Laura Long Cochran (1871-1899) - Matron at Phoenix Indian School

 

Arizona Memory Project - Main Building Behind School, 1900

Laura Long was born on September 11, 1871, in Kansas.  She was the daughter of Isaac Zane Long, a prominent member of the Wyandotte Nation, and Catherine McConnell.  Her father Isaac is thought to have been a descendant of the famous frontiersman Isaac Zane and his wife of the Wyandotte Nation, Myeerah. Born in Zanesfield, Ohio, Isaac went west when the remnants of the Wyandotte tribe were removed to reservations in Kansas around 1843.

Even though school records list Laura as being only one-sixteenth Wyandotte, she seems to have been regarded as Native American throughout her life.  In 1891, she was working and going to school at the Quapaw-Wyandotte Indian School in Seneca, Kansas.  Thereafter, she attended Carlisle Indian School in Pennsylvania, from which she graduated in 1895.  By 1896, she was employed as a matron at the Phoenix Indian School.

Opened in 1891, the Phoenix Indian School was intended to function as a residential industrial school, training Native American teens and young adults in useful occupations such as carpentry, animal husbandry and the domestic art, such as sewing, cooking, nursing.  In time, its dormitories housed a total of about 700 pupils from 35 different tribes, including advanced students from other Western states.  Like Laura, many of the teachers were themselves Native Americans from tribes elsewhere in the United States, on the theory that they would serve as relatable teachers. 

On February 22, 1897, Laura Long married John Piper Cochran, a blacksmith at the Phoenix Indian School. Laura and John had one son, John D. Cochran, born March 30, 1898, in Phoenix.

Laura died on January 8, 1899, of inflammation of the bowels and peritonitis (possibly a ruptured appendix).  After a Methodist funeral service attended by almost all the Indian School students, she was laid to rest in Rosedale North, Lot 43. 

Weeks later, her husband’s parents, William C. and Mary Cochran, came to Phoenix to take nine-month-old John back to Kansas with them.  Following John P. Cochran’s remarriage in 1901, young John went to live with his father and his new stepmother.

- by Donna Carr

The Indigenous Architects of Phoenix

Maricopa Woman, 1907

Library of Congress

Several Indigenous peoples were directly connected to the early establishment of what is now Phoenix.  They were central to the development of the region.  They contributed knowledge, irrigation infrastructure, and agricultural expertise that helped sustain the early settler communities in the Salt River Valley.  Here are a few examples of their amazing contributions:

Hohokam
The ancient Hohokam civilization developed the extensive irrigation canals in the Salt River Valley between 300 and 1450 AD, which made the region viable for large-scale agriculture. These canals were later restored and used by settlers in the Phoenix area, directly influencing the city’s foundation and agricultural base.

Akimel O'odham (River People)
Descendants of the Hohokam, the Akimel O'odham continued to live in the region near the Salt and Gila Rivers. They maintained and adapted some of the Hohokam’s canal systems and practiced agriculture. The Akimel O'odham were instrumental in helping early settlers with knowledge of farming techniques and the local environment.

Piipaash
The Maricopa, or Piipaash, migrated to the area and allied with the Akimel O'odham along the Gila River. They contributed to the agricultural practices and trade network in the region, forming a mutually beneficial relationship with the Akimel O'odham. They brought unique traditions, such as pottery styles and cultural practices that have enriched the broader landscape of the area. 

We honor and are thankful for all that they did for the city of Phoenix in making it what it is today.

First Organized Fire Company - 1736

Firefighter in Uniform, 1860

Library of Congress

According to John Bigelow's 1869 edition of the Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin, the Union Fire Company was established on December 7, 1736. Initially, its primary purpose was to protect the property of its members; however, the company extended its services beyond its membership when others were in need. The Union Fire Company remained active until at least 1791. At that time, it comprised thirty members and was equipped with one engine, 250 buckets, thirteen ladders, two hooks, no bags, and an eighty-foot rope.

Phoenix Fire Historic Station 8 - Thank you!

Phoenix Fire Historic Station 8 Archives

Recently, I had the pleasure of exploring Phoenix Fire Historic Station 8 alongside another historian from the PMMP, Kim. This beautifully preserved fire station, opened in 1942, is located at 541 W. Encanto in Phoenix. One of the reasons this station so unique is its design.  It was carefully constructed to blend seamlessly with the surrounding homes in the Encanto neighborhood. This architectural choice reflects the station's integral role in the community, not only as a place of service but as a cherished part of the neighborhood’s history.

