Roster of the Dead at Fort Bowie Cemetery, Cochise County, Arizona

 

Post cemetery, Fort Bowie. Helen's Dome features in the background. (c) 2022 Marcy J. Miller

Almost two dozen bodies remain interred at this secluded spot at the northern tip of the Chiricahua Mountains. Surrounded by stunning landscapes, the souls here know a peace that eluded them during their abbreviated lives. Many were killed by their enemies; now they are united with them in death. 

The humble gateway from the cemetery, looking toward the north. (c) 2022 Marcy J. Miller

At one time this graveyard was filled with soldiers and their families, but after the closure of the post, the military exhumed their bodies and transferred them. They left behind the civilians, including members of the Chiricahua tribe.

The dead remaining here include Apache children, including one little girl named Marcia.

Grave of Little Robe (c) 2022 Marcy J. Miller

The toddler son of Geronimo, Little Robe, died of dysentery, a common affliction. 

The military's Record Book of Interments offers a semi-chronological register of those buried at the post cemetery. From what I can make out the handwriting in the record book, I've compiled a roster (likely incomplete) of those once buried in the cemetery. I've furnished additional information from other sources for selected individuals. Some dates and details do conflict with other records; I've tried to fact-check when possible and indicate the conflicting information. Note that the register likely was not completed as each body was buried, as the handwriting is the same for nearly every entry, and entries don't always appear in order. As remains were brought in from other locations, the information on their death dates was entered retroactively. The Apache children mentioned above do not appear on the military roster of those interred here.

The first person recorded in the register was Albert Schmidt of the 1st California Column of Volunteers. Of unknown rank, Schmidt died on June 25, 1862. On the same day, Peter R. Maloney and J. F. Keith perished as well. They, too, were of unknown rank and were in the same regiment with Schmidt.

On July 15, 1862, Sgt. C. M. O'Brien and Pvt. John Ba?? (illegible; appears to be "Bam") were killed in the Battle of Apache Pass, but their remains were not brought to the cemetery until 1891. Newspapers of the time said nine people were killed in this skirmish, and that one appeared to have been burned at the stake. One newspaper cited the following names of victims, but none appear to be those listed in the official register at the fort: Thomas Buchanan of PA; William Allen of IL; Conrad Stark of OH; William Smith of PA; David Berry of IA; James Barnes, an Irishman from WI; James Ferguson, an Englishman; and two unidentified Mexicans from Mesilla. 

On May 23, 1863, Wells died and was interred in the cemetery.

New Mexico "A" Company Infantryman of the 1st Regiment, Vivian Lucero, joined the dead on July 24, 1865. 

On August 2, 1865, Samuel Payson, S. Company, 1st Regiment of the California Column, died.

On October 6th, 1865, William Carmichael died.

February 1st, 1866: 1st Lieutenant Juan C. Tapia of the New Mexico Infantry.

August 16, 1866: Pvt. John Walters of G. Company.

February 19, 1867: Pvt. Capius A. B. Fisher of the 1st California Column. 

June 6, 1867:  Pvt. James McIntyre. 

August 6, 1867: Pvt. James F. Walker.

(c) 2022 Marcy J. Miller

Lieutenant John Slater died November 5, 1867. Born in 1832 in Ireland, he was a lieutenant in the 5th Regiment. 

1st Lieutenant John Carroll of the 32nd US Infantry died November 5, 1867 as well. 

May 26, 1868: John Brownley, a citizen.

May 26, 1868: Pvt. George Knowles of D. Company, 32nd US Infantry.

May 26, 1868: Pvt. Robert King, D. Company, 32nd US Infantry.

August 19, 1868:  Pvt. Daniel Rock, D. Company, 32nd US Infantry. 

On September 15, 1868, young Georgie Macomber, the child of First Lieutenant George Macomber, died. The following year, on September 19, the child's father died when a derrick fell on him. 

February 18, 1869: Capt. John M. C___ (illegible) of the 4th California Column died. 

