Thursday, July 24, 2014

Bird watching and Petroglyphs Abound at the Deer Valley Rock Art Center!

Enjoy a pleasant, stress-free morning or afternoon walking through Deer Valley Rock Art Center's paths, gardens, and museum.

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Viewing 14 of 20 | © Joy Schantz

The circle may depict life's journey, or an inner enlightenment.

Joy Schantz, Yahoo Contributor Network
Dec 12, 2010

Known as the Hedgpeth Hills Petroglyph Site, this best-kept-secret in the Heart of Phoenix awaits visitors. See www.dvrac.asu.edu for more information, or call (623) 582-8007.

A Family Rough Rider Discovered in Arizona Cemetery!

A Family Rough Rider Discovered in

Arizona Cemetery!

Family Genealogy Search Sheds Light on an Unknown Gem

Joy Schantz, Yahoo Contributor Network
Mar 20, 2011

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Two Henderson Brothers Graves Located
George Washington Henderson (1869-1943) was part of the large Henderson family, and served as a Deputy under Sheriff to John Henry "Rim Rock" Thompson in Gila County. Several in his family were lawmen. George married Annie Belle Carlos in 1900. They raised six children, and all lived in and around the Globe-Miami area.

Next to George's grave was his Brother, Sebird B. Henderson (1858-1925), and it had an interesting headstone which read "CO. B, 1 U.S. V. CAV. SP/AM WAR." Being an avid history buff, my husband immediately recognized the designation...Sebird Henderson was a Rough Rider!

Teddy's Rough Riders
The Rough Riders unit was mustered into service in May 1898, with 47 officers and 994 enlisted men who came from each of the 45 states at the time, four U.S. Territories, and 14 Countries. Even 60 Native Americans were on the roster. It's interesting to note that 39-year-old Sebird, only 5 foot 4 inches tall, was a tough, wiry cowboy, just the type that Teddy Roosevelt wanted to recruit into theRough Riders.

Locating Service Records
Returning home, I set out to prove my Great Grand Uncle's Rough Rider status. After searching the web and the National Archives, proof was found in military records, and a photo of him in uniform. Sebird Henderson was mustered in and served from May 1 through September 30, 1898. He saw action on Kettle Hill (next to San Juan Hill) in Cuba during the Spanish/American War. He contacted either typhoid fever or malaria, which was noted on his military records, and was mustered out on September 30, 1898. Sebird later married Mattie Claire Delbridge in 1904, and they raised two children. He died in 1925 at 67.

Sebird Henderson's Grandfather
I was lucky enough to find a notation online at a "Find A Grave" site about his namesake Grandfather,Sebird Henderson (1805-1862). Grandfather Sebird Henderson was hanged by Confederate Colonel James Duff's regiment at Spring Creek, Texas along with three other men (Hiram Nelson, Frank Scott and Gus Tegener) because they wouldn't renounce the Union! They were buried by their families at the same site where they met their fate. This site is now the Spring Creek Cemetery in Harper, Gillespie County, Texas.

My Grandfather's name I always wondered where my Granddad, William Sebird Edwards (1885-1970), got his unusual middle name. Now I know! As a young man William got the nickname of Buffalo Bill, and it was later shortened to "Buff." From 1926 until 1966, "Buff" was a Deputy Sheriff, Cattle Inspector, Florence Prison Guard, San Carlos Reservation Special Officer, and Constable of the Globe Precinct (25 years) in Gila County.

I guess you'd have to say that being a lawman was in his blood!

Best Place for Steak in Amarillo, Texas

Enjoy Delicious Fare and Friendly Folks,Texas Style!

Joy Schantz, Yahoo Contributor Network
Aug 12, 2011

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In case you've missed the "Man v. Food" episode which took place at the Big Texan Steak Ranch in Eastern Amarillo, Texas, plan to stop by while traveling Interstate 40.

Founder, R. J. "Bob" Lee opened the Big Texan Steak Ranch in 1960 on old Route 66 (Now I-40). The address is 7701 I-40 East, Amarillo, TX 79118-6915. Phone numbers: 800 657-7177 or 806 372-6000.

