San Bernadino Ranch Cemetery

aka Slaughter Ranch Cemetery
By Norma Lavanchy

Boy Scout Troop 299 of Tucson traveled to Slaughter Ranch and assisted the San Bernardino Wildlife Refuge during an Eagle Scout project from April 26-28, 2002. The project consisted of improving the existing cemetery with new fence posts and new wire surrounding the sacred ground containing 32 known graves. Some of those buried were employees of John Slaughter, some were children of the employees, also three outlaws, his beloved Apache May the Indian girl he brought home to raise and possibly some soldiers. Colin Thomson, who is currently a Life Scout and working on his Eagle Scout rank, planned and coordinated his project with Mr. Bill Radke of the San Bernardino Wildlife Refuge as this is where the Slaughter cemetery is located It is estimated that the work the Boy Scouts completed and their donated hours saved the San Bernardino Wildlife Refuge almost $4,000. But most importantly, the work preserved a historic landmark for future visitors to enjoy.

The Cochise County Historical Society would like to place an historical marker in remembrance of those buried in the cemetery sometime in the future. More research is going to be done to try and establish the names of all buried. Helen Ramsower mapped the following gravesites which counted 41 graves.

The cemetery on the San Bernardino Ranch is located about one mile east and north of the ranch compound. There is only one marker left on the graves and it is almost impossible to know for certain how many are buried there. A list has been compiled from various people including Cora Viola Slaughter's Memoirs, Frankie J. Stillman Memoirs, George D. and Rachel H. Stephens interview, Allen A. Erwin's "The Southwest of John Horton Slaughter," and the widow and the daughter of longtime Slaughter employee, Dolores Ramirez.

Transcribed by Wilola Follett.