In December of 1995, I Terry "Ike" Clanton, began a quest to finally bring the legendary members of my family back together to rest in peace, next to one another, in the Boothill Graveyard in Tombstone, Arizona.

First let me take you back to the beginning and explain this family tradition.

On August 13, 1881, Newman Haynes "Old Man" Clanton was buried where he fell after being ambushed and murdered in Guadalupe Canyon, Arizona, near the Mexican Border.

Then just two months later, October 26, 1881, "Old Man" Clanton’s youngest son Billy was murdered by the Earp brothers and Doc Holliday in a vacant lot behind the OK Corral, in Tombstone, Arizona.

Billy Clanton was buried in the Boothill Graveyard in Tombstone.

About a year after the untimely deaths of both his father and little brother, Joseph Isaac "Ike" Clanton wanted to bring his family back together to rest in peace next to one another.

Ike and his brother Phin, traveled down to where their father was buried in Guadalupe Canyon, they exhumed their father’s body and brought him back to be buried next to Billy in Boothill.

With this in mind, I truly believe that Ike Clanton himself would want to be brought back to Tombstone, to rest in peace next to his father and little brother!

Ike never had that choice, on June 1, 1887; Ike was murdered and buried where he fell, in a very remote section of Northern Arizona, by a man named Jonas V. Brighton. (Brighton's grave pictured)

Not knowing if I would ever be able to find Ike Clanton’s long lost grave to fulfill my quest, I sent a written proposal to the City of Tombstone in December of 1995, requesting to re-bury and/or memorialize Ike Clanton back in Boothill Graveyard next to his father and little brother.

Because of Ike’s historical past in Tombstone, I really thought my proposal was going to be accepted with open arms!

I then contacted Former Citadel Professor and World Renowned Grave Expert, James A. Browning.

Together, we made plans to search for Ike Clanton’s long lost grave in June of 1996.

To say the least, I think you’ll find the following letters both stunning and fascinating pieces of American history!

These two letters will bring you up to speed, to where I am with my never ending quest to finally bring my family back together.
____________________________________
 

City of Tombstone Refuses to Re-bury one of it’s Most Famous Cowboy’s

(The following letter has been retyped from the original)

City of Tombstone (Letterhead)

February, 4, 1996

Terry "Ike" Clanton

Street Address:

City, State, Zip
 
 

Dear Mr. Clanton,

The Mayor and Council reviewed your proposal regarding the memorial service and burial of Joseph "Ike" Clanton in Boothill Cemetery. They met at a Special Council meeting the evening of February 29, 1996.

At that meeting a unanimous decision was made not to proceed with your proposal as presented. I feel that the idea of actual movement of other gravesites to facilitate the "burial" of Joseph’s remains is the key factor to their decision as mention was made to "let the dead rest where they lie".

The Department of interior’s designation of Tombstone as a National Historic Landmark precludes any digging, movement of graves or markers, or any drastic physical changes at the Boothill Cemetery. Perhaps if you would like resubmitting your idea for a funeral procession only, it would be more acceptable.

Your idea for a funeral procession, memorial service in town and possible reburial at a different location site out of town would be attractive to the tourist community. You should coordinate this effort through the Chamber of Commerce, Ms. Nina Parker, executive Director. I am sure the city would welcome the Clantons to Tombstone for a memorial befitting a truly historic figure. It was nice to meet with you again this morning and much success in your efforts.

Sincerely,

 Signed

Charlotte B. Gilbert

City Clerk/Manager
___________________________
 

I couldn’t believe what this letter said...

Family or not, the town of Tombstone was refusing one of its most famous Cowboys!

It’s no secret, that the town of Tombstone today is strictly a tourist town living off the fame of the OK Corral Gunfight from October 26, 1881.

It also doesn’t take a college professor to tell us, that if it weren’t for this famous gunfight the town of Tombstone would not be here today!

We also know that Ike Clanton was one of the prominent men involved in this famous gunfight.

