MOHAVE COUNTY , ARIZONA
NEWSPAPER ACCOUNTS OF EVENTS
Col.
Hodge at Mineral Park, June, 8th 1876
Editor Miner :Since my arrival here, on my way from Yuma to Prescott, I have gathered a few items which maybe of interest to your readers. Emigrants and stock have been coining into the Territory from California, crowding the Colorado at Hardyville quite freely and much In excess of last year. W. H. Hardy, Esq., Informs mo that there have already been crossed some 30.000 sheep, 5,000 horses and 3,000 cattle, and that from all accounts there will be at the lowest estimate 150,000 sheep, 12,000 cattle and 8,000 horses brought In on this route during the year. The emigration he estimates at 1,500 at least, in place of 700 last year. The sum total will make quite an addition to the population and to the personal property of the Territory. The Colorado river is front 8 to 10 foot above low water mark, and is now rising from 4 to 6 inches in 24 hours. It is Court week, but Judge Tweed had not arrived on the 6th instead, but is expected every day. There are some important cases on the calendar, which attract much interest and which will be closely contested.
A. K. Davis and family have returned from California, as well as several others well known in this county, among which are Messes. McCrackin and Owen, large owners in and discoverers of the McCrackin Mine.
Judge Pitzer, from Pioche, Nevada, is at Cerbat and several eminent Attorneys are dully expected from California, who are engaged on some of the cases before this term of Court.
The Probate Court, Judge Weber, has been in session a portion of the week and much important business transacted. Many of the mines are producing well, but at present them is a serious hitch between the mines of the Keystone and the superintendent or the owners, but it is to be hoped that matters will soon be amicably arranged,
Messrs. Breon & Spear, I am informed, have leased the Mineral Park mill and the Keystone mine. The mill is now running on custom ore, and doing veil. Quite a number of small
lots of ore have been crushed from different mines the past two months with gratifying results. I have not been able to obtain full statistics, but give a few obtained from parties In interest
Five tons from the Index, gave an average yield of $236 per ton.This mine is owned by Haas & Co, and is one mile East of town. Eight tons from the Mocking Bird situated three miles northeast of Cerbat, gave an average of $700 per ton.This ore belonged to Messrs. Miley, Riley and Upton. Nineteen tons of ore from the Cupel near Stockton, belonging to Messrs., Cory & Potts and others, gave an average of $330 per ton. Fifteen tons of second class ore, from the Metalle Accident, owned, by J. C. Christie, gave an average of $400 per ton and his first class ore shipped to San Francisco, netted him over $1,000 per ton. Mr., Christie has gone to the Centennial, and takes some fine specimens and some bullion with him. A small lot from the Laporte, close by town and owned by Davison & Co., gave $534 per ton. Seven and a half tons of Empire, at Chloride, gave an average of $310 per ton. This mine is owned by W. H. Raymond. One ton from the Sunday School, close by Empire, gave $191 per ton also owned by Mr. Raymond.
Twenty tons from the Shoulter mine, in the Hualpai mountains, gave $350 per ton. Several other lots have been worked which I have no returns from. A large amount of Keystone
and Hackberry South has been worked, giving an average of $200 per ton.
The Hackberry mill is running successfully and turning out much beautiful, bullion .985 fine. The mine is, as I am informed by a gentlemen just in from them, looking exceedingly well.
Mr. Hardy has let another contract on his big tunnel running to the Fairfield, the first claim West of the Keystone, and which is progressing finely. Some 40 tons of splendid ore are
now on the dump of the Lone Star which will go away up.
Mr. Patterson is just in from the Salt Mountains, north of Stone's ferrys and has on this trip, over seven tons of salt. He reports a large number of emigrants and stock coming in by
the way of Stone's ferry from Nevada and California,
Hoping to meet Prescott friends soon
I am yours, etc. H.G. Hodge
May 18, 1877
Court opened up on the 7th instant, Judge Tweed presiding, with fifty two cases on the docket. Representatives from every part of county were present, having either been summoned to attend as jurors, or else being interested in some of the numerous mining suits. The Sandy sent the largest delegation, among which were quite a number who came for the purpose of making an honest penny by some of the many sinful games in which ye festive miner is wont to indulge.
The school building was extemporized as Court House, and several times before the opening of the court, the venerable Judge could have been seen in front of the entrance hammering on the triangle, to remind the boys that it was time to cash their chips and come to "court" Many sorrowful tales were told, such as having sprained ankles, being sick, etc., in order to get excused from serving on the jury. One robust individual asserted that he was afflicted with heart disease and could not stand the confinement in the jury room.
In the case of the Territory against W. A. Mix, for assault with intent to commit murder, the Grand Jury ignored the bill. The same vs. James W. Hass, same charge, a true bill was found, and on trial a verdict of guilty of assault only was rendered.
The five stamp mill is running on a limited supply of ore from the Keystone and Star Mines, These mines are working a very small force of men, and as a consequence things will look very lonely after the adjournment of Court on Saturday evening.
Some of the Yavapai lawyers left on Friday, and Judge Tweed expected to be finish up the business so as to adjourn Court, The Grand Jury occupied the Judge's apartment during their deliberations, and at me of their sittings some cuss, without fear of the majesty of the law, "froozo" on to the Judge's meerschaum pipe. All inquiries after the missing article failed to discover its whereabouts. During the afternoon of the next day a Petit Jury was quartered in the same rooms, and in order to get even with the Grand Jury some one of the immaculate twelve had to prance off with his Honor's blankets.
