100 YEARS IN THATCHER
1883-1983

MAX THARWOULD LAYTON

Max T. Layton, son of Oscar George Layton and Lula Jane Lewis was born March 3, 1912, on their farm on Palmer Lane in Thatcher.

Max attended Thatcher schools where he was active in school government. While attending Jr. High School, Max and friends went to the mountains where they found an eagle and brought it to school. It was stuffed and became the Thatcher school emblem - chosen because of the eagles strength and determination. After graduating from Gila Jr. College, Max entered Law school at U of A. Max worked his way through law school with the help of a loan from Anthon Lee. Anthon quietly helped many students this way. After graduating in 1937, he started practicing law in Safford.

In 1938 he met Muriel Webster, a native of Central, daughter of Frank Webster and Della Adams. They were married June 30, 1939 in Central. Muriel attended schools in Central, Jr. High in Thatcher and graduated from Ft. Thomas High School in 1932. Later she attended Gila Jr. College.

While practicing law in Graham County, he served as County Attorney for several terms and was appointed as public defender for several years both in Graham and Greenlee counties. Max was very active in civic affairs; he served nearly ten years continuously in the Boy Scouts; he was a charter member of Graham County Jr. Chamber of Commerce; charter member and past president of Kiwanis Club; past Chairman of Red Cross; also Salvation Army. Max served as a member of Governor Garvey's Land Code Committee; served many years as Wildlife represen­tative for the U.S. Dept. of Interior; he was Arizona representative to the National Wildlife Federation. He was instrumental in securing the con­struction of Riggs Lake, acquisition of Cluff Ranch for fishing and recreational area and re-opening of Frye Mesa Reservoir to fishing; and many other things benefiting the citizens of Graham County.

Max passed away July 7, 1979. A fitting Memorium from the Graham-Greenlee Bar Association lauded Max for his frank, open and honest manner as he practiced his profession. His compassion for others and willingness to help others, his defense of the underdog and underpriviledged, his dry sense of humor and his personal charm. He served as liason contact for many offices in Washington because of his knowledge of the lands and laws of Arizona.

Muriel served as acting postmaster for one year 1954 and 55. She worked in EAU library under Florence Holliday. She graduated in 1963 fron NAU as a teacher and taught school in Clifton two years, also in the Lafe Nelson school as well as in the Pima school, later she taught at Dan Hinton School. She spent many years teaching Primary and Sunday School and also cub scouts where she served for 16 years in the organization.

Max and Muriel had three children: Maxine, James Arthur and Gwen.