Elizabeth (Heckert) Shanberger was born October 8, 1818, in the Duchy of Hesse, Germany. She married John Shanberger, a native of Baden, Germany, on August 18, 1839, in Pulaski County, Arkansas.
Prior to the Civil War, they owned and operated a prosperous plantation at Mamelle, Arkansas, in the area which is now part of North Little Rock. During the conflict, they were forced to abandon their holdings and seek refuge in Texas on the banks of the Brazos River.
On their return to Arkansas when hostilities ceased, they found the plantation in burned-out ruins. Their freed slaves had left, and labor was not available. They had heard about the Arizona Territory and decided to move to Prescott, Yavapai County, Arizona Territory.
John and Elizabeth’s children were born in Arkansas before their move to Prescott: Younda Louise, born February 18, 1842 (Mrs. George Probst);George Wilfert, born January 29, 1845, and died May 7, 1862 as a recruit in the Civil War; John H., born September 9, 1847, and died December 16, 1869 of influenza; Elizabeth, born February 9, 1849 (Mrs. John Barrington); Catherine Sarah (Mrs. Daniel Hatz), born March 13, 1852; Margaritte, born January 20, 1855, and died February 15, 1878, (Mrs. James A. Vance); and Henry J., born May 18, 1857, and died April 4, 1860.
Elizabeth came to Prescott via stagecoach from Yuma on April 24, 1879. Her husband had journeyed ahead of her from Los Angeles to Prescott. The Shanbergers moved into a house at 225 N. Montezuma Street and lived there for the rest of their lives.
Elizabeth brought with her to Prescott starters of the yellow rose which flourished in Prescott, and clippings were given to many residents. These roses once grew as a hedge in front of the Bashford House now on the campus of the Sharlot Hall Museum and in the Citizens' Cemetery.
She was a true pioneer, aiding in the establishment of one of the early churches and helping the Hatz family raise their youngsters. She was an active member of the Methodist Church. Her two daughters became brides to eligible Prescott bachelors at a time when marriageable women were few.
Elizabeth's daughters Catherine Hatz, Elizabeth Barrington and her granddaughters Bessie Bork and Mary Elizabeth Barrington Major Lesher are also represented in the Territorial Women's Memorial Rose Garden.
Elizabeth died on January 18, 1895, in Prescott and was buried in Citizens' Cemetery.
Donor: Albert William Bork, 1997
Photo Located: Bork Family Collection MS-19, Box 3, F-13
Updated: 09/20/2015, N. Freer
