Girls of the Red-Light
Time has shadowed the soiled doves of Bisbee. At any given time there were as many as 100 girls working in the red-light district. Some were reported to be as young as thirteen. Most worked under carefully constructed alias that hid their true identities. Quickly, these “Nome de plumes” took over and these names were recorded on all legal documents and in many cases even their burial records. History has likely left a distorted view of these women. Newspapers, generally only recorded fights, public drunkenness and thievery. Little is told of any positive qualities of these ladies. Clara Allen and Ma Reilly were supposed to have practiced “practical Christianity” and tried to help others lead a better life. Others unnamed, are remembered for being kind to children.[1]No lady recorded her history, so much has been lost.
Adams, Elsie: The 19 year old worked at the Canadian Club in 1909 and had lived in Bisbee one year. Originally, she was from Kentucky and her parent’s names were Charles E. Cornell and Blanch Cross.
Copper Queen Hospital Patients Register July 30, 1909 Bisbee Mining and Historical Museum, Bisbee.
Allen, Clara: Originally, she had house No.41 on Naco road, then after 1892 she moved her house into the new red-light district. She had a reputation for preaching morality. Later, she moved to Globe, Arizona.
Chisholm, Joe. Brewery Gulch: Frontier Days of Old Arizona, Last Outpost of the Great Southwest. San Antonio, TX: Naylor, 1949. Print.
Babcock, Bessie: She worked in the Tenderloin district in 1911 and was arrested for fighting and disturbing the peace.
“Decision in Brown and Banderman Cases” Bisbee Daily Review 25 July 1911 page 6
Bacon, Mary Alice: See Mrs. Fredrick Fuss.
Barba, Juana: worked in Bisbee in 1900.
“Untitled” Cochise Review 11 January 1900 page 4
Beach, Miss: She worked in the district in 1901, likely at or near the Hog Ranch.
“Cochise County Coroner’s Inquest #4” Arizona State Archives Phoenix
Beaumont, Ada: This lady was seriously if not mortally, injured, while riding a rented horse along Naco road. The newspaper reported that she was refined and had come from a fine family in Lexington, Kentucky. Her fellow ill-famed ladies helped her pack her belongings to return home, to likely die and removed anything that would indicate her illicit past to her mother. The Copper Queen Hospital records contradict at least partially the newspaper’s story. It indicates she had lived in Bisbee for 14 of her 25 years and that her mother was deceased. Her father, Alfred B. Grubb was living in Spears, Kentucky. Mrs. J.G. Jones of 706E Main St Lexington, Kentucky was her sister and she had an uncle, Will Holman of Athens Georgia. She was released from hospital August 18 1907 in improved condition.
“Goes Home Dying and Broken Hearted” Bisbee Daily Review 28 August 1907 page 5
Copper Queen Hospital Patients Register July 27, 1907 Bisbee Mining and Historical Museum, Bisbee.
“Bertha”: Her fine clothes and jewelry were stolen in a burglary in the Red-light district in 1904.
“Burglars Successful Up Brewery Gulch” Bisbee Daily Review 13 April1904 page8
“Big Foot Lill”: This girl worked at the Shea House near Lowell in 1906.
“Cananea Visitor Lost His Money” Bisbee Daily Review 22 March 1906 page 4
Bird, Virgil: She attempted suicide by drinking “Lysol” solution after Oscar Johnson was arrested.
“Officer Kempton was Life Saver” Bisbee Daily Review 5 December 1912 page 6
“Black Jack” : An early woman of the ill-famed profession.
Chisholm, Joe. Brewery Gulch: Frontier Days of Old Arizona, Last Outpost of the Great Southwest. San Antonio, TX: Naylor
Blanchard, Helen: She made the local news by getting into a fight with Lena Frush in 1909.
“Woman is Heavily Fined for Fight” Bisbee Daily Review 28 October 1909 page 8
Bond, Nellie: This woman started an uproar, when in 1905, she drunkenly walked through Lowell, completely nude.
“Woman Paraded Streets Naked” Bisbee Daily Review 29 June 1905 page 5
Brown Bessie: In 1914, she worked at the Mascot in Brewery Gulch. Although, she was born at Fort Riley, Kansas, the 19 year-old had lived in Arizona 16 years. Her mother lived at 720 Avenue G in Douglas Arizona. On June 15, 1914 she was hospitalized for two days for bichloride poisoning.
Copper Queen Hospital Patients Register June 15, 1914 Bisbee Mining and Historical Museum, Bisbee.
Brown, Gillian: was charge with drunkenness and fined $10.
“Colored Woman Gets $10” Bisbee Daily Review 2 February 1907 page 2
Brown, Helen: She was fined $50.00 for discharging firearms in 1908.
“Fined $50” Bisbee Daily Review 20 May 1908page 7
“Six Cases Arise From Two Originals” Bisbee Daily Review 22 May 1908 page 5
Brown, Irene: Suspected to be a lady of the ill-famed profession. In 1915 she had a $500.oo diamond brooch stolen from her room by a miner.
“Valuable Jewel is Returned thru Efforts of Officers” Bisbee Daily Review 10 August 1915 page 8
Brown, Millie: During 1909, she engaged in a fight with Lena Frush.
“Bisbee Courts Grind out Grist” Bisbee Daily Review 8 September1909 page 1
“Redlight Mixup is Finally Settled” Bisbee Daily Review 11 September1909 page 1
Burch, May: She was attacked and seriously injured with a knife, by Verna Williams.
“Assaulted her Companion with a Knife” Bisbee Daily Review 26 December1908 page8
Burns, Nellie: Attacked Belle Walker with a knife in 1908.
“Negress Wields Knife” Bisbee Daily Review 20 October 1908 page 7
Bush, Carrie: This lady worked at house No. 27 that was operated by Con Shea in 1905. She committed suicide by drinking carbolic acid. Although, her real name was not actually Carrie Bush, this is the name her newspaper, funeral ,and burial records list her as.
