Deaths on February 14

Glenn Boyer, American historian and author (b. 1924)

Glenn G. Boyer: A Controversial Figure in Old West Historiography

Glenn G. Boyer (January 5, 1924 – February 14, 2013) was an American author whose extensive publications on Wyatt Earp and other iconic figures of the American Old West sparked considerable debate and redefined aspects of frontier history. While initially hailed for his groundbreaking research, Boyer's methodologies and the authenticity of his sources became the subject of intense scrutiny, ultimately cementing his legacy as a deeply controversial historian.

Groundbreaking Revelations and Initial Acclaim

Boyer first rose to prominence by revealing the existence of Wyatt Earp's second common-law wife, Mattie Blaylock. Before Boyer's work, historical narratives often focused primarily on Earp's relationship with Josephine Sarah Marcus, largely obscuring his earlier, less romanticized domestic arrangements. This revelation provided a more nuanced view of the legendary lawman's personal life. For many years, Boyer’s publications, often presented with claims of access to unique, private family documents and forgotten memoirs, were widely regarded as the most authoritative sources on Wyatt Earp's life, offering what appeared to be unprecedented insights into a pivotal period of American history.

The Unraveling: Fabrications and Damaged Credibility

However, the scholarly consensus around Boyer's work began to erode as other historians and experts sought independent verification for his claims. When challenged to produce the purported essential documents and archival materials he cited so frequently, Boyer either proved unable or unwilling to do so. This inability to substantiate his sources cast a significant shadow over his entire body of work. The controversy reached its apex when a crucial individual he cited as a key historical source – an individual whose testimony formed the bedrock of several of Boyer's assertions – was definitively exposed as a complete fabrication. This particular instance, often involving his claims of access to previously unknown accounts, severely damaged Boyer’s reputation and the perceived authenticity of his extensive historical narratives. Critics, such as historian Casey Tefertiller, explicitly stated that later works by Boyer were "riddled with bogus material," a sentiment that gained traction among a growing number of Old West scholars.

Key Publications and Their Contentious Legacy

• I Married Wyatt Earp: The Recollections of Josephine Sarah Marcus Earp: This highly influential book, published in 1976, became Boyer's most famous and financially successful work. Selling over 35,000 copies, it was for a time the second-best-selling book ever published about Wyatt Earp. Presented as the verbatim autobiography of Earp's last common-law wife, Josephine Sarah Marcus Earp, the book aimed to offer an intimate, firsthand account. Its initial publication by the prestigious University of Arizona Press lent it considerable academic credibility. However, following extensive disagreements and mounting questions regarding the manuscript's origins and Boyer's editorial practices, he eventually regained the rights to the book. It was subsequently re-published by Longmeadow Press, notably still marketed as a "non-fiction autobiography," despite the ongoing scholarly doubts about its factual basis and whether Josephine Earp actually authored the text in its presented form.
• Memoirs of Big Nose Kate (Mary Katherine Horony Cummings): Boyer was also responsible for bringing to light the purported memoirs of Big Nose Kate, the long-time common-law wife of Doc Holliday. These memoirs offered a unique, if sometimes sensationalized, perspective on the lives of these iconic figures and the turbulent events of the American frontier.
• The "Flood Manuscript": Another significant contribution attributed to Boyer was the publication of the "Flood Manuscript," a long-sought document believed to have been written with Wyatt Earp's direct input. Such a primary source could have provided invaluable insights into Earp's own perspective on key historical events.

Despite the persistent and well-documented criticisms, Glenn G. Boyer retained a dedicated base of supporters who continued to champion his work. Nevertheless, his methods fundamentally altered how Old West historical research was conducted, emphasizing the critical importance of source verification and independent corroboration. His legacy remains a complex one: a figure who unearthed previously unknown details but whose reliance on unproven or fabricated sources continues to fuel debate among historians regarding the true reliability of his contributions to the history of the American West.

Frequently Asked Questions About Glenn G. Boyer

Who was Glenn G. Boyer?

Glenn G. Boyer (1924–2013) was an American author known for his books and articles on Wyatt Earp and the American Old West. He became a highly controversial figure due to questions regarding the authenticity of his historical sources.

What was Glenn G. Boyer's most famous book?

His most famous book was I Married Wyatt Earp: The Recollections of Josephine Sarah Marcus Earp, published in 1976. It was presented as the autobiography of Wyatt Earp's last common-law wife and achieved significant sales.

Why was Glenn G. Boyer considered controversial?

Boyer's work became controversial when he could not produce evidence for documents and sources he frequently cited. Crucially, at least one key individual he claimed as a source was later exposed as a complete fabrication, leading to accusations of historical fraud.

What key historical detail did Boyer reveal about Wyatt Earp?

Boyer was the first to widely publicize the existence of Mattie Blaylock, who was Wyatt Earp's second common-law wife before Josephine Sarah Marcus. This challenged previously romanticized versions of Earp's life.

Did Glenn G. Boyer publish other significant historical documents?

Yes, he was also responsible for publishing what he claimed were the memoirs of Doc Holliday's common-law wife, Big Nose Kate, and the "Flood Manuscript," which was purported to contain direct input from Wyatt Earp. However, the integrity of his handling of these documents also faced scrutiny in light of his other controversies.