Charles L., Sr. Shontz |
| Posted 2009-07-19 by Sharla |
| Originally posted to the web in News, on Wednesday, May 21, 2003 12:00 AM CDT. This Week in Wickenburg History 50 years ago - Sorrowing family, friends pay last respects to Charles L. Shontz Sr. (Friday, May 22, 1953) Funeral services were held Thursday afternoon for Charles L. Shontz, Sr., pioneer resident of Wickenburg, former mayor, chief of the fire department for many years and a highly respected and beloved citizen of this town. Although in failing health for several years, his sudden death while visiting his son Harold in Blythe last Tuesday morning shocked and grieved the entire community. He died of heart failure while chatting with the housekeeper of the Harold Shontz ranch. He and his son had planned a fishing trip for that afternoon. Mr. Shontz served this community as mayor from 1934 through 1936, during which time the water and electric systems were improved, the sewage disposal plant was started, and the underpass completed. He joined the volunteer fire department in 1932 and served as chief until his resignation in 1945. While he was fire chief, the town purchased its first motorized equipment, the truck that is still in active service. Mr. Shontz was born June 2, 1875, in Harmony, Pa., and come to Arizona in 1911. He was bridge foreman for the Santa Fe Railway and lived for three years in Aguila before moving to Wickenburg where he built the family home on South Washington Street. After resigning from the railroad in 1922, he entered business here and did considerable construction work in the community, including a number of the cottages at Remuda Ranch. See Also: Find A Grave |
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