20223. The Arizona Republican, Phoenix, Arizona, February 1st, 1909. Death of William Gilson, A Builder of Arizona (article)

The Arizona Republican Phoenix, Arizona February 1st, 1909 DEATH OF WILLIAM GILSON A BUILDER OF ARIZONA. He Had Been a Resident of the Territory Almost a Half Century. William Gilson, a resident of the territory for forty six years died yesterday morning at eight o’clock at his home on the Tempe road. Mr. Gilson had been in ill health a long time and his death had been expected. Arrangements for the funeral have not yet been announceth Mr. Gilson was a native of Ireland and was seventy—seven years of age. He came to the territory in 1863 and engaged in mining at Walnut Grove with W.H. Kirkland and others. After that he settled on Date Creek. At that time that was an Indian country and Indians were at their worst. Mr. Gilson took his part in the struggle of these settlers against their depredations and their murdero us raids. Mr. Gilson came to the valley in 1880 and bought the old Roberts ranch. He built the St. John’s canal and the Gilson block at the corner of Second and Washington streets, now known as the Dennis block. In fact few men have done so much for the building of Phoenix and the Salt River Valley as Mr. Gilson -

20164. The Arizona Miner, Prescott, Arizona Territory, March 29th, 1873. A.C. Swain, recently murdered by Indians (article)

The Arizona Miner Prescott, Arizona Territory March 29th, 1873 A.C. Swain, recently murdered by Indians was a native of Georgia; aged about 40 years. He was the last of a party of some 10 brave men, who at an early date, settled at Walnut Grove, and every one of whom has been murdered by Indians. He has a brother in Texas. Geo. W. Taylor was a native of Scotland; aged about 21 years. His father and mother reside near Wickenburg, in this county, and are, we learn, well nigh crushed with grief for the loss of their beloved boy. Little is known of John McDonald; that is by us.

20095. The Arizona Miner, Prescott, Arizona Territory, June 22nd, 1872. On the morning in question Joe and M. Goldwater (article)

The Arizona Miner Prescott, Arizona Territory June 22nd, 1872 On the morning in question Joe and M. Goldwater (brothers) and Dr. W.W. Jones parted from friends here and took the road leading to Ehrenberg, Dr. Jones and M. Goldwater, in one buggy, and Jos. Goldwater, in another. They had reached the “divide” of Granite Mountain: had, indeed, proceeded nearly one-half mile beyond that dangerous place, and, were, no doubt, feeling that they had passed the Rubicon, when, horror of horrors, bullet after bullet flew at them, from guns in the hands of treacherous Apaches. Doctor Jones and M. Goldwater were ahead, and had a very narrow escape, as one bullet passed through the Doctor’s shirt sleeve, and another through M. Goldwater’s hat. But poor Joe got the worst of it, having received two dangerous wounds from bullets, in the back. The savages were on every side of the little party, hid in the brush, so that their escape is almost miraculous. One of the horses was shot in the neck. Open ground was soon reached, and better still, white friends, in the persons of L.R. Stephenson, George Jackson and Jas. O’Leary, of Walnut Grove, who were coming to Prescott in a wagon. Upon meeting them the Goldwater party had to come to a halt, as the frightened horses could not pass their wagon, and it-’ was then it was discovered that Jos. Goldwater was dangerously wounded. But the hellish Indians were advancing, and the whites must either fight them or get away from them. Jones, Stephenson and others were for staying and fighting the savages, whom numbered about forty. But, upon reflecting how Jos. Goldwater was suffering, retreat was the word, and retreat they did, followed by the Indians. Skull Valley was soon reached. The party stopped at E.F. Bowers’ place, which gentleman got two soldiers of the mail escort to ride to town and Fort Whipple, over the trail, which feat was very quickly performed. Dr. Bailey, Medical Director of the Department, sent down surgical instruments as per request of Dr. Jones; the balls were probed for; the wounded man was relieved, and is now, we believe, in the hospital at Camp Date Creek, where, it is hoped, he will speedily recover. Stephenson and party came to town the next day, when Steve informed us that, to the best of his knowledge and belief, the attacking savages were Indians belonging to Camp Date Creek, as they were partly clad in soldiers’ clothing- had soldiers’ guns and fired soldiers’ cartridges. He thinks Dr. Jones killed one savage, and we sincerely hope he did.