Therefore, I think it’s safe to say if it wasn’t for Ike Clanton, Tombstone wouldn’t be here today!

As crazy as it sounds, I think my quote puts it in perspective!

"The Town of Tombstone refusing Ike Clanton, is like Disneyland refusing Mickey Mouse!"

OK, so what the hell were they thinking? Or smoking?

When I received this refusal letter from the city, do you think I was surprised?

I couldn’t believe that they were actually turning down the proposal that I thought would be a "no brainer" for this small tourist town!

Then I was almost knocked off my feet at their reasoning for the refusal!

There is NO gravesite located where the proposed Ike Clanton burial site would be.

Ike’s father, Newman Haynes "Old Man" Clanton is buried in the southeast corner of Boothill Graveyard, next to the fenced parking lot.

There is no grave next to him, only a fifteen-foot strip of dirt and the fence!

It is my opinion, that this vacant strip of dirt would be the perfect spot to rebury and/or memorialize one of the towns most famous Cowboys, Ike Clanton!

Go figure!!

To put it lightly, this letter really touched a nerve in my body!

Next, I called the news media and the story went worldwide...

It didn’t take me thirty minutes after receiving this refusal letter and I was on the phone to the Associated Press and the electronic news media - they had a field day with this story!

I couldn’t believe the worldwide media attention and support. The news response was almost overwhelming!

The very next morning, NBC, CBS and ABC News crews were interviewing me at the proposed gravesite in Boothill Graveyard.

The Associated Press also quickly had an article out on the worldwide news wire.

I even had a guy recognize me in the Tucson Airport, he said he saw the story on television in Melbourne, Australia!

What followed next, was beyond my wildest dreams!

When I first starting talking about my quest to bring my family back together, it seemed nobody gave me half a chance of ever finding Ike Clanton’s grave, lot’s of people even told me I was crazy!
 

The Day We Found Ike Clanton's Long Lost Grave

Former Citadel Professor and World Renowned Grave Expert, James A. Browning wrote the following letter: (Typed from an original hand written letter on a note pad.)

Tombstone, Arizona, June 29, 1996

Early in 1996, an agreement was reached between Terry "Ike" Clanton and I, James A. Browning, to meet in Springerville, Arizona, on June 27, 1996 and the following day to engage in a search for the gravesite of Joseph Isaac "Ike" Clanton, a relative of Terry "Ike" Clanton.

Ike Clanton had been killed on June 1, 1887, by a detective; Jonas V. Brighton near Eagle Creek in what is now Greenlee County, Arizona.

Clanton’s body was buried near the spot where he was killed and as a result of the area being sparsely populated and the passage of some 107 years, the location of the gravesite was lost.

On June 28, 1996, I along with Terry "Ike" Clanton and several friends from California, began our search using information from several sources, we finally arrived at a remote location where we felt that the body of Clanton had been buried.

Terry Ike Clanton and I were searching an area a short distance from the other members of the search group.

As we approached a large tree, Terry Ike suddenly pointed and exclaimed, "there it is!" I immediately replied, "Yes, there is no doubt that this is Ike’s grave." The remainder of the group were called over and unanimously agreed that we had located the long lost grave.

Pictures were taken, but the grave was not molested in any way.

As the author of the book, "Violence Was No Stranger" which gives the precise information on the location of more than 1,000 individuals who gained some fame or notoriety in the west, I feel qualified to say that in my opinion, the grave we located is that of Joseph Isaac "Ike" Clanton who was killed in 1887.

Signed, James A. Browning

As we begin this new century... we still need help!

If you can help me with my quest to emulate this family tradition, your efforts and support will be greatly appreciated.

What we need first is an archeological team from a University to come on board to help in exhuming, identifying and re-burying a true American Legend!

With no expertise in exhuming a body, DNA or funding, I realize that the only way I will ever see my quest fulfilled is to ask for the publics Help !

