Name/Title
Baker Subject FilesEntry/Object ID
2015.180.11.136Scope and Content
Rans Baker Collection
File given its own object id number as has been semi-transcribed.
NOTES, MISCELLANEOUS SOURCES
BAKER COLLECTION
NOTES-MISCELLANEOUS SOURCES
3/25/1882-Carbon County Journal- Editorial on The Vigilantes, musings on the need for help in eradicating Rawlins of gang of thieves that robbed passenger trains that come through at night. Pg. 2, col. 1
10/16/1880-Joseph Hornbeck of Hugus and Co. shot by John Fierce as unloading freight. Fierce jailed and later men demanded keys from Sheriff Rankin. When he refused they broke down the doors and removed John Fierce in order to hang him. Dr. Maghee said that Hornbeck would live so they took him back to jail. Hornbeck died and Fierce sentenced for 2nd Degree murder.
3/18/1882-Notes from Fennimore Chatterton’s “Yesterday’s Wyoming,” pg. 30. He mentions that a gang of thieves from Rawlins headed by Jim Lacy, Opium Bob and William Carter planned to rob Chatterton at closing time at the Hugus Store at Fort Steele. Sheriff I. C. Miller and posse would intercede. Before this happened “The Rawlins vigilante committee rounded up the seven murderers and hanged them in the stockyards. They posted notices requiring some 60 characters to leave town.”
1/21/1882-County Treasurer’s safe robbed
1/28/1882-J. R. Hawley, Co. Treasurer, and J. H. Sullivan assistant only ones to know combination. Hawley or bondsmen will have to make good the $2100 loss.
2/25/1882-Carbon County Journal-J. H. Sullivan arrested for robbery, pled not guilty. Case dismissed.
Doc Mickleton sentenced to prison for hog stealing, no reference given for this story
10/12/1885-Carbon County Journal-William Montgomery shot in the Alhambra Saloon, story listed in detail. Shot by Constable Finely for threatening patrons.
5/29/1886-Carbon County Journal-J. M. Finley indicted for manslaughter, tried by jury and acquitted. Homer Merrell for defense.
5/7/1887-Carbon County Journal-Ex-city Marshal Finley arrested on a warrant charged with embezzling $643 of city funds. Rans wrote, “case not found.”
4/24/1880-Carbon County Journal, pg. 4, col. 4-Frenchman Beaumont released from County Jail. Had been arrested for assault and resisting an officer. Threatened to shoot several people. “Boys” horsewhipped him out of town, but he came back. They then tied a rope around his waist and the other end to the saddle horn of his horse and led him out of town. Threatened with hanging if he returned.
3/3/1883-Carbon County Journal, pg. 3, col. 1-Ben Northington to head scheme to turn Bull Canyon Creek into large basin 3 miles SW of town. Would create fresh water lake.
5/29/1886-Carbon County Journal, pg. 3, col.1-Bull Canyon Creek project has not started article.
7/24/1886-Carbon County Journal, pg. 3, col. 3-Committee in charge of the construction of the ditch from Bull Canyon Creek to the lake west accepted the ditch as done. Daley and Wallace did the work.
12/25/1886-Carbon County Journal, pg. 3, col. 4-A story of card cheats and Christmas in Rawlins.
9/24/1887-Carbon County Journal-Mr. And Mrs. John G. Jost left ranch on Separation to go fishing, leaving three sons at home. When returned found youngest son, Garfield shot dead in bed and two older boys gone. They took boy’s body to Rawlins and notified Sheriff Errett, who searched without success.
10/1/1887-Carbon County Journal-Daniel and Jens Jost found in Medicine Bow and brought to Rawlins. Inquest held. Result: Farfield died by accidental discharge of a shotgun in hand of his brother Daniel Jost.
8/4/1888-Carbon County Journal-Mr. And Mrs. J. G. Jost, and the Rev. J. W. Linn left Rawlins for ranch. An accident occurred with the tongue becoming loosed from the front axle, horses bolted, Mrs. Jost falling into the vehicle, and seriously hurt. Others escaped with bruises. James Rankin brought party to Rawlins.
8/18/1888-Carbon County Journal-J. G. Jost’s crossbred lambs worked, increased lamb flocks.
