FIND-A-GRAVE RESULTS FOR ARKANSAS STONE MASONS WHO SUBCONTRACTED FOR BUILDING THE STONE ABUTMENTS FOR THE SIX WHIPPLE IRON BRIDGES ALONG BEALE WAGON ROAD IN INDIAN TERRITORY IN 1859 AND TWO ARTICLES IN VAN BUREN NEWSPAPER THAT DESCRIBE THEIR WORK
FIND-A-GRAVE DATA
James Greig, a mason and stone-cutter by training, born in Scotland.
1814 -1878, FAG # 37208792, Gill Cemetery, Van Buren, Arkansas
Alexander Graham, a mason
3-11-1804 – 3-4-1875, FAG # 35562789, Hall Cemetery, Natural Dam, Crawford Co., Arkansas
NEWSPAPER ARTICLES (provided by Gene McCluney, Van Buren, Arkansas)
Two Articles in Van Buren (Arkansas) Press Describe Their Masonry Work on Bridges (transcribed as printed)
7-3-1859 in Van Buren Press
BEALES ROAD ON THE 35TH PARALLEL TO CALIFORNIA. – MESSRS. JAMES GREIG, and ALEXANDER GRAHAM, of this county, have contracted for building the substructure for the first six Iron Bridges to be erected on Beale’s road on the 35th parallel to California. From the well know character of Messrs. Greig and Graham, the public interests may rest assured of the work being done in a satisfactory manner. The streams being bridged--Beale’s route to California, will undoubtedly be the favorite one travelled by emigrants, as it presents great advantages over any other route in regards to wood, water and grass, the three most essential requisites for emigrants, besides being the shortest road. For further information as regards this route, see the article in our column today, headed “Western Arkansas and the Santa Fe Trade” and recollect that Van Buren is the starting point on this route to New Mexico and California.
9-14-1859 in Van Buren Press
35TH PARALLEL ROAD. — We learn from Mr. James Greig that he has completed the masonry for the bridges on the Albuquerque route, seven [six]in number, with the exception of the one to be erected over Poteau which will be commenced as soon as the water falls sufficiently. The iron structure will soon be placed on them, and the road opened for travel.