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Billy Moore's Homestead
southwest of Dysart Rd. & Riley Dr.
(Coldwater crossing at Aqua Fria River)
Courtesy T.J.'s Restraurant

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When Billy Moore left his footprints along the banks of the Agua Fria River he had no idea what a lasting impression they would make.

William Graham Moore was born in Cheraw, South Carolina in 1842, the son of the owner of an iron foundry. It was probably there that he learned the art of blacksmithing.

After running away from home at the age of 16 Billy joined up with the infamous Quantrell’s Raiders. Most historians agree that he joined, or was drafted into the gang because of his skill as a blacksmith.

When Quantrell died Moore headed for the Territory of Arizona. Using the names Jack Graham and William Graham, Billy didn’t revert to using of his own name until after Missouri’s governor issued pardons to lesser members of the gang.

In 1867 records show Moore in Chloride, Arizona. From there he drifted south to Rock Springs where he operated a bar in the early ’70. A canyon along I-10 still bears his name. Later, he became a Justice of the Peace at Agua Fria. Moore was always ready to move on, looking for a place to call home.

In 1880 Billy found his illusive Lorelei. He homesteaded 280 acres along the banks of the Agua Fria River and built himself a ranch that grew into a stage stop, general store, post office, blacksmith shop and saloon. Soon others began to settle in the area, adopting the ranch name of Coldwater for the community growing up around it. Soon Billy Moore became Uncle Billy to many of the residents.

Billy was postmaster of Coldwater from March 13, 1901 until July 31, 1905. His tenure as postmaster ended when the postal inspector heard that there was more going on at the post office than the distribution of mail. “Home brew” was being made and dispensed. The post office was moved further west to the Avondale Ranch when, after being confronted by a postal inspector Billy told him, in his own direct manner, exactly what he could do with their post office.

Conflicting pictures have emerged of Billy Moore. He was a man who loved children. Not just because of the little girl he and his wife adopted. The child died after being kicked by a horse. Stories tell of him bouncing youngsters on his knee when they came into the store or slipping them a piece of candy. There are other stories that indicated he only asked “who’s there” once when someone knocked on his door in the night as one after hours hay buyer discovered. He knocked on the door but failed to respond to Billy’s question. Moore picked up his shotgun and blasted a hole through the door.

Avondale’s favorite uncle died in 1934 at the age of 92 but his name and his legend live on in the hearts of those who have followed in his footsteps.

City of Avondale 11465 W Civic Center Dr, Ste 280 Avondale, AZ 85323 Ph: (623) 333-1601 Avondale.org