Historical Marker

Oliveann Oatman Fairchild

(1837-1903) Captured in Arizona at age 13 (1851) by Yanapan Indians, who massacred 6 members of family. Sold to Mojave Indians, she was treated kindly but bore mark of a slave-- blue, cactus needle tattoo on chin -- for rest of life. Ransomed by army at Fort Yuma, 1856. Lived in California, then New York. There she married J. B. Fairchild in 1865. About 1872 moved to Sherman, where husband founded city bank. Resided in Sherman until death in 1903.