John Tunstall

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John Tunstall

Background

John Tunstall is the owner of a cattle ranch and store in Lincoln County, New Mexico. He is originally from London.

During the events of Young Guns (1988) played by Terence Stamp

John and Doc Scurlock are in town buying supplies when they hear gunshots and see William H. Bonney running from three armed men including Morton and Baker. John pulls his wagon next to William, who is hiding, and tells him to get in. John rides his wagon onto his property and tells William he can stay or leave in the morning. During dinner, Dick Brewer asks William about his experience and when William tells him that he has a way with cattle, Charley Bowdre and "Dirty Steve" Stephens laugh and make fun of him. Dick asks William about the rumor that he killed someone and William tells him, it was because the man was giving him a hard time. Before bed, John has the Regulators practice reading and William reveals himself to be a good reader. L.G. Murphy and Dolan ride to John's property with their men and Sheriff Brady. Brady tells John that Murphy and Dolan have complained that John's men have stolen their property. John tells Brady that Murphy will accuse him of stealing until he is kicked out of New Mexico and he has no reason to steal Murphy's property. Murphy gets off his horse and asks John if he is going to be bidding on the upcoming government beef contracts. John tells him that he is and Murphy responds that a lot of government officials have money invested in Murphy's beef store. Before leaving, Murphy threatens John that he will be bringing him hell.

The next day, J. McCloskey walks up to John's property and tells John that Murphy fired him and he is looking for work. John takes William into town and buys him some new clothes. One evening they go into town for a New Year's dance. John asks Alex McSween, who is with Susan McSween, if he could get him an appointment with the governor, but Alex tells him Murphy already bribed the governor. Murphy, who is standing next to Rynerson, sends one of Murphy's Posseman to start a fight with John and Charley takes John's place in the fight and knocks out Murphy's man. As John and the Regulators are riding back to their property, they see some Prairie Grouse and chase after them. As they are hunting the grouse, a group of Murphy's men ride up and shoot and kill John.


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