GEORGE WARREN

George Warren was born in Massachusetts in 1835. Following his mother's death, he was cared for by his aunt until he was ten years old. After moving to western New Mexico with his father, Warren's life took another harsh turn when his father was killed in an Apache raid, during which Warren was injured and kidnapped. He remained captive for nearly two years until mine prospectors negotiated his release with a few bags of sugar.

Living with the prospectors, Warren sharpened his mining skills but also indulged in smoking, drinking, and lying. He eventually settled near Fort Bowie in Cochise County, seeking mining opportunities. His expertise gained the attention of Army soldiers who had discovered Mule Gulch. Despite collaborating with them, Warren claimed the Mercy Mine solely in his name, thus initiating copper mining in the Bisbee area and establishing the Warren Mining District.

Warren's life was marked by resilience; he survived multiple gunshot wounds, but his vices, particularly gambling and drinking, led to his downfall. After being declared insane by a judge, influenced by his former drinking buddy, he was committed to a hospital in California. His mining claims were auctioned and bought by the same friend. Released as sane, he returned to find his fortunes gone. Seeking a new beginning, he moved to Mexico and became a citizen but soon fell into debt. Sold into peonage to settle his debts, he was eventually rescued by Judge G.H. Berry from Bisbee, who paid his debts and brought him back.

Warren spent his final days in Bisbee, cleaning bar floors for whiskey, until his death in 1893. Despite his tragic end, his legacy continues to intrigue many, drawn by his tumultuous yet captivating story.