth.
“Dodge—You can’t shut it.
“B.—I’ll give you any kind of a game you want.
“D.—You can’t give me anything, and the less chin music you give the better.
“Both men were advancing on each other, but the other members interfered and thus spoiled the row.” New motions were discussed and voted upon, with an occasional new argument, “but Dodge, as usual, had things his own way…”
An aged Fred Dodge, decades after telling Leslie Blackburn that the “less chin music you give the better.”
This less than cordial encounter between Dodge and Blackburn offers insights not only into the character of both men, but also into the willful struggles as to how business ought to be conducted. If the incident proved anything, it is that a simple meeting for political planning in Tombstone could turn into a far more disagreeable situation than rationality would otherwise dictate.
Given the founding role that Blackburn had played in the early organization of Tombstone firefighters, it would seem a surprise that he decided to secede and form his own independent fire company in the fall of 1882. But if circumstances were not going his way, this may have been a natural course of action for a man who insisted on running things to his own liking. Of course this move was extra-legal as Blackburn and his followers well knew, because the charters for his and the other fire company had been granted under the express authority of Tombstone’s City Council. Now Blackburn chose to grant himself a charter in defiance of the City Fathers, as well as many of his fellow firefighters. Blackburn’s move occurred five months after Tombstone’s second great fire.
A board of delegates within the original Company #1 was formed to deal with the issue, and they in turn reported to the City Council. “By instruction of the Board of Delegates, I respectfully transmit to your Honorable Body…copies of proceedings taken by the Tombstone Engine Co. No. 1., also by the Board of Delegates in regard to Ex Foreman L. F. Blackburn…Whereas a meeting of Tombstone Engine Co. No. 1., [was held] Tuesday, October 24th, 1882, at which meeting a majority of members of said company were present, it was unanimously Resolved that L. F. Blackburn and all other members of the aforesaid company who have taken part or approved of the formation of an Independent Engine Company, be expelled from Tombstone Engine Co. No. 1.” “…The Board of Delegates of [the] Tombstone Fire Department do hereby approve and sustain the action of Tombstone Engine Co. No. 1. In the expulsion of the aforesaid members…”
It was a dramatic turn of events for a man whose dedication and service to his community in the formation of Engine Co. No. 1 should have been his legacy. Now he would be remembered for attempting to tear apart the very organization that he had once labored to build. Making matters worse, Blackburn had taken items from the company that he refused to return. Getting nowhere with Blackburn, the remainder of the company now turned to the City Council in hopes of recovering it. This indicates that Blackburn was a difficult man to deal with. He had killed a man in self-defense in Virginia City, and it would not be surprising if knowledge of this followed him to Tombstone.
“Resolved that the proceeding of the last meeting of the Tombstone Engine Co. No. 1 be forwarded to the City Council and that this Board of Delegates do hereby ask their [Tombstone City Council] intervention in restoring the property of [the] Tombstone Fire Department into their possession. Signed…Will…Nash J. [John] Brophy…Pat Holland”
For all of his protests against others, Blackburn had no greater enemy to his own reputation in Tombstone than himself.
Given the founding role that Blackburn had played in the early organization of Tombstone firefighters, it would seem a surprise that he decided to secede and form his own independent fire company in the fall of 1882. But if circumstances were not going his way, this may have been a natural course of action for a man who insisted on running things to his own liking. Of course this move was extra-legal as Blackburn and his followers well knew, because the charters for his and the other fire company had been granted under the express authority of Tombstone’s City Council. Now Blackburn chose to grant himself a charter in defiance of the City Fathers, as well as many of his fellow firefighters. Blackburn’s move occurred five months after Tombstone’s second great fire.
A board of delegates within the original Company #1 was formed to deal with the issue, and they in turn reported to the City Council. “By instruction of the Board of Delegates, I respectfully transmit to your Honorable Body…copies of proceedings taken by the Tombstone Engine Co. No. 1., also by the Board of Delegates in regard to Ex Foreman L. F. Blackburn…Whereas a meeting of Tombstone Engine Co. No. 1., [was held] Tuesday, October 24th, 1882, at which meeting a majority of members of said company were present, it was unanimously Resolved that L. F. Blackburn and all other members of the aforesaid company who have taken part or approved of the formation of an Independent Engine Company, be expelled from Tombstone Engine Co. No. 1.” “…The Board of Delegates of [the] Tombstone Fire Department do hereby approve and sustain the action of Tombstone Engine Co. No. 1. In the expulsion of the aforesaid members…”
It was a dramatic turn of events for a man whose dedication and service to his community in the formation of Engine Co. No. 1 should have been his legacy. Now he would be remembered for attempting to tear apart the very organization that he had once labored to build. Making matters worse, Blackburn had taken items from the company that he refused to return. Getting nowhere with Blackburn, the remainder of the company now turned to the City Council in hopes of recovering it. This indicates that Blackburn was a difficult man to deal with. He had killed a man in self-defense in Virginia City, and it would not be surprising if knowledge of this followed him to Tombstone.
“Resolved that the proceeding of the last meeting of the Tombstone Engine Co. No. 1 be forwarded to the City Council and that this Board of Delegates do hereby ask their [Tombstone City Council] intervention in restoring the property of [the] Tombstone Fire Department into their possession. Signed…Will…Nash J. [John] Brophy…Pat Holland”
For all of his protests against others, Blackburn had no greater enemy to his own reputation in Tombstone than himself.
The above information is in part excerpted from Witness at the O.K. Corral: Tombstone’s Billy Allen Le Van, by John D. Rose. For more on this legendary story and other research breakthroughs, this book is available at https://www.createspace.com/5258114 as well as Amazon.com.
Copyright 2015, 2016, 2017. John D. Rose