University of Arizona

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Bayless Family Papers

1851 to 1952
1880 to 1910
AZ 228
Collection Guide

The Bayless family were pioneers in Arizona. William H. Bayless and his sons, Charles and John, were involved in cattle and sheep ranching in Kansas, Nebraska and South Dakota before coming to Arizona in 1883. With Jehiel W. Berkalew, they established Bayless and Berkalew to manage land holdings and ranching operations in southern Arizona. John Bayless married Elizabeth Shields, daughter of J. F. Shields, a Civil War officer with the 13th Kansas Volunteers.

This collection includes correspondence, legal papers, financial records, land patents, and account books of William Henry Bayless and his sons relating to their cattle and sheep ranching operations in Kansas, Nebraska, South Dakota, and Arizona. Also includes letters written to J.F. Shields during the Civil War, poetry written by Shields during the war, and letters to Elizabeth from John Bayless.. Personal materials consist of photographs and personal papers, including estate documents.

Included materials:
Photographs
Manuscript
Subject Area:
Ranching/Cattle
Explorers/Pioneers
Collection Area:
Arizona & Southwest

Land Acknowledgement

We respectfully acknowledge the University of Arizona is on the land and territories of Indigenous peoples. Today, Arizona is home to 22 federally recognized tribes, with Tucson being home to the O’odham and the Yaqui. Committed to diversity and inclusion, the University strives to build sustainable relationships with sovereign Native Nations and Indigenous communities through education offerings, partnerships, and community service.