10/26/1889-Webber Brothers and Marcus Buzzarius charged with assault and intent to murder Mrs. J. G. Jost. Buzzarius shot at Mrs. Jost during dispute over 11 head of sheep. Webber Brothers filed suit against Jost for grand larceny.
5/17/1890-Robert Taylor buys J. G. Jost’s ranch. Jost to go to visit mother in Germany.
7/24/1886-J. G. Jost and sons take in circus and sold two black eagles they had captured to the circus.
9/18/1886-J. G. Jost campaigning in town
7/20/1888-Carbon County Journal-Jost’s sheep wagon caught on fire with Willie Jost inside. He was burned before he escaped.
6/16/1888-Carbon County Journal-Warrants issued for arrest of E. T. and Frank Webber and their herder R. Lucero. Testimony said some of Webber’s sheep had got mixed in with Jost’s sheep. Jost objected to his sheep being moved in the heat of the day. Wanted to wait until evening or next day. Webbers not agreeable and said would take by force. Jost stepped out to protest and was knocked down with a rock to the head and further assaulted. Mrs. Jost and daughter closed the corral gate. Their herder, Mr. Lucero fired several warning shots at them. Webbers found guilty and fined. More information in article.
10/20/1888-E. T. Webber and Raymond Lucero case bound over to District Court till next term.
DIXON STAGE HOLDUP
12/29/1889-Carbon County Journal, pg. 3, col. 3-Stage on Rawlins-Dixon Line held up 15 miles N. of Baggs by two masked men. Tex Avery of Savery only passenger, robbed him and the valuable mail. Reward offered by Post Office of $1,000.
9/27/1890-Carbon County Journal-P. O. Inspector turned Rogers?, Muddy stage robber over to Sheriff Hadsell. Since WY became a state P. O. felt there were no territorial authorities to receive him.
11/22/1890-Carbon County Journal-Packer, the Muddy Stage robber arraigned in Judge Riner’s court in Cheyenne. Pled not guilty.
STREET FIGHT
11/12/1887-County Surveyor, C. A. Miller and Teamster Ed Haas had a fight over grading work on 5th. Miller, also city engineer, objected to way Haas was doing work and struck one of Haas’ team with a shovel. Haas knocked Miller to the ground and fight ensued. Separated by bystanders, but Miller threw rock at Haas’s head and knocked him out. He continued to assault him till separated again. Haas was carried to doctor and had a fractured skull. Miller jailed and $2,000 bond set.
11/19/1887-Ed Haas able to go down to dinner yesterday, but his head renders him flighty at times. Miller’s bond reduced to $500 and he was able to get out of jail.
10/30/1886-Ground broken for Rawlins, North Park and Glenwood Springs Railroad. Fort Steele-33 carloads of graders with teams and scrapers, etc. unloaded to begin the southern branch of the Union Pacific. Understood that bridge will be built at Ft. Steele and that the lines will meet 4 miles west of Ft. Steele. 300 men are at work. Fights are the order of the day. “Whiskey and guns will play their part in building the road.”
Note from Fennimore Chatterton’s book: “In 1886 the UPRR was to build railroad from Fort Steele to Denver? Following up the North Platte into North Park, CO, down the Cache in Powder River to Fort Collins, then to Denver. Kilpatrick Brothers and Collins were contractors. Chatterton and Hugus Store furnished beef and groceries and cashed paychecks. Only 15 miles was built before abandoned as federal government would not furnish bonds for debt.
CALAMITY JANE
12/20/1884-Carbon County Journal, pg. 3, col. 3-is in town. She is a character and has packed more experience of frontier life into her career than any other woman in the country. Made famous by novelist Ned Buntline.
9/18/1886-Carbon County Journal, pg. 3, col. 2-Calamity Jane is in town, her post office name is Mrs. Martha King. She left Meeker and was accompanied by her best man who deserves a hangman’s knot. “She is the scapegoat of the outlaw, the assassin, the tin horn and the outcast of man. Kind Christians what will you do with her?”
Pg. 2, col. 2-Carbon County Journal, Meeker Matters-Warrant out for arrest of Steers who has acted in capacity of husband to Calamity. She alleged that he threatened her life. Trial was held and judge fined Steers and bound him over to keep the peace. After the trial Calamity got drunk. Steers released and he and Calamity left town together. Lengthy article in paper.