The roadway through the Juniper mountains is filled with loose rocks, which makes it very annoying to travelers. The county authorities would confer a benefit on the traveling public if they would employ some one to put it in repair.
Game of all kinds, such as deer, antelope, etc., is very plentiful on the plains between Cross Mountain and the Juniper Range.
The farmers in Williamson Valley are busily engaged in planting corn. A much larger quantity will be put in this season than has ever before been planted in that section. All through Walnut Valley evidence of increased activity is visible, and the farmers expect to reap a large harvest this year. It will not be long now until all these fertile mountain valleys will be teaming with a large population. Here are large tracts of land only waiting for the husbandman to tickle them with the plow when they will reward him with an abundant harvest. Parties going to Mineral Park or vicinity will do well to provide themselves with grain for their animals, sufficient for one night, before they get to the Willows, as the crops at the station were almost an entire failure last year, and as a consequence no grain can be obtained until they get to another station at the mouth of the canyon, four miles east of' the Park.
There is also no water at the Tanks, and canteens will have to be filled at the Cottonwoods. The parties who started to dig a well at the Tanks sunk it about twenty five feet, when they found the rock so hard , that they abandoned the place in disgust, after having placed a broken whisky bottle in the bottom of the well, evidently as a sign that the thirsty traveler need not for anything to drink in that locality.
All along the route the Miner is highly spoken of as a live and interesting local paper, fully up to the requirements of the times, and generally commended for the course it has taken relative to all matters effecting the interests of the Territory and each particular section. X-CENTRICK.
Mineral Park July 12,1877, Editor Miner:
It now seems that it matters not how much we complain, or what ! grounds we have for complaint, we are not to have any better mail facilities; that matters are bound to go from bad to worse. Now it seems that a gentleman unacquainted with, the country has contracted to carry the mail from Aubrey to Mineral Park for $1,750 per year. This is quite enough to know about the whole matter; we will have a mail as this contract could not sub let for less than $5,000 per year. As for the mails up the river we hear that the steamers have refused to carry any more and the contractor refuses to carry mails for this place, so we are without mails and if we cannot get all that is due we had better have none. The fact that a postmaster has a right to sort and throw out, or a contractor refuse to carry only a part is in itself quite enough to call for an investigation by the department. But months pass away and no notice is taken of our complaints. We say if men will put in low bids, compel them to fill to the letter, show lenity and soon we will have a new deal.
Immigration continues to move along the dusty roads, with jaded and worn out stock. I certainly pity these immigrants to be caught on the desert in the late hot weather. Only think of trying to haul a wagon with a wore out team through the sands of Soda Lake, when the mercury indicates 125° in the shade and never drop below 110 ° at night, and when the thermometer is exposed to the sun it crawls up to 145 degrees. Then to think that several large bands of sheep are being driven or attempted to be brought Across. The loss 35 is great not one out of five reaches the Territory alive, yet they are now at the Colorado river crossing, but the owners have a sorry tale to tell. Sheep are of but little value in California, and not too high in Arizona; I hear of good flocks being offered at one dollar to two dollars per head.
We have already had a fine shower of rain and expect more. We hope for a spell of moist weather.
Kingman, Arizona, Feb. 9 1897
The Indian trailers and deputy sheriffs started before daylight on the trail of tbe train robber who escaped after holding up a train at Nelson last night. It is Supposed that
the trailers will have no trouble running down the robber The idenity of the robber killed by Messenger A. O. Sumners is stlll unknown He was a cowboy. The mail olerh insists that
there several robbers, but the engineer and flreman saw only one after the shooting by the messenger. The robber secured nothing but a few registered packages and letters
from the mail car the through pouches being unmolested.
Nov 23 1889 The White Hills Road
Work Has Just Begun At Kingman With Great Activity.
Yesterday the first work on the Sacramento valley railroad was begun at Kingman in Mohave with Dr. Thoodore B. Comstock of Los Angeles in charge as chief engineer. Mr. Comstock is also vice president of the company which is building the road. The new road will run from Kingman to White Hill, both in Mohave county, a distrance of about 54 miles.
Construction will actually begin at McConnico Junction, four miles west of Kingman, but under arrangments with the Santa Fe Pacific company, the southern terminus of the road
will be Kingman. The heaviest grade on the road not exceed 1.85 per cent. The road will pass through one of the richest mining sectopns pf Arizona. Out from Kingman it will strike
first theUnion Pass Road, near to which are the Ewing mining properties, and some other ten or a dozen mines, then the Cerbet mines, Todd Basin and Mineral Park properties,
all of which will be tributary to the road. It will then traverse the Chloide district, in which there are a large number of valuable minos, all more or less developed, many of them already
on a paying basis. Leaving the Chloride district the road will take in the mining properties on the west side of the Sacramento valley, now called the Klondike region otherwise known
as Gracey's camp. Beyond that is El Dorado Canyon and then White Hills, the northern terminus of the road. It is possible that following the completion of the road, it may be extended
as far west as the Colorado river, passing near the Senator mines, Gold Basin and Temple Bar properties. The future will, however, determine that. The contracts, which have been let,
call for the completion of the road as far as Chloride by June 1,1899, and to White Hills by October 1,1899.
