Jim Levy

James H. Leavy (c. 1842 – June 5, 1882) was an Irish gunfighter in the Old West. He is remembered today by Western historians for participating in at least two instances of a quick draw duel. In his time, Leavy was one of the most notorious gunmen in the Old West known for challenging other gunmen to a duel. He is featured in the book Deadly Dozen, written by author Robert K. DeArment as one of the twelve most underrated gunmen of the 19th century West.

Historian Erik J. Wright notes that Leavy's name was in fact spelled "Leavy" as it was spelled this way on a number of primary documents from his time in Nevada and Arizona.

Early life

Jim Leavy was born in Dublin, Ireland in about 1842. While some historians claim Leavy was of Jewish descent, no proof of this exists. While he was young, his parents took him with them and immigrated to the United States.

Known gunfights

First duel

By the spring of 1871, Leavy arrived in Pioche, Nevada near the remote eastern border of the state and went to work as a miner. Michael Casey and three partners arrived in Pioche about the same time. Founded in 1868, the town quickly gained fame for its “toughest town” reputation. It was reported that nearly 60 percent of the homicides reported in Nevada during 1871-72 took place in and around Pioche.

Due mostly to confusion over the exact location of mining claims, mine owners finally resorted to hiring guards. Casey and his three friends offered their services to William H. Raymond and John Ely, whose claim had been squatted on and stolen at the point of a gun by hired men loyal to Tom and Ed Newland. Casey and friends offered to drive off the armed squatters in exchange for a thirty-day lease on the mine. Raymond and Ely readily agreed. With the lease in hand, the four men obtained a $60,000 loan.

His partners thought it too risky to take on the assignment to kill Casey themselves, but made sure he didn't leave town. The citizenry were outraged at Gossen's murder. They argued about who had shot first. Casey's friends said it was Gossen, and Gossen's friends believed it was Casey. Casey found Leavy in Felsenthal's store and argued with Leavy, claiming he had shot Gossen in self-defense, but Leavy swore that it was not true. Casey was infuriated and verbally abused Leavy. Leavy told Casey he only dared to abuse him because Casey was carrying a gun, while Leavy was still wearing his mining gear. Casey told him, "Go get your gun and come a-shooting." Leavy stood trial for murder but was acquitted.

William Moyer was dealing at John Murphy's Faro table in the Fashion Saloon when Leavy arrived drunk. He lost about $100 and lost his temper. He accused Moyer of cheating. Murphy was furious when he learned of Leavy's accusations and told Leavy's friends that he needed to apologize. Leavy returned to the Faro table with a friend and denied he'd said anything like that. Police chief Adolph G. Buttner and another officer had heard there might be trouble and intervened. He heard Leavy tell Murphy, "nothing but a fight will do me." Leavy repeatedly made threats against Moyer and Murphy, promising to "waltz on their layout and shoot their checks from the table." They argued further and the exchange of words escalated. Leavy told Murphy, "he was going to the Mexican line and [they] would fight across the wagon track." Murphy agreed.

All three men immediately surrendered and were placed in the jail and in the custody of Pima County Sheriff Robert Havlin “Bob” Paul. In court on June 19, the men were represented by Tom Fitch, who had previously represented Wyatt Earp during the preliminary hearing after he killed several outlaw Cowboys during the Earp Vendetta Ride.

Murphy lived his life as a gambler in southern Arizona and is buried in Tucson. Gibson continued to work in mining and prospecting and died in Prescott, Arizona. Moyer, however, worked at periods as a hired gun and was involved in the Johnnie Mine fight in Nevada in 1895. He was last seen in Alaska around the turn of the twentieth century.

Legacy

Although he is virtually unheard of today, Leavy was one of the most notorious gunfighters of his time. Both Bat Masterson and Wyatt Earp mentioned his name and his abilities.