After his death, an 1878 account claimed that Brazelton had come fromSan Francisco, California; had been orphaned and lived in an old boiler; had killed a man at the age of 15, and then killed a seven-man posse near Silver City, New Mexico. In 1902 John Clum repeated these claims of Brazelton's early life; however Clum did not furnish any references for his claims. Brazelton's name does not appear on either the 1860 and 1870 US Census records. Historian Erik J. Wright has published widely on the life and crimes of William Brazelton, yet has concluded that his life remains shrouded in mystery. Wright's last study on the outlaw pinpointed the site of his death at the southeast corner of what is now Mission and Ajo in Tucson, Arizona.
Coming to Arizona
About 1876 Brazelton came to the courthouse in Prescott, Arizona and claimed that in a show he would eat a wagon wheel. After collecting money he left by explaining he would rustle up the rest of the troupe; of course he never returned. In 1877 Brazelton resided in Tucson, Arizona where he hauled products such as hay and grains.
Career
Brazelton's mode of robbery was to wear a mask over his face and carry a pistol and rifle in one hand while ordering the driver and passengers to hand over any valuables. He is alleged to have committed nine stage robberies in Arizona and New Mexico: three near Silver CityNew Mexico; two in northern Arizona and four near Tucson.
Suspected/known robberies
April 28, 1877 the stage going North between Socoro and Las Lunas on the Rio Grande was robbed of three bars and a one box silver.
End of career
A horse used by Brazelton in his last robbery was traced to the possession of David Nemitz; Nemitz was arrested and agreed to help bring in Brazelton in return for protection from Brazelton; Pima County Sheriff Charles A. Shibell led a five-man posse that killed Brazelton two miles south of Tucson, Arizona on August 22, 1878. Brazelton had two cartridges belts; two pistols; a Spencer rifle, his mask, earrings from the Point Mountain Robbery and a gold watch and chain. Brazelton's body was photographed twice, first wearing the mask and then unmasked. His gravesite was apparently moved and is unknown.