“Cochise County Coroner’s Inquest #244” Arizona State Archives Phoenix
Bustamante, Manuwello Miss: This girl was arrested with Miss Jesus Curenza for violent intoxication, but the charges were dismissed.
“Warm Time in Tenderloin” Bisbee Daily Review 31 August 1904 page 1
Calipon, Grace: A known heavy drinker and resident of Bisbee of five to six years, suddenly died on November 23, 1905. She worked at No.41.
“Woman Drops Dead” Bisbee Daily Review 23 November 1905 page 5
Carlise, Mabel: In 1903, she was accused of aiding and abetting the murderers of L.O. Milless, Johnny James and Bert Noftz. She had traveled to Cananea, Mexico with Bert Noftz, one of the accused murders and his son. Mabel traveled to Mexico under the name Mrs. Pearson. These charges were later dismissed.
“Officers have in Custody Men Supposed Murdered L.O. Milless” Bisbee Daily Review 1 October 1903 page 1
“Officers have in Custody Supposed to have Murders” Bisbee Daily Review 1 October 1903 page 4
“Noftz not yet Extradited, But Woman is in Bisbee” Bisbee Daily Review 3 October 1903 page 4
“James’s Hearing Set for Today” Bisbee Daily Review 17 October 1903 page 5
“Hangman’s Noose Awaits James” Bisbee Daily Review 18 October 1903 page 1
Carr, Jennie: She is likely to have worked in the red-light district in 1913.
Justice Court Records October 13, 1913 Bisbee Mining & Historical Museum
Carrington, Mabel: She worked under Marie Happe at House No. 9 in 1911.
“Cochise County Coroner’s Inquest #870” Arizona State Archives Phoenix
Casey, Miss: Mistress of No. 41 during 1909. This is possible the same woman as Myrtle Casey. In 1909, she was arrested for having 16 year-old Lillian Neatherlin working in her house.
“No 41 Proves Trap for Girl” Bisbee Daily Review 19 December 1909 page 1
Casey, Myrtle: She was in a fight with Mary Eddy in 1910(Marie Eddie?). Charles Lannon was later arrested for giving her cocaine.
“Court Day Given to Undesirables” Bisbee Daily Review 25 June 1910 page 5
“Cocaine Dealer Fined” Bisbee Daily Review 10 November1910 page 5
“Catalina” worked at Anita Romero’s Place in 1900.
“Cochise County Coroner’s Inquest #437” Arizona State Archives Phoenix
Chase, Grace: Likely, worked in the Cora Miles house in 1902. She was arrested with Sydney Chase for striking Lillie Evans with a water pitcher and fined $5.00.
“Cut with Water Pitcher” Bisbee Daily Review 24 March 1902 page 1
“Fined $5 Each” Bisbee Daily Review 25March 1902 page 8
Chase, Sydney: She is believed to have worked at the Cora Miles house during 1902. Both she and Grace Chase were arrested for assaulting Lillie Evans. Sydney was later acquitted of the crime.
“Cut with Water Pitcher” Bisbee Daily Review 24 March 1902 page 1
“Fined $5 Each” Bisbee Daily Review 25March 1902 page 8
Clark, Edna: Worked at No.33 Brewery Gulch in 1909. She was from 28 years-old and from Atlanta, Georgia. Dora Tyson was listed as a friend. As of September 1909, she had been in Bisbee seven months.
Copper Queen Hospital Patients Register September 23, 1909 Bisbee Mining and Historical Museum, Bisbee.
Compton, May: This lady was accused of theft in 1904.
“Jury Said Not Guilty” Bisbee Daily Review 21 April 1904 page 5
Curenza, Jesus Miss: This lady was arrested with Miss Manuwello Bustamante for violent intoxication, but the charges were dismissed. (Note, the name may be misspelled. It is written as in source)
“Warm Time in Tenderloin” Bisbee Daily Review 31 August 1904 page 1
Davenport, Mrs.: Died from illness in an ill-famed house in 1902.
“To Err is Human” Bisbee Daily Review 13 December 1902 page 4
Davenport, May: In 1909, she was injured slightly in an El Paso & Southwestern Train Wreck. This lady worked at No.9 Later she was taken to a sanitarium in Phoenix. During her time there her jewelry was stolen
“Settles Wreck Claims” Bisbee Daily Review 24 December 1909 page 7
“Jewelry Valued at $2000 is Stolen” Bisbee Daily Review 8 May 1917 page 2
Davis, Ruby: Drunk at 11:00pm on October 13, 1908, she asked, J.W. Smith who was passing her House No.128 to buy her a drink. When he refused she stabbed him in the chest with a knife almost killing him. She was arrested and officers found drugs in the house.
“Girl Plunges Knife Close to Miner’s Heart” Bisbee Daily Review 14 October 1908 page 5
Deware, Ida: She is believed to have worked in the red-light district in 1913.
Justice Court Records July 7,, 1913 Bisbee Mining & Historical Museum
Derowe, May: Ms. Derowe was nearly killed, when she was thrown from a horse on Naco road. It was believed that her hair style cushioned the impact and saved her. She worked at No.41 in 1906.
“Reckless Acts on Naco Road” Bisbee Daily Review 30 January 1906 page 5
Devoe, Vivian: In 1913, she was 28 years old and had lived in Bisbee four years. Originally, she came from Louisville, Kentucky. Marie Happe was her friend.
Copper Queen Hospital Patients Register December 6, 1913 Bisbee Mining and Historical Museum, Bisbee.
Dodge, Clara E.: She was about 23 years-old and worked in Bisbee for 2 ½ years in 1909. While working at No. 33 she drank a small bottle of carbolic acid and killed herself. She had a mother and two brothers in Denver Colorado and a sister in Manson (?) Iowa.
