February 4, 2012
BLACK HISTORY MONTH...
The Buffalo Soldiers of the Arizona Territory - Ladies and Gentlemen of the Regiment, Headquarters Mesa, Arizona is an "INDEPENDENT ORGANIZATION".
(The Official Arizona Centennial Legacy Buffalo Soldiers of the Arizona Territory - Ladies and Gentlemen of the Regiment, dated August 11, 2011)
TIMELINE STORY.... The Official articles and letters on the behalf of Cpl. Isiah Mays' life story.
1. On August 14, 2010 American Legion Post 137, Tonopah, Arizona. Post named "Medal of Honor" Cpl. Isiah Mays a(Buffalo Soldier) and William Mauldin.
HISTORY BEING MADE...
On, Saturday, August 14, 2010 at the general meeting a post name was APPROVED by the American Legion Post 137 in Tonopah, Arizona, Commander Tom Sloan, Vice Commander Trish Carlisle-Thompson, Richard A. Tomkins and members.
Cmdr Tom Sloan and Richard A. Tomkins letter stated: I would like to invite you and your group to attend a very special event that the American Legion Post 137 will be hosting on August 14, 2010 and March 5, 2011 in Tonopah, Arizona. This event is to honor the changing of our post name from the Tonopah American Legion to the "Medal of Honor" Isiah Mays (Buffalo Soldier) and William Mauldin' the new post of the 21st Century. This is the first post in the State of Arizona recognizing a Buffalo Soldier, Medal of Honor.
SPECIAL GUESTS: The Buffalo Soldiers of the Arizona Territory, Mesa, Arizona was cordially invited to witnessed this historical moment of history being made in the State of Arizona. Cmdr Fred Marable, Sgt. Edward Reece and Pvt. Michelle London-Marable provided the members Post of Colors and Presentations about Buffalo Soldiers: Cpl. Isiah Mays, Cathy Williams and Charles Young, Buffalo Soldiers who served in the U.S. Army, 1866 - 1902.
On, March 5, 2011 The Buffalo Soldiers of the Arizona Territory - Ladies and Gentlemen of the Regiment was at George Washington Carver Museum and Cultural Center, Phoenix, 'Medal of Honor' Isiah Mays Original Bronze Headstone - Buffalo Soldiers exhibit.
On, April 26, 2011, The Carver Museum established a partnership with The Buffalo Soldiers of the Arizona Territory - Ladies and Gentlemen of the Regiment, Mesa on development of 'Buffalo Soldiers' tentatively gallery and providing a traveling Cpl. Isiah Mays historical exhibit.
On, February 4, 2012 The former Buffalo Soldier (February 16, 1858 - May 2,1925) was honored in celebration of his 154th birthday.
at the George Washington Carver Museum and Cultural Center in Phoenix and the Official Arizona Centennial Legacy Buffalo Soldiers of the Arizona Territory - Ladies and Gentlemen of the Regiment stood proudly guarding the Original Bronze Headstone of "Medal of Honor" winner Cpl. Isiah Mays.
ARIZONA INFORMANT Newspaper, dated: February 29, 2012.
Buffalo Soldiers: Cmdr Fred Marable, Michelle London-Marable, Lt. Edward Reece, Ordnance Madison Walker, Chaplain William Jefferson, DeVante London, LaMarr Gaines, Tusheon Reece.
Ladies of the Regiment: Danielle and Jazymn Jackson, Taeylor Reece, Armella and Gloria Gaines and Fae Haynes.
TIMELINE STORY...
Year: 1976, an updated article from the Phoenix Gazette, "Military hero remembered.. notes the efforts of Mr. Frank Tyndall and the Arizona American Legion donation of the Original Bronze Headstone and reports on an annual Armed Forces Day gravesite service in Mays memory. On this day a bronze headstone was placed on the numbered gravesite of Medal of Honor Winner, Cpl. Isiah Mays. "It took hours of research and many letters to government officials and politicians before the orginial bronze headstone was placed on the grave in 1976, Tyndall said".