April 6 1903 Killings In Arizona
Cowboy Pianoist and Young Miner were Killed by Man who is Wanted In California,
Kingman, Ariz....April 5.-News .has just reached Kinsman of the killing of Charles Blakey, Known as the "Cowboy Pianist." and Roy Winchester, a young- miner, on the trail forty miles
north of Kingman, by James McKenney. Nothing Is definitely known of the murder, but It is thought that McKenney, who Is wanted for the killing of Wm L. Wynn at Porterville, Cal-,
last July, mistook the men for officers and laid in wait for them on the trail Blakey was shot In the breast and Winchester in the back with buckshot.
After the shootjng McKennev went to a ranch and compeiled the rancher to shoe two horses for him, and then rode away.
The rancher failed io report the killing until three days after the occurrence A sheriff's posse is now in pursuit of; McKenney. Gov. Brodie has been asked to send out rangers In
pursuit, as It is thought McKenney has gone south into the "Bad Man's Land" of Yuma County, where it is almost impossible for a -posse to go without safety.
DETAILS ASSASSINATION TOM LAKE IN ARIZONA.W. R. LAKE OF BOISE GETS NEWS OF THE MURDER. January 25 1906
Man by the Name of Ogden Is Said to, Have Committed the Deed with Colt's Revolver.
W. R. Lake, the Boise timberman who resides at 119 State street, yesterday received by mail the details of the assassination of his brother Tom Lake, at Kingman, Ariz., on January 15
Another brother. Frank Lake, a mining man of Park City, Utah, went to Kingman last week to look into the matter. He found that on the evening of January 15 Tom Lake, superintendent of a mine a short distance from Kingman, was driving into the city in company with a man by the name ot Holland. They were overtaken and passed by a rig driven by E. Ogden, who stopped his team a short distance ahead and dismounted.
When Lake's team approached, Ogden called upon him to halt, and ordered Holland to get out of the wagon, as he intended to kill Lake. Holland refused to dismount, whereupon Ogden shot Lake twice with a Colt's revolver, both shots inflicting mortal wounds.
Ogden was arrested and at the preliminary hearing before Probate Judge Brown at Kingman was bound over to the district court without bail to answer the charge of murder in the first degree.
At the preliminary Osden put up no defense, and Lake's brother in Boise Is absolutely In the dark as to the causes which led up to the tragedy. He believes, however, that the murder was the result of labor troubles.
Tom Lake was formerly a. shift boss in one of Senator Clark's mines at Butte. He went to Kingman to take the superintendency of one of Clark's copper properties there. He was about 36 years old, and leaves considerable property.
GRUESOME EXECUTION AT KINGMAN, ARIZONA
C. C. Leigh Faints and is Carried Unconscious to the Scaffold. Has Relatives in California.
Kingman Arizona Jan 18 1907 Associated Press
C.C. Leigh was hanged to day in the jail yard here for the murder of Jennie Beauters, a woman of the half world, at Gold Road, on September 1905. As he was being led to the scaffold, he suddenly weakened and fell against the sharp edge of one of the jail cells a great gush being cut in his head and rendering him partially unconscious.
The officers carried him to the scaffold and held him up while adjusting the noose and cap. His neck was broken by the drop Leigh is said to have relatives in Visilla California.
Lost Flier Found On Arizona Desert
Kingman Arizona June 2 1950 C.E. Edmonson of Raymond Washington, missing pilot of a plane that nade a forced landing in the desert near Badad Arizona was found alive Friday.
The exhausted flier was brought to the Kingman Hospital by an unidentified rancher. The hospital said Edmonson was tired
and suffering from exposure, but other wise in good condition.
April 20 1973: 5 in Arizona Die in Wreck, Kingman, Arizona
A widow and her four young children were killed when their small foreign car plunged into a dry river bed west of here, the Arizona Highway Patrol said.
Investigators said Edith Wright Wiltbank, 32, of Thatcher, Ariz,, apparently fell asleep at the wheel.
Her four children killed In the crash were David, 9, and his three sisters, Thelma Marie; Larae, 7, and Tawnl Ruth, 6.
Two Slaying Suspects Recaptured in Arizona Nov. 10 1973
KINGMAN ARIZONA (UPI) A man and woman wanted for the murder of a Richardson Texas, dentist were captured in a vacant house Friday two murder ot a Richardson,
blocks from the jail where they escaped with three other prisoners,
Arizona Department ot Public Safety officers found Roy Bell, 37, and his wife, Linda, 28, after a neighbor noticed the door of the home open. The Bells are charged with murdering Dr. Kenneth I. Hurtlg, and had been named In fugitive warrants from Texas charging them with robbery and attempted burglary. The couple was held in Arizona on charges ot possession of dangerous drugs. Bell's sister, Caroline Bell Gumm, and two companions were arrested south of Hoover Dam Thursday on charges of conspiring to aid the escapees.
Witnesses had reported seeing the escapees enter a car with Texas license plates.
The other escapees were captured on an Arizona highway. A search plane, looking for the escapees since Wednesday, also crashed killing two persons.
A telegram from Kingman says: Bill Epperson, a cow-puncher of the "Bejuses" style, came to town last night and called on a young lady. Miss Daisy Rucker with a six shooter on. Moving around on a chair his gun went off and shot a hole through his thigh and shot the young lady through the ankle. Her wound is painful, but Epperson's, unfortunately, was not serious enough.