“Cochise County Coroner’s Inquest #924” Arizona State Archives Phoenix
Doyle, Della: She worked at Bill Darr’s place in 1906 and was arrested for stealing $20.00 from a miner she was drinking with.
“Steals $20” Bisbee Daily Review 15 February1906 page 7
Dorthitt, Mary: She operated a house in the red-light district in 1906. Her handy man John Tisdale known locally as “The Overall Kid” was accused of vagrancy.
“Jury Finds Tisdale Guilty under the Vagrancy Law” Bisbee Daily Review 17 July 1906 page 5
Downs, Grace: She was arrested in 1899 for burglary.
“Town tattle” Arizona Daily Orb 15 July1899 page 2
Dunbar, Dolly: On June 4, 1911, she attacked and wounded George Reardon with a corn razor. He needed 17 stitches to seal the wound. She was divorced by her husband Thomas Dunbar for adultery in 1911.
“Dunbar’s Jaw Broken by Rough.” Bisbee Daily Review 9 August1906 page 8
“Tries to Cut Throat of Guest” Bisbee Daily Review 6 June 1911 page 8
“Dunbar Case Before High Judge.” Bisbee Daily Review 15 June 1911page 5
“Mrs. Chaffins Gets Divorce Decree.” Bisbee Daily Review 18 July 1911page 8
Duren, Rosa: In 1908, she was arrested for working out of the district. The spelling of her name could have been Duran, but the newspaper has written it Duren.
“Woman to Jail” Bisbee Daily Review 7June 1908 page 7
Eades, Mable: worked at#41 in 1911 and was a friend of Nellie Fishback. Possibly, the same woman as Myrtle Eades.
Copper Queen Hospital Patients Register March 15, 1911 Bisbee Mining and Historical Museum, Bisbee.
Eades, Myrtle: She was arrested with Pearl Eades in 1910 at the “Manicure Parlor” owned by N.M. Petty on O.K. Street. This house was operating illegally out of the Red-light District.
“Woman Fined for Keeping Bad House” Bisbee Daily Review 22 July1910 page 5
Eades, Pearl: Worked at the “Manicure Parlor” on O.K. Street in 1910 and was arrested for working out of district with Myrtle Eades.
“Woman Fined for Keeping Bad House” Bisbee Daily Review 22 July1910 page 5
Eddie, Marie (Eddy): Worked in house no.41 in Bisbee from 1906-1908.
“Miller is Bound over in Sum of $500” Bisbee Daily Review 11 August1906 page 8
“Hearing Yesterday” Bisbee Daily Review 22 May 1908 page 7
Ellis, Roy Mrs.: In 1913, Mrs. Ellis was 28 years old and originally from Ft. Smith Arkansas. She had been in Bisbee four months. Her mother was Mrs. F.E. Tounsel of 308 Lee Street Wichita Falls, Texas.
Copper Queen Hospital Patients Register April 1913 Bisbee Mining and Historical Museum, Bisbee.
Ellison, Fay: Remembered for hitting a man with a chair, while he was attacking Dolly Dunbar madam of House No.41 in 1906.
“Miller is Bound over in Sum of $500” Bisbee Daily Review 11 August1906 page 8
“Estafina”: She was shot and wounded in a gun fight at Anita Romero’s Place in 1900.
“Cochise County Coroner’s Inquest #437” Arizona State Archives Phoenix
Evans Lillie: Believed to have worked for Cora Miles in 1902, She was struck with a water pitcher in a red-light brawl. Sydney and Grace Chase were blamed for striking her. Lillie was later fined $5.00 for her part of the fight.
“Cut with Water Pitcher” Bisbee Daily Review 24 March 1902 page 1
“Fined $5 Each” Bisbee Daily Review 25March 1902 page 8
Everett, Edna: Worked in Bisbee around 1910 and possibly as early as 1908. In 1910, she was arrested by Constable McRea for disturbing the peace. After a horse ride to Lowell ,she became disagreeable with residents of Naco road.
“Edna Paid Ten” Bisbee Daily Review 10 February 1910 page 7
Fawcett, Trixy: This lady worked in Bisbee in 1907.
“Trixy Fined $15” Bisbee Daily Review 6 December 1907 page 7
Fishback, J.O. Mrs. (See Nellie Fishback)
Fishback, Nellie: Referred to as an “inmate of the Jungles” was struck with a beer bottle in 1910. She worked at #41 and was a friend of Mable Eades, who also worked at #41. In 1911 Nellie was 34 years old and had lived in Bisbee six years. Also, during this time she was hospitalized for morphine addiction. Originally, she was from Louisville, Kentucky and her parents were J.H. & Mary Singleton
“Servian Heavily Fined” Bisbee Daily Review 30 August1910 page 5
Copper Queen Hospital Patients Register March 15, 1911Bisbee Mining and Historical Museum, Bisbee.
Fox, Thomas Mrs.: Was arrested in 1905 for working out of the Red-light District above the Butte Saloon.
“Butte House Trouble” Bisbee Daily Review 18 June 1905 page 1
“Mrs. Thos Fox is Found Guilty” Bisbee Daily Review 20 June 1905 page 5
Frush, Lena: A feisty woman who was prone to fight, Worked in Bisbee in 1909 and became entangled in two fights in as many months. One with Helen Blanchard and the other with Millie Brown.
“Bisbee Courts Grind out Grist” Bisbee Daily Review 8 September1909 page 1
“Redlight Mixup is Finally Settled” Bisbee Daily Review 11 September1909 page 1
“Woman is Heavily Fined for Fight” Bisbee Daily Review 28 October 1909 page 8
Fuss, Fredrick Mrs.: The morning after her marriage to Fredrick Fuss, Mary Alice Bacon was arrested in 1903 and charged with operating an ill-famed house out of the red-light district at the Opera Club house. Birdie Russell and Grace Martin were arrested and plead guilty. After a trial Mrs. Fuss was acquitted.