Today, Station 8 serves a new purpose: preserving and sharing the legacy of the Phoenix Fire Department. This transformation into a museum ensures that the tools, memorabilia, and memories of those who served continue to inspire future generations. Walking through the station, one can almost feel the heartbeat of a bygone era, where courage and camaraderie defined each shift and every call.

Several fire fighters who once served in the Phoenix Fire Department have been laid to rest at the Pioneer and Military Memorial Park (PMMP), We had the opportunity to see a few of them in their uniforms on the walls of the Fire House!

A huge shout-out to Tim Kovacs, who graciously guided us through this journey back in time. Tim’s passion for preserving and sharing this history was evident as he walked us through the collection, each piece carrying its own story. From vintage equipment to heartfelt tributes, Tim’s detailed narratives helped breathe life into every artifact, offering a deep appreciation for the work and sacrifices of these firefighters.

Visiting Phoenix Fire Historic Station 8 was not just an educational experience but a meaningful reflection on the community’s spirit and resilience. It’s a testament to the enduring legacy of those who protected Phoenix, 

If you ever find yourself in Phoenix, I highly recommend stopping by the museum.  Not only will you learn about the evolution of firefighting in our city, but you’ll also feel the deep connections between this station, its community, and the people who called it home.

-By Val

Here are some more pictures Tim sent from the archives 

of the Phoenix Fire Department! 

 

Lindley Hogue Orme (1848 - 1900) - Maricopa County Sheriff

 

The Orme family of Arizona has a long and distinguished history, making many of their descendants eligible for membership in the DAR and other patriotic societies.

Lindley Hogue Orme was born December 18/19, 1848, in Montgomery, Maryland.  He was the fourth of eight children of Charles Henry Crabbe Orme and Deborah Brooke Pleasants.

When Lindley’s older brother, Charles Henry Crabbe Orme, enlisted in the 35th Virginia Cavalry (CSA) on March 1, 1863, Lindley accompanied him, although he was only about fourteen at the time.  Military records say that the brothers served in White’s Battalion, known as “the Comanches”.   Lindley was a private in Company B, while Charles was in Company D.

When Richmond, Virginia, fell to the Union Army on April 2, 1865, Lindley was taken prisoner.  A few weeks later, he signed his oath of allegiance and was released.

According to his obituary, Lindley and his brothers drove a flock of sheep to California at some point thereafter.  Lindley then settled in Phoenix where he acquired three sections of land in central Phoenix and raised over 600 acres of grain.  He is credited with bringing the first threshing machine to the Salt River Valley. 

Orme wed Mary Florence Greenhaw on March 15, 1876.  Unfortunately, Mary Florence was suffering from tuberculosis, so she and Lindley had no children.  She died on March 16, 1883.  Lindley eventually married Mary A. Jeffries, with whom he had one son, Alfred.

Orme served as sheriff from 1880 to 1884. During this time he was also appointed a deputy U. S. marshal, not bad for a former Confederate.  Henry Garfias was one of his deputies.  In April of 1883, a smallpox epidemic broke out in Maricopa County.  As sheriff, Orme was directed to quarantine the afflicted families to prevent the spread of the disease. 

Water being essential to the future of Phoenix, Orme helped form the Agua Fria Water and Land Company in 1888.

In 1891 and 1893, Orme was again elected sheriff. The county was growing at such a rate that a new courthouse and jail equipped with electric lights were needed.  During Sheriff Orme's last term, he became something of a media celebrity when he foiled a plot by Dr. J. M. Rose to murder three members of a Williams family in Mesa.

Lindley Orme died 24 September 1900, at the age of 52, having been in poor health for some months prior.  He was buried next to his first wife in the IOOF Cemetery. 

-By Patty Gault, Val Wilson, Donna Carr

Photos PCA Archives

 

Come Visit Us at the PMMP - October 24, 2024

 

Frank B. Moss (1852-1906) - Mayor and Fire Chief

Phoenix Fire Department

Frank Benjamin Moss was born on September 15, 1852, in Slades Corners, Kenosha County, Wisconsin, to Francis Maas and Christina Schmidt.  He grew up in Wheatland, Wisconsin, where he began at the age of 16 to learn the blacksmithing trade from his father.

