Amos Allison and Robert B. Anderson papers

MS 329

Collection dates: 1894-1975

About this collection

Papers of Amos A. Anderson (1862-1948) and his son, Robert B. Anderson, relating to their life and times in Clifton, Ajo, Graham County, and Greenlee County, Arizona. Includes biographical information, correspondence, reminiscences, and photographs. The main correspondent to Robert B. Anderson is William Ryder Ridgway relating to their common interests in Graham County historical investigations. Reminiscences concern Amos A. Anderson's exploits as sheriff, stories of outlaws and acquaintances, local history, and events around Clifton. The photographs are chiefly portraits of family and friends from 1900 to the 1930s. Also includes a voter registration list of Greenlee County, 1922.

Historical background

Amos Allison Anderson was born October 3, 1862 in Highland, Kansas. He worked on ranches, taught schools and was Chief of Scouts at Mescalero Apache Indian Reservation, New Mexico. In 1899, he moved to Clifton, Arizona and worked in a general store. He moved again to Solomonville, and finally back to Clifton to work with the Becker-Franz Mercantile Company. A Republican, he was elected Sheriff of Graham County in 1906, and served three terms in that office. He also served briefly as Superintendent of Arizona State Prison, Florence, in 1917. He retired to Ajo, died in Prescott, and was buried in San Diego.

In 1894, Amos married Bessie Patterson Anderson (-1945). They had one son, Robert Blaine Anderson, (1896-). R. B. Anderson served as postmaster for Clifton and Ajo, and collected reminiscences of history in Greenlee and Graham Counties.

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