“Lewd Women Arrested” Bisbee Daily Review 26 February 1903 page 4
“Mrs. Fuss is Acquitted” Bisbee Daily Review 27 February 1903 page 8
Gallagher, Bridget: Originally, from Kiel, Mays County, Ireland this 22 year-old had been in Bisbee only six weeks, when she committed suicide by drinking Phenol/ Lysol. She was survived by her Parents Anthony and Mary Gallagher in Kiel, Ireland. Ms. Gallagher was buried in Evergreen Cemetery at Bisbee.
Copper Queen Hospital Patients Register May 24, 1914 Bisbee Mining and Historical Museum, Bisbee.
“Original Certificate of Death.” Arizona Department of Health http://genealogy.az.gov/azdeath/085/10850056.pdf (August, 16 2015)
Garnett, Dora A madam in Bisbee in 1899. She shot and killed Irene Logan another madam.
“Arizona Day By Day” Arizona Republican 11 May 1899 page 3
Garwood, Blanche: Worked at No.9 in 1909 and was slightly injured in an El Paso & Southwestern train wreck.
“Settles Wreck Claims” Bisbee Daily Review 24 December 1909 page 7
Geary, Mary: She operated the Hog Ranch in Brewery Gulch from about 1897, until at least 1901.
“Cochise County Coroner’s Inquest #4” Arizona State Archives Phoenix
Gibson, Mrs.: She was arrested, when the Norton House was raided for prostitution in 1906.
“House is Raided” Bisbee Daily Review 11 April 1906 page 8
“Norton House” Bisbee Daily Review 12 April 1906 page 5
Gibson, Phillis: This woman is most likely actually, Phyllis Sherwood and the name Phillis Gibson was written up by the newspaper by mistake.
“Last Round in Fight” Bisbee Daily Review 6 August 1903 page 5
“Cora Miles Arrested” Bisbee Daily Review 11 August 1903 page 5
“It is A Felonious Charge” Bisbee Daily Review 15 August 1903 page 5
“Cora Miles Dismissed” Bisbee Daily Review 16 August 1903 page 5
Gilliland, Gladys: This lady worked at the Shea House in Lowell in 1906. She was mistakenly arrested for stealing $40, but it was later revealed the suspect was actually Gladys Schwartz of the People’s Theater.
“To be tried for Picking Pocket” Bisbee Daily Review 24 March 1906 page 5
Gillis, May: Ms. Gillis worked at No.9 Brewery Gulch in 1907 and had lived in the United States three years. She was from Ireland and her parents are recorded as Mike McGourty and Rose McGourty.
Copper Queen Hospital Patients Register August 23, 1907 Bisbee Mining and Historical Museum, Bisbee.
Gordon, Kate: See Mrs. Kate Savage
Gray “Blonde Josie”: Tried to commit suicide by drinking carbolic acid in 1906.
“Attempt Not Successful” Bisbee Daily Review 13 September 1906 page 3
Greer, Fay: Ms. Greer became entangled in a fight with Hester Parker, Charles King and J.M. Davis in 1912.
“Tenderloin Fight” Bisbee Daily Review 27 April 1912 page 3
Gusten, Marie: She was arrested in 1909 for fighting with another Tenderloin girl, Hester Parker.
“Women Pull Hair Then Pay Fine” Bisbee Daily Review 17 December 1909 page 8
Hall, Lillie: In 1905, she was arrested for being drunk and disorderly. Although, there is no positive identification she was a woman of the red-light she was considered a “Lewd” woman.
“Lowell Morality Move” Bisbee Daily Review 21 February 1905 page 5
Happe, Marie: This woman operated No.9 was arrested for threatening the life of Hester Parker another lady of the red-light in 1911. She was fined $25.
“Hate and Disorder in the Tenderloin” Bisbee Daily Review 7 May 1911 page 8
Hartinan, Emma. She worked at No.9 Brewery Gulch in 1907 and was a friend of May Gillis.
Copper Queen Hospital Patients Register August 23, 1907 Bisbee Mining and Historical Museum, Bisbee.
Hastings, Mabel : Operated a ill-famed house in Brewery Gulch in 1903.
“ Officers have in Custody Men Supposed Murdered L.O. Milless” Bisbee Daily Review 1 October 1903 page 1
Highwarton, Rose: She tried to kill madam, Lee Watson with a knife
“Savage Attempt to Murder is Charged” Bisbee Daily Review 28 April 1907 page 5
Hines, May: was arrested for throwing rocks at Cora Miles 1903.
“Was Discharged” Bisbee Daily Review 17 January 1903 page 8
Holworth, Mamie: Was mistakenly accused of not paying for a dress.
“Mamie not Guilty” Bisbee Daily Review 1 May 1903 page 5
Howard, Lillian: See Lillian Shea
Hudson, Emma: This lady worked at the Hog Ranch in 1901.
“Cochise County Coroner’s Inquest #4” Arizona State Archives Phoenix
Hunt, Maud: She worked at No. 9 Brewery Gulch under Marie Happe.
“Cochise County Coroner’s Inquest #870” Arizona State Archives Phoenix
Hunter Bell: She was arrested and accused of working out of the Red-light district. She was reportedly too ill to attend her trial.
“Lewd Women Arrested” Bisbee Daily Review 26February 1903 page 4
“Mrs. Fuss is Acquitted” Bisbee Daily Review 27 February 1903 page 8
Hurbert, Camelhi: At 30 years old, she worked in Bisbee in 1913 and originally came from New Mexico. Her father’s name is believed to be Baltiari Auciou.
Copper Queen Hospital Patients Register August 12, 1913 Bisbee Mining and Historical Museum, Bisbee.
“Irish Mag”: Reported to be the first ill-famed lady in Bisbee. The only description of her known was written by Joe Chisholm. He was only about 10 years-old, when he knew her and describes her as a small dark-haired woman who lived in a green roofed house next to Sheriff Billy Daniels. The Irish Mag Mining claim was named for her and it later developed into the famous Irish Mag Mine of the Calumet & Arizona Mining Company.
