In the 1870s and into the early 1900's Arizona's history was written in blood and strife. Tombstone, after being established in 1879 by Ed Schefflein had become the queen of mining camps. People were flocking into the camp and the seams were busting. Miners supplies flew out the door as more and more miners discover a treasure trove of minerals hidden in the nearby Dragoon Mountains and the Huachuca Mountains. Troubles also existed along with the wealth. The Apaches, long known to be deadly adversaries, constantly would jump their reservations and raise havoc around the southeastern part of the territory. Coupled with the growing cowboy faction around Tombstone and some of the smaller towns surrounding such as Galeyville, Contention and Charleston, it could be dangerous for men to go anywhere alone and unarmed. Not to mention the weather could be extreme. Normally the weather in Southeastern Arizona is fairly temperate, it could easily reach into the triple digits and stay there for weeks. And in the midst of winter, it could, and can still, become extremely cold, rainy and windy, oft times spewing snow furries.

This is the scenario for the Hunter novels. The violent and oft times hideous methods of death one could meet at a moments notice. But there were the good guys too...often reviled because of methodology. Men such as the Earp brothers, Bob Paul, Frank Leslie, Al Seiber and Tom Horn helped mold the eventual state of Arizona into a place safe for people to live and grow.




Tombstone, AT, 1882 looking west down Allen St. On the right is the Crystal Palace Saloon on 5th and Allen St.



Tombstone today looking west down Allen Street towards the OK Corral that would be on the right side of the street right before 1st Street. The two story building on the right is the Crystal Palace Saloon.


I float real people in and out of the Hunter novels because they were there and I would be remiss to not mention them, save give them a life of their own. Give them breath and voice and let them talk for themselves. I hope this does not offend but gives the stories a sense of reality much as the use of medicated papers on privy breaks and natures calls help give the characters dimensions not known before. Again, I give them their voice and they tell their own story.




From the left to right  Franklin (Buckskin) Leslie, John H. (Doc) Holliday, Bob Paul (Pima County Sheriff), Wyatt Earp (1882) and Al Seiber (1885).


The weaponry and saddles and tack talked about in the novels is all accurate in make and manufacture. Jolly's Remington Rolling Block rifle was manufactured from the 1860's until the early 1890s and maybe a little beyond and was chambered for the 45.70 cartridge. The Hunter's 7½ inch Colt Peacemaker was the most popular handgun in use in the west and his Winchester Border Rifle, model 1873 both  in caliber 44.40 made it possible to carry a rifle and pistol chambered for the same ammunition. Unlike Jolly who carries a .45 caliber Remington model 1875. Although the Remington bore a strong resemblance to the Colt, it was a big lumbering pistol capable of buffaloing a person upside of his head or very accurately throw a ball downrange.




1873 Colt Peacemaker revolver and 1873 Winchester Border rifle, both caliber, 44.40



An 1875 Remington Revolver in .45 caliber. Note the resemblance to the Colt.



An 1877 Remington Rolling Block rifle in 45.70 caliber.

This is my horse, Bandit, and he is wearing an excellent example of an 1870s-1880s half seat saddle that would have been in use in that time. In fact, this one could very well be the Hunter's. Just sayin...


The same holds true for their clothing. They wore what is described as range clothing. Light weight cotton and loose fitting. Bright colors and large brimmed hats with big high boots and a brightly colored silk bandana rounded out the outfit. In the desert riders would routinely carry pistol scabbards (holsters) for quick access to their weapons. Not so townspeople. If they carried a weapon, it would be secreted in a pocket or tucked into a waistband. When you watch the old westerns and all the town folk walking around armed, it just never happened. Especially in saloons where guns and alcohol never mixed well.



Note the loose fitting clothing, high boots and wide brimmed hat...also the brightly colored bandana worn by Jeff Stryker. Also note the way his gun belt is worn with the holster at a cross draw position. Makes it easier to mount his horse and gives him better reach in case he needs it while mounted.


You will also notice the riders in my novels don't gallop their horses and always make use of a pack animal, normally a mule. Horses were their main means of transport. If you were left unhorsed, it could mean your death. Consequently, men were careful to care for their mounts first before seeing to themselves. Likewise their pack animals. You would never load a lot of weight on your horse, if you needed to bring more provisions, you brought another pack animal. It was not uncommon for men making a long trek to camp by a water source for a few days letting their animals rest and drink all they want, and as they did use water bladders made from intestines, they would prefer to find fresh water. Most of the men, such as the Hunter, that traversed the deserts knew where they could find fresh water, and Arizona has a lot of small streams and springs if you know where to look.

Feel free to drop me a line if you like at thehunter1881@yahoo.com I would love to hear from each and every one of you.