10/30/1886-Carbon County Journal, pg. 3, col. 4-Calamity is an inmate at the jail (Hotel Rankin). She and Steers (worthless cur) got into a fight where he hit her head with monkey wrench. She cried and called for constable Jim Finley. After making complaint, she proceeds to Senate Saloon. Andy Johnson threw her out and she threw rocks smashing plate glass window. Steers left tow and Calamity loaded into transfer wagon.
11/6/1886-Carbon County Journal, pg. 3, col. 3-Steers was caught and placed in jail.
12/11/1886-Carbon County Journal, pg. 3, col. 2-Henry Beckman dugout, occupied by Calamity Jane and located on Sugar Creek back of the Round House burned down.
6/21/1887-Cheyenne Daily Leader-Calamity Jane still with Steers and claims she married him in Rawlins 2 years ago.
7/25/1885-Carbon County Journal, pg. 3, col. 1-Mattie King, (Calamity Jane) became endowed with the ambition to fight in fisticuffs. Blanche Daville was first and Calamity knocked her down. She was stopped by guardian of the peace. Stakes and gate receipts taken by Judge Edgerton.
10/12/1895-Carbon County Journal, pg. 3, col. 1-Calamity Jane, notorious Black Hills character and who at various times lived in Rawlins is married to a ranchman and lives in southern Montana.
5/2/1901-Carbon County Journal, pg. 4, col. 1-Calamity Jane has been admitted to the poor house at Butte, MT. One of the most celebrated characters in the west.
7/13/1901-Carbon County Journal, front pg., col. 4-Quotes Mrs. Josephine Brades, author and correspondent for the N. Y. Journal, has been in MT searching for Calamity Jane. She found her in the hut of a woman near Livingston sick with fever and suffering. Mrs. Brades offered to take her to her home in Buffalo to spend out her days. Article states that they left Livingston for Buffalo. Article gives details of Calamity’s early life and exploits.
5/2/1939-Union Pacific Old Timers Edition, pg. 20-Mrs. Con Ryan came to Rawlins in 1883. Arriving on the train, she saw only 12 houses. She stayed at the Rawlins House and enjoyed seeing stock shipped and freight hauled from the Old Government warehouse. Her husband, Con, came in 1882. He became passenger engineer in 40 yrs.service to railroad. Lengthy article on the job of working for the railroad.
Pg. 24-a photo taken 1884 of the Journal office with newspaper people standing in front and identified. (Note Carbon County Museum has this paper in bound edition and other copied unbound)
Pg. 42-Margaret Wallace, daughter of Larry Hayes; Union Pacific built hotel in 1874, when Captain Lang left, Larry Hayes took over until 1882; details on railroad shop and work on engines.
(Rans refers to article in Carbon County Journal, 8/15/1885 on railroad shops).
Pg. 48-Spring 1885-Thomas Cosgriff went to ranch near the picnic ground on the Platte River. Saw antelope and when pulling rifle out accidentally shot self in leg. Got back to town and Doc Ricketts found it necessary to amputate leg.
Pg. 60-Picture of Hugus (I00F) Bank Sign 1883
Pg. 70-Mrs. Anne Reid Frew arrived in Rawlins 5/14/1882. Tells story of her brother picking her up at station and taking her to their brother’s house. More information on their entertaining. Diversions were selling coffee and doughnuts to the travelers and watching the Indians doing their dances in front of Magor’s Store.
Pg. 82-St. Joseph’s Catholic Church dedicated 8/6/1916; author was Rev. Wm. J. Short. About 1871-72 a small building built on S. E. corner of 3rd and Cedar, became the rectory. Before Father Cassidy, 1st priest, arrived a small frame church was built next to the 1st building and nearer the corner. The old first building was then sold, but later bought back to become the addition to the rectory. Rans states, “good picture of Father Cassidy.”
Pg. 83-R. Zingshiem story-gives history of roundhouse, Beehive, passenger depot south of tracks, south of main line and nearly south of present depot. Housed the agent as his residence and telegraph office, waiting rooms, yard office, baggage and freight rooms. At the west end was a loading platform. To the west of this depot were brick foundations which had supported the first U. P. Hotel prior to 1874. The new U. P. Hotel aka Maxwell House was built on the ?. Maxwell House torn down 1936.
