History of the Arizona Pioneers' Home: P.S.. Wren

Powhatan Sampson Wren
Birth: Jul 1842 Powhatan County, Virginia
Death: 19 Jul1917 Prescott, Yavapai, AZ

From who's Who in Arizona:

Powhatan S. Wren is a native of Virginia, and proud of that fact. He also possesses the traits that mark the true Southernor of the old school, and despite the fact that Mr. Wren denies the old school, the family record sows that he was born in Powhatan County, in July 1842. Like the loyal Southern boys of that period, he shouldered his musket in 1861 and retained it until the close of the war. During these years he participated in many battles, bore the hardships of a losing cause with much fortitude, and, when the end came, returned to his old home in Richmond. There he found the mercantile business established by himself and his brother has been destroyed, and being without funds or credit he was unable to follow his inclination to re-establish this business, so he entered the employ of the Richmond & Danville Railroad Company.

In the fall of 1866, however, he left that position and journeyed to Galveston, Texas, where he accepted another railroad position, which he retained until 1875. From that time he was variously engaged until April, 1877, when he was appointed clerk of the City of Galveston, served in this capacity until 1880, and was then elected Clerk of Galveston County for six years.

During Cleveland's first administration he was appointed Chief Clerk and Deputy Collector of Customs at Galveston, and held the same position when Cleveland was re-elected, having meantime been engaged in the real estate and abstract business.

Mr. Wren came to Arizona in 1900, at once engaged in mining and merchandising, his present occupation, and immediately began to take an active interest in Democratic politics, and was chosen one of Yavapai's representatives in the First State Legislature.

His friends are legion, for he has retained to the fullest the buoyancy of youth, the keen sense of humor and ringing laugh that most frequently mark the man of early years. Mr. Wren is one of the capable committee workers, and is member of the following committees: Appropriations, Good Roads, Counties and County Affairs and Suffrage and Elections."

Wife and Children of P.S. Wren

The following appeared on 18 April 1914 in The Arizona Republic: Among the developments yesterday in the political party that now controls the administration of the state was the statement of State Auditor J. C. Callaghan, that he is not a candidate of governor. . . .
In this connection it is also interesting to note that Judge Powhatan J. Wren of Constellation, Yavapai county, resigned his seat in the legislature on Jefferson's birthday. Many of Judge Wren's friends are predicting that he is to be appointed to the Pioneer Home to succeed P. V. Coldwell. Judge Wren was a supporte[r] of Governor Hunt's policies during the meetings of the legislature.

The following appeared on 20 July 1917 in The Tucson Citizen:

Powhatan S. Wren, a pioneer of Arizona, and until last Monday superintendent of the Arizona Pioneers' Home at Prescott, was found dead in his room at the Pioneers' Home this morning by Superintendent J. F. Mahoney.

Judge Wren's death evidently occurred early last night, as an examination of the body revealed the fact that life had been extinct for some hours. The body was clothed in a night-gown and was lying across the bed, as though Judge Wren had made an effort to rise and fallen back.

The deceased was about 75 years of age, and had lived in Arizona for 17 years. He was a member of the first Arizona legislature from Yavapai county and had been superintendent of the Pioneers' home for two years.

For many years Judge Wren lived at Constellation, Yavapai county, where he engaged in mining, holding the office of justice of the peace in that precinct for a considerable time. He leaves a widow in Texas and a son, who is a major in the United States army.

A coroner's inquest was held this afternoon. Prescott friends of Wren are endeavoring to locate his family in Texas.