Chisholm, Joe. Brewery Gulch: Frontier Days of Old Arizona, Last Outpost of the Great Southwest. San Antonio, TX: Naylor, 1949. Print.
Jenkins, Minerva: She is likely to have worked in the red-light district in 1913.
Justice Court Records October 13, 1913 Bisbee Mining & Historical Museum
Jensen, Molly: During 1912, she was arrested for fighting in the red-light district. Both she and Mae Scott were arrested for “being participants in the glass and head breaking affair.” The night police officer was not on duty when the fight occurred.
“Tough Tenderloin is Hailed into Court” Bisbee Daily Review 14 March 1912 page 6
Jerome, May: Was struck by a man at House No.41 in 1906.
“Hit Woman” Bisbee Daily Review 4 March 1906 page 6
Johnson, Josie: Worked at No.27 Brewery Gulch under Con Shea in 1905.
“Cochise County Coroner’s Inquest #244” Arizona State Archives Phoenix
Knapp, Dora: In 1903, she made notoriety for a short time, when she was accused of spending time with a married man and his wife wanted a divorce. Dora denied even knowing the man.
“Walter Porter Sued for Divorce” Bisbee Daily Review 25 January 1903 page 4
LaVerne, Sybil: She was arrested for stealing $575 from Bert Nofts with Phyllis Sherwood. The case was later dismissed.
“Cora Miles Arrested” Bisbee Daily Review 11 August 1903 page 5
“It is A Felonious Charge” Bisbee Daily Review 15 August 1903 page 5
“Cora Miles Dismissed” Bisbee Daily Review 16 August 1903 page 5
“Women are in Jail” Bisbee Daily Review 16 August 1903 page 5
“Case Against Women Dismissed” Bisbee Daily Review 18 August 1903 page 5
Laws, Mattie: Suspected to be an ill-famed lady. She fought Ethel Scott in “Darktown” in upper Brewery Gulch.
“Negroes Fight” Bisbee Daily Review 4 May1906 page 5
Layman, Myrie: This woman worked in the district during 1910 and unsuccessfully tried to commit suicide. She had a husband reported to be living in Naco.
“Attempts Suicide” Bisbee Daily Review 18 October 1910 page 5
Le Febere, Emile: Worked at the Canadian Club in 1909 and was a friend of Elsie Adams.
Copper Queen Hospital Patients Register July 4, 1909 Bisbee Mining and Historical Museum, Bisbee.
LeGrand, Angie: was the “Mistress” at a red-light house called the Casino in 1906. After drinking heavily on night she tried to pull out the money drawer at the establishment and a pistol fell. The weapon fired and a bullet struck Mistress LeGrand in the right arm. She was not fatally injured.
“Red-light Lady Shoots Herself” Bisbee Daily Review 11 March 1906 page 5
Levoie, Annie: Operated a saloon in the red-light district during 1906. Very likely, also had girls working from the saloon.
“Change of Venue in Tenderloin Case” Bisbee Daily Review 2 June1906page 6
Logan, Irene: A madam of an ill-famed was shot and killed by another madam, Dora Garnett in 1899.
“Arizona Day By Day” Arizona Republican 11 May 1899 page 3
Mahon Elsie: In 1909, she was accused of stealing $40.00 from a man. She resided in Ruby-Glim row in Brewery Gulch.
“Elsie’s Case Postponed” Bisbee Daily Review 14 December 1909 page 9
Major, Mrs.: She was arrested at the Norton House for working out of the red-light district in 1906.
“House is Raided” Bisbee Daily Review 11 April 1906 page 8
“Norton House” Bisbee Daily Review 12 April 1906 page 5
Malcom, Lily: Worked at house no.41 in 1906 and was called as a witness in an assault case.
“Miller is Bound over in Sum of $500” Bisbee Daily Review 11 August1906 page 8
Maloney, Mrs.: This lady was arrested for working out of the red-light district at the Norton House in 1906.
“House is Raided” Bisbee Daily Review 11 April 1906 page 8
“Norton House” Bisbee Daily Review 12 April 1906 page 5
Martin, Blanche: She worked at No. 41 in 1905.
“Mrs. Thos Fox is Found Guilty” Bisbee Daily Review 20 June 1905 page 5
Martin, Grace: She was arrested in 1903 with Birdie Russell, Mrs. Fredrick Fuss and Bell Hunter for working out of the Red-light district at the Opera Club House. Rather than go to trial, she plead guilty.
“Lewd Women Arrested” Bisbee Daily Review 26 February 1903 page 4
“Mrs. Fuss is Acquitted” Bisbee Daily Review 27 February 1903 page 8
Marvin, Florence Mrs. Mrs. Marvin worked at No.33 Brewery Gulch. In November 1909 at 22 years-old, she came down with typhoid. Originally, she came from Bukfield, Missouri (Brookfield?) and her parents were J.E. Curtis and Martha Curtis. She had been in Bisbee only three weeks when she became ill. On December 7, 1909 she was released from the hospital. In 1910, she was extradited to Texas to face perjury charges in a bank robbing case.
Copper Queen Hospital Patients Register November 25, 1909 Bisbee Mining and Historical Museum, Bisbee.
“Texas Sherriff is Here for Prisoner” Bisbee Daily Review 10, March 1910 page 8
Mattison, Katie: She was arrested in 1905 after assaulting another woman in the District.
“Brought Woman Back” Bisbee Daily Review 15, February 1905 page 6
May, Edna: This girl was arrested for disturbing the peace in 1912 and fined $10.00.
“Reflection Brings Plea” Bisbee Daily Review 1, March 1912 page 3
McCoy, Alma: Attempted suicide in 1917, by taking mercury bichloride tablets.