On December 31, 1997, the late John Ford Smith II (re-enactor Buffalo Soldier, 10th Cavalry, Phoenix) in his capacity as a vice president of the Phoenix Monarchs Alumni Association of Arizona began corresponding with the Arizona Department of Health Services Arizona State Hospital inquiring about the possiblity of relocating the orginial bronze headstone of Cpl. Isiah Mays to Carver Museum. John F. Smith is the grandson of Buffalo Soldier Charles Smith 1892 - 1893, 9th Cavalry.
On, April 13, 1998 Chaplain Charles R. Johnson began assisting the 10th Cavalry and the Phoenix Monarchs Alumni Association in their desire to seek approval to relocate the original bronze headstone Cpl. Isiah Mays to the Phoenix Union Colored High School now operating as the George Washington Carver Museum and Cultural Center, Phoenix. Johnson's belief that since no one ever goes to the state hospital cemetery that Cpl. Mays would get increased recognition it would seem most appropriate that the orginial bronze headstone be placed in the state's largest African-American museum in State of Arizona, the Carver Museum.
On, May 7, 1998, the relocation agreement of one original bronze headstone grave marker honoring Cpl. Isiah Mays from the Arizona State Hospital Cemetery was drafted and on May 7, 1998 was signed by Smith II.
On, June 11, 1998, Chaplain Charles R. Johnson sent a letter to Mary Dill, Director National Cemetery and Mr. Lionel Delarosa confirming the burial site. In this letter it confirmed Cpl. Isiah Mays died at the Arizona State Hospial on May 2, 1925 and was buried in the State Hospital Cemetery. Because of a fire in 1935, the hospital has no record of the actual burial site and there is no grave maker. Graves sites are identified by number only with the necessary list of names attached to the numbers having been destroyed, there is no way of telling who is buried in any of over 2,400 graves at the State Hospital Cemetery, Phoenix, AZ.
On, June 16, 1998, Chaplain Charles R. Johnson confirmed that the Cpl. Isiah Mays (Buffalo Soldier) Original Bronze Headstone from the Arizona State Hospital Cemetery had been moved to the Phoenix Union Colored High School is now named George Washington Carver Museum and Cultural Center, Phoenix. And that Mr. Lionel Delarosa continues the work initiated by Frank Tyndall to obtain an Official "Medal of Honor", original bronze headstone for Cpl. Isiah Mays with the intent be placed in the Veteran's Memorial Cemetery.
George Washingston Carver Museum and Cultural Center, Phoenix, Arizona http://www.carvermuseum.com
Web sites: http://www.buffalosoldiersaztrty.smugmug.com http://www.mesabuffalosoldiersaztrty.com
POC: Cmdr Fred Marable and Michelle London-Marable, Executive Director and Founders
P.O. Box 20883, Mesa, Arizona 85277-0883
Cell: (480) 415-5439 E-mail: mlondon3@cox.net
All Rights Reserved.
BLACK HISTORY MONTH...
The Buffalo Soldiers of the Arizona Territory - Ladies and Gentlemen of the Regiment, Headquarters Mesa, Arizona is an "INDEPENDENT ORGANIZATION".
(The Official Arizona Centennial Legacy Buffalo Soldiers of the Arizona Territory - Ladies and Gentlemen of the Regiment, dated August 11, 2011)
TIMELINE STORY.... The Official articles and letters on the behalf of Cpl. Isiah Mays' life story.
1. On August 14, 2010 American Legion Post 137, Tonopah, Arizona. Post named "Medal of Honor" Cpl. Isiah Mays a(Buffalo Soldier) and William Mauldin.
HISTORY BEING MADE...
On, Saturday, August 14, 2010 at the general meeting a post name was APPROVED by the American Legion Post 137 in Tonopah, Arizona, Commander Tom Sloan, Vice Commander Trish Carlisle-Thompson, Richard A. Tomkins and members.
Cmdr Tom Sloan and Richard A. Tomkins letter stated: I would like to invite you and your group to attend a very special event that the American Legion Post 137 will be hosting on August 14, 2010 and March 5, 2011 in Tonopah, Arizona. This event is to honor the changing of our post name from the Tonopah American Legion to the "Medal of Honor" Isiah Mays (Buffalo Soldier) and William Mauldin' the new post of the 21st Century. This is the first post in the State of Arizona recognizing a Buffalo Soldier, Medal of Honor.
