Aphold family papers

The Apholds were an Arizona pioneer family and miners that resided in Tucson. Adelaide A. Aphold and Henry Louis Aphold, brother and sister, inherited many of the family gold, silver and lead ore mines. Their parents, Louisa Maria Mallet and Henry Louis Aphold, were married in Brownsville, Texas. Henry Louise Aphold, Sr., of German descent, was a salesman and politician in Brownsville, Texas.

After her husband was shot and killed in Texas, Mrs. Louisa M. Aphold moved their three children, Henry Jr., Adelaide, and Louisa, to Tucson. In 1883, Louisa M. Aphold married a Tucson pioneer surgeon, Dr. Narciso Herra Matas. They had two children, Rudolph and Irene. Henry L. Aphold, Jr. married Kathryn Overholszer and served as Coconino County assessor and treasurer. Louisa Aphold became the bride of Dr. A. C. Wright. Irene Matas wed Frank Darling and relocated to Los Angeles, her birth place. Rudolph followed in his father's profession, becoming a world famous physician and surgeon, receiving many honors and awards.

The Aphold-Matas family was influential in the social, political and economic culture of Arizona. Dr. and Mrs. Matas had an active interest and role in the mining business. At one time, the family owned about 17 mines and 3 mills. After Dr. Matas' and his mother's death, Henry L. Aphold, Jr. developed and worked several of the famous mines along with his sister Addie, until he died in 1948.

The last member of the Aphold-Matas family to survive was Adelaide A. Aphold, who remained single and lived near the mines in Canada del Oro, the northern slopes of Santa Catalina Mountains, until her death.