In the autumn of 1889, a journey to transport nine prisoners from Globe, Arizona, to the Yuma Territorial Prison turned tragic for Deputy Sheriff William A. Holmes. A respected figure in Gila County, Holmes was known for his involvement in Democratic politics and his prior service as a public administrator. Born around 1839, the White / Caucasian lawman was serving as a deputy to Sheriff Glenn Reynolds when they undertook the fateful transport in early November.
The party, which included
the prisoners, Sheriff Reynolds, Deputy Holmes, and stagecoach driver Eugene Middleton, encountered harsh weather on November 1st, forcing them to spend the night near the Gila River in the small town of Kelvin. The following morning, November 2nd, the group faced the challenging ascent of Kelvin Grade. Due to the steep and rain-slicked terrain, a decision was made for seven of the prisoners to walk alongside the coach.
This decision proved to be a fatal error. As the procession moved slowly up the incline, a coordinated attack was launched by the prisoners. Two of the inmates overpowered Sheriff Reynolds, seizing his shotgun, while another pair attacked Deputy Holmes, taking his rifle. In the ensuing chaos, one of the prisoners, Pas-Lau-Tau, shot and killed Sheriff Reynolds. Amidst the violent struggle, Deputy Holmes suffered a heart attack and died. Middleton, the driver, was also attacked and shot in the head but managed to survive.
The escape of the prisoners, led by the notorious Apache Kid, triggered one of the largest manhunts in Arizona's history. Lawmen and veterans of the Apache Wars scoured the territory for the fugitives. Over the next year, all but the Apache Kid were either captured or killed. Two of the suspects were killed, and three others were arrested and ultimately tried for the murders of the lawmen. The Apache Kid, however, managed to evade capture and his ultimate fate remains a mystery.
