Preacher in Helldorado: A Forgotten Westerner in Arizona History

In the annals of Arizona history, the names Wyatt Earp, Doc Holliday, and Cochise County loom large, overshadowing a lesser-known but equally intriguing figure: Reverend Charles Wesley Light. Known as the "Preacher in Helldorado," Light's life was a unique blend of piety, violence, and the American frontier.

Born in 1849 in Ohio, Light came to Arizona in the early 1870s, drawn by the promise of gold and adventure. He quickly became a fixture in Tombstone, a boomtown that attracted a diverse cast of characters, including outlaws, cattlemen, and lawmen. Light established a Methodist church and became a respected figure in the community.

Preacher in Helldorado (Journal of Arizona History)

by H. G. Wells

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	856 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	20 pages
Lending	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported

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However, Light's life took a dramatic turn in 1881, when a group of cowboys attacked his church and burned it to the ground. The cowboys were angry that Light had been preaching against their rowdy behavior. Undeterred, Light rebuilt his church and continued to speak out against injustice.

Light's outspokenness made him a target for violence. In 1886, he was shot in the head by a mysterious assailant. Miraculously, he survived, but the bullet remained lodged in his brain for the rest of his life.

Despite the attack, Light refused to be silenced. He continued to preach and became an active participant in the Arizona Rangers, a volunteer law enforcement organization. In 1888, he led a raid on a group of Apache outlaws, capturing several of them.

Light's adventures earned him the nickname "Preacher in Helldorado." He was a man of contradictions, a devout minister who could also wield a six-shooter with deadly accuracy. He was a respected citizen and a fearless lawman.

In 1892, Light left Arizona for California, where he continued to preach and write. He died in 1932, at the age of 83. His life was a testament to the indomitable spirit of the American frontier.

Reverend Charles Wesley Light was a forgotten Westerner, but his story is one that should be remembered. He was a man of faith, courage, and resilience, who lived a life of adventure and service in the heart of the American West.

Preacher in Helldorado (Journal of Arizona History)

by H. G. Wells

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	856 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	20 pages
Lending	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported

FREE