Military campaigns against the Apaches brought Neil Erickson and Emma Peterson together. Young Neil Erickson came to America from Sweden, joined the army, and was promoted to 1st Sergeant in the 4th Cavalry at Fort Craig, New Mexico. While stationed there he met another Swedish immigrant, Emma Peterson, and fell in love. Emma was a maid and companion to the wife of a colonel. Army life separated them for a few years, but they were reunited at Fort Bowie in 1886 and married the following year. After Neil's discharge, the Ericksons came to Bonita Canyon to live. Neil had little interest in farming or ranching and was often away doing construction work in mining communities. Emma stayed home with the children, tending the garden and the livestock. Neil became a forest ranger in 1903, and his career took him to many parts of the Arizona Territory. Management of Faraway Ranch fell to the oldest of his three children, Lillian.