Today in Wheeling History: August 29--James Henry Tevis, Arizona pioneer and author originally from Wheeling, passed away in Tucson, Arizona (1905).
James Henry Tevis was born on July 11, 1837, in Wheeling, West Virginia. He was the son of John D. Tevis and Elizabeth McNamee. At the age of twelve, Tevis ran away from home and joined the crew of a steamboat headed to New Orleans. His adventurous spirit led him to various roles, including working with the Butterfield Overland Mail Company and constructing the stage station at Apache Pass, Arizona. Tevis also served in the Arizona Guards, which were mustered into the Confederate Army, and participated in numerous engagements with Native American tribes.
After the Civil War, Tevis settled in St. Louis, Missouri, where he married Emma Boston in 1866. The couple eventually moved to Arizona Territory, where Tevis founded the town of Teviston, later renamed Bowie. His experiences in Arizona were chronicled in his book, "Arizona in the '50s," which was published posthumously in 1954. This book became the basis for Walt Disney's 1964 TV miniseries "The Tenderfoot," in which Tevis was portrayed by actor Brandon deWilde.
Tevis's contributions to the development of Arizona and his vivid storytelling have left a lasting legacy. His life was marked by his pioneering spirit, resilience, and dedication to exploring the American frontier. Tevis passed away on August 29, 1905, in Tucson, Arizona, but his impact on the history of the American West continues to be remembered.
To learn more: (https://shorturl.at/q6U1H) (https://shorturl.at/WA9kp) (https://shorturl.at/oYaLb) (https://shorturl.at/RT0Na) (https://shorturl.at/jXBbc)
Photo credits: Find a Grave, eBay
James Henry Tevis was born on July 11, 1837, in Wheeling, West Virginia. He was the son of John D. Tevis and Elizabeth McNamee. At the age of twelve, Tevis ran away from home and joined the crew of a steamboat headed to New Orleans. His adventurous spirit led him to various roles, including working with the Butterfield Overland Mail Company and constructing the stage station at Apache Pass, Arizona. Tevis also served in the Arizona Guards, which were mustered into the Confederate Army, and participated in numerous engagements with Native American tribes.
After the Civil War, Tevis settled in St. Louis, Missouri, where he married Emma Boston in 1866. The couple eventually moved to Arizona Territory, where Tevis founded the town of Teviston, later renamed Bowie. His experiences in Arizona were chronicled in his book, "Arizona in the '50s," which was published posthumously in 1954. This book became the basis for Walt Disney's 1964 TV miniseries "The Tenderfoot," in which Tevis was portrayed by actor Brandon deWilde.
Tevis's contributions to the development of Arizona and his vivid storytelling have left a lasting legacy. His life was marked by his pioneering spirit, resilience, and dedication to exploring the American frontier. Tevis passed away on August 29, 1905, in Tucson, Arizona, but his impact on the history of the American West continues to be remembered.
To learn more: (https://shorturl.at/q6U1H) (https://shorturl.at/WA9kp) (https://shorturl.at/oYaLb) (https://shorturl.at/RT0Na) (https://shorturl.at/jXBbc)
Photo credits: Find a Grave, eBay
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