The Connection of an Arizona Pioneer to Texas History

Brady is an Irish name, a "strong" Irish name, my Grandpa Brady once told me, many years ago.

Grandpa was proud of his Irish heritage, very proud. In Arizona, both the cities of Tucson and Florence have a Brady Street. Brady Wash runs under the Arizona Pioneer Parkway. In Texas, there is the City of Brady, Brady Creek, and Brady Lake. The connection here? Brady Creek (and subsequently the town and lake) was named after a surveyor by the name of Peter R. Brady, who later became a Texas Ranger. That same Texas Ranger became the sheriff of both Pima and Pinal counties in Arizona. That same Texas Ranger served on the Arizona Territorial Legislature for 20 years, and the Yuma Prison Board. He owned a ranch outside Florence, Arizona, and was considered an Arizona Pioneer.

My connection to that Texas Ranger? He is my great great grandfather. My Grandpa Brady even shares his name, Peter Rainsford Brady, but Grandpa was called George. The story goes that his nickname came from one of his many stuffed toys he had when he was young. Both of my Grandpa Bradys are resting not too far from each other, in Holy Hope Catholic Cemetery and Mausoleum in Tucson, Arizona.

With my Grandpa Brady's passing, the name Peter Rainsford Brady was buried with him, but the name Brady is forever connected with Arizona and Texas history, by one man, the Texas Ranger named Peter R. Brady.

Posted February 12, 2020

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TAGGED WITH: Texas Political Figures - 19th Century, Pioneer Experience