Eugene Middleton

Arizona, The youngest State, 1913
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Eugene Middleton is largely familiar with the pioneer 
history of Arizona for he came to the territory in 1873 and 
has witnessed its evolution into one of the most promising 
states in the Union.  He has encountered a number of 
interesting phases of pioneer life, including warfare with 
the Indians and has done a great deal in the course of years to 
promote general progress and improvement.  For some time 
past he has been in the employ of the Old Dominion Copper 
Company at Globe as an engineer in the mechanical department 
and this is his present business connection, his ability and 
skill being fully evidenced in the capable discharge of his duties.

Mr. Middleton was born in California in 1861 and is the son 
of William and Miriam Middleton, the former a native of 
Kentukcy and the latter of Illinois.  Their marriage 
occurred in the last mentioned state and immediately afterward 
they crossed the plains to California, the father having 
previously visited that state in 1849.  It was in 1852 that
he and his wife settled in the gold fields and he engaged 
in mining and blacksmithing in different localities for over 
twenty years.  In 1873 he came to Arizona and located at 
Tempe, where he worked in a blacksmith shop until 1876, 
removing in that year to what is now known as the Wheatfield, 
near globe.  He engaged in ranching in that locality 
until 1880 when he disposed of his land and buying four 
hundred head of King Woolsey cattle, removed to Pleasant 
Valley, fifty miles north of Globe and engaged in the stock 
business.  The venture promised to be a success but he was 
obliged to discontinue it soon afterward as the Indians were 
on the warpath, and in 1883 he sold his herd and 
removed to Globe, where he conducted a blacksmith shop.  He 
also had a pack train and engaged in various occupations 
until his death by drowning during the flood which washed 
a great portion of the city away.  His wife survives him and 
is now eighty-five years of age.  Of their nine children, 
seven still survive.

Eugene Middleton acquired his education in the California 
public schools and in 1873 accompanied his parents to 
Arizona, remaining with them until 1888 in which year he 
took charge of the stage between Florence and Globe.  After 
seven years he sold out and opened a stationery store in 
Globe which he successfully conducted for five years, 
disposing of it at the end of that time and entering the 
employ of the Old Dominion Copper Company as engineer in the 
mechanical department.  He has proved capable, 
conscientious and efficient in the discharge of his duties and 
in the course of his connection with the corporation has gained 
the confidence and esteem of his superiors and the regard and 
goodwill of his associates.  He has from time to time made 
judicious investments in local real estate and now owns a 
number of residence properties and a fine home in Globe.

In 1894 Mr. Middleton married Miss Elvira Borques, who was born 
in Tucson Arizona, a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Modesto Borques.  
Her father who conducted large mercantile establishments in 
Phoenix and Globe died in 1906 but her mother survives him, making 
her home in Los Angeles California.

Fraternally Mr. Middleton is connected with the Independent 
Order of Odd Fellows, having filled all the chairs in the 
local lodge and he is also a member of the Mystic 
Circle.  In pioneer times he had many thrilling experiences 
with hostile Indians and was once left for dead upon the 
stage road to Yuma County.  He was at that time assisting 
the sheriff and the deputy sheriff to convey eight 
Indian convicts to that part of Arizona and the prisoners in 
some way escaping, overpowered the sheriff and his assistant, 
taking their guns.  They shot Mr. Middleton through the 
neck and thinking him dead left him on the road, a fact to 
which he owes his life.  This and similar incidents were 
characteristic of the period, which gradually evolved 
into one of greater order and civilization.  Mr. Middleton 
witnessing and to some extent assisting in the change.