curlybill

William "Curly Bill" Brocius was born in 1845. Place of birth is unknown. The spelling of his name has been controversial but "Brocius" was the name that he used in the Arizona Territory for his mail drop. Brocius arrived in Arizona around 1878, leaving Texas behind with unanswered questions about some crimes that he might have committed there. Brocius was described as being the most deadly pistol of the Cowboys. Known to have shot out candle flames with out hitting the candle, and shooting coins between the fingers of drunken volunteers. He was also known for his mean sense of humor and practical jokes.

On October 27, 1880 Curly Bill was involved in the shooting and killing of town marshal Fred White. After spending two months in prison he was acquitted with the verdict reading - Accidental Death -. After the death of old man Clanton in August of 1881, Curly Bill assumed the position of leader of the Cowboys. Upon the death of Frank Stillwell in 1882 by the Earps, Brocius was deputized by Sheriff Johnny Behan to bring in the Earps. That would never happen! Wyatt Earp surprised Curly Bill while camping at Iron Creek, March 24, 1882, with two shot gun blasts to the chest.