A Soapy Smith in Tombstone poll
Posted by Jeff Smith in Interesting correspondence, Misc. Soapy, News renderings
John Randolph Smith, Jeff Smith, and Bobby Sheldon, 1973Bobby Sheldon claimed to have witnessed the
Gunfight on Juneau Wharf (July 8, 1898)
Cathy Spude
Jeff R. Smith in Tombstone
So this proves that "Soapy" Smith was in Tombstone for the infamous gunfight? Do you know how many Jeff Smith's there were in the country in 1882? The 1880 census lists 184 Jeff Smiths, with 25 of them being born in Georgia. None of them lived in Colorado at the time.
Come on, Jeff. Give us a break...rest on your laurels and don't push it.

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Sarah Palin and Soapy Smith, part II
Posted by Jeff Smith in Alaskan, Misc. Soapy, News renderings, Skagway
I found the paragraph on page 13 of Sarah Palin's new book, Going Rogue.
After his adventures in Tombstone, the legendary lawman Wyatt Earp came north and spent a few years in Nome during the gold rush. On the other side of the law was "Soapy" Smith, a Wild West crime boss whose tight-knit gang moved from Colorado to Skagway. They made a mint cheating gold miners out of their cash. It finally caught up with Soapy Smith: he was killed in a shoot-out with a vigilante gang.
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Sarah Palin mentions Soapy Smith
Posted by Jeff Smith in Alaskan, Boastful, Did you know, Humorous, Misc. Soapy, News renderings
More from Averyl Veliz
Posted by Jeff Smith in Interesting correspondence, Likeable links, Misc. Soapy, Skagway, Soapy fiction
Our good friend, Averyl Veliz is continuing her Klondike Story project that includes Soapy Smith as the main human villian. On her blog she writes,
"Soapy" Jefferson Smith got his nick-name from his soap scam-a name the public called him, but probably never used to his face. He would gather a large audience and pretend to wrap bills around some of the bars. Then he would auction off the bars, claiming that there could be anywhere from $1-$100 in the a bars. He would have members of his gang mixed into the audience and they would "win" big. The audience would get very excited and the bidding would go higher.Gold was also an excepted currency back then because many of the miners would come straight from the creeks to the saloons and that's all they had. For my story, gold is the only accepted currency to put more value and greed to it. This is Swiftwater's (Beaver) first human experience and he realizes that their greed for gold can work in his favor.
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Was Soapy Smith in Tombstone for the Gunfight behind the OK Corral
Posted by Jeff Smith in Interesting correspondence, Misc. Soapy, News renderings, Soap Gang
Why is this possibly so important? Because it can, and has, opened an interesting can of worms for Tombstone historians, setting up the simple "good vs. bad" into more of a Dodge City (gambler's) War.
(Click image to enlarge)Soapy looks out a window at the conclusion of the Gunfight behind the OK Corral
The problem is I obtained my information from a Kenny Vail, who absolutely refuses to disclose his provenance, however, if Vail is being truthful about seeing "Jefferson Randolph Smith's" signature in two Tombstone hotel registers on one or both of those dates listed above then it could very well open a new chapter in the political/gambling battles going on within the city, including the addition of a new theory that involves a possible fight for control of Tombstone's criminal underworld and perhaps even one of the reasons why the gunfight took place! My father once told me, "good ideas are often created from bad ideas," so with that in mind please ponder these few thoughts:
Wyatt Earp testified that "Big Ed" Burns (spelled Byrnes in Tombstone) was one of the men who warned him that the "Cow-boys" were handing out threats against the Earp's. Burns was later known as a key member of the Soapy Smith gang in Denver, Colorado and Skagway, Alaska between 1887-1898. If Soapy had arrived the day before the gunfight could it possibly be that parties of the old Tombstone "gambler's war" which had supposedly ended, enlisted the aid of the bunco men in their cause? This would not be the first time by any means that the bunco gangs were utilized in exchange for the right to operate their games, a contract, being a good defining term. Could Soapy Smith have been called upon by Burns, Bat Masterson, or other friends of the Earp's and the Soap Gang? One big question to ask is for which side were the bunco men to aid? Could the fight have been a trap to assassinate one side or the other? All indications point to the bunco men siding with the Earp's
More research is needed to find out if Kenny Vail's information is on the level. He has a vow of silence in releasing any provenance. Soapy supposedly signed two hotel registers on the dates indicated so that would be the first logical place to check.
The above information was posted on several Tombstone related forums with a lot of fan-fare that led to some new information (for me) regarding "Big Ed" Burns in Tombstone but little in the way of whether Soapy was there. I promise to report on any new information as it comes in.

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Washington, Iowa revisited
Posted by Jeff Smith in Artifacts, Interesting correspondence, Misc. Soapy
From: The Ellertsons
Subject: Mayor D.C. Kyle, Washington, Iowa
To: soapysmi@soapysmith.net
Date: Sunday, November 8, 2009, 7:18 PM
Dear Jeff,Just FYI, the document would pretty much have to be legitimately associated with the location of Washington, Iowa. D. C. Kyle was my great grandfather (my maternal grandmother's father). He not only was the Mayor of Washington at more than one point, but his obituary states that as the Justice of the Peace, he united over two hundred couples. He was also a surveyor for the city or county as well as other places (obit says surveyed in 14 states or whatever). I can tell you that he was Scots/Irish, and proud of it, for he continued to go to his office until in his eighties, and died after a short illness when he caught a cold (probably turned into pneumonia). My mother used to tell that he was very proud of his heritage, and would quite often wear his kilt (Cameron Clan). There sits in my living room, at this very moment, an oval, marble topped table, which came from his home at 302 West Second Street in Washington. After the death of his daughter Jeannette (never married, and lived in the family home until her death in 1954), the family home was sold, and the heirlooms divided. His son, Joseph A. Kyle, and daughter Frances Kyle (my grandmother) were the only two children surviving. My feeling is that the document is legitimate. There are some very nice and helpful people at the Washington County Genealogical Society there, who would most likely be happy to confirm or try to clarify any questions you may have. Sounds like a colorful relative you have there. Would like to read the book.
Best Regards,
Carolyn Ellertson
Kalama, Washington