(c) 2022 Marcy J. Miller

John Finkle "Colonel" Stone, listed as a citizen in the Record Book of Interments, died on October 5, 1869, when he was killed by Apaches near Dragoon Springs. Born in New York in 1836, he lived throughout the west and at one time served as a Deputy US Marshal in New Mexico. In 1868 he co-founded the Apache Pass Mining Company and it was while doing work related to this venture that he was killed while enroute from the Pass to Tucson. The Weekly Arizonian eulogized Stone, stating ""Many a good and gallant man has fallen by the hands of the Apache, but none who will be longer or more sincerely lamented than John F. Stone." 

November, 1870: John Kelley, citizen. 

On December 17, 1870, many perished: J. G. Duncan, citizen, and seven others who were listed as "unknown." 

Unreadable date, 1871, 1st Lieutenant Thomas Mooty or Moody. 

July 18, 1871: Julian Aqueira. 

October 1, 1871: Pvt. A. Andrews. 

January 24, 1872: A. Bice, citizen. F. Pilly, citizen. T. Donovan, citizen. McWilliams, citizen. 

June 10, 1872: Mary McDonnell, child. 

June 15, 1872: Son of Marajildo Grijalva, child. Interesting backstory: this boy's father, Marajildo, and mother, Rosa Jorquez Grijalva, were children in Mexico when kidnapped by the Apache in Sonora in 1850. Marajildo was ten; the boy's mother, Rosa, was six. Cochise became well acquainted with the kidnaped children and became their protector. In 1859, Marajildo escaped from his captors and eventually arrived at Apache Pass, where he ultimately served General Crook as a scout and interpreter. In 1867, Marajildo and Rosa married. After the death of their young son, they adopted two orphaned Apache children to raise as their own. 

July 5, 1872: Pvt. Frederick Auction, 5th US Cavalry. 

August 20, 1872: Tilghman F. Roth, US Infantry. 

February 26, 1873: Isabella Munson, citizen. 

March 3, 1873: Pvt. William H. Patrick.

July 16, 1874: Sgt. William McComb, F Company, US Infantry.

March 25, 1875: Juan Frentes, Mexican citizen. 

August 1, 1874: Major Eugene W. Crittenden. Crittenden enlisted in the regular army in Kentucky in 1855, ultimately being promoted to major in 1866. He'd arrived at the post on November 15 of 1873. Major Crittenden died of apoplexy. Territorial newspapers lamented his passing and cited his honorable, industrious career.

October 11, 1875: N. M. Rogers, citizen. Although his death date is listed as given here, newspaper accounts of the time indicate he was murdered at the same time as O. O. Spence, immediately below the next photo.

(c) 2022 Marcy J. Miller

1876: O. O. Spence, "killed by Indians." The post record indicates his death date as April 23, 1876, which conflicts with the April 7th date on his grave marker (and the latter which contemporary papers cited as the accurate date). Spence was a citizen. Spence and Rogers had been sitting outside the house at the Sulphur Springs Station when two Apache, Pi-On-Se-Na and his unidentified nephew, both drunk on whiskey, arrived on horseback and opened fire on the men. Rogers died instantly but Spence made his way into the building to grab a Henry rifle, but succumbed before being able to return fire. One of the attackers had allegedly killed two of his own sisters before the assault on the men at Sulphur Springs. Spence had been an employee of Mr. Rogers at Sulphur Springs. This attack ended three years of relative peace. 

Private Daniel Wallace died the same date. 

October 30, 1876: Pvt. Adam Eckstien (probably correctly spelled Eckstein), G Company.

November, 1876: Pvt. Thomas Rofs, L Company. 

December 22, 1877: James Stapleton, H Company. 

January, 1878: Pvt. Henry Stone, L Company.  

July 11, 1878: Lieutenant Austin Heneley and J. A. Rucker died. Rucker was later removed to Arlington. 

On August 9, 1878, Private Nicholas Marringer, a blacksmith, was struck by lightning while heading uphill  towards his quarters. The official report described him as having died instantly, while not more than five feet away, children were uninjured. In addition, he was passing among three different sets of buildings that each had higher points than Marringer's height, yet none of the buildings were damaged. The author of the report on the incident noted that Marringer's clothes were likely filled with iron fragments and dust due to his occupation, which may have contributed to the selective nature of the bolt from above.

