Hi Lisa,
I don't like to argue with family tradition but I'll give several reasons why I think the Earp to Arp change stated concerning the Earp Bro. revenge, does not seem plausible to me.
The Earp to Arp name change occured prior to Wyatt Earp being born. Wyatt Berry Stapp Earp was b. 19 Mar 1848.
On legal documents in Monroe Co.,TN Benjamin Arp was already on record using this new name, prior to Wyatt Earp's birth. Benjamin having moved to Monroe Co.,TN ca 1820.
James Addison "Add" was born 1824 with the last name Arp. He married in 1845 using the name Arp as well.
The name of Arp was established,to me, well before Wyatt came to fame.
I am more interested in the fact that you descend from James Addison "Add" Arp, my dad, remembered him. I descend from William Thomas Arp,brother to your Columbus C. Arp.
My dad was fond of his wife, called "Aunt Mandy".
Would like to hear your thoughts, you may totally disagree or have better reasoning on the name change.
Rebecca