Arizona weekly citizen., 1891-08-29
It's Importance as a Military
 Headquarters.
Again Awakened from a Long
 Sleep.
The Floods-A Building Boom Csr- tstn-Businsss-En on Tapis-Business Men.

At the confluence of the Colorado an Gila rivers, the western gateway of tn territory of Arizons, is situated the. cit of Yuma, first called Arizona City. Tn importance Of this point as militar post WAS recognized by the United State government soon after the acquisition I California. Troops were situated on th California side of the Colorado as earl ss 1850 fer protection against Indians and the post was called Ft. Yuma, iron the name of the tribe inhabItIng thi portion of the country. 1t remained permanent post until 1884 when it va abandoned entirely. Ths Yumas hay never given the government or it citizens any trouble since 1874. Thi tribe now numbers about $50, sccordiD! to the last census report. They are il general . robust, good looking class o Indiana, who seem to be on good term with the world, finding little difficult, in obtaining the means of subslstenc, in this land of eternal sunshine, wher, the prolific soil of the river bottcml produce several crops a year with bu n.iuimum care and culture.
 There IS romance lnterwoven with th. early history of Yuma, to which l car l roal,a bn+o hora oIlpSiop IT pppaors that many emigrants to California found their way by ths southern over land route, and were transported across the Colorado river at this roint by h. dians on rafts. Ons by the name oi Glanton established ferry here in the early 'fitties," and his acquisitiveness 1 would allow no opportunity for gain to pass hlm. Emigrants and miners sus pected Of having money were uncere moniously put out of the way, and their property appropriated by this cold blooded wretch, until his inordInate avarice led him to interfere with the Indians, whose rafting came into com petition with his ferry business. The upshot of ..this difficulty was that the Indians arose and wiped out Glantor and his band, only one of the eleven es- capipg with his life.
 Times were lively al Yuma during all those years, and the place, including Indians and soldiers. numbered several thousand souls. The completion of ;hs Southern Pacific railroad in l8S0, where | by much of ths trade WAS carried be- yond, and the removal of tue troops ir 1884 marked an era of business quietude which has reigned oTer Yuma evel since.
 During the early days of business prosperity there was established city ago WAS allowed to lapse. A few months ago 1t was revived by the election ot the following officers: 4. Frank, mayor; c A. Ringwaid, Nj. Greenleaf, 4. Contreras and s. $. G liespie, councilmen. This step was regarded important in view of the improvements that the recent Ges iructive flood compelled the citizens to made, and also to insure the consum- nation of the several grand enterprises already inaugurated and in contemp- lation, which will furnish matter for my next communication from this place.
 Since the completion of ths Southern Pacific railroad, this company has pro- vided the chief emplo! ment of the in. habitants.
 The establishment of the territorial prison here aided a few, whilst others derived their support from the business of the town and from stock raising and general agriculture.
 Yuma, being the seat of governmen: still further importance.
 Among the county officers to whom am indebted for favors m behalf of the , ITIzEN arc John Gandolpho and Capt c. V. Meedin, supervisors. Mir. Gan, dolphn, of the firm of Gandolpho < Se b gu.netti, Is recognized as one of the most enterprisirg business men of the county and this firm conducts the largest general mercnaHdlss business Tn the place. The waters Of tbe recent flood raised five or six feet aboys the floor ol the store, the onter walls of which were adobe and consequently melted away, but fortunately leaving the Bhelv ing and roof intact Gnd unlnjured. The building, havIpp been repaired, is now better that ever. Mir. G's exemplary conduct toward the sufferers when en- guIfed by the sudden calamity ha; bound the community to him with last. ing ties. Ira Mabbett, popularly knowr as the -.nn"Judse" is Mr. Gandolphoi trusted and efficient accountant. Capt c. V. Mccain honestly earned has title in navigating this grand Colo rado river for a score of years. He hal s-ryed In public office ID the capacity o superintendent of the Yuma prisoI three ycars. and as county supervisor fo tae last seven years. He wsG heavN loser by the flood. but now occupies th, finest fire proof brick building at Yuma built by the snterprising old timer J M. Moiida.
 m. J. Nugent, Yuma's populsr sheriff and Edwin May-s, under sheriff, ex tended fsvors duly appreciated. Mir Nugent had no rival in the last politica contest.
 Judge S. PurdY gave me access tc much interesting da-s, some of whicf will be incorporated in a succeeding ar ticle.
 Isaac Levy has been in the mercaniil, business here for about twenty year: and was also heavy loser in conse quence of the late food. His presen store is on Madison avenue. He ha served the county as probate judge.
 Hon. Chas. Baker, who was an Gctiv, member Of the legislature is engaged il the butcher business here, having Mr Re6ondO as manager. Mir. Baker is on of the prominent cattle raisers of th, country.
 Judge c. H. Brinley is also sn old ant honored resident of the county and eli, of Yuma, is now city recorder. He lief a good record at the last legislature O winch he was a member.
 IT. IT,. n E Toun1and an, Iah