“Swallows Bichloride of Mercury Tablets in Despondency Fit” Bisbee Daily Review 10, March 1917 page 8
McGowan, Ms.: See Mrs. Thomas Fox
McHenry, Helen: This woman operated an ill-famed house in 1907. At this time she was caught selling alcohol without a license.
“Caught Selling Liquor, had no License” Bisbee Daily Review 30 August 1907 page 5
Miles, Cora: A woman who often found herself in difficulties, operated a house on Brewery Gulch in 1903-1904 and was accused of using opium and trying to stab another Phyllis Sherwood with an ice pick. She was later known as Cora Wortman.
“Cora Miles Arrested” Bisbee Daily Review 11 August 1903 page 5
“It is A Felonious Charge” Bisbee Daily Review 15 August 1903 page 5
“Cora Miles Dismissed” Bisbee Daily Review 16 August 1903 page 5
“Women are in Jail” Bisbee Daily Review 16 August 1903 page 5
“Case Against Women Dismissed” Bisbee Daily Review 18 August 1903 page 5
“A Muddled Charge Dismissed” Bisbee Daily Review 4, September 1903 page 5
“Hop-Layout Found in House of Ill-Fame.” Bisbee Daily Review 4, September 1903 page 1
“Change of Venue In Tenderloin Case.” Bisbee Daily Review 2, June 1906 page 6
Miller, Andy Mrs.: See Miss Casey
Miller, Rose: Believed to have operated a house in Brewery Gulch in 1901.
“Cochise County Coroner’s Inquest #4” Arizona State Archives Phoenix
Monbar, Dolly: See Dolly Dunbar.
Moore, Bertha: Her home in the red-light district was burglarized in 1907.
“Young Boys are Charged with Burglary” Bisbee Daily Review 2 February1907 page 8
Neatherlin, Della: After leaving Naco, Arizona, she worked at No.41 and convinced her under age sister Lillian to join her.
“No 41 Proves Trap for Girl” Bisbee Daily Review 19 December 1909 page 1
Neatherlin, Lillian: A 16 year old girl from Naco, Arizona. She ended up working with her sister Della at No. 41, until it was discovered she was under age.
“No 41 Proves Trap for Girl” Bisbee Daily Review 19 December 1909 page 1
Neill, Ethel: She was beaten by up by a man in Naco at the Cow Ranch Saloon in 1908.
“Pete Cook Gets What He Needs” Bisbee Daily Review 18 September 1908 page 5
Parker, Hester: Ready and willing to fight, in 1909 Hester engaged Marie Gusten in a fight. Later, She was arrested along with Marie Happe, Tempest Wyland and Dora Tyson in a red-light brawl that occurred on the night of May 5, 1911. Hester filed the complaint that had Marie Happe arrested. The trouble, continued, when in June 13, 1911 her husband, Frank Hayward ran off with Mae Scott another Tenderloin girl and was arrested for firing a shot at him and threatening to kill him. In 1911 she had a six-year old son.
“Women Pull Hair Then Pay Fine” Bisbee Daily Review 17 December 1909 page 8
“Hate and Disorder in the Tenderloin” Bisbee Daily Review 7 May 1911 page 8
“Jealous Woman Goes After Husband and Tries to Kill Him” Bisbee Daily Review 15, June 1911 page 8
“Parker Woman is Freed by Court” Bisbee Daily Review 18, June 1911 page 8
Paterson, Ethel: Worked at No.9 in Brewery Gulch then operated by Marie Happe in 1911. She had worked in Bisbee for close to one year, when she drank a small bottle of carbolic acid and killed herself. Her mother had predeceased her, but she was survived by a four year-old child and her father Joe R. Clough
“Cochise County Coroner’s Inquest #870” Arizona State Archives Phoenix
Pearson, Mrs. (Mabel): See Mabel Carlise
Peck, Ida: In 1907, she accidently fired a pistol in city limits and was fined.
“Didn’t Know Twas Loaded” Bisbee Daily Review 2 February 1907 page 2
“Woman is Fined” Bisbee Daily Review 6 February 1907 page 7
Pennington, Eunice: In 1909, she worked at No.33 in Brewery Gulch and one of the last people to see Clara Dodge alive.
“Cochise County Coroner’s Inquest #924” Arizona State Archives Phoenix
Phillips, Pearl: In 1903 this lady was working at the Cora Miles House and was accused of stealing a watch.
“A Muddled Charge Dismissed” Bisbee Daily Review 4, September 1903 page 5
Prather, Emma: In 1901, she worked at the Hog Ranch, but had been in Bisbee around four months. She had come from Rosborn, New Mexico, where she had been a cook.
“Cochise County Coroner’s Inquest #4” Arizona State Archives Phoenix
Ray, Mildred: See Mrs. Kate Savage
Raymond, Rubie: Worked in Bisbee in 1907 and became sick with typhoid fever.
“Stole Money Given to Unfortunate Woman” Bisbee Daily Review 4 June1907 page 5
“Red Jean” A red-headed girl of the ill-famed profession.
Chisholm, Joe. Brewery Gulch: Frontier Days of Old Arizona, Last Outpost of the Great Southwest. San Antonio, TX: Naylor
Reilly, “Ma”: Operated a house in Brewery Gulch with her husband, “Pa” . They had operated houses near Fort Huachuca and Gleason, Arizona, before Bisbee.
Chisholm, Joe. Brewery Gulch: Frontier Days of Old Arizona, Last Outpost of the Great Southwest. San Antonio, TX: Naylor, 1949. Print.
Reese, Helen: Worked in the district in 1914 and was the sister of Rita Reese. There is some indication this person may be the same as Helen Blanchard.
“Despondent Rita Reese Ends Life by Taking Poison” Bisbee Daily Review 15 August1914 page 3
Reese, Rita: This 24 year-old committed suicide in 1914 by drinking carbolic acid. She was the sister of Helen Reese. Her parents were C. Lopez and Loreita Tengas of California. Ms. Reese was born in San Bernardino, California.
