Definition
Edward A. Schieffelin (1849–1906) was an American prospector best known for discovering the mineral deposits that led to the founding of Tombstone, Arizona, a historic mining town.
Overview
Born on March 31, 1849, in South Carolina, Schieffelin served in the Union Army during the American Civil War. After the war, he moved westward, working initially as a stagecoach driver and later as a miner in the New Mexico Territory. In 1877, while prospecting for silver and gold in the remote region that would become southeastern Arizona, he located a rich copper and silver ore deposit in the hills near present‑day Tombstone. Despite being warned that the area was hostile and referred to as “the graves of the dead,” Schieffelin persisted, earning the nickname “the man who walked through the dead men’s graves.” His claim attracted investors, and the resulting mine, the “Tombstone Mine,” spurred the rapid development of a settlement that was incorporated as the town of Tombstone in 1879. The town became famous for its mining boom and its notorious “Gunfight at the O.K. Corral.” Schieffelin continued to pursue mining ventures throughout Arizona and New Mexico but never replicated the success of his Tombstone discovery. He died on June 30, 1906, in Phoenix, Arizona.
Etymology/Origin
The given name “Edward” is of Old English origin, meaning “wealthy guard.” The surname “Schieffelin” is of Germanic origin, derived from the Middle High German word schief (“crooked”) combined with the suffix ‑lin, a diminutive, indicating “little crooked one” or a locational name from a place associated with a bend or curve.
Characteristics
- Perseverance: Demonstrated determination by prospecting in remote, dangerous terrain despite local warnings.
- Entrepreneurial Initiative: Secured financing for his mining claim and promoted the development of a mining town.
- Legacy in Mining History: Recognized as a pivotal figure in the early mining history of the American Southwest, particularly for establishing Tombstone as a major copper‑silver mining center.
- Influence on Settlement Patterns: His successful claim contributed to the westward expansion of settlements in the Arizona Territory during the late 19th century.
Related Topics
- Tombstone, Arizona
- Mining in the American Southwest
- Copper mining
- Gunfight at the O.K. Corral
- American frontier prospectors
- Arizona Territory history
- 19th‑century American mining towns