SPECIAL GUESTS: The Buffalo Soldiers of the Arizona Territory, Mesa, Arizona was cordially invited to witnessed this historical moment of history being made in the State of Arizona. Cmdr Fred Marable, Sgt. Edward Reece and Pvt. Michelle London-Marable provided the members Post of Colors and Presentations about Buffalo Soldiers: Cpl. Isiah Mays, Cathy Williams and Charles Young, Buffalo Soldiers who served in the U.S. Army, 1866 - 1902.
On, March 5, 2011 The Buffalo Soldiers of the Arizona Territory - Ladies and Gentlemen of the Regiment was at George Washington Carver Museum and Cultural Center, Phoenix, 'Medal of Honor' Isiah Mays Original Bronze Headstone - Buffalo Soldiers exhibit.
On, April 26, 2011, The Carver Museum established a partnership with The Buffalo Soldiers of the Arizona Territory - Ladies and Gentlemen of the Regiment, Mesa on development of 'Buffalo Soldiers' tentatively gallery and providing a traveling Cpl. Isiah Mays historical exhibit.
On, February 4, 2012 The former Buffalo Soldier (February 16, 1858 - May 2,1925) was honored in celebration of his 154th birthday.
at the George Washington Carver Museum and Cultural Center in Phoenix and the Official Arizona Centennial Legacy Buffalo Soldiers of the Arizona Territory - Ladies and Gentlemen of the Regiment stood proudly guarding the Original Bronze Headstone of "Medal of Honor" winner Cpl. Isiah Mays.
ARIZONA INFORMANT Newspaper, dated: February 29, 2012.
Buffalo Soldiers: Cmdr Fred Marable, Michelle London-Marable, Lt. Edward Reece, Ordnance Madison Walker, Chaplain William Jefferson, DeVante London, LaMarr Gaines, Tusheon Reece.
Ladies of the Regiment: Danielle and Jazymn Jackson, Taeylor Reece, Armella and Gloria Gaines and Fae Haynes.
TIMELINE STORY...
Year: 1976, an updated article from the Phoenix Gazette, "Military hero remembered.. notes the efforts of Mr. Frank Tyndall and the Arizona American Legion donation of the Original Bronze Headstone and reports on an annual Armed Forces Day gravesite service in Mays memory. On this day a bronze headstone was placed on the numbered gravesite of Medal of Honor Winner, Cpl. Isiah Mays. "It took hours of research and many letters to government officials and politicians before the orginial bronze headstone was placed on the grave in 1976, Tyndall said".
On December 31, 1997, the late John Ford Smith II (re-enactor Buffalo Soldier, 10th Cavalry, Phoenix) in his capacity as a vice president of the Phoenix Monarchs Alumni Association of Arizona began corresponding with the Arizona Department of Health Services Arizona State Hospital inquiring about the possiblity of relocating the orginial bronze headstone of Cpl. Isiah Mays to Carver Museum. John F. Smith is the grandson of Buffalo Soldier Charles Smith 1892 - 1893, 9th Cavalry.
On, April 13, 1998 Chaplain Charles R. Johnson began assisting the 10th Cavalry and the Phoenix Monarchs Alumni Association in their desire to seek approval to relocate the original bronze headstone Cpl. Isiah Mays to the Phoenix Union Colored High School now operating as the George Washington Carver Museum and Cultural Center, Phoenix. Johnson's belief that since no one ever goes to the state hospital cemetery that Cpl. Mays would get increased recognition it would seem most appropriate that the orginial bronze headstone be placed in the state's largest African-American museum in State of Arizona, the Carver Museum.
On, May 7, 1998, the relocation agreement of one original bronze headstone grave marker honoring Cpl. Isiah Mays from the Arizona State Hospital Cemetery was drafted and on May 7, 1998 was signed by Smith II.