Pg. 93-Rubie Rivera came to WY at 18 trailing sheep for Keogh Brothers in 1882. Article gives history of his life in WY.
End of 1939 edition of Carbon County Journal
HISTORY OF THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
WRITTEN BY DANIEL MESCHTER
4/15/1966
This manuscript is located in archives file: Churches, France Memorial United Presbyterian Church.
1882
3/25/1882-Carbon County Journal, front pg., col. 2-Hanging of Lacy and Opium Bob into eternity; Article details hangings/lynchings of various organized thieves who had connections to various cities. After 4 of a gang beat and robbed a “Chinaman” they were caught, arrested and jailed. They were guarded with 2 extra guards due to rumors of lynching. Townsmen tricked to gain access to Jim Lacy and Opium Bob and Carter. They took them to the stockyards where they hanged Lacy and Bob. Carter escaped from them. Inquest was held and determined that persons responsible for the hanging were unknown to the jury. Noted that notices were placed at many places on the south side of the tracks that 13 listed (named) people and many others who have to means of support are to leave town within 24 hours or they “will share in the fate of those now dangling in the air.”
3/25/1882- pg. 3, col. 3-Townspeople her rumor that the bad element would burn the town down before they left. Citizens organized into special fire patrols and watched principal blocks of town with arms. Sheriff Miller and posse had been at Hog Ranch on the tip of catching Carter. There was an incident with Carter and he escaped. Jim Matson and John Foote armed and with 2 spare horses went to Ft. Steele to track Carter. Almost all named on list left town during night and no demonstrations occurred. Owners of the Hog Ranch, Feely and Worthy arrested and lodged in Fort Guardhouse.
Pg. 3, col. 4- Carter still at large.
9/1/1883-Carbon County Journal, pg. 3, col. 4-Headline, “A Ride to Lander.” Rawlins and Northwestern Stage headed to Lander stopped at Bell Springs with driver C. W. Slade. After dinner author rode on box with driver. Stated Slade was a 1st class driver. Reached Lost Soldier at 4 p.m. and horses changed. Joe Steward became driver at this point. Road from Lost Soldier needs improvements, rocky and rough. Stopped for night at Signors, the ½ way mark. At this point a spring wagon takes over journey to Lander. Road follows up Sweetwater to 12 miles to bridge. Horses changed here. Rolling hills to Beaver crossing at Lucy Miller’s Ranch above the old government crossing which is a meal station and drivers change. Go from here to Little Popo Agie-road rough and hilly. Then on to Lander. Road is smoother and hilly. Lander at 6 pm and stayed at Lander Hotel kept by L. G. Davis.
Turn of Century
From Carbon County File at County Museum: Mrs. Carl Wilford, Saratoga, WY, 1951-Mrs. Farris aka Ferris, a freighter, operated a string for years. Dressed in women’s conventional clothes, but bound her legs in burlap sacking with string to bind her coat about her wrist.
Dr. Bennett, ranchman of Platte Valley paid the Doc $100 a year per family to stay in valley and be on call. Agreed to serve free of further charges. Mrs. Bennett complained that there was little illness in valley.
6/30/1906-Rawlins Republican-pg. 2, col. 4.-poem entitled Papa Dies Tonight by J. J. Mitchell, Hanna is printed.
4/10/1909-Carbon County Journal-pg. 2, col. 2, Editorial, “Sister Boice of the Snake River Sentinel hints that editor of this paper was paid to oppose appointment of Bob Meldrum. Nothing could be further from the truth. …….Then it is quite natural for Boice to judge others from his own standard. Those who know him know that he sold his political convictions to James E. Cosgriff when the latter essayed to be governor and he sold very cheaply too.”
3/27/1909-Carbon County Journal-pg. 2, col. 1, Editorial, “Appointment,” CCJ not trying to give Independent Republicans the worst of it. Sheriff Campbell, Republican, has appointed Meldrum “Independent” as Deputy. We oppose him because in our opinion he is not the right kind of man--has an unsavory reputation. His most recent exploit of attempting to kill a witness for the defense in the trial of the Miners Union at Boise and his record during his long residence in CO was that of a desperado rather than a law abiding citizen. Snake River is entitled to a peace officer that will have the respect of all.” Editorial continues to list Meldrum’s shortcomings.
