One of the most historic graves in Boerne Cemetery is that of Frederick James Dodge — a Wells Fargo undercover agent and friend of Wyatt Earp.
Fred Dodge was born on Aug. 29, 1854, in Spring Valley, California. He had a varied career as an undercover agent for Well Fargo, constable in Tombstone, Arizona, gambler and Texas cattleman.
In his work for Wells Fargo, he traveled thousands of miles throughout the country and captured more than 90 of the most notorious outlaws of the era.
His friendship with Wyatt Earp began when he recommended Wyatt to be a guard and messenger for Wells Fargo in Tombstone, and their friendship continued for the rest of his life.
Dodge supported Earp during his feud with the “Cowboys” gang that led to the Gunfight at the OK Corral.
It was Dodge that warned the Earps that the “Cowboys” were waiting for a fight. Virgil Earp, the town marshal, went to disarm the “Cowboys,” who were in violation of a town ordinance against carrying weapons.
Wyatt and Morgan Earp and Doc Holliday went with him. They met members of the gang: Ike Clanton, Billy Clanton, Tom and Frank McLary and Billy Claiborne at the O.K. Corral.
When the smoke cleared, Morgan, Virgil and Doc Holliday had been wounded and the McLary brothers and Billy Clanton lay dead.
The gunfight did not end the feud.
Half the town was in sympathy with the “Cowboys.” Ike Clanton accused the Earp’s of murder. Virgil Earp was shot and wounded in an ambush and Morgan Earp was killed.
When the accused “Cowboys” were acquitted due to lack of evidence, Wyatt Earp organized a federal posse to go after them.
Dodge did not go with the posse, but he loaned Wyatt his favorite “tool” — a short, 22-inch, 10-gauge, double barrel shotgun. The posse went on the “Vendetta Ride” and tracked down and killed four “Cowboys” including “Curly Bill” Brocius, who Wyatt shot with Dodge’s gun.
After his retirement Dodge traveled through Texas, where he fell in love with the Hill Country. He purchased 2,000 acres southwest of Boerne and started a ranch. Dodge Road, off Upper Balcones Road, is named for him. Fred died in 1938 and was buried in Boerne Cemetery.
In 2008, members of the Wild West Writers Association visited Boerne and were disappointed to find that there was no headstone on Dodge’s grave. Boerne resident John Dunkin organized a group of interested residents, raised money and had a tombstone installed honoring Fred and his wife, Jessie.
Dodge and other historic figures will come to life and be represented by actors in period dress in the annual “Gone, But Not Forgotten” Tour of Boerne Cemetery, sponsored by the Genealogical Society of Kendall County, the Patrick Heath Public Library and the City of Boerne Parks and Recreation.
The tour is free and open to the public and will be held from 10 a.m. to noon on Oct. 26. Details are available at: www.gskctx.org.
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