As a young man, he moved to the boom town of Virginia City, Nevada, where he worked at his trade and also ran a lumberyard.  He moved to Tombstone in 1878, where he initially worked as a teamster.  Wagon trains crossing southern Arizona traveled mostly at night to avoid the day’s heat and attacks by Apache Indians.  Reportedly, Moss came under fire on two occasions but escaped unharmed. 

About 1880, Moss relocated to Phoenix where he set up a blacksmith and wagon-making shop at the northeast corner of First Avenue and Adams Street.  On May 31, 1885, he married Ida May Harriman in Mesa.  They had three sons: Earl, Ralph and Ernest.

Business was good and Moss prospered.  He invested in real estate, ranched and raised cattle, did some mining and owned and trained race horses.  He also joined the volunteer Phoenix Fire Department, where his skills as a blacksmith and wagon-maker were appreciated.  By 1890, he was an assistant chief and by 1892 he was the chief. After being injured on the job, he had to give up his position as fire chief.  Moss then turned his attention to city politics and, in 1894, won a seat on the Phoenix City Council.

The political climate in the growing city was sometimes volatile.  Fed up with the wrangling, Dr. Roland Rosson resigned as mayor on April 6, 1896.  Moss was appointed acting mayor, a position he held until a special election was held on June 2, 1896.   Moss returned to work in his new blacksmith shop on the corner of Washington Street and Fourth Avenue.

On December 4, 1898, for unknown reasons, Moss moved out of his home and separated from his wife.   Citing abandonment as the cause, Ida filed for divorce on June 14, 1899.  Scarcely a month after the divorce became final, she married Orrin W. Lawrence, a Phoenix policeman. 

On July 10, 1905, Moss again became acting mayor. This time, he held the seat for almost a year.  During his stint, he signed into law several progressive city ordinances.

On the evening of March 19, 1906, Mayor Moss rode his bicycle to City Hall.  While climbing the steps, he complained of chest pain and medical help was summoned.  Moss died between 9 and 10 PM, likely of a heart attack.  He was 53 years old.

 Throngs of citizens viewed Moss’s body as it lay in state at City Hall.   After the funeral, he was interred in the Odd Fellows Cemetery. 

 -by Mark Lamm and Derek Horn

 

Thank You Arizona Historical Society - Preservation Grant!

 

Pioneers' Cemetery Association Won the Al Mérito Award! - 2024

 

Pioneers' Cemetery Association won the Al Mérito Award from the Arizona Historical Society on Friday! We are so honored! Thank you AHS and to all of our volunteers who have helped us become what we are today!

Strange but True: Chicago's Ghost Information Company - 1884

 

Bing AI/Val Prompt

In the early 1900s, an enterprising individual in Chicago started a peculiar business venture...a "ghost information" company! Claiming to have access to over 300 working ghosts through a medium, the company sold "ghostly information" as its main product. Amazingly, this unique concept attracted enough interest that people eagerly bought shares in it!

Curious about how this supernatural business unfolded? Read the full article for all the ghostly details! Click to make it larger 👇

Weekly Republican, May, 1884

 

Benjamin Joseph Franklin (1834-1898) - Arizona's 12th Territorial Governor

 

PCA Archives

Benjamin Joseph Franklin was born in Kentucky.  By 1860, he was practicing law in Leavenworth, Kansas.  At the outbreak of the Civil War, Franklin, a Southern sympathizer, moved to Missouri so that he could enlist in the Confederate Army.  He served for the duration of the war, rising to the rank of captain. 

Since Franklin had been an officer, he was forbidden to practice law or hold public office after the war until he had taken an oath of allegiance. From 1865 to 1868, he farmed in Columbia, Missouri.  After taking the oath of allegiance in 1868, he moved to Kansas City, Missouri, and opened a law office.

Franklin was married to Anne Barbour Johnston, stepdaughter of Alfred William Morrison, previously the treasurer of the state of Missouri.  From 1871 to 1875, Franklin was the prosecuting attorney for Jackson County.  In 1875, he was elected to the United States House of Representatives and served two terms before returning to his private law practice.

