Description:

JOSEPHINE "JOSIE" EARP
(ca. 1861 - 1944) American actress and professional dancer, best known as the wife of Western lawman and gambler Wyatt Earp. Josie's first romance in Tombstone was with Wyatt's arch enemy, Sheriff Johnny Behan, whom she left when she discovered his philandering ways. By 1882, she had adopted the name of "Josephine Earp", although no official record of their marriage exists, and she was on the scene following the gunfight at the O.K. Corral. Although their marriage was contentious, they shared a life of mining, operating saloons, and even worked as a gambling team. Rare, fine content A.L.S. "Josephine Earp" with holograph envelope also signed "Mrs. Earp" with holograph envelope also signed "W. S. Earp", 6pp. 4to., Vidal, Mar. 1, 1927 to the Earp's business secretary and friend, John Flood. Josie shares her regret that Flood's biography of Wyatt has not been accepted for publication, and holds out hope for the future. In part: "...we had a letter from Mr. [cowboy actor William S.] Hart...I am afraid now that we will not be able to do anything with it. I can't understand why they will not accept of it...as you have said you are not expert at story writing. And I am no critic. So we know now there is a mistake somewhere...I know how very hard you tried...Wm. [Hart] means well and so do we all...Mr. E's story is not supposed to be like Wild Bill or Billy the Kid...so many wanted to write it. But we thought you were the one to do it - and I surely feel badly over it...Billy the Kid was to be put on the screen by Lasky Co...you can see how lucky some people are...they have taken and are taking stories about Mr. E. Mr. E. is getting very tired of it all and is going to put a stop to it...[Walter Noble] Burns...is asking a few questions...says he has the book near finished and is giving Mr. E. a big send off...Write Mr. H. a long letter...tell him Mr. E's life story is not supposed to be like Billy the Kid or Wild Bill, as he was an officer...there were many things I did not like but you were both so stubborn and would not hear it...". Fine condition. Burns and publisher Doubleday would face Wyatt's wrath following the publication of Tombstone: Iliad of the Southwest - Earp was unimpressed with Burns' fact-checking and ended any further collaboration with the author. He would stand fast by Floods manuscript until his death.

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March 30, 2011 11:00 AM EDT
Stamford, CT, US

Alexander Historical Auctions LLC

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