The Pioneer and Military Memorial Park is the final resting place for many of the early pioneers of Phoenix, Arizona. The cemetery has been maintained by the Pioneers’ Cemetery Association and the City of Phoenix for the past several years making sure the grounds are clean and well landscaped. The cemetery will be receiving several new trees this year as part of the Arizona Centennial Project.
Perhaps if Martin Evanson—better known to his friends and co-workers as “Shorty the Plumber”—was still around, he would install the water lines and drip system. No doubt his spirit will be overseeing the plumbing procedures.
“Shorty the Plumber” was born September 1866 and was a native of Wisconsin. He lived a short time in Des Moines, Iowa and arrived in Phoenix about 1888. He worked as a plumber for Mr. D H Burtis for several years and saved all of his money so that someday he could open his own plumbing business. About six months prior to his untimely death, “Shorty the Plumber” proudly opened his plumbing shop on North Central Avenue.
“Shorty the Plumber” began to feel a bit drained and it was no surprise when he was found dead in his bed at the residence of C J Dyer (another ‘resident’ of the old Pioneer Cemetery) on August 13, 1899. The two men are buried in the same area which leads me to believe Mr. Dyer may had something to do with “Shorty’s” plot. Undoubtedly, his death was caused by heart trouble. He was found by his landlord. His head was leaning over the edge of the bed, probably in the same position he died. The coroner’s verdict was declared death as natural causes. The landlord told his wife, “It’s all over, Flo.”
“Shorty” was also a member of the Phoenix and was always a willing worker—often in charge of the water wagon and hoses. The fire chief went out into the community to raise funds for the burial of the dead man. In a short period of time money was dripping in and enough was raised to purchase the lot in Loring (Rosedale) Cemetery, along with a nice shroud and stately coffin.
His funeral took place the next day from the Davis undertaking rooms. A number of friends followed his remains to the cemetery and paid their last respects. Several of the men from the fire department spoke in eulogy of “Shorty’s” short life as the crowd stood about his grave with bowed heads. The ceremony was simple but impressive, and “Shorty the Plumber” was laid to rest.
Shorty had big plans for his new plumbing business in the rapidly growing city of Phoenix. Soon there would be modern buildings with indoor plumbing and his services would be greatly needed. Too bad, his sudden illness threw a wrench into the plan.
You can visit the ghost of Martin “Shorty the Plumber” Evanson at the next open house at the Pioneer and Military Memorial Park Cemetery on April 23, 2011 or join them for the annual Memorial Day celebration on May 30, 2011.
Pioneers’ Cemetery Association
Debe Branning nazanaza@aol.com
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