virgilearp

Virgil Walter Earp born July 18, 1843 in Hartford Kentucky. In September of 1861 during the Civil War, at the age of 18, Virgil enlisted in the Union Army and served with the 83rd Illinois Infantry. Shortly after his discharge in June of 1865, he decided to head to California. Over the next few years Virgil would travel and work many jobs, but would stay in touch with his brothers.

In 1877 Virgil was said to have spent some time in Dodge City, Kansas with his younger brother Wyatt. He then went to Prescott, Arizona Territory, and eventually became a Constable. In November of 1879 he was appointed US Marshal Arizona Territory, and by October of 1880 after moving to Tombstone he became acting Marshal after the killing of Marshal Fred White by Curly Bill Brocius.

During the Gunfight at the OK Corral Virgil received a gun shot wound to the calf of his leg. Three days after the gunfight he was suspended from duty, and although he was eventually exonerated of any wrong doing, it damaged his reputation. Late in the evening on December 28, 1881 Virgil was ambushed as he crossed the street leaving the Oriental Saloon. Virgil would suffer major wounds to his left arm and would loose the use of it. During the remainder of his life Virgil would hold several other law enforcement positions. He died October 19, 1905 from Pneumonia.