8/12/1915-Rawlins Republican-front, col. 1-2-Article on James O’Leary trying to shoot wife and in process involved and shot at other people. Marshal Hayes arrested James and he was bound over to District Court by Justice Waeckerlin on attempted murder.
8/26/1915-Rawlins Republican-front, col. 5-Awaiting trial James O’Leary hanged himself in jail, article.
8/12/1915-Rawlins Republican-front, col. 2-Shooting scrape at Jim Dickerson Ranch at Pass Creek. Sheriff Rivera and Dr. Barber went there and found that A. D. Campbell employee George McIntyre and Jim Dickerson were both shot. Each had own story. McIntyre: looking for stray cattle and rode to Dickerson house where Dickerson fired at him first. Dickerson: McIntyre was drunk and rode up to his place and started shooting and after being hit in the leg, Dickerson said he returned fire. Dickerson said McIntyre had threatened one of his hands with his gun. McIntyre arrested and out on bond. “Bad blood between them.”
Where the Old West Stayed Young
By John Burroughs, 1962
Notes from book:
Page 40-9/1879, Led by Jack, Persune and Antelope, the Yampatikas reinforced by Ute braves, all equipped with Winchesters purchased from Yampa Valley traders W. H. Peck and Charles Perkins ambushed Thornburgh’s detachment which consisted of three companies of Cavalry and Co. Infantry in Milk Creek Canyon some 25 miles north of the agency.
Page 284-1912-Timber Trespass-Ranger Ed Peck tells of Charles Perkins moving boundary marker of his claim when he had cut all the timber on his claim. Percy Paxton, ex-asst. Superintendent states that Perkins cut 200-300 acres of timber. Note ends with some logs slipping on wagon, falling on him and crushing him to death.
Page 300-Wilkinson employed by Charles Perkins who had employed Meldrum in 1899 as a leather craftsman in Perkins saddlery and harness repair shop in connection with general store west of Dixon.
Notes from Annals of Wyoming, July 1944 (museum has two copies of this edition)
Meeker Massacre from Reminiscences of Frontier Days, by M. Wilson Rankin.
Page 94-July 1, 1878-New Mail contract awarded to E. R. Bennett, Rawlins Dixon, Hahn’s Peak and white river Agency, aka Star route Mail Services. Trading stores along white river Route grew. Perkins put in large store and stocked general merchandise including Winchester Rifles.
Page 96-1879-Jack, colorow and Piah met with Douglas and party at Snake River while Douglas was moving toward the Agency. Some trading was done--swapped buckskin for rifles and ammo at Perkins Store.
Page 100-1879-Sept. 28 Utes took possession of ammunition at Peck Store-1 case of cartridges.
Sept. 27-Utes demand Black Wilson give up all rifles and ammo at Perkin’s store at Spring Gulch, Wilson and Mike talk them out of demand and bury stock.
Page 109-Some Valley residents not much alarmed by Utes, hold fort at Perkin’s Store.
Wyoming Reporter
5/8/1923-Ferris Hotel Stephenson hires Brandell’s Orchestra to play
5/22/1923-Brandell’s Orchestra to have open air pavilion at Fort Steele for summer
5/29/1923-Brandell’s Orchestra purpose to build new pavilion downtown
6/5/1923- Brandell’s Orchestra playing every evening at the Ferris and at Fort Steele on Wed. and Sat.; #2 Brandells Winter Garden Orchestra plays at the Strand and still playing at Fort Steele and the Ferris as well.
6/12/1923-city to open remodeled and improved Pavilion north of city hall, will have live bands
6/19/1923-Brandie’s Winter Garden Orchestra to build a 75’ x 75’ pavilion on Sunnyside. Open air for summer months, may close later.
6/27/1923-Sunnyside Pavilion opens, 10 minute walk from city at fair ground.
7/17/1923-Band was advertised as Brandies Winter Garden Orchestra, those sheiks of melody
George Lewis
12/15/1911-Carbon County Journal-Front, col. 3-George Lewis former warden at the penitentiary killed by Deputy U. S. Marshal in Centralia, Illinois. He was a special agent in charge of Illinois Central. George was in his office when shot by Bacon. Bacon surrendered and claimed self defense.
