07/15/2026
Every final resting place has a story.
It was on June 19, 1865, when Major General Gordon Granger ordered the final enforcement of the Emancipation Proclamation in Texas at the end of the American Civil War. It was there that former slave, John Swain, worked for Texas John Slaughter, and then traveled with John to Southern Arizona. They ended up in Tombstone after a long journey. He worked for the Slaughter family until well into the 20th century, when he acquired land of his own and started a small ranch. Mr. Swain held the respect and affection of the community. Mr. Slaughter was sheriff of Tombstone for many years and John Swain was frequently used as one of his deputies in apprehending the “bad men” who attempted to terrorize the community. Many of those same men now lie under the rocky soil of Boot Hill, where Swain is taking his eternal rest. It is at his own request that his remains are buried in Boothill, near those whom he had known during the early days when he was one of the hardest riding cowboys in the region.
The last grave in Boothill cemetery. John Swain, ex-slave, lived in Tombstone in 1879, when the first grave was dug in Boot Hill. The grave filled on Feb. 15, 1945, is the last to go down in that spot. His death marks the end of the last consort of the roughest bunch of gunslingers who died with their boots on and whose reckless courage helped to give to the West its reputation of being the land “where men are men” His funeral was attended by the Mayor of Tombstone and other dignitaries, from nearby communities, including Col. E. N. Hardy, Post Commander, Fort Huachuca. The Post’s Military band played and very impressive rites were conducted with dignity and reverence.
