He was also a gunfighter who became the elected official of Mexican descent holding the highest office the Phoenix region in the 19th century.

The town of Phoenix was practically lawless because the military garrison stationed at Fort McDowell, more than 30 miles away, was the only other "law" in the region.

Maricopa County Sheriff Lindley Orme sent deputy Henry Garfias to investigate the situation.

During his investigation Garfias was told by witnesses that on the day of the last robbery they spotted Henry Seymour, the blacksmith, with a rifle under his arm along with several gunny sacks.

[4] As soon as he found out that the next stagecoach was about to arrive in Gillett, Garfias hid close to the Agua Fria crossing and waited.

[1][2][3] Garfias retired in 1886 and lived in his ranch with his wife Elena Redondo, whom he had married on April 13 1883, and with his son Louis Grafias who was born in 1892.

[1][2][3] He had a successful cattle ranch in Castle Springs, and established a Spanish language newspaper called El Progreso, with his brother-in law, Francisco Xavier "Frank" Redondo.

For 22 years, Garfias held the official capacity of assessor, tax collector, constable, pound master, and street superintendent.

He was buried in the City Loosley Cemetery which is located inside the Pioneer and Military Memorial Park.