Eliza Stewart Udall facts for kids
Eliza Luella Stewart Udall, also known as Ella Stewart Udall (May 21, 1855 – May 28, 1937), was a very important woman in early Arizona history. She was the first person to work as a telegraph operator in the Arizona Territory. This meant she sent messages over long distances using Morse code.
Her father, Levi Stewart, was a Mormon pioneer. Eliza was born in Salt Lake City, Utah. In 1870, when she was about 15 years old, Brigham Young asked her to learn Morse code. Morse code is a special way of sending messages using dots and dashes.
Eliza then moved to Pipe Spring, Arizona. There, she started working for the Deseret Telegraph Company. This made her the very first telegraph operator in Arizona. Later, she worked in Kanab, Utah. From there, she sent a telegraph message all the way to Washington, D.C.. This message shared the news of John Wesley Powell's Second Expedition of the Colorado River.
In 1875, Eliza married David King Udall. They moved to Saint Johns, Arizona, in 1880. David was a leader in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints there. Eliza and David had eight children together. She was a dedicated member of her church throughout her life. Eliza Udall passed away in 1937 in Saint Johns.
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Eliza Udall's Family Legacy
Eliza Udall's family continued to be important in public service. Many of her descendants became well-known leaders.
Important Descendants
- Her son, Levi Stewart Udall, became the Chief Justice of the Arizona Supreme Court. This is the highest court in Arizona.
- Her grandson, Stewart Udall, served as a U.S. Congressman from Arizona. He also became the United States Secretary of the Interior. This job involves managing America's natural resources and public lands.
- Another grandson, Mo Udall, was a U.S. Congressman for 30 years. He even ran for President of the United States in 1976.
- Her great-grandson, Mark Udall, who is Mo's son, was a U.S. Congressman from Colorado. He later became a U.S. Senator in 2008.
- Another great-grandson, Tom Udall, who is Stewart's son, was a U.S. Congressman from New Mexico. He was also elected to the U.S. Senate in 2008.
Eliza Udall in Television
In 1969, an actress named Lane Bradbury played a young Eliza "Ella" Stewart. This was for a TV show called Death Valley Days. The episode was titled "A Key for the Fort."
The "A Key for the Fort" Episode
In this episode, Miss Stewart sends the first telegraph message from Arizona. She also works with her Aunt Cora (played by Ivalou Redd). They help to nurse an ill Ute chief, Black Wing (played by George Keymas), back to health. The episode also featured Gregg Palmer as Jacob. This episode was filmed at Pipe Spring National Monument, where Eliza worked.