July 4, 1908
Last Tuesday morning Frank Crozier and Miss Lottie Grounds were united in marriage at the home of the bride’s parents, in Fresno, California. Mrs. Ida Crozier, mother of the groom attended the wedding. The young couple are well known in Kingman and Hackberry, being natives of Mohave county.
July 11, 1908
Mr. and Mrs. M. H. Murphy are building a new residence near their lodging house on South Front Street.
There was born to the wife of W. A. Reiff at Boulder Springs, on the 6th day of July, a baby girl.
C. J. Hutchison, general manager of the Expansion Gold Mining Company reports that fifteen thousand gallons of water is now being produced by their water shaft and well at the mines.
June 1, 1928
Six boys and six girls were graduated from the senior class of the Mohave County Union High School. The graduates were: Audrey V. Brakeman, Joseph A. Bonelli, Emmett P. Chapman, Ruth K. Cunningham, Lowell S. Hart, Marjorie E. Jagerson, Louis F. James, Millicent E. Kapp, Annabel E. Kause, Marguerite L. Lewis, George B. McDevitt and Ronald V. Seipple.
May 11, 1928
Word was received that Minnie M. Kayser and E. L. Ming of Hackberry were married on April 18. They are making their home in Hackberry after spending their honeymoon at the Grand Canyon. The bride and groom endeavored to keep this a secret but the news of the marriage finally gotten out.
March 14, 1908
There was born to the wife of W. F. Grounds Jr., at Milkweed ranch on the 5th of this month, a baby girl.
July 31, 1958
News from the Sandy: The early settlers who came in wagons overland included the families of the Boners, Cornwalls, Cofers, Carrows, Shipp, Kaysers, Despains, Hand, McClure, Jack and John Owens, the Briggs and other. These pioneers sold their extra produce—vegetables, milk, butter, eggs and hay—to the Signal merchants, two Jewish brothers named Mose and Gabe Levi, and their cousins, William and Henry Kushlin. The post office was at Signal. The mail was carried from Fort Mohave on the Colorado river to signal on Pack mules. Soon there were enough children on the Big Sandy to establish a school. Ad Cornwall was their first teacher. Later another school was established in Signal. Continued next month.
August 21, 1958.
Nine new faculty members and fourteen familiar faces will greet students returning to Mohave County Union High School. R. L. Williams, assistant principal and world history: Frank Baca, Spanish and boy’s athletics; Kenneth Conrath, general math and distributive education ; J. David Cunningham, math and boy’s athletics; Charles Cook, metal shop and boys’ athletics; Joan Deines, girl’s athletics and history; Stanley Gould, music; Wanda Hull, home economies; Fay Logsdon, English; Esther Meier, library; Bill Musgrove, science and biology; Charles Orr, mechanical drawing and shop; James Vandevier, driver training and boy’s athletics; Theodore Wallace, American history and civics; Georgie Ann Witt, treasurer and bookkeeper; Marjorie Hokanson, registrar.
June 19, 1958
Oatman News: Along about 1933 an old timer burro prospector pulled into Oatman from the Chemehuevis to provision up. When the old timer prospector arrived in Oatman he had a gaunt look, a beard about 12 inches long and three burros, A man’s whistle can become mighty parched after 15 or 20 miles looking at the south end of three burros over the hot, black lava flows of the southern Black mountains. Consequently the prospector tied his burros in front of Roundy Richardson’s saloon and climbed up the old boardwalk into Roundy’s to moisten his whistle a bit. After inviting several old friends to join him, and after his whistle was loosened up sufficiently, he turned to his companions and said, “Boys, I’ve got the goldarndest biggest lizard out there that ever grown in Arizona”. Lashed behind the packsaddle on one burro was a rolled-up tarp. The prospector removed the tarp and laying it on the ground, proceeded to unroll it. About that time out slithered a 3 ½ foot alligator, looking dusty, dehydrated and sure enough hair-triggered. The prospector said,“ Boys’ that critter isn’t only the biggest lizard in Arizona but I’d bet my shirt it’s the meanest lizard in the whole Colorado desert.
May 28, 1958
The Big Sandy by May Davis Young: Burro Creek joins the Sandy before the mountain formation closes in. Just below is the little town of Signal. Signal was mining camp started in the 1860’s. Prior to 1872, James R. Boner moved from Kern County, California, to Mineral Park, Arizona. His family consisted of his wife, four boys, and one married daughter, a Mrs. Despain. The next year, the Boners had a baby boy born in Mineral Park. Soon after this Mrs. Boner burned to death. In 1873 Boner moved his motherless family by ox team to the Big Sandy. Mr. Boner’s brother, John, and his daughter, Mrs. Despain, were already located on the big Sandy by this time. His oldest son Alfred Boner, and Tom Collins, an ox team driver, located the Gideon Cornell place in 1873. There was nothing but a spring on the place at the time. Later, a man named “Dirty Frenchy” killed Tom Collins over a poker game in Wickenburg. In 1874, two more of James Boner’s sons, Stub and Jim, located the Neal place. Other members of the Boner family located and sold several ranches as settlers began to move in. Continued next month.
February 6, 1958
Mr. and Mrs. Dick Allan of the Hilltop Motel are the proud parents of a baby girl, grandparent are Mr. and Mrs. George R. Allan, also of the Hilltop Motel.
