By Kathryn Reisdorfer

The Irish, who had not been well received in the East, were more accepted and far more successful in mining areas of the American West. In Prescott, Frank Murphy (b. 1855 - d. 1917), who had his hand in mining, contributed tremendously to the local community.  Another Murphy Beatrice lived in Butte, Montana, which like Prescott was a major mining hub. Although she was not Frank's relative, she was also Irish. She was full of exuberance and appreciation for life, and, luckily for us, she kept a diary.

By Kathryn Reisdorfer

The Chinese have been in the news in Prescott lately, and, just as in the past, they seem to be annoying some people. As a researcher, I am very interested in understanding the complex historical source of that annoyance. Now, of course, the concern is primarily an economic one-the archaeological dig looking for Chinese artifacts is delaying the construction of a public parking lot in downtown Prescott.

By Parker Anderson

The art of live drama and performing plays goes back to the days of the ancient Greeks but the noble art of theater has seen much change and evolution over time. For instance, plays, such as those of Shakespeare, used to run 3 to 4 hours, some longer. Today audiences don't seem to have the tolerance to sit that long. Today's average theatrical performance runs two hours or so. 

By Shirley Redfearne

The Arizona territorial offices of Secretary, United States Attorney, Marshal, Surveyor General, Superintendent of Indian Affairs, Governor, and Court Justices were filled by appointment by the President of the United States. The officials held their posts for four years but could be dismissed at the will of the President. Each was expected to remain on duty until a successor was appointed. Applicants pursued an appointment for reasons ranging from health and adventure to carpetbagging.

By Robert "Bob

While preparing for a jaunt in the hills and scanning the Forest Service map of roads south of Prescott, my wife asked the innocent question, "who was the Senator of the Senator Highway?" Now being familiar with that highway, I explained it was not a person but a mine, the Senator out on the Hassayampa River bank.

By Parker Anderson

Over the last couple of years this writer embarked on extensive research regarding the legendary Yavapai County outlaw James Parker for the purposes of writing a play and possibly a book. The play was subsequently performed by the Blue Rose Theater.

In doing this, I ran into a problem that bedevils most researchers at one time or another-separating truth from legend.  In nearly all cases where historical figures are well known, facts get stretched in various retellings about their lives. Hundreds of untrue or unverifiable legends exist about the Earps, for instance. In the case of Jim Parker, I encountered no less than four different, irreconcilable versions of his history. I shall examine them here.

By Leo Banks

(This is the second part of a two-part ) article.)

A curse seemed to follow the men in Gabriell "Gabe" Dollie Wiley's life.

The first one, Ernest Presti, was an Italian-born gambler and prizefighter who boxed under the name "Kid Kirby." He and Gabe were married in the gold mining town of Congress, Arizona on October 6, 1909.

By Lorraine Rygiel

In memory of my grandmother, Edith Duncan, and her two sisters, Helen Voller and Elsie Dougherty, this article is dedicated. They were all born and raised on the Shupp Ranch in Skull Valley, as was their father before them, Chester Shupp. Their oral interpretation and written memoirs have given me valuable insight into my family's past. And from them, I have surmised that the pioneer women in my family were of no less character than the men who ventured out West. They encountered bad weather, lack of food and water, hostile circumstances and loss of life.

By Leo Banks

(This is the first part of a two-part article.) 

Prescott's most notorious prostitute had a small problem with the men in her life. They kept winding up dead, usually after drinking rat poison.  But she had her bad points, too. 

The story of Gabriell Dollie Wiley lends itself to such dark thinking. She was, after all, one of Arizona's great noir characters, a real-life crime-novel dame who did whatever it took to survive in early Prescott, brooking no interference from such trifles as the law or common morality.

By Kathryn Reisdorfer

As I watched the throngs of people enjoying music, commerce and camaraderie the night of the Acker Musical Showcase, I was reminded of what early Christmases must have been like in Prescott.  People were on the street sharing with their neighbors-whether they were conscious of it or not-the heightened feelings of the season.  Christmas in the early days in Yavapai County was also a public affair.  People, eager for company, flocked into the towns from remote mining camps and ranches.  Even town-dwellers took part in the public activities.  After all, in this newly settled area, most people were not set-up well enough to entertain friends in their homes.  Still, far from many of their kin, they sought warmth and a sense of community.