If you, or anyone you know, could help with this quest, please e-mail us by simply clicking the email line below!

Once again, thank you all for your efforts and support!

Terry "Ike" Clanton

Leader of the Notorious Clanton Gang
 

Feb. 21, 2001

A BARRIER BREAK THROUGH! -

I just got off the phone with the current Mayor of Tombstone Mr. Dusty Escapule.  Dusty told me this morning by phone that he would work with me to help bring Ike Clanton back to Tombstone!!

This is the best news I've heard in 6 years!

Today CNN is scheduled to interview me, I can't wait to release the news, so I'm doing it here first, I know theirs a lot of you that have been waiting for any type of news up date.

Keeping the dream alive, Terry Ike Clanton

November 20, 2004 -  Unfortunately we were unable to bring Ike home before Dusty's term of office was over.  But things are cookin' again, read below.

November 23, 2004

 NEW EMAIL MESSAGE HAS THINGS COOKIN' AGAIN! -

Terry Ike,

I hope this e-mail finds you in good health.

A little background before I make a couple of suggestions that might pique your interest.........no promises, but possibilities to be explored.

My name is (edited out). My wife and I and our friends went to Tombstone on Saturday, November 20, 2004, specifically because we had seen the information on the 11th Clanton Days Rendezvous.

We went on the morning walk to the OK Corral, but missed the shoot out (already had seen it) and dinner (too late on our reservations, all full), but we made the Ghost Walk.  (edited) and I peeled off early, after the Bird Cage (it was too cold for her and I escorted her back to the room), but (edited) hung in there and got a few orbs.  I think she may have e-mailed you, also.

You may remember that I asked a few questions at Big Nose Kate's, (The Vendetta Ride, Virgil ordering hands in the air, and the close call we had going to war with Mexico.)

In any event, I felt compelled to let you know my idea of the event did not turn out the way I expected.

I got into the Earp history a couple of years ago and originally leaned very favorably toward the Earp side of the story. Since then, I have mellowed on that stance as I read more and more information. I now see a "bigger picture" of human nature and its frailties. With this insight, I realize there was good and bad on both sides. However, I was still prepared for heated and lively debate, and really expected the same from you.

I have to admit, no.......I am happy to relate, that I found you to be a very likeable man. The energy I had prepared for "crossing swords" dwindled away after I saw how sincere you were in your beliefs and the way you handled yourself.

Particularly interesting were the comments you made at Big Nose Kate's regarding some of the "hate mail" you have received.  As I sat listening and watching your "body language" I could tell, with all certainty, that you truly do find it offensive and see no need to engage in vicious activity. That attitude is admirable.

After the Q&A with Ben at Kate's, my friend asked why I had not gotten riled up.  I told him you were just too much of a nice guy and that I liked you.  He smiled and said, "I know, he wasn't what I expected either."

In any event, I think you and I can "agree to disagree" in a civil manner.

Okay, enough of the let's all hold hands stuff.

If you are still looking for resources in an attempt to retrieve and identify Ike for reburial, there is a possibility I may be able to assist.

I am currently a Detective Corporal with (law enforcement agency edited out).  I was previously assigned as a homicide detective and have recently taken over as the first line supervisor for our homicide unit.

I have training and experience in shallow grave recovery. Further, I know a forensic expert in the field of grave recovery who currently works for the (edited out) Medical Examiner's Office.  I also know a couple of the experts from the (edited) Medical Examiner's Forensic Unit.

Further, my (edited out ) works for the (edited out) and may know the right people to talk to in the archeology department to see if anyone would be interested in assisting with the body recovery.

I could do a little research to see what legalities are required to exhume the body without causing you any trouble with the law.

If you are interested, feel free to write back and I will see what I can do to help, or you can call me at my work phone of (edited out).

I just have one request.  Being in my position it is best to remain low profile, if you know what I mean.  I would respectfully request that the contents of this e-mail, if reproduced on your site, do not contain my name or employer.