“Despondent Rita Reese Ends Life by Taking Poison” Bisbee Daily Review 15 August1914 page 3
“Original Certificate of Death.” Arizona Department of Health Services. http://genealogy.az.gov/azdeath/012/10122420.pdf (January 19, 2016)
Ripley, Jennie: accused a man of embezzling her jewelry.
“Negro Boy is Found Guilty” Bisbee Daily Review 2 December 1905 page 5
Robertson, Tidy: believed to have worked in the red-light district. She became embroiled in a fight in “Darktown” in Upper Brewery Gulch.
“Negroes Fight” Bisbee Daily Review 4 May1906 page 5
Romero, Anita; Operated, a house until 1901. Joe Chisholm describes here as “A wild little animal”, with black hair and olive-cream skin. She did not speak English. After running a rowdy establishment for a few years, she left Bisbee for Cananea, Mexico.
Chisholm, Joe. Brewery Gulch: Frontier Days of Old Arizona, Last Outpost of the Great Southwest. San Antonio, TX: Naylor, 1949. Print.
“Cochise County Coroner’s Inquest #437” Arizona State Archives Phoenix
“Cochise County Coroner’s Inquest of Rosario Tapeta, December 18, 1900” Arizona State Archives Phoenix
“Another Killing” Cochise Review 26 January 1901 page 2
Roseman, Fannie; In 1908, she became entangled with trouble after shooting at two men One of which was a drunken Dr. Cassady.
“Ugly Row in Tenderloin” Bisbee Daily Review 18 April 1908 page 5
Russell, Birdie: In 1903, she was arrested with Grace Martin, Mrs. Fredrick Fuss and Bell Hunter for working out of the red-light district at the Opera Club House. She plead guilty to the charges.
“Lewd Women Arrested” Bisbee Daily Review 26 February 1903 page 4
“Mrs. Fuss is Acquitted” Bisbee Daily Review 27 February 1903 page 8
Savage, Kate Mrs.: She came to Bisbee from Colorado, around 1903 with her husband Henry Savage and worked as a mistress at a house of ill-fame under the name of Mildred Ray. In 1905 Kate and her son Amos Stone ambushed and killed Mr. Savage in Tombstone Canyon.
“Killed Her Husband. Bisbee Daily Review 4 August 1905 page 1
“Murderess Rejoices in Terrible Work. Bisbee Daily Review 4 August 1905 page 8
Schwartz, Gladys: She was employed at the People’s Theater in 1906 and was arrested for stealing two $20 gold pieces from Walter Button.
“To be tried for Picking Pocket” Bisbee Daily Review 24 March 1906 page 5
Scott, Ethel: This girl is suspected to be an ill-famed lady. She became involved in a fight in “Darktown” in upper Brewery Gulch.
“Negroes Fight” Bisbee Daily Review 4 May 1906 page 5
Scott, Mae: During 1912, she was arrested for fighting in the red-light district. Both she and Molly Jensen were arrested for “being participants in the glass and head breaking affair.” She was likely the same Mae Scott that placed an ad in the newspaper absolving herself of any debts of Frank Hayward.
“Tough Tenderloin is Hailed into Court” Bisbee Daily Review 14 March 1912 page 6
Shea, Lillian “Lillie”: Also known as Lillie Howard Operated with her husband Con Shea, No9. & No. 27 In Brewery Gulch by 1904 and in 1906 moved their ill-famed house outside of Lowell. She had a violently abusive relationship with her husband.
“Con Shay is Found Guilty” Bisbee Daily Review 2 March 1904 page 5
Sheriff, Ethel: This lady lived in Bisbee for a short time in 1902. She came to Bisbee with a man named Shelby Parker, whom she married in Bisbee. Her mother came to Bisbee and the three of them took up temporary residence in two adobe rooms behind no.41 in the red-light district.
“City Police Arrest Parker” Bisbee Daily Review 30 September 1902 page 8
Sherwood, Phyllis: She worked at the Cora Miles House in 1903 and accused Cora of trying to kill her with and ice pick. Later, Cora accused her and Sybil LaVerne of stealing $575 from Bert Nofts.
“Cora Miles Arrested” Bisbee Daily Review 11 August 1903 page 5
“It is A Felonious Charge” Bisbee Daily Review 15 August 1903 page 5
“Cora Miles Dismissed” Bisbee Daily Review 16 August 1903 page 5
“Women are in Jail” Bisbee Daily Review 16 August 1903 page 5
“Case Against Women Dismissed” Bisbee Daily Review 18 August 1903 page 5
Silver, Lily: A 19 year-old French girl that was deported back to France once then returned to Bisbee via Canada. The second time she was arrested to be deported was in 1908 and a young Bisbee man offered to marry her, so she could remain in the United States.
“Would Marry French Girl to Save Her” Bisbee Daily Review 12 July 1908 page 5
Smith, Mrs.: She was arrested for running a house of prostitution in the Norton House on Main Street out of the red-light district. The legitimate houses in the red-light district had complained that Mrs. Smith operation was not paying the red-light taxes like the legal houses.
“House is Raided” Bisbee Daily Review 11 April 1906 page 8
“Norton House” Bisbee Daily Review 12 April 1906 page 5
Smith, Myrtle: In 1914, she was 22 years-old and had lived in Bisbee one year. Originally, she had come from Hain, Montana. On February 24, 1914 she was hospitalized for “morphinism”. She listed a Mrs. Miller in San Mateo, California as her friend.
Copper Queen Hospital Patients Register February 24, 1914 Bisbee Mining and Historical Museum, Bisbee.
Sommers, Carrie: In 1904, she accidently swallowed a significant amount of Laudanum. Ms. Sommers had mistaken it for cough syrup.
