San Bernadino Ranch Cemetery
aka Slaughter Ranch Cemetery
Cochise Co. WV                              

By Gary Thomson

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 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.

                                  

Name                          Comments

Alvarez, Juana
Alvarez, Ramona
Apache May 1900
                
Bowman, Jake 1893
                
Childers,                     Outlaw
Cupis, Ignacio
Cupis, Manuel
Thomas                    Father
Thomas                    Child
Thomas                    Child
                
Enriquez, Fernando
                    
Finney, Arthur "Peg-Leg"  Outlaw
Three Fingered Jack       Outlaw
Whisler                  Ranch Foreman
Escalante, Jose
Escalante, Juana Sotoli       Wife
Estrella, Cluia Francisca
Vamuea                    Child
Ygnacio                   Child
Gabriel Vasquez           Child
                
Matuz, Jose
Mejia, Marcelo
Mejia, Ramon
Molina, Lorenza               Baby
Molispa, Ramona A
                
Ramirez, Loreto 1923          Baby
Ramirez, Rosalia 1924         Baby
                
Valacas, Francisco            Child
Valacas, Josefa               Teenager
                
Wilson, Jesus                 (White)