Legend has it that a table of hungry cowboys held a competition to see who could eat a one-pound steak in one hour. As a result, one of the cowboys ate a 4-1/2 pound steak (72-ounces!), shrimp cocktaIL, baked potato, salad and bread by the time one hour rolled around. Bob vowed from that day forward if anyone could eat a 72-ounce steak dinner in an hour, it was on the house!

Since that time, over 8,000 patrons succeeded in winning a free 72-ounce steak dinner. In 1963, pro wrestler "Klondyke Bill" downed TWO of these dinners in an hour. To date, the youngest to win was an 11-year-old boy. Even a 69-year-old grandmother succeeded in beating the clock in 1977! Current champion, Joey Chestnut, finished the steak dinner in eight minutes and 52 seconds on March 24, 2008. Previous winner was Cincinnati Reds pitcher Frank Pastore in 1983.

This is a one-of-a-kind restaurant, with western ambiance, friendly folks waiting on you, offering delicious and juicy hand-rubbed steaks, prime rib, BBQ ribs, chicken-fried steak, seafood, appetizers, salads, chili and other sides, as well as Big Boot drinks. There's an indoor shooting gallery and gift shop, catering, and homemade fudge available for purchase.

Attention travelers and groups: free limo service is offered to and from the Big Texas for all !-40 hotels and RV parks!ï»¿

DISCLOSURE OF MATERIAL CONNECTION:
The Contributor has no connection to nor was paid by the brand or product described in this content.

Why was my 3rd Great-Grandfather hanged during the Civil War?

April 10, 2011

Four men were hanged at Dead Mens' Hole near Harper, Texas, on a hot Summer day in 1862!

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Sebird Henderson, an Irishman who immigrated to America in 1810, was hanged in 1862 during the American Civil War. He and three other brave men met their fate because they would not renounce the Union and join the Confederacy!

Conflicts during the American Civil War produced atrocities on both sides

Like most Americans, I learned about the American Civil War from reading history and textbooks, until I discovered that my 3rd Great-Grandfather, Sebird Henderson (1805-1862), was hanged by a band of lynchers from Confederate Colonel James Duff's regiment. Other relatives and neighbors hanged with him were Hiram Nelson, Frank Scott, and Gus Tegener.

This discovery made Sebird's place in my family tree personally meaningful and life-inspiring. He came to America from Ireland in 1810 with his Brothers. Given a choice that fateful day, he was hanged for what he believed in...and that was to preserve the Union!

Bodies thrown into Spring Creek (a.k.a. Dead Mens' Hole)

According to a personal letter sent to Texas Ranger Captain John Sansom by Sebird's nephew, Howard Henderson (shortly before Howard's death), after the hangings, rocks were tied to the men's feet before the bodies were thrown into nearby Spring Creek, near Harper, Gillespie County, Texas.

Families of dead men taken prisoners

The Confederate regiment took the widows and children as prisoners, locking 10 of them in a small, one-room cabin in Fredericksburg, where they were stricken by an outbreat of measles. The prisoners heard nothing about their husbands and fathers immediately.

Mass Grave dug by men's families

Once the widows learned that their husbands' bodies were dumped into Spring Creek, they pleaded for permission to bury the bodies. Eventually, the widows and their six children were released and taken to the site of the hangings. Although they were very sick with measles, by taking turns all day and all night long, a mass grave was dug. The widows waded into Spring Creek up to their armpits to retrieve the bodies. By this time, personal identification was impossible. Only Mrs. Scott could tell her husband's body by a missing big toe. After the bodies were placed on top of sheets and rolled into the mass grave, prayers were recited, good-byes given, and the grave was filled.

A memorial to these brave men stands today at the Spring Creek Cemetery.

Friday, October 12, 2012

Salsa Trail and SalsaFest a worthy trek!

A late September trip to Southeastern Arizona for the Salsa Trail and SalsaFest was a worthy trek!

We began the Salsa Trail with a huevos rancheros breakfast at the El Coronado in downtown Safford.

We resumed our Salsa Trail, driving to the mining town of Clifton.

P.J.'s in Clifton offered delicious cheese enchiladas, and we brought back 2 jars of salsa.

