Hathaway Line Cabin


The following information was supplied by Chuck McAninch, who went to school with Bob Hathaway in the 1940's.  Chuck lives in Green Valley and has been an active hiker with our club. Some of you may know him.

Chuck visited the Hathaway Ranch and the line cabin often in the 1940's and 1950's.  He says it was still the "wild west".  When out on the ranch, he was often supplied with a sidearm for protection from illegals who were often stealing cattle, and from wild animals, including mountain lions.  On one occasion he saw two lions that had just been shot nearby. 

The original Mr. Hathaway was born in 1890 at Lochiel (on the border just east of here).  He married a lady who was raised in Tombstone and was originally from Dodge City, KS.  They began a ranching operation that totaled over 60,000 acres by 1947.  They had seven boys, no girls.  Their names were Gainer, Lincoln, James, Craig, Gilbert, Paul, and Bob.  You may want to look for their initials in the cement at the entrance to the cabin. 

As late as the early 1900's apaches would travel through the ranch on their way to and from raids into Mexico.  They often stopped to water their horses.

Mr. Hathaway once took his oldest son, Gainer with him out on the ranch.  They were confronted by a group of desperate illegals who were out of water and food.  Hathaway agreed to take their money and buy food for them in Nogales.  The illegals held the youngster hostage until Mr. Hathaway returned with the food.

The main ranch house was located about four miles west of here.  This line cabin was an outpost for the cowboys working the ranch. They could stay here without having to return the main ranch house.

Bob, the youngest son, lives near the original location and is now over 70 years old.  While all the sons must have had interesting lives, Chuck shared the following:  The second son, Lincoln managed the ranch.  James became a lawyer and later a judge.  Craig became a highway patrolman and was chief of the Arizona Highway Patrol at one time.  Gilbert was killed while working cattle.  His horse fell into a tank (pond) and he was pinned under the horse and drowned.  Bob was elected to the Arizona House of Representatives at the age of 24.  The youngest ever to be elected to that office.   He has been active in Arizona politics and is currently on the State Liquor board.


Bud Boysen
10/30/02

Additional Material: GVHC Library File 13