January 30, 1879: Pvt. Thomas Dowdell, E Company. 

February, 1882: Pvt. Charles P. Laging, M Company, US Cavalry. 

January 29, 1883: Pedro Valdez, citizen. 

March 10, 1883: Pvt. M. Shuck Ormsby, US Cavalry.

H. H. Nickause, Saddler, 4th Regiment, US Cavalry.

Pvt. Dezo Vislavki, C Company, 4th US Cavalry.

Pvt. Phillip O'Neill, 4th US Cavalry. 

Pvt. William C. Drake, G Company, 4th US Cavalry.

Pvt. William Bray, 9th Regiment, Infantry.

Sgt. C. M. O'Brien, 1st Regiment, US Cavalry. 

June 8, 1891: Mabel, infant daughter of Sgt. Phillip Roth. 

To visit the cemetery, park at the Fort Bowie trailhead and hike a short distance along the well-marked trail to the cemetery. There are bathrooms at the trailhead at Apache Pass. Wear appropriate shoes for desert terrain, and take water. This is the same trail that extends to the ruins of Fort Bowie itself - one of my new favorite sites. That hike is well worth every step of the 1.5 miles to the Fort. In all, you'll hike over more than four miles by the time you visit the many spur trails along the way. If you have the energy left for a little more rugged terrain after you've seen the ruins at the fort, take the Overlook Ridge Trail back to the parking lot. It offers spectacular vistas in both directions. 

Copyright (c) 2022 Marcy J. Miller * All rights reserved * No part of this content may be reproduced without the express permission of the author * Thank you for sharing links and for stopping by * Please subscribe to my blog, buy my books, and keep my donkeys in hay * 

Apache Spring, Cochise County, Arizona

 Stopping at this tranquil, Edenic spot on the trail to the ruins of Fort Bowie, it's difficult to imagine so serene a site was responsible for so much contention and carnage. Here, at this quiet grotto shaded by lush trees and brush, is Apache Spring. 

Apache Spring (photo by Marcy J. Miller)

Even now, the spring produces a trickle of water. Walk another mile or so up the trail and you'll reach a drinking fountain at the ranger station, but in the 1800s, this spring was the only reliable source of water for many, many miles. The water is no longer as pure as it once was, unsurprisingly; don't drink from the spring.

Apache Spring (c) 2022 Marcy J. Miller

For hundreds of years, indigenous people relied on this spring. Ancient pottery fragments indicate pre-historic tribes were here. Later, it was a crucial site for the Chiricahua Apache. Living in impermanent dwellings called "wickiups" built from locally-available plant fibers and branches, the Chokonen band of Chiricahua Apache used this spring's water when in the northern end of the mountain range that took their name, the Chiricahuas. Here, accessed by the pass between Dos Cabezas and the Chiricahua - Puerto del Dado, or "Pass of Chance" - now known as Apache Pass - was one of the favorite camping sites of the great chief Cochise. 

Example of an Apache wickiup and ramada. Fort Bowie National Park. (c) 2022 Marcy J. Miller

The presence of the spring drew Anglo settlers. In late 1858, the country's transcontinental mail service - the Butterfield Overland Mail Company - established a stagecoach stop at Apache Pass not far from the spring. The station was off to a bad start when the station keeper, Anthony Elder, beat and humiliated a Chokonen warrior in retaliation for an Apache raid on the Santa Rita Mining Company's stock. Facing severe revenge from Cochise, Elder was transferred away from the Pass.

Ruins of the Butterfield Overland Stagecoach Station at Apache Pass. (c) 2022 Marcy J. Miller

The station keeper who succeeded the impetuous Elder, James H. Tevis, presided over the Apache Pass station from 1858 to 1859 and grew to know Cochise. This was during a two-year period of peace with the Chiricahuas, with an unwritten understanding between the band and the Americans. The Apache, in return for provisions, would refrain from attacking and looting Americans. This agreement did not, however, offer any protection to those on the other side of the border. Throughout this time, Cochise actively offered protection to the Americans, including mail carriers and facilities, even going so far as to kill one of his own warriors who breached that trust by carrying out a raid on livestock in the Patagonia area.

