Near Willcox in Cochise County, Arizona — The American Mountains (Southwest)
Neil and Emma Erickson
Photographed by Bill Kirchner, June 4, 2020
1. Neil and Emma Erickson Marker
Apaches brought them together.
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Young Neil Erickson came to America from Sweden. He joined the army and was promoted to 1st Sergeant in the 4th Cavalry at Fort Craig, New Mexico. While stationed there he net another Swedish immigrant, Emma Peterson, and fell in love. Emma was a maid and companion to the wife of a colonel. Army life separated them for a few years, but were reunited at Fort Bowie in 1886, and married the following year.
After Neil's discharge, the Ericksons came to Bonita Canyon to live. Neil had little interest in farming or ranching, and was often away doing construction work in mining communities. Emma stayed home with the children, tending the garden and the livestock.
Neil became a forest ranger in 1903, and his career took him to many parts of the Arizona Territory. The management of Faraway Ranch fell to the oldest of his three children, Lillian.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Settlements & Settlers. A significant historical year for this entry is 1886.
Location. 32° 0.486′ N, 109° 22.369′ W. Marker is
this page online
Regionally, this marker is in the Sky Islands and in Southeastern Arizona. It is also in the American Southwest. Globally, it is in North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain and also the Gadsden Purchase.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 11 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Ed Riggs (here, next to this marker); Faraway Ranch (a few steps from this marker); Erickson Family Cemetery (approx. 0.9 miles away); The Ericksons: Pioneer Settlers (approx. 0.9 miles away); The Chiricahua Apache (approx. 0.9 miles away); Commanding Officer's Quarters (approx. 10.1 miles away); Cavalry Barracks (approx. 10.1 miles away); Infantry Barracks (approx. 10.1 miles away). Touch for a list and map
circa June 4, 2020
2. Photos on Neil and Emma Erickson Marker
Photographed by Bill Kirchner, June 4, 2020
3. Neil and Emma Erickson Marker at the far left
Faraway Ranch Marker is at the far right, and Ed Riggs Marker is in the center.
Credits. This page was last revised on June 8, 2020. It was originally submitted on June 8, 2020, by Bill Kirchner of Tucson, Arizona. This page has been viewed 355 times since then and 12 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on June 8, 2020, by Bill Kirchner of Tucson, Arizona.