On, June 11, 1998, Chaplain Charles R. Johnson sent a letter to Mary Dill, Director National Cemetery and Mr. Lionel Delarosa confirming the burial site. In this letter it confirmed Cpl. Isiah Mays died at the Arizona State Hospial on May 2, 1925 and was buried in the State Hospital Cemetery. Because of a fire in 1935, the hospital has no record of the actual burial site and there is no grave maker. Graves sites are identified by number only with the necessary list of names attached to the numbers having been destroyed, there is no way of telling who is buried in any of over 2,400 graves at the State Hospital Cemetery, Phoenix, AZ.
On, June 16, 1998, Chaplain Charles R. Johnson confirmed that the Cpl. Isiah Mays (Buffalo Soldier) Original Bronze Headstone from the Arizona State Hospital Cemetery had been moved to the Phoenix Union Colored High School is now named George Washington Carver Museum and Cultural Center, Phoenix. And that Mr. Lionel Delarosa continues the work initiated by Frank Tyndall to obtain an Official "Medal of Honor", original bronze headstone for Cpl. Isiah Mays with the intent be placed in the Veteran's Memorial Cemetery.
George Washingston Carver Museum and Cultural Center, Phoenix, Arizona http://www.carvermuseum.com
Web sites: http://www.buffalosoldiersaztrty.smugmug.com http://www.mesabuffalosoldiersaztrty.com
POC: Cmdr Fred Marable and Michelle London-Marable, Executive Director and Founders
P.O. Box 20883, Mesa, Arizona 85277-0883
Cell: (480) 415-5439 E-mail: mlondon3@cox.net
All Rights Reserved.
May 7, 1998 CEMETERY FACT SHEET
Cpl. Isaiah Mays (Buffalo Soldier 1858 - 1925)
Cemetery covers some 6.682 acres of which approximately 4.677 are occupied.
It was plotted for 3,700 graves with 2,420 being the most consistent figure used to indicate actural burials, the last one occurring in 1967.
Some 80 graves were moved in 1952 to make Right-of-way land available for Roosevelt Street widening. These graves were moved from the North end to the South end.
A fire in the Administration building in 1935 destroyed the records of burials before 1929. The oldest grave seems to be September 6, 1888. (The State Archives 602-542-4159, has records of those buried before 1929, however they must have the patients hospital number to locate the record, and the records are confidential and open only to family etc).
In 1952, new grave markers made of concrete using a numbering system were installed, however the key to the numbers has not been located, so that there is no way of knowing the actual identity of any grave site.
Two books exist with the names and dates of burials.
1. One book covers burials from December 6, 1929 through January 4, 1950
2. One book covers burials from January 10, 1950 through August 25, 1967
Unfortunately the books contain no information that makes it possible to identify the exact locations of graves.
BLACK HISTORY MONTH... ARIZONA INFORMANT NEWSPAPER, Feb. 29, 2012
On February 4, 2012 at the George Washington Carver Museum and Cultural Center in Phoenix the Official Arizona Centennial Legacy Buffalo Soldiers of the Arizona Territory - Ladies and Gentlemen of the Regiment, Headquarters Mesa, Arizona stood proudly guarding the Original Bronze Headstone of 'Medal of Honor' winner Cpl. Isaiah Mays. The former Buffalo Soldier (1858 - 1925) was honored in celebration of his 154th birthday, February 16.
Cpl. Isaiah Mays (Buffalo Soldier 1858 - 1925)
Cemetery covers some 6.682 acres of which approximately 4.677 are occupied.
It was plotted for 3,700 graves with 2,420 being the most consistent figure used to indicate actural burials, the last one occurring in 1967.
Some 80 graves were moved in 1952 to make Right-of-way land available for Roosevelt Street widening. These graves were moved from the North end to the South end.
A fire in the Administration building in 1935 destroyed the records of burials before 1929. The oldest grave seems to be September 6, 1888. (The State Archives 602-542-4159, has records of those buried before 1929, however they must have the patients hospital number to locate the record, and the records are confidential and open only to family etc).
In 1952, new grave markers made of concrete using a numbering system were installed, however the key to the numbers has not been located, so that there is no way of knowing the actual identity of any grave site.
Two books exist with the names and dates of burials.