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I just couldn't put your book down so I managed to finish it before I thought I would.Your book fits me very well as I am the type of person that wants the unadulterated truth and I want it backed with documentation. The fact that you included the actual letters was icing on the cake.
Everyone once in awhile a writer comes along that pours his heart and soul into a book and pays the price by actually doing the leg work necessary to create something truly exceptional. You, my friend, have done just that and are to be commended for your efforts.
For the many people who have not heard of soapy Smith, they no doubt cut their teeth on Hollywood's version of the Old West. It's time they sink their teeth into the true Old West and this book is a great place to start.
Spring, TX.

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History Channel: Cowboys and Outlaws
Posted by Jeff Smith in Did you know, Interesting correspondence, Likeable links, Misc. Soapy, News renderings
There is a new program on the History Channel called Cowboys and Outlaws. I think most would agree that a program based on Soapy Smith would fit perfectly. Problem is the History Channel accepts no suggestions and there is no way I know of to get a hold of those in charge of this one program. I am hoping someone out there reading this right now has an "in."

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"Having never heard of Soapy Smith before and I remembered reading some of your past postings on the Jesse James Delphi board about him, a good while ago, peaked my interest in learning more about this man. Your book on Soapy Smith makes one imagine they are there reliving Soapy's movements through his life. It is very detailed, well written and contains a comprehensive list of research footnotes.
If anyone wants to know more about the life and death of Soapy Smith, then this is the book to read and have in your research library."—Gay Mathis
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Is this a photograph of Soapy Smith?
Posted by Jeff Smith in Alaskan, Interesting correspondence, Soapy fiction
Real Photo Postcard - Signed at Bottom "Soapy Smith" - Found a Soapy Smith that was western Con man - Outlaw who was killed in Alaska in 1898 - This could be a photo of him, but could not be his signature - Unused - Made In Canada - AZO card 4 squares - Corners bumped - free shipping - payment due within 10 days end of auction. Thanks for looking.I did write to the owner of the postcard stating that I can say without any doubt that the man in his photograph is not the famous "Soapy" Smith. Soapy dressed in business attire, did not smoke a pipe and only once was known signing his name as "Soapy." More than likely the photograph is an actor playing the part of Soapy in one of the numerous plays in Alaska and Canada that used his character. To his credit the eBayer published my statement into his auction.
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Modern lot jumping swindle close to home.
Posted by Jeff Smith in Alias Soapy Smith: the book, Creede, Misc. Soapy, Skagway
A billboard erected to protect a purchased lot from "jumping." Creede, Colorado 1892
A modern example of an age old swindle: Lot jumping

- Page 222: Lot jumpers and real estate protection agreements made by Soapy, including the text from an original lot protection racket of Soapy's.
- Page 438: Information on Skagway's battle between the bunco men and the real estate grifters.
- Page 440-441: Selling single lots to numerous owners, all thinking they were the only owner.
- Page 480: Soapy's Skaguay Real-Estate & Investment Company.

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Jeff Morey, Jefferson Smith and Dad
Posted by Jeff Smith in Alias Soapy Smith: the book, Misc. Soapy
Jeff,You book arrived today and I am most impressed! It is wonderfully presented and a really significant contribution to the field. You have every right to feel proud my friend.Many Thanks!Jeff (Morey-that-is)

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Of Soapy Smith—
He is genial and generous, enjoys a fight, pays his debts, gives his last dollar to whoever wants it and steals the first dollar the next man is rash enough to expose to view. ~ Henry James,
Should have been "of Soapy Smith"—
He had the calm confidence of a Christian with four aces. ~ Mark Twain.
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Did Soapy Smith witness the Gunfight at the OK Corral?
Posted by Jeff Smith in Did you know, Family reunion 2010, Misc. Soapy, My history trips, Skagway, Soapy Wake
(Click image to enlarge)Did Soapy Smith witness the fight or possible even instigate it?
Photo by James G. Howes (addition of Soapy by Jeff Smith)

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About Jeff Smith
Seeking history blogs
New members of Friends
Glen Stone (joined Oct. 11, 2009): "He is a fascinating but often overlooked historical figure. His methods and success illuminate human character. I am considering writing a screenplay based on his activities in Skagway."
Robert Fitzhugh (joined Oct. 8, 2009): "Soapy is one of my favorite old west characters. He wasn't all bad. I would have liked him."
Jef Harvey (joined Oct. 6, 2009): "Lived in Denver for 10 yrs. Took Phil Goodstein's 'Seamy Side Of Denver' walking tour (also have read the book a few times) -- where I first learned of Soapy Smith... I'm interested in historical characters, perhaps especially of 'colorful' characters. I agree, a well-made movie about Soapy Smith is long past due, & I hope to visit Skagway at some point (am living in Palmer AK now). Thanks for the site; I'm looking forward to reading the book."
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