Albert J. Fountain — soldier, lawyer, and southwestern frontier leader

Born in New York in 1838, Fountain migrated to California in 1854 and worked on leading daily newspapers ^[2]. He enlisted as a private in the 1st California Infantry, was promoted to first sergeant, and marched with Carleton's column to the Rio Grande ^[2]. For gallant conduct in a fight with Apaches, he was commissioned a second lieutenant ^[3]. He served in New Mexico during the war ^[3]. In August 1864 he was commissioned captain of cavalry and commanded a company of scouts and guides against hostile Navajoes ^[3]. In 1865 he was severely wounded on this service ^[3]. After the war, he removed to El Paso, Texas in 1866 and began practicing law ^[3]. He was elected surveyor of the El Paso land district in 1866 and represented the El Paso district in the state senate in 1868, serving four years ^[3]. During this period he was appointed brigadier general of the Texas state guard by Governor Davis ^[3]. In 1874 he moved to Mesilla, New Mexico, and became a leading lawyer and public man ^[3]. In 1879 he organized a company of cavalry and took a prominent part in the 1879–80 campaign against Apache chief Victorio ^[3]. Cavalry, where he was commissioned major ^[3]. In 1890 his son Edward was shot and killed at Pinos Altos by Lucy Small ^[1].