In 1885, Franklin travelled to Washington, D. C., where he successfully lobbied President Grover Cleveland for an appointment as U. S. Consul to China.  His family accompanied him to Hankow, where they lived for the next five years

In 1890, the Franklins returned to California.  By 1892, they were in Phoenix.  Aware of efforts to have territorial governor Hughes removed from office, Franklin decided to seek the office himself.  He persuaded several prominent local men to send letters on his behalf to President Cleveland.  Cleveland responded by appointing him the twelfth territorial governor of Arizona on 18 April 1896.  Franklin’s son Alfred served as his personal secretary.

During his term in office, Franklin pushed for statehood and tax reform, feeling that many businesses and individuals were not paying their fair share of taxes.  Although as a fiscal conservative he was averse to soliciting funds from Congress, he knew that only the federal government could build the dams that Arizona so desperately needed.  In January 1897, Franklin had suffered a heart attack but recovered through “sheer force of will”.

After Republican William McKinley was elected President, he replaced Franklin with a man of his own party, Myron Hawley McCord.  On 22 July 1897, Franklin left office and returned to his private law practice in the Fleming building, with Alfred as his partner.  Franklin is generally regarded as having been personally honest and competent although not particularly effective as a governor, given his short tenure.

After he left office, Franklin’s health declined further.  When he did not wake from a nap on 19 May 1898, it was determined that he had died of a recurrence of his heart trouble.  He was buried in Rosedale Cemetery following an Episcopalian funeral service.

-by Donna Carr

 

Save the Date for our Annual Holiday Party! - November 6th

Save the Date!

 

The Mysterious Man of Lillian Gross - Good Samaritan?

Bing AI/Val Prompt

Lillian M. Hisey Gross of Congress, Arizona, passed away on Friday, July 9, 1897, at the Ford Hotel in Phoenix. She arrived at the hotel accompanied by an unidentified man on the Prescott train, and they registered under the names "E. M. Scott and wife" from Chicago. They were given separate rooms, and the man disappeared the following morning.

Lillian had been suffering from uremia, a kidney disease exacerbated by excessive drinking. Upon arrival at the hotel, her health rapidly deteriorated, and despite medical attention, she passed away. Before her death, a nurse discovered that Lillian lived in Congress, and that her husband, George Gross, was a miner employed in Wickenburg by Richard Baxter.

Lillian mentioned that the mystery man was a gambler but refrained from providing further details, only stating that "he is all right." When doctors suggested that she notify her husband, Lillian resisted, not wanting to worry him. 

Nonetheless, the doctors sent a telegram to Mr. Gross, who had been working at Vulture. Upon learning of his wife’s critical condition in Phoenix, he immediately traveled there. However, instead of heading straight to the hotel, he sat at the courthouse plaza, although it's not really known why. When he finally arrived at the hotel, he encountered men carrying his wife’s body.

George Gross was perplexed by his wife’s behavior.  She had been struggling with kidney disease for some time and was only 29 years old. The couple had married in Prescott four years earlier and had lived happily in Congress until George lost his job. Three weeks before her death, he had started working at Vulture, with plans for Lillian to join him later.

The unknown man was described as slightly over six feet tall, with dark hair and eyes, and a tendency to carry his head forward. He was of an age below middle-aged. George Gross did not recognize the description, although he had a specific individual in mind, but the description did not match. Mr. Gross did not believe that the individual had any ill intentions.  

It was speculated that the man had met Lillian on the train and, upon realizing she was unwell, took care of her. Registering at the hotel as his wife might have been the most convenient way to avoid unnecessary questions or complications. George Gross sent inquiries to Congress to learn more about her traveling companion, suspecting someone from there might have accompanied her.

The mystery even reached California, with San Francisco authorities searching for the unidentified man. However, it remains unclear why the mystery man was suspected as having come from there.  

The identification of the man, based on this researcher's initial search, was not discovered.  There was an E. M. Scott working in San Francisco and Los Angeles at about this time.  He was a real estate broker, and traveled to other states.  However, it's not known if this was the E.M. Scott that Mrs. Gross registered with at the Ford Hotel. 

-summary By Val (Resources: the San Francisco Call and Post, July 13, 1897 and the Phoenix Weekly, July 15, 1897)