By late 1859, the fragile peace between the Chokonen people and the Americans began to break down. Numerous tit-for-tat conflicts began to escalate until, in 1860, Cochise commanded a war party below the border, murdering dozens of Mexicans, murdering four more while heading back to the north. Well back into Arizona Territory, the raiders eventually struck the stage station at Dragoon Springs, stealing livestock. Word got back to the Butterfield station at Apache Pass that they would soon be targeted. 

By January, 1861, relations had deteriorated to the point that the scene was set for the unfortunate, devastating Bascom Affair. An inexperienced officer, First Lieutenant George Bascom, botched negotiations intended to recover a young boy named Felix Ward who'd been kidnapped by Apache during a raid. Despite indications the boy had been taken by Coyotero Apache, not by the Chokonen people, Bascom determined to retaliate against Cochise. In a meadow near the spring and the station, Bascom attempted to detain Cochise and the rather innocuous traveling party with him. Cochise, however, escaped. This bad-faith encounter directly led to the utter breakdown of relations between the Americans and the Chokonens. 

Three unfortunate employees of the Butterfield station opted to get involved with the negotiations with the Apache. One, named Welch, was killed at the station's corral (probably by so-called "friendly fire"); a man named Charles Culver was wounded; and the third, James Wallace, captured. 

The next day, on February 6, Cochise's warriors attacked an eastbound wagon train at the summit of Apache Pass. Nine Mexicans were tortured and killed; three Americans were captured. Cochise hoped to use the Americans in trade for his own people. For extra insurance, the following day he attacked the eastbound stage at the summit, three miles from the station below. Despite the attack itself, the wounding of the driver, the killing of a mule in the team, and the sabotage of the already treacherous Butterfield Stage Road, the coach made it to the station in the middle of the night. 

After a day of inactivity on February 7th, Cochise rallied his troops for an assault on Bascom's soldiers at Apache Spring. Thinking the Apache had left the area, brought the Army's entire herd of stock to the spring to water. As the men drove the stock back toward the station, about 200 Apache warriors attacked, unsuccessfully attempting to cut them off from the station. The entire herd, however, was taken and run into the mountains above. Although the soldiers repelled the assault, the Apache returned and attacked again. The US troops fended off the attackers, suffering the death of one Butterfield employee, the wounding of one US troop, and the loss of dozens of mules. At least three of the Apaches were killed. 

Unsurprisingly, the Apache warriors tortured, killed, and mutilated the four prisoners they'd hoped to use in a hostage exchange. The battle was over, but the hostilities were far from finished. Finding the bodies of the four prisoners, the Army commenced to hang the six adult male Chiricahua prisoners from four large oak trees on the west side of Apache Pass. The remaining prisoners, women and children, were released. 

In June of the next year, the US Army sent Brigadier general James H. Carleton and his California Column of Volunteers to the pass to protect Apache Spring. Perched on a hillside above the spring and fortified by an adobe wall, Camp Bowie was established. From that tactical position, the troops could easily fire on any of the Chiricahua who attempted to access the spring. This was the genesis of what would ultimately become Fort Bowie.

The spring itself is easily accessed from the Fort Bowie trailhead. Of note is the geological fault on the mountainside above and north of the spring. The fault is what makes the flow of water from the spring possible. To access the fault on the mountainside itself, take the Overlook Ridge return trail from the ranger station at the fort. Midway along your hike is a well-marked placard pointing out the fault. 

Apache Spring (with the yellowing trees) as seen from the Overlook Ridge Trail. The distinctive peak in the background to the south is Helen's Dome. (c) 2022 Marcy J. Miller 

For further reading, I highly recommend Edwin R. Sweeney's book, Cochise: Chiricahua Apache Chief. You can order it from Amazon here. Disclosure: I may receive compensation from Amazon for purchases made through this link. 

Stay tuned for further posts on Fort Bowie! You can do so by subscribing to this blog.

Copyright (c) 2022 by Marcy J. Miller * All rights reserved * No part of this content may be used without the express permission of the author * Thank you for sharing links to this page! *