Joan Stephens |
| Posted 2019-01-19 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 good 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: Joan is buried in an unmarked grave at the Citizens Cemetery in Prescott, Arizona. |
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