10188. The Arizona Miner, Prescott, Arizona Territory, August 28th, 1869, After Indians...

The Arizona Miner Prescott, Arizona Territory August 28th, 1869 AFTER INDIANS Our new commander has already proved himself to be an active one, for, on Saturday night last , he despatched Lieutenant Curtis, and 20 men of Co- L, 8th cavalry to Walnut Grove , to hunt up Indians in that vicinity. Scouts were also sent out from the Toll— gate and from Camp Date Creek. That from the Toll—gate consisted of 25 mounted men , under command of Lieutenant Carrick. The command passed through town on Monday or Tuesday on their way around the Prieta mountain, to meet Lieutenant Curtis The force from Camp Date Creek is commanded by Captain Somerby - A letter from Allen Cull umber , of Walnut Grove, dated August 24, says Lieutenant Curtis and command , with about one— half the citizens of that place, had On the 23d, the Indians started out... made two attempts to steal cattle from Mr. Cull umber. We earnestly hope the red scoundrels will be found and badly puni shed .

10162. The Arizona Miner, Prescott, Arizona Territory, March 13th, 1869, Local Intelligence.

The Arizona Miner Prescott Arizona Territory March 13th, 1869 Local Intelligence WHERE FARMING LANDS MAY BE HAD.- As many of our farmers are talking of engaging in farming this spring , and as immi— grants are arriving every week, it may not be amiss to state, for the informa— tion of persons who are or may be on the lookout for ranches that good ranches are to be had on the Verde, 60 miles east of Prescott, on Salt River, 100 miles southeast of Prescott , on Ash Creek and the lower Agua Frio, about 25 miles east from Prescott, on Big Bug , Lower Lynx Creek, Granite Creek, in Woolsey Valley , Willow Valley, in the vicinity of Granite Mountain, American Skull , Chino and Kirkland Valleys , all of which places are close to Prescott; on the Hassayampa, near Walnut Grove and Wickenburg , and on Date Creek , near Camp Date Creek.

10160. The Arizona Miner, Prescott, Arizona Territory, March 6th, 1869, Indian Murders and Depredations.

The Arizona Miner Prescott, Arizona Territory March 6th, 1869 INDIAN MURDERS and DEPREDATIONS- The fears expressed by us last week , regarding Wm. Burnett, of Walnut Grove , were well founded, as his body was found and buried on Monday last by some Mex— ican packers , near Granite Wash.

10159. The Arizona Miner, Prescott, Arizona Territory, February 27th, 1869

The Arizona Miner Prescott, Arizona Territory February 27th, 1869 HEREAFTER , Wickenburg we learn , the mail from will be carried via Camp Date Creek, Kirkland and Skull Valleys , to Prescott, instead of by Walnut Grove , as heretofore. An escort of soldiers will guard it.

10156. The Arizona Miner, Prescott, Arizona Territory, February 27th, 1869, Another Indian Outrage.

The Arizona Miner Prescott, Arizona Territory February 27th, 1869 ANOTHER INDIAN OUTRAGE. A week ago to—day, as the stage containing the U.S. Mail , the driver Mr- Tingley, Joseph Todd, of this place, and Jesse Jackson, of Petaluma, California (bro— ther of our fellow—townsmen Cal. and Sol. Jackson, ) was passing through Granite Wash, about Mid—way between Wickenburg and La Paz, on its way to the former, it was attacked by about 30 Indians, who lay concealed in the brush, on each side of the road. The Indians were armed with guns, and tried their best to kill and capture the party in the stage , all of whom were wounded. The driver, Mr. Tingley, received three wounds. Mr. Jackson was wounded slightly , Joe. Todd was wounded in the spine, and as he was recovering from sickness and med— ica1 treatment, it is feared he may die from the effects of his wound. When the Indians first fired at the stage the horses became frightened, turned out Of the road , and ran right through a body of Indians. Mr. Tingley , although badly wounded in the wrist, got hold of the reins, which he had dropped in order to shoot at the Indians, turned the animals into the road and got out of the wash as quickly as possible. The Indians chased the stage all the way through the wash, but the horses made good time , and they were unable to catch up with it. Upon arriving at Culling' s Station, word was sent to Wickenburg, when Dr. Howard went out to attend to them. The driver was taken to Wickenburg. Messrs . Todd and Jackson remained at the station, and, if able, will come to Prescott with Jones & Werninger s trains It is feared that the Indians have killed Wm- Burnett , step—son of Allen Cull umber, of Walnut Grove, who was on his way to La Paz. He left Culling' s Station on the morning of the day the stage was attacked, and was not seen on the road by the men in the stage.