Editor Miner :Since my arrival here, on my way from Yuma to Prescott, I have gathered a few items which maybe of interest to your readers. Emigrants and stock have been coining into the Territory from California, crowding the Colorado at Hardyville quite freely and much In excess of last year. W. H. Hardy, Esq., Informs mo that there have already been crossed some 30.000 sheep, 5,000 horses and 3,000 cattle, and that from all accounts there will be at the lowest estimate 150,000 sheep, 12,000 cattle and 8,000 horses brought In on this route during the year. The emigration he estimates at 1,500 at least, in place of 700 last year. The sum total will make quite an addition to the population and to the personal property of the Territory. The Colorado river is front 8 to 10 foot above low water mark, and is now rising from 4 to 6 inches in 24 hours. It is Court week, but Judge Tweed had not arrived on the 6th instead, but is expected every day. There are some important cases on the calendar, which attract much interest and which will be closely contested.
A. K. Davis and family have returned from California, as well as several others well known in this county, among which are Messes. McCrackin and Owen, large owners in and discoverers of the McCrackin Mine.
Judge Pitzer, from Pioche, Nevada, is at Cerbat and several eminent Attorneys are dully expected from California, who are engaged on some of the cases before this term of Court.
The Probate Court, Judge Weber, has been in session a portion of the week and much important business transacted. Many of the mines are producing well, but at present them is a serious hitch between the mines of the Keystone and the superintendent or the owners, but it is to be hoped that matters will soon be amicably arranged,
Messrs. Breon & Spear, I am informed, have leased the Mineral Park mill and the Keystone mine. The mill is now running on custom ore, and doing veil. Quite a number of small
lots of ore have been crushed from different mines the past two months with gratifying results. I have not been able to obtain full statistics, but give a few obtained from parties In interest
Five tons from the Index, gave an average yield of $236 per ton.This mine is owned by Haas & Co, and is one mile East of town. Eight tons from the Mocking Bird situated three miles northeast of Cerbat, gave an average of $700 per ton.This ore belonged to Messrs. Miley, Riley and Upton. Nineteen tons of ore from the Cupel near Stockton, belonging to Messrs., Cory & Potts and others, gave an average of $330 per ton. Fifteen tons of second class ore, from the Metalle Accident, owned, by J. C. Christie, gave an average of $400 per ton and his first class ore shipped to San Francisco, netted him over $1,000 per ton. Mr., Christie has gone to the Centennial, and takes some fine specimens and some bullion with him. A small lot from the Laporte, close by town and owned by Davison & Co., gave $534 per ton. Seven and a half tons of Empire, at Chloride, gave an average of $310 per ton. This mine is owned by W. H. Raymond. One ton from the Sunday School, close by Empire, gave $191 per ton also owned by Mr. Raymond.
Twenty tons from the Shoulter mine, in the Hualpai mountains, gave $350 per ton. Several other lots have been worked which I have no returns from. A large amount of Keystone
and Hackberry South has been worked, giving an average of $200 per ton.
The Hackberry mill is running successfully and turning out much beautiful, bullion .985 fine. The mine is, as I am informed by a gentlemen just in from them, looking exceedingly well.
Mr. Hardy has let another contract on his big tunnel running to the Fairfield, the first claim West of the Keystone, and which is progressing finely. Some 40 tons of splendid ore are
now on the dump of the Lone Star which will go away up.
Mr. Patterson is just in from the Salt Mountains, north of Stone's ferrys and has on this trip, over seven tons of salt. He reports a large number of emigrants and stock coming in by
the way of Stone's ferry from Nevada and California,
Hoping to meet Prescott friends soon
I am yours, etc. H.G. Hodge
May 18, 1877
Court opened up on the 7th instant, Judge Tweed presiding, with fifty two cases on the docket. Representatives from every part of county were present, having either been summoned to attend as jurors, or else being interested in some of the numerous mining suits. The Sandy sent the largest delegation, among which were quite a number who came for the purpose of making an honest penny by some of the many sinful games in which ye festive miner is wont to indulge.
The school building was extemporized as Court House, and several times before the opening of the court, the venerable Judge could have been seen in front of the entrance hammering on the triangle, to remind the boys that it was time to cash their chips and come to "court" Many sorrowful tales were told, such as having sprained ankles, being sick, etc., in order to get excused from serving on the jury. One robust individual asserted that he was afflicted with heart disease and could not stand the confinement in the jury room.
In the case of the Territory against W. A. Mix, for assault with intent to commit murder, the Grand Jury ignored the bill. The same vs. James W. Hass, same charge, a true bill was found, and on trial a verdict of guilty of assault only was rendered.
The five stamp mill is running on a limited supply of ore from the Keystone and Star Mines, These mines are working a very small force of men, and as a consequence things will look very lonely after the adjournment of Court on Saturday evening.
Some of the Yavapai lawyers left on Friday, and Judge Tweed expected to be finish up the business so as to adjourn Court, The Grand Jury occupied the Judge's apartment during their deliberations, and at me of their sittings some cuss, without fear of the majesty of the law, "froozo" on to the Judge's meerschaum pipe. All inquiries after the missing article failed to discover its whereabouts. During the afternoon of the next day a Petit Jury was quartered in the same rooms, and in order to get even with the Grand Jury some one of the immaculate twelve had to prance off with his Honor's blankets.
