Description

Robert "Bob" Emmet Tally (b. 1877 – d. 1925) was born November 5, 1877 in Virginia City, Nevada. His parents were Terrence John Tally (1839 - 1898) and Jane B. Rogers Tally (1845 – 1921). He had six siblings. He entered the University of Nevada in 1894 and graduated in 1899 from the University and its School of Mines with the degree of Bachelor of Science and Mining Engineer.

In 1907, after working 10 years in a variety of capacities in western United States and Canada mines, he joined the staff of the United Verde Copper Company of Arizona as mine timberman at Jerome. In 1921, after a series of promotions, he was promoted to General Manager. In 1930, he became President, and in 1935, he retired to Prescott, Arizona after Phelps-Dodge Corporation purchased the property.

During his tenure as president, he made the mine an up-to-date mine. He led in such matters as safety and health of miners, the introduction of mechanical equipment, the training of younger staff members to assume greater responsibility, and technical research in metallurgical processes. He also was responsible for the construction of a hospital, school, houses and recreation grounds for the employees of the Verde company.

Mr. Tally was often consulted on matters affecting the copper industry and on several occasions took the lead in conferences of the world's copper producers. He was an informal arbitrator in many disputes within the industry.

On April 10, 1912, Mr. Tally married Emma Eulalie Charlebois (1882 – 1964) of Ventura, California. They had one son, Paul Roger Tally (1919 – 1979).

Mr. Tally had leadership roles with a number of organizations. He was President of the American Institute of Mining and Metallurgical and Petroleum Engineers in 1931 and a director for six years. He was Chancellor of the Board of Regents, University of Arizona and a member of the Mining and Metallurgical Society of America (MMSA). He was also a Republican, a Mason and an Elk.

His Prescott home was at Park Avenue and Hill Street in Prescott, Arizona. Mr. Tally died December 14, 1936. He is buried in Mountain View Cemetery, Prescott.

Sources: Obituaries: aimehq.org (The American Institute of Mining, Metallurgical, and Petroleum Engineers) and the New York Times (December 15, 1936), Find a Grave, Family Search.