10144. The Arizona Miner, Prescott, Arizona Territory, November 14th, 1868.

The Arizona Miner Prescott, Arizona Territory November 14th, 1868 Last week, we stated, upon the authority of parties who ought to have known, that thereafter the California mail would be carried via Camp McPherson, Kirkland and Skull valleys, to Prescott, but it seems our informants were mistaken. We have since learned that no change was or is intended to be from the Walnut Grove route, as the contractor has made all the arrangements for carrying it over that route for several months to come. Besides, he claims that the mail can be carried for much less money than by Camp McPherson, Kirkland and Skull valleys.

10143. The Arizona Miner, Prescott, Arizona Territory, November 14th, 1868, Recovery of Mails.

The Arizona Miner Prescott, Arizona Territory November 14th, 1868 RECOVERY OF MAILS.- It will be recollected that last week, after news brought to this place that the Indians had succeeded in capturing two mails, Major Clendenin, who commands Fort Whipple, sent Captain Hobart and part of his troop I, of the 8th Cavalry, to follow the trail of the Indians and if possible, recover the mails or a part of them, and we are pleased to be able to state that the command returned here Tuesday evening, after recovering the mails and turning them over to the P.M. at Wickenburg. Mr. Ed Peck, who accompanied the party as guide, called upon us and gave the following account of the trip: About dark on the 4th inst. they reached the place where the party was jumped, searched for the trail of the Indians, but did not find it until morning came, when it was discovered that about twelve Indians all that were in the party - kept the main trail towards Wickenburg for a short distance, when they turned in a westerly direction and stopped upon a hill, where they cut open one of the mail bags, and tore the ends off the letters for the purpose of rifling them. From thence their trail led to the canyon of the Hassayampa, which they crossed and proceeded twelve miles before stopping and opening the other mail bag. The troops followed their trail and picked up every letter and paper seen, and would have followed the Indians still further had it not rained and washed out their tracks. The Indians went into the mountains east of Wickenburg. Cavalry can do nothing in the country east of the Hassayampa, between Wickenburg and Walnut Grove, as it is too rough for horses. Mr. Peck picked up most of the letters and papers and says that but one out of several hundred was left unopened by the Indians. In some cases letters were taken out of envelopes, and in others, the savages satisfied themselves by tearing the ends off the envelopes and leaving the letters undisturbed. It seems they did not meddle with the newspapers as most of our exchanges came to us all right.

10139, 10140, 10141. Camp McPherson, Arizona Territory, Nov. 14th 1868, Mr. L.D. Booth (letter)

Camp McPherson Arizona Territory Nov 14th 1868. Mr. L.D. Booth Dear Sir I seat myself to perform a painful duty. it is that of informing you of the untimely death of your Brother Jerome Booth. He was killed by Indians the 2nd day of this month while escorting the mail from Wickenburg to Walnut Grove. The mail party consisted of but three men a citizen mail rider and two soldiers. One of which was your Brother. they were attacked by about 60 who lay in ambush till the mail was within a few feet of them when they raised with a whoop and fired killing Jerome almost instantly, and wounding the mail rider. Jerome fell from his saddle. then raising himself on one knee and raising his Carbine to fire but life was to far gone and he fell dead without a struggle. he was shot three times. twice with bullets in the left side and once with an arrow in the left shoulder. I wish to inform you that you are not the only one to mourn his loss. by his death. I lost a dear and trusty friend he seemed like a Brother to me. he was always willing to assist when others could not. He was truly kind, generous and obliging. and I sympathize with you in the loss of so dear a Brother. There were many sad hearts in this camp when the news reached here. for he was liked by officers and men. perhaps you are not aware that he had left this camp. he and myself both left here at the same time to go to Walnut Grove to escort the mail. and he fell a victim to brutal savages the second trip he made. the escort has since been removed. I am sorry to say I could not go to assist in burying him as I was obliged to go to Prescott the next day to report it to the military authorities. the Corporal in charge of the escort went with some citizens and buried him. and they all say he was buried well as could be expected. The Indians took his cloths from him and a memorandum book some postage stamps and a few letters they are all probably destroyed. there has been nothing seen of them since. He had no money at the time but there is four months pay due him besides some clothing money. which I have no doubt Lieut. Western will attend to as soon as possible. he has some letters from Miss Alice Parsons. and one from you which I enclose with your picture I believe I will send the letters to Miss Parsons as soon as possible. I hope you will excuse my negligence in this matter as I have been moving all of the time since the sad event happened. I sympathize with you in your deep affliction by the loss of so dear a Brother. but we must remember that he fell a true and noble hearted soldier while in the performance of his duty. and thought well of by all who knew him. Should you wish any more particulars I will give them to you if possible. yours truly, Leslie G. Cutter co. H 14th U.S. Infantry. Fort Whipple Prescott Arizona P.S. The Company has gone to Prescott since he was killed. -- L.G. Cutter