The roadway through the Juniper mountains is filled with loose rocks, which makes it very annoying to travelers. The county authorities would confer a benefit on the traveling public if they would employ some one to put it in repair.
Game of all kinds, such as deer, antelope, etc., is very plentiful on the plains between Cross Mountain and the Juniper Range.
The farmers in Williamson Valley are busily engaged in planting corn. A much larger quantity will be put in this season than has ever before been planted in that section. All through Walnut Valley evidence of increased activity is visible, and the farmers expect to reap a large harvest this year. It will not be long now until all these fertile mountain valleys will be teaming with a large population. Here are large tracts of land only waiting for the husbandman to tickle them with the plow when they will reward him with an abundant harvest. Parties going to Mineral Park or vicinity will do well to provide themselves with grain for their animals, sufficient for one night, before they get to the Willows, as the crops at the station were almost an entire failure last year, and as a consequence no grain can be obtained until they get to another station at the mouth of the canyon, four miles east of' the Park.
There is also no water at the Tanks, and canteens will have to be filled at the Cottonwoods. The parties who started to dig a well at the Tanks sunk it about twenty five feet, when they found the rock so hard , that they abandoned the place in disgust, after having placed a broken whisky bottle in the bottom of the well, evidently as a sign that the thirsty traveler need not for anything to drink in that locality.
All along the route the Miner is highly spoken of as a live and interesting local paper, fully up to the requirements of the times, and generally commended for the course it has taken relative to all matters effecting the interests of the Territory and each particular section. X-CENTRICK.
Mineral Park July 12,1877, Editor Miner:
It now seems that it matters not how much we complain, or what ! grounds we have for complaint, we are not to have any better mail facilities; that matters are bound to go from bad to worse. Now it seems that a gentleman unacquainted with, the country has contracted to carry the mail from Aubrey to Mineral Park for $1,750 per year. This is quite enough to know about the whole matter; we will have a mail as this contract could not sub let for less than $5,000 per year. As for the mails up the river we hear that the steamers have refused to carry any more and the contractor refuses to carry mails for this place, so we are without mails and if we cannot get all that is due we had better have none. The fact that a postmaster has a right to sort and throw out, or a contractor refuse to carry only a part is in itself quite enough to call for an investigation by the department. But months pass away and no notice is taken of our complaints. We say if men will put in low bids, compel them to fill to the letter, show lenity and soon we will have a new deal.
Immigration continues to move along the dusty roads, with jaded and worn out stock. I certainly pity these immigrants to be caught on the desert in the late hot weather. Only think of trying to haul a wagon with a wore out team through the sands of Soda Lake, when the mercury indicates 125° in the shade and never drop below 110 ° at night, and when the thermometer is exposed to the sun it crawls up to 145 degrees. Then to think that several large bands of sheep are being driven or attempted to be brought Across. The loss 35 is great not one out of five reaches the Territory alive, yet they are now at the Colorado river crossing, but the owners have a sorry tale to tell. Sheep are of but little value in California, and not too high in Arizona; I hear of good flocks being offered at one dollar to two dollars per head.
We have already had a fine shower of rain and expect more. We hope for a spell of moist weather.
Kingman, Arizona, Feb. 9 1897
The Indian trailers and deputy sheriffs started before daylight on the trail of tbe train robber who escaped after holding up a train at Nelson last night. It is Supposed that
the trailers will have no trouble running down the robber The idenity of the robber killed by Messenger A. O. Sumners is stlll unknown He was a cowboy. The mail olerh insists that
there several robbers, but the engineer and flreman saw only one after the shooting by the messenger. The robber secured nothing but a few registered packages and letters
from the mail car the through pouches being unmolested.
Nov 23 1889 The White Hills Road
Work Has Just Begun At Kingman With Great Activity.
Yesterday the first work on the Sacramento valley railroad was begun at Kingman in Mohave with Dr. Thoodore B. Comstock of Los Angeles in charge as chief engineer. Mr. Comstock is also vice president of the company which is building the road. The new road will run from Kingman to White Hill, both in Mohave county, a distrance of about 54 miles.
Construction will actually begin at McConnico Junction, four miles west of Kingman, but under arrangments with the Santa Fe Pacific company, the southern terminus of the road
will be Kingman. The heaviest grade on the road not exceed 1.85 per cent. The road will pass through one of the richest mining sectopns pf Arizona. Out from Kingman it will strike
first theUnion Pass Road, near to which are the Ewing mining properties, and some other ten or a dozen mines, then the Cerbet mines, Todd Basin and Mineral Park properties,
all of which will be tributary to the road. It will then traverse the Chloide district, in which there are a large number of valuable minos, all more or less developed, many of them already
on a paying basis. Leaving the Chloride district the road will take in the mining properties on the west side of the Sacramento valley, now called the Klondike region otherwise known
as Gracey's camp. Beyond that is El Dorado Canyon and then White Hills, the northern terminus of the road. It is possible that following the completion of the road, it may be extended
as far west as the Colorado river, passing near the Senator mines, Gold Basin and Temple Bar properties. The future will, however, determine that. The contracts, which have been let,
call for the completion of the road as far as Chloride by June 1,1899, and to White Hills by October 1,1899.
