Saffell Hotel

Built in 1899 and managed by Emma Jane Saffell for 25 years. Then it became her home. Sam Saffell began running his saloon about the same time, 1900.

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Below article typed from a newspaper clipping in Jack Becker's file.

MRS. EMMA SAFFELL PASSES AWAY AT SPRINGERVILLE
MRS RAY W. JOHNSTON

SPRINGERVILLE, Feb 10 -- (Special to Herald-Observer)

     After 82 useful and well spent years on this earth, "Grandma" Saffell answered the call of the Giver of All Good Things, and left this world for the better life beyond.  She died very quietly Sunday morning Feb. 8. , at the home of her son, Clem Saffell, where she had been taken several days previous, from her own home.  Although she was very frail, and had grown quite feeble in the past few weeks, the family was not aware that death was near.  She had been given her breakfast, and then went to sleep, to awaken no more.

     Emma Jane Lee was born in Jack County, Antelope, Texas, December 23, 1859.  On July 3, 1886, she was married to Mr. Sam J. Saffell, and on July 4th, they started West in a covered wagon. Five months and 20 days later on Dec. 25, 1886 , they arrived at Becker's Lake.

      Three children were born to them, two having died in infancy.  Mrs. Saffell also raised Claud Saffel, her husband's child by a former marriage.

     "Grandma" Saffell operated the first hotel in Springerville, a business which she kept for 25 years. She gave food and lodging to many a poor "cowhand," and others who came to her door hungry --- whether she received remuneration or not.  In speaking of her own life at a Missionary Meeting of her church not so long ago, she said, with tears streaming down her cheeks, "I never could turn a single person away hungry, no matter how ragged or dirty he was.  I knew he was some mother's son.  Often times, years afterward, I have received letters of thanks, and gifts of appreciation from those whom I had befriended.  There is a joy in it--and that is why I am sure the Lord has let me live on, so many years--even though I have been at death's door several times.  He still has work for me to do."

     Funeral services were held at four o'clock Monday afternoon, at the Community Church. Bryant Whiting spoke, praising "Grandma" Saffell for her long, useful life, and as one who had lived out her allotted span and whose work was finished.  Mr. Julius Becker reminisced briefly on her life, mentioning especially the trees which she had planted with her own hands and which now stand as a monument to her.  The choir of the Community Church sang three songs: "Shall We Gather at the River," "I Need Thee Every Hour," "God Be With You Till We Meet Again".  Millard Kartchner rendered a violin solo, accompanied by Mrs. Thayla Hall.  The body was laid to rest beside that of Mr. Saffell, who died 29 years ago.  Mrs. Saffell is survived by a son, Clem Saffell; her step-son, Claud Saffell; two half-sisters; seven grand-children; and three great grand-children.

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      According to Jimmy Saffell, in an interview in May 1991, Clem's father was Sam Saffell and his mother was Emma O'Neal. The day after they were married they left for Arizona. Emma rode side-saddle all the way. They brought their own cattle with them.
      Clem was born at Pat Knoll. There had been an Indian scare and Sam was on the mountain. Emma was expecting. She tried to get someone to go and warn Sam, but could not find anyone to go, so she loaded up a buggy with guns and went herself. At Pat Knoll she gave birth to twins - one died, but Clem lived.