Description

Comparative historical research findings regarding this undated photo suggest some possible connections between the branding irons in the photo and historical ranches in the Arizona Central Highlands. Many local cattle owners grazed their herds on unfenced communal rangeland during the area’s early ranching days as evidenced by three of the listings below.

Left to right:

The “JM” brand is attributed to Joe Marr. We did not find any documentation of this in any sources we consulted.

The “Wine Glass” brand was registered by Sharlot M. Hall and James K. Polk Hall of Orchard Ranch in Dewey, Arizona (Source: Arizona Brand Book, 1920, p. 197, Brand #5527).

The “Square and Compass” brand was registered by John J. Gosper of Prescott, Arizona (no ranch name found, perhaps associated with an unnamed range) (Source: Marks & Brand Records of Yavapai County, January 25, 1879).

The “B” brand was registered by J. Fred Boyd of Clarkdale, Arizona (no ranch name found, perhaps associated with an unnamed range) (Source: Arizona Brands Book, 1916, p. 23, Reg. #17341; 1920, p. 10, Reg. #6281).

The “Four Js” or “Lazy S” brand was registered by George Tipps of the lower Agua Fria Range in Yavapai County, Arizona, on December 06, 1884. Please note that the brand registration drawing should be a mirror image of the branding iron in the photo but is not, and so may represent an incorrect brand or branding iron. (Source: Marks & Brands Records of Yavapai County, Arizona, December 06, 1884).

The “JR Cross J” brand is attributed to Josefa Rodriques. We did not find any documentation of this in any sources we consulted.