April 6 1903 Killings In Arizona
Cowboy Pianoist and Young Miner were Killed by Man who is Wanted In California,
Kingman, Ariz....April 5.-News .has just reached Kinsman of the killing of Charles Blakey, Known as the "Cowboy Pianist." and Roy Winchester, a young- miner, on the trail forty miles
north of Kingman, by James McKenney. Nothing Is definitely known of the murder, but It is thought that McKenney, who Is wanted for the killing of Wm L. Wynn at Porterville, Cal-,
last July, mistook the men for officers and laid in wait for them on the trail Blakey was shot In the breast and Winchester in the back with buckshot.
After the shootjng McKennev went to a ranch and compeiled the rancher to shoe two horses for him, and then rode away.
The rancher failed io report the killing until three days after the occurrence A sheriff's posse is now in pursuit of; McKenney. Gov. Brodie has been asked to send out rangers In
pursuit, as It is thought McKenney has gone south into the "Bad Man's Land" of Yuma County, where it is almost impossible for a -posse to go without safety.
DETAILS ASSASSINATION TOM LAKE IN ARIZONA.W. R. LAKE OF BOISE GETS NEWS OF THE MURDER. January 25 1906
Man by the Name of Ogden Is Said to, Have Committed the Deed with Colt's Revolver.
W. R. Lake, the Boise timberman who resides at 119 State street, yesterday received by mail the details of the assassination of his brother Tom Lake, at Kingman, Ariz., on January 15
Another brother. Frank Lake, a mining man of Park City, Utah, went to Kingman last week to look into the matter. He found that on the evening of January 15 Tom Lake, superintendent of a mine a short distance from Kingman, was driving into the city in company with a man by the name ot Holland. They were overtaken and passed by a rig driven by E. Ogden, who stopped his team a short distance ahead and dismounted.
When Lake's team approached, Ogden called upon him to halt, and ordered Holland to get out of the wagon, as he intended to kill Lake. Holland refused to dismount, whereupon Ogden shot Lake twice with a Colt's revolver, both shots inflicting mortal wounds.
Ogden was arrested and at the preliminary hearing before Probate Judge Brown at Kingman was bound over to the district court without bail to answer the charge of murder in the first degree.
At the preliminary Osden put up no defense, and Lake's brother in Boise Is absolutely In the dark as to the causes which led up to the tragedy. He believes, however, that the murder was the result of labor troubles.
Tom Lake was formerly a. shift boss in one of Senator Clark's mines at Butte. He went to Kingman to take the superintendency of one of Clark's copper properties there. He was about 36 years old, and leaves considerable property.
GRUESOME EXECUTION AT KINGMAN, ARIZONA
C. C. Leigh Faints and is Carried Unconscious to the Scaffold. Has Relatives in California.
Kingman Arizona Jan 18 1907 Associated Press
C.C. Leigh was hanged to day in the jail yard here for the murder of Jennie Beauters, a woman of the half world, at Gold Road, on September 1905. As he was being led to the scaffold, he suddenly weakened and fell against the sharp edge of one of the jail cells a great gush being cut in his head and rendering him partially unconscious.
The officers carried him to the scaffold and held him up while adjusting the noose and cap. His neck was broken by the drop Leigh is said to have relatives in Visilla California.
Lost Flier Found On Arizona Desert
Kingman Arizona June 2 1950 C.E. Edmonson of Raymond Washington, missing pilot of a plane that nade a forced landing in the desert near Badad Arizona was found alive Friday.
The exhausted flier was brought to the Kingman Hospital by an unidentified rancher. The hospital said Edmonson was tired
and suffering from exposure, but other wise in good condition.
April 20 1973: 5 in Arizona Die in Wreck, Kingman, Arizona
A widow and her four young children were killed when their small foreign car plunged into a dry river bed west of here, the Arizona Highway Patrol said.
Investigators said Edith Wright Wiltbank, 32, of Thatcher, Ariz,, apparently fell asleep at the wheel.
Her four children killed In the crash were David, 9, and his three sisters, Thelma Marie; Larae, 7, and Tawnl Ruth, 6.
Two Slaying Suspects Recaptured in Arizona Nov. 10 1973
KINGMAN ARIZONA (UPI) A man and woman wanted for the murder of a Richardson Texas, dentist were captured in a vacant house Friday two murder ot a Richardson,
blocks from the jail where they escaped with three other prisoners,
Arizona Department ot Public Safety officers found Roy Bell, 37, and his wife, Linda, 28, after a neighbor noticed the door of the home open. The Bells are charged with murdering Dr. Kenneth I. Hurtlg, and had been named In fugitive warrants from Texas charging them with robbery and attempted burglary. The couple was held in Arizona on charges ot possession of dangerous drugs. Bell's sister, Caroline Bell Gumm, and two companions were arrested south of Hoover Dam Thursday on charges of conspiring to aid the escapees.
Witnesses had reported seeing the escapees enter a car with Texas license plates.
The other escapees were captured on an Arizona highway. A search plane, looking for the escapees since Wednesday, also crashed killing two persons.
A telegram from Kingman says: Bill Epperson, a cow-puncher of the "Bejuses" style, came to town last night and called on a young lady. Miss Daisy Rucker with a six shooter on. Moving around on a chair his gun went off and shot a hole through his thigh and shot the young lady through the ankle. Her wound is painful, but Epperson's, unfortunately, was not serious enough.