12/14/1911-Rawlins Republican-front, col. 2-George Lewis, special agent in charge of guards on strike duty was shot and killed by a U. S. Marshal. Lewis was well known and not so well liked in Rawlins. Slayer claims self-defense.
Miscellaneous Notes at end of tablet
As a soldier James Averell killed Charley Johnson at ___ on 5/3/1880. Averell admitted this killing in a letter to Judge Andrews at Laramie. A copy of this letter can be found in the Hebard Room at UW.
Jens Hansen, Annals of Wyoming, Jan. 1947, Vol. 19, no. 1, pg. 29- There are two first class markets in town (Carbon). One is owned and run by Jens Hansen and the other by Young and Jackson.
Calamity Jane, Annals of Wyoming, July 1944, Quotes M. Wilson Rankin “Calamity Jane and Cotton Tail here Sept. 1879.
Andrew McMicken, Annals of Wyoming, July 1944, Photo with the Rawlins Cycling Club of 1892. A second Rawlins Cycling Club organized 1897 pictured on pg.165.
1/18/1912-Rawlins Republican-pg. 4, col. 4-To encourage rifle practice and promote patriotic spirit among nations youth Sen. Warren introduced bill authorizing Rifle Drill Clubs and Cadets. There is a page of newspaper sources for the Rawlins Republican. It is believed they may actually be for the Carbon County Journal. It is not clear.
Notes on loose pages found at end of tablet
1/9/1927-Rawlins Republican-J. C. Friend, jury member of 2nd term of District Court 1870, relates story of jury not being able to come to a verdict and played card games during the afternoon and took ballots off and on.
9/20/1879-Early in the week received news of big outbreak at the White River Agency. Agent Meeker wants military assistance sent from Fort Steele.
10/4/1879-First news report of Milk Creek
9/14/1879-Appeals for help
9/16/1879-Thornburg receives orders to proceed
9/21/1879-Thornburg had reinforcements from Fort D. A. Russell by rail, sets off for Agency.
Following the Manuse Trial, Carbon County would have to wait months before they would get their hands on another ? in the murders of the two lawmen.
Sept. 14-Carl Gold? And Julio Moore, 2 wagons, 4 mules, flour, 10 miles from White River wagon burned and both killed.
Sept. 16-John Gordon-10 wagons, 28 oxen, 3 bullwhackers, cooking utensils ? supplies, burned
Sept. 17-George Gordon-3 four horse wagons hauling threshing machine
Sept. 18- Al McCarger and Sons load fencing wire and hardware, wagon abandoned burned 40 miles from White River.
Sent 4/11/1879-Rawlins doctors making bonanza fever a specialty.
6/29/1863-9th Kansas fights Utes
7/1870-Shipman? Cabin Massacre by Colorow
Miscellaneous entries marked out, others read: Baseball, Daley Flag, Poor Farm 9/8/11;11/17/1911; 6/5/1912; 2/2/1911; 2/9/1911; Mahoney Lost Herder, CCJ 1/12/1912; Kids School Athletics, CCJ, 12/20/1912; Haystack Murder, 1/3/1913 & 1/10/1913
Fegan obit, 2/9/1912; Ferguson Mercantile 1/29/1913; Light Plant of brick built, CCJ 12/8/1911; Weather-1/11/1912, CCJ; Mahoney Herder, 12/19/1912, CCJ; Cullen Prop to City1/16/1913, RR; CCJ, 1/17 & 24/1913
Ethics and Reform
Law against Gambling houses, 6/16/1911-Gov. Carey bans boxing contests in state.
1909-State law bans liquor license in unincorporated area. Rawlins city license to $1000. 24 liquor outlets reduced to 11 by 1911.
Ferris Studio George Barber bought out partner F. Jukes
Last page of notes in file-unclear what the subject is. “The truth lies twixt the two accounts.” Incident may be the lead up to the shooting of Chick Bowen by Bob Meldrum.
At end of folder are loose notes on the Rawlins Cadets wit sources listed and computer printout of newspaper references to "cadets."Collection
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