Henrietta “Etta” Francis (Parker) Bashford was born on August 30, 1858, in Minnesota, the daughter of George Riley and Emily Parker. The Parkers came to the Arizona Territory in the late 1860s with their three youngest children, leaving behind two married daughters in Minnesota. The family settled in Peeples Valley where they owned a ranch.

On September 17, 1879, Henrietta married Coles Allen Bashford.  Coles’ mother was Helen Louise Allen Bashford, and his father was Levi, owner of the Bashford Mercantile. Their wedding is remembered as one of Prescott’s grandest affairs. Carpets were spread from the Methodist South Church to the Parker’s home where the reception was held. 

The couple had four children: Harold Levi (1880-1930), Carrie Laine “Louise” York (1881-1972), Katherine Emilie (1885-1953), and Edith Mary (1891-1892).

Etta was a very prominent member of Prescott’s society, hosting many social gatherings, and Coles was a businessman who engaged in multiple dealings from buildings to cattle. Unfortunately for the Bashford family, after the fire of 1900 which destroyed much of downtown Prescott, the company providing insurance on property owned by the Bashford estate refused to make payments.  Coles and Etta lost almost $20,000 worth of property in damages.

This setback, however, did not stop Coles’ plan to build a business on the corner of Gurley and Cortez streets. The building opened in 1901, and much of the town claimed it to be one of the finest buildings in Prescott. Made from pressed brick and tufa trimmings, the large Bashford Building was occupied by both stores and offices.

During this time, the family lived in Los Angeles, California, where they had moved in the late 1890s.  Coles continued to travel often back and forth to Prescott to look after his business interests until his passing in 1936. Henrietta lived in California until her death on January 12, 1942, and the two were buried in Inglewood Park Cemetery.

Her mother, Emily Parker, is also represented in the Territorial Women’s Memorial Rose Garden.

Donor: Mrs. John York
Photo Location:  Burmister-Bashford Store & Family Records, MS-87
Updated:  4/2/2015; Brenda Taylor