Frank B. Moss

Submitted by Joy Fisher sdgenweb@yahoo.com March 1, 2005

A Historical and Biographical Record of the Territory of Arizona,p. 450-451

McFarland and Poole, Chicago, 1896

Among the worthy residents of Phoenix, Arizona Territory, it is but just to say that Mr. Moss occupies a conspicuous and honorable place, for he has always been industrious and enterprising, and as a result has met with well merited success. He is a member of the Phoenix council and a blacksmith who thoroughly understands his calling. Mr. Moss was born in Kenosha County, Wisconsin, September 15, 1852, to the marriage of Francis Moss and Carrie Smith, both natives of Germany. The parents came to this country when young, were married here, and the father followed the trade of blacksmith in Wheatland, Wisconsin, until his death in December, 1895. He held the position of Supervisor for a number of years. Mrs. Moss is still living and makes her home in Wheatland. Frank B. Moss grew to manhood in the last named city, secured a thorough education in the public schools, and when about sixteen years old began learning the blacksmith trade. He began as an apprentice in Kenosha, with Head and Sutherland, and was thus occupied for a few years, after which he went to Virginia City, Nevada, where he worked at his trade and ran a wood yard for a number of years.

In 1878 he came to Tombstone, Arizona, where, in connection with his trade, he drove a team for some time. The country was very wild at that time, Indians were numerous and hostile, and although he was shot at twice by the savages he escaped uninjured. He traveled for the most part by night to escape them. Later he went to Harshaw, Pima County, Arizona, and opened a blacksmith shop which he ran until 1880, when he located at Phoenix. There he followed his trade for some time.

In 1885 he embarked in business on his own account and has carried it on very successfully up to the present. He is one of the representative men of the city and may be counted a pioneer. Mr. Moss owns considerable real estate in Phoenix as well as a nice home, and is quite deeply interested in gold mining. He also owns 160 acres of ranch land on the Gila river, with its water rights. In the month of May, 1894, he was elected to the city council and he has held other responsible positions, being chief of the fire department in 1892. He takes a deep interest in all that pertains to the welfare of his section and is a most valuable citizen. Socially he is a member of the I. O. O. F., the A. O. U. W. and Woodmen of the World.

On the 3Oth of May, 1885. He was married to Miss Ida M. Harriman, a native of Wisconsin, and they have three interesting children: Edmund Earl, Ralph and Ernest, the last two twins.

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