Silver City Enterprise — 1891 (full OCR, Internet Archive) — 1891-09-11
source date: 1891
availability: public-domain

Notice posted by a Deadwood husband in the postoffice : My wife Sarah has Shot my ranch. When I didn’t Doo a thing to hur, an’ I want it distinctly Understood that any man who takes hur in and keers for her on my ac- count Will get himself pumped so full of lead that Sum tenderfoot will locate him for a Mineral claim. A word To the wise is sofficient an’ orter work on phools. — Rochester Salesman. The 600 head of steers belonging to Messrs. Barber, Slane and Terrell, which were being held at Engle the past two weeks, have been sold to G. F. Black, who shipped them to Kansas. The price paid was $7, $11 and $14. The price the owners asked when they reached the road was $10, $14 and $18. The cattle were of me- dium quality only, but the owners supposed they had a choice bunch. Their experience will have a splendid result though, in proving to them ( 81 ) the unprofitableness of raising anything but high grade cattle. The Monticello Cattle company of Sierra county are rounding up their cattle rapidly and will soon ship from Engle and San Marcial be- tween 3,000 and 4,000 head. The company’s ranges are reported terribly dry and cattle are suffering for want of food and water. STOCK NOTES The Beautiful Steer

le company of Sierra county are rounding up their cattle rapidly and will soon ship from Engle and San Marcial be- tween 3,000 and 4,000 head. The company’s ranges are reported terribly dry and cattle are suffering for want of food and water. STOCK NOTES The Beautiful Steer Miss Ella Paxton, known as the “Cow-Girl of the Panhandle,” recently favored an enlight- ened western audience with the following original production, which in her introductory remarks she styled a “paradox” on “Beautiful Snow.” She also stated that it was “paradoxed” while sitting on her horse on day-herd on her father’s ranch in the Panhandle, situated about three miles from Mobetie, Texas. Oh, the steer, the beautiful steer, Kicking the fleas from the point of its ear, Flapping its tail in its frolicsome glee. Hopping about like a Snake river flea. Bellowing! Roaring 1 Thundering along! Filling the air with its sterical song. Till the rumble from its lung laden pits Scare timid jackrabbits and wolves into fits. To me these is nothing on earth half so dear As the long horned, slim bodied Texican steer. How often I wish that I was a steer. With a long shiny horn at the butt of each ear; With a clear, fearless eye and a tapering tail. That would snap like a whip in the maddening gale ! How Pd beller! And roar! And paw up the ground.

long horned, slim bodied Texican steer. How often I wish that I was a steer. With a long shiny horn at the butt of each ear; With a clear, fearless eye and a tapering tail. That would snap like a whip in the maddening gale ! How Pd beller! And roar! And paw up the ground. And lope over the hills with a thundering sound And snort like a terror and hump up my back When I saw the wild cowboy pursuing my track And I’d laugh at his oaths as he fell to the rear; O, I’d be a Jo Dandy if I was a steer! I once roped a beautiful steer — but I fell. Fell from my pony with ear-piercing yell ! Fell with the lariat fast to my wrist ! Fell to be dragged through the grass wet with mist — Bumping ! Rolling! Grunting, I went ! A full mile a minute or I don’t want a cent. The gravel and grass yanked the hide from my nose. And ruined a pair of forty-cent hose; Aye, even my bustle was thrown out of gear By the frolicsome freaks of that beautiful steer. (Chicago Tribune) The roundup of San Simon valley associa- tion will commence to work September 14 as follows : The south wagon will commence work at the John Gray ranch at the head of the valley and work north. The north wagon will commence at Scott Vv^hite’s ranch and work north along the foothills to Heaton and Renaud’s ranch ; thence to the San Simon valley and work south until both wagons meet.

ll commence work at the John Gray ranch at the head of the valley and work north. The north wagon will commence at Scott Vv^hite’s ranch and work north along the foothills to Heaton and Renaud’s ranch ; thence to the San Simon valley and work south until both wagons meet. Pinos Altos had a sensation yesterday. A dead body was reported as having been found in Santo Domingo gulch, and Justice Newsham impanneled a jury and proceeded to the scene. Full particulars could not be obtained before we went to press, but a detailed statement of the case will appear in the Pinos Altos today, as Col. Galloway the editor was on hand taking notes. Charles Howard, the aeronaut, who made the balloon ascension at this place in July last, was killed at Guaymas, Mexico, a week ago last Sunday. The following account of the accident is from the Bakersfield, California, Gazette.

