I saw a line in the Republic this morning that said Charles Poston, the “father of Arizona,” (and no direct relation to Scottsdale’s Air Commando veteran Charles Poston) died a pauper this day in 1902, only 110 years ago.
You can read more in the Poston Wikipedia entry about the fascinating history of this explorer, fortune-seeker, and politician. Poston lobbied Lincoln for the creation of the Arizona Territory, and he served as the Territory’s first Delegate to the U.S. House of Representatives.
You can also read some of Poston’s personal journal entries on the Discover Southeast Arizona website.