July 4, 1908
Last Tuesday morning Frank Crozier and Miss Lottie Grounds were united in marriage at the home of the bride’s parents, in Fresno, California. Mrs. Ida Crozier, mother of the groom attended the wedding. The young couple are well known in Kingman and Hackberry, being natives of Mohave county.
July 11, 1908
Mr. and Mrs. M. H. Murphy are building a new residence near their lodging house on South Front Street.
There was born to the wife of W. A. Reiff at Boulder Springs, on the 6th day of July, a baby girl.
C. J. Hutchison, general manager of the Expansion Gold Mining Company reports that fifteen thousand gallons of water is now being produced by their water shaft and well at the mines.
June 1, 1928
Six boys and six girls were graduated from the senior class of the Mohave County Union High School. The graduates were: Audrey V. Brakeman, Joseph A. Bonelli, Emmett P. Chapman, Ruth K. Cunningham, Lowell S. Hart, Marjorie E. Jagerson, Louis F. James, Millicent E. Kapp, Annabel E. Kause, Marguerite L. Lewis, George B. McDevitt and Ronald V. Seipple.
May 11, 1928
Word was received that Minnie M. Kayser and E. L. Ming of Hackberry were married on April 18. They are making their home in Hackberry after spending their honeymoon at the Grand Canyon. The bride and groom endeavored to keep this a secret but the news of the marriage finally gotten out.
March 14, 1908
There was born to the wife of W. F. Grounds Jr., at Milkweed ranch on the 5th of this month, a baby girl.
July 31, 1958
News from the Sandy: The early settlers who came in wagons overland included the families of the Boners, Cornwalls, Cofers, Carrows, Shipp, Kaysers, Despains, Hand, McClure, Jack and John Owens, the Briggs and other. These pioneers sold their extra produce—vegetables, milk, butter, eggs and hay—to the Signal merchants, two Jewish brothers named Mose and Gabe Levi, and their cousins, William and Henry Kushlin. The post office was at Signal. The mail was carried from Fort Mohave on the Colorado river to signal on Pack mules. Soon there were enough children on the Big Sandy to establish a school. Ad Cornwall was their first teacher. Later another school was established in Signal. Continued next month.
August 21, 1958.
Nine new faculty members and fourteen familiar faces will greet students returning to Mohave County Union High School. R. L. Williams, assistant principal and world history: Frank Baca, Spanish and boy’s athletics; Kenneth Conrath, general math and distributive education ; J. David Cunningham, math and boy’s athletics; Charles Cook, metal shop and boys’ athletics; Joan Deines, girl’s athletics and history; Stanley Gould, music; Wanda Hull, home economies; Fay Logsdon, English; Esther Meier, library; Bill Musgrove, science and biology; Charles Orr, mechanical drawing and shop; James Vandevier, driver training and boy’s athletics; Theodore Wallace, American history and civics; Georgie Ann Witt, treasurer and bookkeeper; Marjorie Hokanson, registrar.
June 19, 1958
Oatman News: Along about 1933 an old timer burro prospector pulled into Oatman from the Chemehuevis to provision up. When the old timer prospector arrived in Oatman he had a gaunt look, a beard about 12 inches long and three burros, A man’s whistle can become mighty parched after 15 or 20 miles looking at the south end of three burros over the hot, black lava flows of the southern Black mountains. Consequently the prospector tied his burros in front of Roundy Richardson’s saloon and climbed up the old boardwalk into Roundy’s to moisten his whistle a bit. After inviting several old friends to join him, and after his whistle was loosened up sufficiently, he turned to his companions and said, “Boys, I’ve got the goldarndest biggest lizard out there that ever grown in Arizona”. Lashed behind the packsaddle on one burro was a rolled-up tarp. The prospector removed the tarp and laying it on the ground, proceeded to unroll it. About that time out slithered a 3 ½ foot alligator, looking dusty, dehydrated and sure enough hair-triggered. The prospector said,“ Boys’ that critter isn’t only the biggest lizard in Arizona but I’d bet my shirt it’s the meanest lizard in the whole Colorado desert.
May 28, 1958
The Big Sandy by May Davis Young: Burro Creek joins the Sandy before the mountain formation closes in. Just below is the little town of Signal. Signal was mining camp started in the 1860’s. Prior to 1872, James R. Boner moved from Kern County, California, to Mineral Park, Arizona. His family consisted of his wife, four boys, and one married daughter, a Mrs. Despain. The next year, the Boners had a baby boy born in Mineral Park. Soon after this Mrs. Boner burned to death. In 1873 Boner moved his motherless family by ox team to the Big Sandy. Mr. Boner’s brother, John, and his daughter, Mrs. Despain, were already located on the big Sandy by this time. His oldest son Alfred Boner, and Tom Collins, an ox team driver, located the Gideon Cornell place in 1873. There was nothing but a spring on the place at the time. Later, a man named “Dirty Frenchy” killed Tom Collins over a poker game in Wickenburg. In 1874, two more of James Boner’s sons, Stub and Jim, located the Neal place. Other members of the Boner family located and sold several ranches as settlers began to move in. Continued next month.
February 6, 1958
Mr. and Mrs. Dick Allan of the Hilltop Motel are the proud parents of a baby girl, grandparent are Mr. and Mrs. George R. Allan, also of the Hilltop Motel.