The Life and Legacy of George Hagely
In Quartzsite, Arizona, under wide blue skies, the story of George Hagely unfolded, filled with adventure and service. Born on November 8, 1894, at Tysons Well Stage Station, George grew up surrounded by the desert's stark beauty, which shaped his life and future.
During the First World War, George joined the U.S. Army, serving bravely in the 144th Infantry. After the war, he returned to Arizona, finding peace in the desert and starting a homestead of 80 acres in Quartzsite Valley. With his stepbrother, he entered the cattle business, sharing the hard work and dreams.
George's commitment to his community was clear. He worked as the Foreman for the Arizona Motor Vehicle Department and was elected to the Yuma County Board of Supervisors for five terms. His marriage in 1942 to Osa Holden, a connection from his childhood, was a significant moment. However, Osa missed city life and moved back to California, leaving George alone.
In 1946, George became Quartzsite's Justice of Peace. This was when Arizona's marriage laws attracted many couples, and George became known as "The Marrying Judge," officiating over 43,000 weddings, including famous ones. His home, with a sign saying "Let's Get Married," was a place where many couples started their lives together.
George's life was a blend of public service and personal stories. He passed away in 1977, at 83, leaving a legacy in Quartzsite's history. Today, the Tysons Well Stage Station Museum keeps his story alive, celebrating the man who played a significant role in many couples' lives and in the heart of Arizona.
Marrying Judge: George Hagely
In the late 1930s, Quartzsite, Arizona, was a humble desert community that became the setting for an extraordinary tale of love during wartime, thanks to George Hagely, known as the "Marrying Judge." Quartzsite, with its simple way of life and close-knit population, was turned into a haven for couples in love under Hagely's watch. A local son and World War I veteran, Hagely discovered his life's work as the Justice of the Peace, officiating countless quick weddings from his home, particularly throughout World War II. The town's easygoing marriage laws attracted many couples looking to tie the knot before the war could part them. Hagely, always available and with his porch light on to show he was ready, became a beacon of hope. His ceremonies, sometimes at odd hours, offered more than just legal marriage; they gave emotional comfort to those about to endure separations due to the war. During these turbulent times, Hagely's home was a lighthouse for many young pairs, including famous faces, all seeking a straightforward and rapid start to their lives together. This period highlighted Quartzsite as a key place for wartime marriages, with Hagely's caring actions at the center. Even though the rush for quick weddings faded after the war because of legal changes, the stories of George Hagely and the couples he united in Quartzsite linger as a touching chapter in America's history.
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