10136. The Arizona Miner, Prescott, Arizona Territory, November 14th, 1868, Local Intelligence.

The Arizona Miner Prescott, Arizona Territory November 14th, 1868 Local Intelligence . THE RECENT ATTACK ON THE MAIL PARTY: We were mistaken, last week, in stating that the Indians jumped the mail party at a place six miles this side of Wickenburg and that the soldier shot by them rode to Walnut Grove before dying, but we are not to blame for the mistakes , as we related the circumstances of the affair just as they were related to us , and until the arrival of Messrs . Coulter and Cory, from Wickenburg. Saturday night last, after our paper had been worked off , no other version of the affair was known here. Mr. Cory has furnished us with the fol lowing account of the sad affair, which we presumer is correct : "When within about twelve miles of Walnut Grover the mail party, consisting of the rider and two soldiers was jumped by a party of Indians. At the first fire one of the soldiers was shot through the heart, and fell dead from his animal- The rider while in the act of drawing his revolver, was shot with an arrow , which entered the arm above the elbow, and passing through, entered the wrist, which compelled him to drop his pistol (which was afterwards recovered) and take to flight. The remaining soldier dismounted from his mule and escaped to the Grove on foot. A party of citi zens from Walnut Grove went out to the scene of the conflict and buried the soldier. The riders wounds are not serious . "

10135. The Arizona Miner, Prescott, Arizona Territory, November 7th, 1868, Another Indian Outrage.

The Arizona Miner Prescott, Arizona Territory November 7th, 1868 ANOTHER INDIAN OUTRAGE. Monday last at a point about six miles this side of Wickenburg, a party of 75 or 100 Indians attacked the mail party , killed a soldier——one of the escort— and wounded the mail rider, captured the pack animal and two bags of mail matter . The Indians cut the party off from Wickenburg and tried to capture the whole outfit, but the carrier and his escort got away from them and succeeded in reaching Walnut Grove , where the wounded soldier died - The captured bags contained two weeks , California and Eastern mails , which no doubt, will be destroyed by the red skins . ( Jerome Booth was the soldier killed in the attack. He was a private of Co 14th U.S. Infantry , stationed at Camp McPherson, A-T. )

10134. (letter) Head Qrs. Sub. Dist. of Prescott, Fort Whipple, A.T., November 3rd, 1868. To The Non Commissioned Officer in Charge of Mail Escort

Head Qrs. Sub. Dist. Fort Whipple, A. T. November 3rd, 1868 To The of Prescott Non Commissioned Officer in Charge of Mail Escort Walnut Grove, A. T. The Major Commanding directs that the mail escort at Walnut Grove be withdrawn and hereafter the mail for this Post will be sent from Wickenburg via Camp McPherson and Skull Valley to this Post. You will therefore proceed with the escort now with the mail from this Post and such other men now with you from Walnut Grove to Camp McPherson reporting on your arrival at Camp McPherson to the Commanding Officer at that Post. The escort from Walnut Grove to Wickenburg will return from Wickenburg with the next mail direct to Camp McPherson. J. H. Mahnken, 1st Lieut. 8th U.S. Cavy. , A. A. A.G. " Copy " Bvt. Major U.S.A. Respectfully forwarded to Commanding Officer of for his information. Camp McPherson

10117. The Arizona Miner, Prescott, Arizona Territory, May 9th, 1868. Local News.

The Arizona Miner Prescott, Arizona Territory May 9th, 1868 LOCAL NEWS . HON. ALLEN CULLUMBER, of Walnut Grove , and Wm. Gilson of Date Creek were in town this week. They reported everything pros— perous in their prospective localities

10104, 10105, 10106. (letter) Private Jerome Booth, Co. "H" 14th U.S. Infantry, Camp McPherson, A.T., November 1st, 1867