1. One book covers burials from December 6, 1929 through January 4, 1950
2. One book covers burials from January 10, 1950 through August 25, 1967
Unfortunately the books contain no information that makes it possible to identify the exact locations of graves.
BLACK HISTORY MONTH... ARIZONA INFORMANT NEWSPAPER, Feb. 29, 2012
On February 4, 2012 at the George Washington Carver Museum and Cultural Center in Phoenix the Official Arizona Centennial Legacy Buffalo Soldiers of the Arizona Territory - Ladies and Gentlemen of the Regiment, Headquarters Mesa, Arizona stood proudly guarding the Original Bronze Headstone of 'Medal of Honor' winner Cpl. Isaiah Mays. The former Buffalo Soldier (1858 - 1925) was honored in celebration of his 154th birthday, February 16.
May 7, 1998 CEMETERY FACT SHEET
Cpl. Isaiah Mays (Buffalo Soldier 1858 - 1925)
Cemetery covers some 6.682 acres of which approximately 4.677 are occupied.
It was plotted for 3,700 graves with 2,420 being the most consistent figure used to indicate actural burials, the last one occurring in 1967.
Some 80 graves were moved in 1952 to make Right-of-way land available for Roosevelt Street widening. These graves were moved from the North end to the South end.
A fire in the Administration building in 1935 destroyed the records of burials before 1929. The oldest grave seems to be September 6, 1888. (The State Archives 602-542-4159, has records of those buried before 1929, however they must have the patients hospital number to locate the record, and the records are confidential and open only to family etc).
In 1952, new grave markers made of concrete using a numbering system were installed, however the key to the numbers has not been located, so that there is no way of knowing the actual identity of any grave site.
Two books exist with the names and dates of burials.
1. One book covers burials from December 6, 1929 through January 4, 1950
2. One book covers burials from January 10, 1950 through August 25, 1967
Unfortunately the books contain no information that makes it possible to identify the exact locations of graves.
BLACK HISTORY MONTH... ARIZONA INFORMANT NEWSPAPER, Feb. 29, 2012
On February 4, 2012 at the George Washington Carver Museum and Cultural Center in Phoenix the Official Arizona Centennial Legacy Buffalo Soldiers of the Arizona Territory - Ladies and Gentlemen of the Regiment, Headquarters Mesa, Arizona stood proudly guarding the Original Bronze Headstone of 'Medal of Honor' winner Cpl. Isaiah Mays. The former Buffalo Soldier (1858 - 1925) was honored in celebration of his 154th birthday, February 16.
Cpl. Isaiah Mays (Buffalo Soldier 1858 - 1925)
Cemetery covers some 6.682 acres of which approximately 4.677 are occupied.
It was plotted for 3,700 graves with 2,420 being the most consistent figure used to indicate actural burials, the last one occurring in 1967.
Some 80 graves were moved in 1952 to make Right-of-way land available for Roosevelt Street widening. These graves were moved from the North end to the South end.
A fire in the Administration building in 1935 destroyed the records of burials before 1929. The oldest grave seems to be September 6, 1888. (The State Archives 602-542-4159, has records of those buried before 1929, however they must have the patients hospital number to locate the record, and the records are confidential and open only to family etc).
In 1952, new grave markers made of concrete using a numbering system were installed, however the key to the numbers has not been located, so that there is no way of knowing the actual identity of any grave site.
Two books exist with the names and dates of burials.
1. One book covers burials from December 6, 1929 through January 4, 1950
2. One book covers burials from January 10, 1950 through August 25, 1967
Unfortunately the books contain no information that makes it possible to identify the exact locations of graves.
BLACK HISTORY MONTH... ARIZONA INFORMANT NEWSPAPER, Feb. 29, 2012
On February 4, 2012 at the George Washington Carver Museum and Cultural Center in Phoenix the Official Arizona Centennial Legacy Buffalo Soldiers of the Arizona Territory - Ladies and Gentlemen of the Regiment, Headquarters Mesa, Arizona stood proudly guarding the Original Bronze Headstone of 'Medal of Honor' winner Cpl. Isaiah Mays. The former Buffalo Soldier (1858 - 1925) was honored in celebration of his 154th birthday, February 16.