Respectfully,

(Name Edited Out)
 

November 24, 2004 -  This is absolutely the best email news I've ever received in trying to bring Ike home!  Special Thanks goes out to the un-named law enforcement detective above that has jumped on board to help me out with my dream of bringing Ike home.  Yesterday, I had a lengthy phone conversation with him and everything sounds very positive.  If all goes well he feels we might be able to bring Ike home by summer of 2005.  I'm really happy, I've been reaching out and searching for help like this for nearly 10 years.

Thank You, Ike
 

THINGS CONTINUE TO MOVE FORWARD

December 8, 2004

Terry Ike,

I just got back from the seminar in Vegas, and as promised, I told you I would do a little research.

First, there appears to be overwhelming evidence from various law enforcement sources that your right as a family member to exhume Ike overrides any issues by the current land owner where the remains are interned. I have not yet found the case law to support this, but it simply makes sense.  So, once this is confirmed by state and/or federal law, you should get no flak from the property owner. (Common sense, however, dictates that we leave the area like we found it when done recovering the remains so we will have to be careful about how many people are on site.)

If you do know who the land owners are, it should be quite simple to make the arrangements for the recovery without much hassle.  Keep this in mind and let us find out more before making any notifications. (You don't want someone else going out there before you.)

I have also found some very interesting items under Arizona State Revised Statutes (ARS.)  (You can pull the stuff up on web search and look for yourself and you may find other things I have not thought of.)

Under ARS 36-327, you will have the right to apply for a "disinternment-reinterment" permit with the State Registrar. I do not know the cost, but can check on that later.  This permit will legally allow the exhumation of Ike and movement for reburial without a court order.

I do think there would be a way around Tombstone's claim of Boot Hill being a historical site for reburial, especially if we can prove that the remains are indeed those of the famous Ike Clanton. It would only make sense that the historical value would be increased by his addition.

Now, unless a forensic pathologist voluntarily agrees to conduct a forensic examination of the remains, you would have to find one and pay a fee. My guess it would be fairly expensive. I might be able to convince someone in the field to do the work, but have not made those inquires as of yet.

The State Lab will not do any DNA work because the likelihood of conviction for a murder suspect is naught as we know the man that shot Ike is now deceased himself, and the lab is funded by public monies.  You can pay for a private lab to check your DNA against any found in Ike's remain, but again, I suspect there is a good chunk of money involved in that.

You might want to make some inquires at lab's in your area to get a price range. You just may stumble across a lab that would do it for free in the interest of history.

I would not charge you anything at all to do a forensic grave recovery, but ideally you would want a certified pathologist to be involved. I have not had the chance to call my acquaintance in that field, but if she is anything like some of the homicide detectives I have talked to about this, she may jump on it just for the experience of being involved in Arizona history. (Don't worry, the people I have talked to know how to keep their mouth shut, plus I don't know where Ike's resting place is.  Maybe it is the "cop" in me, but I just don't trust too many people out there as someone may rush out and try and dig the scene looking for artifacts.)

My guess is that any of the parties involved would want to wait under the winter weather clears before doing the recovery, but who knows, we could possibly get a team gathered pretty quickly.

I also know the Sheriff, on a personal basis, from the county in question. I would wait until all the other ducks are in a row before talking to him, but it would make everything run smoother if he was on our side and involved.

I am assuming that you still maintain photographs and the original letter written by Dr. Browning in the event some of the forensic experts would want to see them before going on the venture.  We will cross that bridge when we come to it.

I am more than a bit excited about this project and thought about it quite a bit while I was at the training and work.

Unfortunately, I still have my duties and we caught another homicide this weekend that will be keeping me and my team busy.  But, as promised, I will not forget about your desire to return Ike to his family and will make inquiries as soon as I can.

I just wanted you to know I was not blowing hot air when I sent you the original e-mail and will stay in touch.

Take care,  (Name Edited Out)

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