Private Jerome Booth co. "H" 14th U.S. Infantry Camp McPherson, A. T. The following is a copy of an original handwritten letter, dated November 1st, 1867, Camp McPherson, A.T., written by Private Jerome Booth, Co. "H" 14th U.S. Infantry. The original letter is part of the Bill W. Smith Collection. No attempt was made to correct spelling or punctuation of the original. Private Jerome Booth was killed by Indians November 2nd, 1868 while on Mail Escort near Walnut Grove, A. T. He was shot twice by gunfire in the left side and once by an arrow to the left shoulder. Camp McPherson November th 1 1867 Dear Brother it is with pleasure that I take this opertunity of writi ng to you I received your letter bearing date Sept ember the 13 and was very glad to hear from you I was much pleased w ith the photographs you sent me I received a lett er from you the week before and have answered it and written one to you I came off guard this morning and thus have the fore noon to my self we have a herd here of 75 five head and consisting of horses mules and cattle which the corporal and three men of the guard take charge of and drive them to the best feed they can find but they do not go far from camp for the indians like fresh meat I w as acting corporal this time I went to Wick enburg a week ago today with the Captain and had avery good time it is aplace contai ining four stores and three white women we saw some very fine herds of deer and antelope on the way we were mustered for four months pay yesterday and expect the pay master every day un til he comes I passed through the town where nutan Dutche was on my way thr ough california I dont think it would do any good for me to write to him for very few go under their right name in this part of the USA now Larry that yarn about gale and the kitten s I guess thats all Bosh most likely you called the kitten up in your lap and I think you w rote that about gale because she wont let you have any peace until you answ er my letters like you ought well good by and dont forget to write from your brother Jerome Booth Camp McPherson date creek A. T.

10096, 10097, 10098, 10099, 10100. Private Joseph Booth, Co. "H" 14th U.S. Infantry, Camp McPherson, A.T. (letter)

Private Jerome Booth Co. "H" 14th U.S. Infantry Camp McPherson, A. T. The following is a copy of an original handwritten letter, dated October 18th, 1867, Camp McPherson, A.T., written by Private Jerome Booth, Co. "H" 14th U.S. Infantry. The original letter is part of the Bill W. Smith Collection. No attempt was made to correct spelling or punctuation of the original. Private Jerome Booth was killed by Indians November 2nd, 1868 while on Mail Escort near Walnut Grove, A.T. He was shot twice by gunfire in the left side and once by an arrow to the left shoulder. Camp McPherson October the 18th 67 dear brother I after the lapse of nearly six weeks I find myself seated pen in hand awriting to you again I have not heard from home yet the mails are very irregular at present the fast time it left here the red skins about fifty in number surprised the escort and captured the mail and killed the mail rider on the spot the escort beat a hasty retreat back to camp from which they were about 4 miles the Captain then ordered aparty to get aready to go and get the mail or what they could find of it he went with them they found the mail bag cut open and the mail scattered all about they gathered up the mail of which the Captain took charge they discovered the rider where he fell I was then at Wickenburg I had went down with the mail the week before and had the four and tail over the mail contractor getting uneasy at the mail not being in at usual time asked me to go to camp with him which I agreed to do and after dark we set out the reds let us alone until we were about about six miles from camp when they got after us with annoyance the first that we heard of them was the whiz of aflight of arrows backed by an unearthly yell that might wake the dead we gave our animals the spurs and soon left them far in the rear ten more days and I have a year served for Uncle Samule it seems some time since I was at home I havent seen an apple since I left although they are plenty in California Oct the 20 again I take my pen in hand to try and finish this letter I was called for duty the other day and of course had to go and thus missed sending it by yesterdays mail to day is Sunday and it will start Monday from here the mail rider brought the news of aparty of sixteen persons being killed last week near Tucson aplace about one hundred miles from here he also stated that it was impossible for the mail to go any farther then that place there being three hundred mounted indians between that and the next post that is all for the reds this time the nights are nice and cool here now and the weather is very pleasant we havent had any rain since I July I think that rather beats all New York how did that patch of tobacco do that you was trying to raise inspite of the weather I hope it has done well if it wasent for that fragrant meal I cant say what might have become ofL.B. when I think of the good old times at home A bit of the meal is my only consolation how is the farm at home managed this year has father got the cider milk done yet I would like to have about two weeks on the cue about this time how has will ransome and his annie get along ihope uncle dont have any trouble with his dear son well larry I have seen agreat deal of that yellow stuff called gold since I have been in this part of the world and I think I had rather dig for gold in the states nearly every day we hear of some party of miners being jumped as they term it last week there was four out of aparty of five that were out prospecting killed the other had ahard run for life there are agreat many instances of this kind where there is none left to tell the tale I bought one bushel of potatoes the other day they cost me 11 eleven dollars and fifteen pounds of onions which cost me 5 five dollars you may think that you would let the vegetables go and save your money but you would rather let the money slip than get the scurvy well I guess that is about all you will want to study out for once I Best respects to all inquiring friends good by Jerome Booth