Loss of Faith

Pete Gabriel (?-1898) was a drifter who eventually settled in Florence, Arizona Territory. He was elected sheriff, and he hired Joe Phy (c.1844-1888) as his deputy in 1883. In 1886, Gabriel decided not to run for sheriff, and he put his support behind Phy. He withdrew his endorsement when Phy beat a teamster senseless and then pulled his gun on the locals who were watching the spectacle; Phy lost the election and the two became enemies. In 1888, Phy was considering running for sheriff once again, and there were rumors that Gabriel was also going to run. On 31 May 1888, Gabriel was in the Tunnel Saloon drinking when Phy entered the saloon. They started shooting: Phy shot Gabriel in the right lung and stomach; Gabriel shot Phy in the left thigh, stomach, left shoulder, and both lungs. Phy died a few hours later; Gabriel recovered, and was working as deputy sheriff six months later.