A while back I received a copy of Susan M. Erb’s new book about early frontier families – the Edmund G. Peck family and George Washington Banghart family of early Arizona and California Territories. Written in a narrative style, the volume tells of the fascinating adventures of these men and their descendent families. It is an Arizona story, with connections to California and New Mexico. The story follows the Peck-Banghart family from the earliest days of Arizona Territory to the end when Arizona became a state. Wrapped around the individual achievements of the five families is the story of what had to be accomplished for statehood to happen. Each family pursued different paths, but taken as a whole they achieved amazing results.
The following is from the Table of Contents:
Preface
Acknowledgements
Editorial Procedures
Peck and Banghart Family Trees
Introduction
1. The Gold Rush 1863-1866
2. Scouting and Schooling: 1867-1871
3. Prosperity in Prescott: 1871-1876
4. California and Other Scoundrels: 1877-Fall 1878
5. The Absentee Governor: 1878-1880
6. Stage Stops, Railways and Rodeos: 1881-1887
7 The Territory Moved Forward: 1888-1895
8. Bring on The Tourists 1896-1905
9. Statehood at Last: 1906-1915
Endnotes
Bibliography
Index
The following Illustrations are found in the volume:
Mary Ann Peck and George Banghart
Edmund George Peck
Post Army Ambulance
Prescott Livery Stable Advertisement
Point of Rocks
Rosiland/Rose G. Banghart
Edmund William Wells Jr.
Cottonwood Trees near Bangharts
Flora E Banghart and John H. Marion
Serena Ellen/Ella Peck
Edmund George Peck
Peck Mine Outcropping
Peck Mine Claims
Pack Train from the Bradshaws
Elanson/Jesse S. Pennwell
Mary Jane/Jennie Banghart
Helen Mary Wells
Dashing Wave Clipper Ship
Banghart Brand
Banghart Dairy Advertisement
Pack Mining Office in San Francisco in 1879
Peck Mining Office in San Francisco in 1880
Edmund & Rose Wells’ House
Alexandra, Arizona
Charles W. Beach
Aztlan Mill
Minnie Peck
Edmond Peck, Jr.
Mary Ann Banghart
George Banghart
Nathan Oakes Murphey
Nellie Banghart
Banghart Stage Station
Banghart station
Rose Wells
Edmond W. Wells, Jr.
Banghart Hotel Advertisement
Castle Hot Springs Stage
Nellie Murphy
Captain O’Neill Rough Ride Monument
Bessie Brooks’ Grave
There are 5 maps found in the book, Yavapai and Mohave Counties; First Four Counties; Alameda California; Confederate Arizona; and All Territorial Arizona including Ed’s Prospecting Locations in 1884.
The volume is made up of 273 pages, perfect bound; 6×9; 2022; ISBN: 978-1-7781875-0-6. The book sells for $30, plus $5 postage. Order from the author, Susan M. Erb, 475 E. Braemar Rd, North Vancouver, BC, Canada V7N 4C4; email: susan_erb@telus.net or author.susanmerb@gmail.com; Phone 604-980-5428.