Tom Harper was a good friend of Curly Bill Brocius during Tombstone’s heyday. He also bit the dust before his Cowboy associates.
In September 1880, Harper offered to collect a debt owed to John Talliday. But when he got the cash, Harper spent it on himself. Talliday became angry, demanded the money, and an upset Harper shot and killed him in the Huachuca Mountains.
Harper was convicted in the murder and sentenced to hang. He was executed on July 8, 1881 in Tucson with Sheriff Bob Paul (photo) presiding. It’s believed he’s buried in Tucson.
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