I couldn't resist this photo to remember P.J.'s coffee prices!

Next stop was Duncan, Arizona.

Hilda's Kitchen and Meat Market is a small little place with two tables. We brought back some of Hilda's salsa, too.

La Paloma in Solomon is a busy spot during lunch, and we left with more salsa!


We stopped at an historic marker between Duncan and Solomon...a reminder that this was once Apache territory.


While we still had afternoon daylight, Mt Graham enticed us to drive up to the top. It is a "sky island" with lush forest.

This view is looking back (Northeast) toward Safford and the Gila Valley.

No one could deny this beautiful vista, looking South from the top of Mt. Graham, with the Klondyke Road seen below.

Back in Safford, we visited Mi Casa Tortilla Factory and bought dried chiles and flour tortillas to bring home.


We enjoyed dinner at El Charro in Safford, with the best cheese crisp, chile relleno and guacamole tostada of our trip, and came home with 3 different jars of their yummy salsas.

Friday evening's SalsaFest included booths and entertainment.

Visitors from all over Arizona attended.

Safford's court house stands near the SalsaFest activities.

San Simon Chile Company booth had salsa and treats to take home.

Children enjoyed the petting zoo!

jewelry and boutique items covered every booth.

Coming home, we stopped outside Globe for a breather and found this Apache warrior statue at the Apache Gold Casino.

Between Globe and Superior, we again passed through the Queen Creek Tunnel (built in 1952).

Sunday, May 13, 2012

Little Red School House in Wickenburg, Arizona

Passing through Wickenburg, travelers may pass an historic little red schoolhouse on their way to Kingman, Laughlin or Las Vegas.

An abandoned wooden and adobe house was moved from Vulture Gold Mine to the present day site, and Don Ignacio Garcia donated the land in 1895. It became the Garcia School, built in 1905 at a cost of $1,600!

We recently stopped to visit this historic site. The wealth of information contained within the schoolhouse walls is a treat! Photos and albums of late 19th and early 20th Century schoolmates are kept here. Student desks, musical instruments, and other educational memorabilia grace the little one-room school. Alumni of Garcia School are encouraged to provide information on their attendance for the record.

Cousin Carl attended Garcia School in 1943 during his first year of school when his Mother, Uncle and Aunt managed the Greyhound Bus Stop in downtown Wickenburg. He even enjoyed ringing the old school bell during our visit!

Teacher qualifications in the late 1800s included "Ability to read, write, do "sums", know some grammar, geography and history; have ninth grade ability." Today's teachers can laugh at the requirements then!

It's interesting to compare the costs per pupil per year, the teacher's average monthly pay, and the population for the Town of Wickenburg through the years!

The little red schoolhouse is entered in the National Register of Historic Places, and is worth the time to visit. Garcia School was restored in 1984. It can make a fun day trip, an educational spring break destination, or a convenient stop for travelers. The little red schoolhouse is open from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday.

Sunday, January 22, 2012

Cabo San Lucas, Mexico

One of my favorite places to visit South of the border is Cabo San Lucus. Did you know that Eighties Van Halen rocker, Sammy Hagar, founded the Cabo Wabo Cantina, a hot night spot in this quaint Mexican Village?

The Cabo Wabo Cantina website gives Sammy Hagar's history with Cabo Wabo. According to Hagar, he intended his cantina to be a tequila bar in which he could perform during his visits to his favorite Mexican fishing village. The name for his cantina was born when he watched a local stumbling down the cobblestone road, probably after a night of too much tequila. According to Hagar's memoir on the website, he thought, "That guy is doing the Cabo Wobble!"

You'll find colorful ambiance inside the restaurant or out on the patio, and booming music and party fun inside the dance club. Started as Hagar's dream twenty years ago, Cabo Wabo was voted recently as one of the Top 10 party spots in the world!

Read the full article, "Cabo San Lucas Fun Spots" to get the full scoop about Cabo San Lucas. You can also view photos of my vacation to Cabo on my slideshow, "Tour of Cabo San Lucas".

Grab your swimsuit, sun screen and shades and let's go!