Although he did kill a number of people in his lifetime, Holliday quite often fought back in self-defense.
He was very strategic in combat and, when firing at his opponent, he aimed for their shooting arm to disarm them (so as to avoid a harsher punishment if he was caught) but this initial wound was typically not fatal.
Hello, Marshal
Soon after this, Holliday crossed paths with the famous rogue lawman Wyatt Earp. The details surrounding this meeting are unclear outside of legend, but whatever occurred between the two, they went on to become the most feared duo in the Wild West. Curiously enough, at the time, Earp was still a deputy U.S. marshal.
According to the story, Earp was looking for the outlaw “Dirty” Dave Rudabaugh. He inquired of Holliday about Rudabaugh’s possible location after Holliday had apparently gambled with him. Holliday claimed that Rudabaugh fled to Kansas, and Earp followed. But the two would end up crossing paths again.
Lifesaver
One of the most famous Holliday/Earp stories was at the Long Branch Saloon in Dodge City. 2-5 cowboys (depending on the version of the story) rode into the saloon, started threatening patrons, and vandalizing the room. Holliday, who was looking to become a dentist in the city, was gambling in the back room of the saloon.
Upon hearing the commotion, Earp burst through the door and faced the cowboys' gun-barrels. But Holliday stood in defense and pointed his pistol at the leader of the group, forcing them to disarm. No newspaper reports back up this incident, but Earp said that Holliday saved his life.
Silver Rush
In October 1879, Wyatt Earp came to Las Vegas (New Mexico) to meet with Holliday. Before that, Holliday had tried, with no success, to strike gold in Dakota and Wyoming. But apparently, Earp told him that he was heading toward the silver boom in Tombstone, Arizona with his brother, and convinced Holliday to join.
In the West at this time, there weren’t many law enforcement organizations to prevent crime so Earp and his brother didn't bother county sheriff Johnny Behan at first. However, after Holliday joined the team, Behan suddenly labeled them as criminals.
What's up, Doc?
During his time in Fort Griffin, Texas, Holliday engaged in a conglomeration of fighting, gambling, and, oddly enough, dentistry. Holliday was now reputable for refunding customers for unmet expectations, which earned him the nickname “Doc.” Around 1878, Holliday permanently left his dentistry practice.
After several shootings, Holliday was renowned for his skill with weapons, all the while battling tuberculosis. When he heard of the alleged healing properties of the 22 hot springs, Holliday moved to Las Vegas, New Mexico for one year. Anti-gambling laws sent him back to Dodge City, however, but he later returned to Vegas and started building saloons. That's where he reunited with Earp.