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Joan Stephens

Posted 2018-07-09 by Judy Wight Branson
The Weekly Arizona Miner, Prescott, Arizona Territory
Friday, June 11, 1880, page 3, column 4

Death of a Good, Faithful Girl.

We were surprised to learn this morning, June 9th, of the sudden death
of Joan Stevens (sic), an Indian girl adopted by Mr. and Mrs. V. A.
Stephens fifteen years ago, when she was but four years old.

The subject of the above was of Indian parentage, her father and
mother belonging to the Pinal tribe. We believe it was early in the
year of 1865 that Captain Thompson of the New Mexico Volunteers, then
in command of Fort Whipple, made a campaign against the Indians then
hovering around this section and somewhere on the Hassayampa,
surprised a band of 22, which he succeeded in killing, with the
exception of the deceased, who ran to the soldiers beseeching
protection. She was taken in charge by Hospital Steward Dunn, taken
to Tucson and baptized in the Catholic faith and finally brought to
Prescott, and by Captain Thompson given to the family with whom she
resided (a true and faithful servant,) until the messenger of death
summoned her to the 'other side.'

He disease was quick consumption, under which she bore up with courage
and fortitude until a few hours previous to her death, which took
place at twenty minutes past ten o'clock last night.

From her long residence with the family, 15 years, her correct and
industrious habits, her devotion to the several members of the
household, she gained the affection of her guardians and protectors,
who looked upon her as one of their own, and bitterly grieve her loss.

Her body was laid away in a magnificent coffin, probably decorated
with wreaths and emblems of sweet flowers, and consigned to its last
resting place this afternoon.

A goo and faithful servant has been called away, and although she was
of another blood and people, there were many warm and loving hearts
there to perform the last sad rites over the departed.

Transcriber's note: Miss Stephens is buried in an unmarked grave at
the Citizens Cemetery in Prescott, Arizona.




Note: These obituaries are transcribed as published and are submitted by volunteers who have no connection to the families. They do not write the obituaries and have no further information other than what is posted within the obituaries. We do not do personal research. For this you would have to find a volunteer who does this or hire a professional researcher.

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