page 6 Wednesday, April 12, 1967 Tucson Daily Citizen

Philip Drachman-1867
A Legislator's Devotion: 200 Horse Miles to Work

By Dick Casey
Citizen Political Writer

Legislators think they have it tough today.

But compared to 100 years ago - during the 4th Territorial Legislature - Arizona's new crop of lawmakers never had it so good.

One of its members in 1867, when the capital was in Prescott, was Philip Drachman of Tucson, a member of the House. He had to make the 200 mile trek by buckboard, stage and horseback. In addition to this test of stamina, he had to worry about Apaches who did not take kindly to the settlers.

One of the important actions of the 4th Territorial Legislation, which met from Sept. 4 to Oct. 7, was passage of legislation to move the capital from Prescott to Tucson the next year. Although there is no official account of Drachman's feeling, undoubtedly he didn't mind missing another buckboard trip back to Prescott the next session.

Actually, the capital of Arizona was move several times after Arizona officially was designated a territory in 1863.

In January 1864, the territorial governor's party reached what then was known as Fort Whipple, later Camp Clark and still later Postle's ranch in Little Cino [sic] Valley. That was the site of the first capital.

Later that same year, Prescott became the capital until the 4th Territorial Legislature voted to move it to Tucson. Tucson remained the capital until 1887, when it was move once again to Prescott.

It wasn't until 1889 that Phoenix became the permanent home of the state seal and the site of all subsequent legislative sessions.

Drachman, who had watched these early changes in Arizona's government, died the year Phoenix became the permanent capital.

The Prescott Courier had this to say about the Tucson Legislator:

"Well had he served Arizona in and out of her legislature, not as a talker but as a quiet, effective worker. Although his residence was over 200 miles form that of ours; although differences between the sections caused us, on many an occasion to go against the home interests of our deceased friend, our having done so never for moment interfered with the nobleness of his character, which swept away all petty earthly issues and made him a friend in life, aye, even in death."

Philip Drachman was the grandfather of Tucsonians Roy, Frank, Oliver and H Cowan Drachman, Mrs. Rosemary Taylor, and Mrs. Rosalie Avery.