Southwest USA Genealogy & History

Homesteading in Arizona was and is a hard life. Those that choose the homestead lifestyle choose it for the land, the freedom and the lifestyle. The Yuma Mesa is hot, sandy and flat.  Most farmers would look for easier farming, but their was water… and all you have to do is irrigate.

The Yuma Daily Sun article about one of the 54 Vetrans Chosen for a Homestead on theYuma Arizona Mesa is an interview with C. Elliot Waits.  First person account of life in the Yuma Arizona area as a homestead farmer.

Click Here to read article –> Accidents Didn't Deter Homesteaders

The Waits family is also featured in the New Book Published Aug. 2006
Author Debra Trigg Conrad
Yuma Mesa Homesteaders 1948 - 1958

Click On Book Cover to Read More Information About the Homesteaders Book 

Yuma Mesa Homesteaders Book

Published by Debra Conrad -  

Available Now at Barnes and Noble.com and Amazon.com

The long overdue Yuma Mesa Homesteaders 1948 and 1952 book will be done this year!

Hopefully it will be published and available for purchase well before Christmas.

Debra Conrad started with the compiling May 2005, when local Homestead Family member Carol Didier blessed me with the opportunity. What a journey it has been.

The families showcased in this book have shared so many wonderful stories. The hardships these wonderful people endured is amazing, somewhat akin to the lives of pioneer families living in the 1800’s.

The book as it sits now, is over 400 pages. Half of these are filled with stories by the homesteaders themselves.Also included will be photos newspaper articles transcripts of oral interviews historical documents These pioneer families touched so many lives in the Yuma area. Their spirt will be forever preserved.

–Hey, what’s in your past?