Description

The regular legislative session ran from January 11, 1937; and adjourned on March 13. Four special sessions were held between May 10, 1937 and October 4, 1938. This photograph was taken outside the Arizona State Capitol building in Phoenix, Arizona.

Vance Arthur Reichard (b. 1872 - d.1949) was born May 25, 1872 in Greenville, Pennsylvania and died in Prescott, Arizona.  He married Laura Ann Spencer (1879-1909) in 1899 and they had two children, Gladys E. Reichard (1900-1977) and George Spencer Reichard (1903-1948).  In 1918, the children were adopted by George C. Ruffner and Mary B. Ruffner and bore Ruffner as their last name. Vance was the son of George Spencer Reichard and Lou W. Reichard.

In a copy of his personal correspondence, Vance states that he was in more thn 20 different kinds of work; that he was born on a farm, then a butcher, sewing machine agent, laundryman, and a machinist's assistant. In Prescott, he was a business associate of George C. Ruffner including being his under-sherriff in 1929, and he managed the Ruffner Livery Stable. He served as sergeant-at-arms in the state senate for several years, and was also elected as the Yavapai County District 2 representative for three terms (1934, 1936 and 1938).

Back of photograph carries the following information: "(Van) V. A. Reichard - front row - kneeling - hat in hand.  His sister was Carrie (Reichard) Weber."

Sources: Sharlot Hall Archives surname file including obituary, adoption papers and personal correspondence; FamilySearch.