“Poison by Mistake” Bisbee Daily Review 4 September 1904 page 5
Stanley, Ruth: Worked at No.9 Brewery Gulch in 1908. She was 31 years old and had lived in Cochise County three years.
Copper Queen Hospital Patients Register January 28, 1908 Bisbee Mining and Historical Museum, Bisbee.
Stewart, Maryland: Worked in Bisbee in 1907 and took a fatal dose of poison, while drunk. It appeared she was going to survive, but she later died. Her body was shipped for burial in Memphis Tennessee by an uncle.
“Will Probably Recover” Bisbee Daily Review 30 November 1907 page 5
“Poison Proves Fatal” Bisbee Daily Review 1 December1907 page 5
“Corpse Sent Today” Bisbee Daily Review 6 December1907 page 5
Straum, Grace Mrs.: Abandoned by her husband, she died from pneumonia in a room at the Little Casino in 1906. Her husband was in Fort Scott, Kansas and refused to pay for her funeral. Straum’s parents were reported to be Mr. and Mrs. Baldwin in Pleasanton, Kansas.
“Sorrows at End” Bisbee Daily Review 26 June1906 page 5
Taylor, Harriet: Her husband was accused of prostituting her near Johnson Addition at a beer garden.
“Takes Taylor Case Under Advisement” Bisbee Daily Review 2 May 1909 page 8
“Teresa”: worked at Anita Romero’s place in 1900.
Chisholm, Joe. Brewery Gulch: Frontier Days of Old Arizona, Last Outpost of the Great Southwest. San Antonio, TX: Naylor, 1949. Print.
“Cochise County Coroner’s Inquest #437” Arizona State Archives Phoenix
Tichenor, Helen: After falling from a porch of a red-light house, she was taken to the Copper Queen Hospital at 5:30 am on the 4th of July 1909. It was determined she had a fractured skull. Her condition worsened and she died on July 5th. Ms. Tichenor was from Evansville, Illinois and her mother name was Mrs. T.M. Rothrock. It is likely, she worked for Dora Tyson, who is listed as her friend.
Copper Queen Hospital Patients Register July 4, 1909 Bisbee Mining and Historical Museum, Bisbee.
“Minor Injuries” Bisbee Daily Review 9 July1909 page 7
Tyson, Dora: Ms. Tyson was arrested along with Marie Happe, Hester Parker and Tempest Wyland in a red-light brawl that occurred on the night of May 5, 1911. She along with Marie Happe were fined $25.
“Hate and Disorder in the Tenderloin” Bisbee Daily Review 7 May 1911 page 8
Valdez, Consuela: Tried to kill a man with a razor in 1899.
“Arizona Day by Day” Bisbee Daily Review 18 July 1899 page 3
“Vera”: Worked in Bisbee in 1902 and was arrested for disturbing the peace and was described in the Bisbee Daily Review as a “rolick sage hen”.
“Brief City News” Bisbee Daily Review 14 October 1902 page 8
Vickers Hazel: She was watching the jewelry of May Davenport who had been removed to a sanitarium in Phoenix, when her house was robbed and the jewelry taken. She is suspected to be an ill-famed lady.
“Jewelry Valued at $2000 is Stolen” Bisbee Daily Review 8 May 1917 page 2
Waddell, Evelyn: A suspected Ill-famed lady. She was beaten by a man in 1917.
“Goes to Jail for Attacking Woman” Bisbee Daily Review 1 April 1917 page 8
Walker, Belle: In 1908 she was attacked by Nellie Burns with a knife.
“Negress Wields Knife” Bisbee Daily Review 20 October 1908 page 7
Warden, Dolly: This lady was 28 years old and recorded as being from Kentucky. She had lived in Bisbee about a year in 1916 and her parents were deceased.
Copper Queen Hospital Patients Register December 17, 1916Bisbee Mining and Historical Museum, Bisbee.
Watson, Lee: Mistress of a house in 1907. A girl of her house, Rose Highwarton tried to kill her with a knife.
“Savage Attempt to Murder is Charged” Bisbee Daily Review 28 April1907 page 5
Welsh, Lola: She worked at No.9 under Marie Happe. In 1913 she was 24 years old and had lived in Bisbee nine years. Lola was originally from Oklahoma and her parents were recorded as Jack and Emma Adams.
Copper Queen Hospital Patients Register February 1913 Bisbee Mining and Historical Museum, Bisbee.
Williams, Jean: Tried to commit suicide in 1913 by leaving on the gas.
“Attempt Suicide—Saved by Callers” Bisbee Daily Review 9 December 1913 page 3
Williams, Verna: She attacked and injured fellow bawdy woman, May Burch with a knife.
“Assaulted her Companion with a Knife” Bisbee Daily Review 26 December1908 page 8
Wilmot, Mabel: She was accused of stealing $150, while working in the Red-Light District.
“Charges that Woman Stole Money” Bisbee Daily Review 15 October 1907 page 7
Woods, Mabel: She worked at #33 in 1913. Mabel danced with Fred Keller before trying to shoot William Barr.
“Attempted Murder to Be Beard Today Bisbee Daily Review 16 September 1913 page 2
“Note from Justice of Peace court records.” Bisbee Mining & Historical Museum
Woodward, Marie: In 1907, she was arrested for stealing money from a customer, by keeping the change after selling him drinks.
“Short Changed Him” Bisbee Daily Review 15 March1907 page 7
Wortman, Cora: See Cora Miles
Wyland, Tempest: Ms. Wyland was arrested along with Marie Happe, Hester Parker and Dora Tyson in a Red-light brawl that occurred on the night of May 5, 1911. Marie Happe filed a complaint and had her arrested.
“Hate and Disorder in the Tenderloin” Bisbee Daily Review 7 May 1911 page 8
Yocum, Callie: She is believed to have worked in the red-light district in 1913.
Justice Court Records July 7, 1913 Bisbee Mining & Historical Museum