Fort Whipple Arizona

Biographical Sketch of A. F. Banta

A. F. Banta, born in Indiana in 1846, arrived in the Territory in 1863. He served as a Government guide and scout at Fort Whipple and held various political roles, including District Attorney and Probate Judge of Apache County. Active in expeditions like Wheeler’s and the 100th Meridian, he also held positions as United States Marshal and Deputy Sheriff. Banta was the first postmaster in Springerville and ended his career editing the Observer. He remains active, recently organizing an expedition to locate the Lost Dutchman Mine.

Biography of Edward C. Peck

Edward C. Peck, born in Canada in 1834, emigrated to the U.S. and journeyed to California in 1858 via the Santa Fe Trail. His party faced challenges, particularly from Apaches, before retreating safely to the Zuni villages. In 1863, Peck returned to Arizona, securing a hay contract at Fort Whipple and later commanding a squad against Apache forces. As a skilled guide, he contributed significantly to military efforts. He discovered the Peck mine, which initially prospered but ended in litigation, leaving him impoverished at his death in Nogales in 1910.