l. Galloway the editor was on hand taking notes. Charles Howard, the aeronaut, who made the balloon ascension at this place in July last, was killed at Guaymas, Mexico, a week ago last Sunday. The following account of the accident is from the Bakersfield, California, Gazette. Postmaster Ober received a letter this morn- ing from the United States consul at Guaymas, Mexico, announcing that Charles Howard was killed there last Sunday, in making a balloon ascension. When about 500 feet high the bal- loon burst, and he was unable to get the para- chute from under it. He fell on a house, and died in about three hours afterwards. He was buried at Guaymas. Howard came to Bakers- field when a small boy and learned the jewel- er’s business. Of late he has been making balloon ascensions, and has been very success- ful in them. He made four here a short time ago, and we understand that he has made in all about thirty. ( 82 )

as. Howard came to Bakers- field when a small boy and learned the jewel- er’s business. Of late he has been making balloon ascensions, and has been very success- ful in them. He made four here a short time ago, and we understand that he has made in all about thirty. ( 82 ) This picture of Silver City was taken from Boston Hill behind the court house (erected in 1830 looking NE. In the center is the Catholic Church. It was consecrated in 1876. The three-storied brick structure at left center is the Academy of Our Lady of Lourdes, erected about 1885. The two-story brick in center above the Catholic Church, is the first public school building in Silver City. It was erected in 1882. To the left of the school building is the Presbyterian Church, dedicated Jan. 17, 1886. The home on 6th St. behind the academy was that of Col. John W. Fleming, later the Wasserman apartments, and today, 1967, the home of the Howard Brownlees. Just over the rooftop of the Col. Fleming house at the extreme left of the picture can be seen a train with several cars, express or baggage, passenger and box. Presumably the train is standing at the station, which at this time was located near where the building of Cobb, Walsh and Wille Clinic now stands . . . Picture courtesy Mrs. E. W. Ward. Looking southeast from the rear of the courthouse. After 1886. Before 1890.

er and box. Presumably the train is standing at the station, which at this time was located near where the building of Cobb, Walsh and Wille Clinic now stands . . . Picture courtesy Mrs. E. W. Ward. Looking southeast from the rear of the courthouse. After 1886. Before 1890. Chihuahua Hill, Silver City, in an early day. The picture was by Lucas, Courtesy Mrs. E. W. Ward. This house, at 408 N. Cooper St., is still standing and is owned by Robert Everard. It was built by Ashenfelters between the years 1883 and 1889. RAINMAKERS EXPERIMENT General Dyrenforth with his party of rain- makers will make an experiment for rain at El Paso on Tuesday, September 15th, which opera- tion will probably begin sometime late in the afternoon, and in order to afford every one in New Mexico an opportunity to see and profit by the experiment they propose to make a rate of one and one third fare for the round trip to El Paso. Notice To Gila River Cattlemen

tion will probably begin sometime late in the afternoon, and in order to afford every one in New Mexico an opportunity to see and profit by the experiment they propose to make a rate of one and one third fare for the round trip to El Paso. Notice To Gila River Cattlemen Cattlemen of the Gila river and adjacent ranges are requested to meet at Mule springs, west of White house ranch on L C Cattle com- pany’s range, on September 20, 1891, for the purpose of runding up and identifying any cattle or horses on the Pine Cienega and other ranges close by, that may have been unlawfully branded or otherwise taken and held by any parties not honestly in possession of them. In view of the depredations upon the cattlemen of the Gila river ranges, I would urge upon them the necessity of a general attendance, that they may identify and claim such stock of theirs as may be thus unlawfully held. To each and every honest ranchman on those ranges, it is of the utmost importance that they attend. John Johnson, Foreman L. C. Cattle Co.

upon them the necessity of a general attendance, that they may identify and claim such stock of theirs as may be thus unlawfully held. To each and every honest ranchman on those ranges, it is of the utmost importance that they attend. John Johnson, Foreman L. C. Cattle Co. AT THE TREMONT:— F. M. Farber, St. Joe; Geo. E. Millar, S. P. Bartley, Nat. J. Tobias, A. A. Taussig and S. J. Levey, San Francisco; F. Frank and Jas. A. Menard, Albuquerque; R. A. Allen, Fitzgerald Moor and I. Laskin, El Paso; Con. Hanson and C. R. Tuttle and Mrs. McAnd- mus and daughter, Denver; Robt. Schultkus, J. P. Goodlander and W. R. Fritzach, St. Louis; C. W. Frogg, J. C. Taft, Wm. Mansfield and J. ' H. Tieke, Chicago; J. J. O’Neill, Colorado Springs; B. W. Moyes, Boston; J. F. Sullivan, New York; Erwin Ellis, Lebanore; Wm. Johns, Fred Pearch, John Tregay and Mrs. Tregay and family, London, England ; H. A. Kennedy, Min- neapolis; R. G. Boone, Las Cruces; Ad. Meyer, Kansas City; G. D. James, Whitewater; Fred N. Pingrey, Rincon; N. Sack and R. L. Benson, San Anotnio. Mrs. G. O. Smith expects to have eighteen night-blooming cereus plants open out tonight. A DEN OF THIEVES Raided by Enraged Settlers. Four Outlaws Captured.

ruces; Ad. Meyer, Kansas City; G. D. James, Whitewater; Fred N. Pingrey, Rincon; N. Sack and R. L. Benson, San Anotnio. Mrs. G. O. Smith expects to have eighteen night-blooming cereus plants open out tonight. A DEN OF THIEVES Raided by Enraged Settlers. Four Outlaws Captured. For the past three years it has been cur- rently reported that there existed in Pine Cienega in the northwest portion of Grant county a band of horse and cattle thieves, who plied their nefarious business under the leader- ship and protection of the Hall family, who were ostensibly engaged in the ranch and cattle business.The Hall family consisted of Peter S. Hall senior and four grown sons, Peter Hall Jr., Bob, Dick and Tom Hail. The members of this family were generally recognized as desperate and dangerous men. They were not at all back- ward in letting it be known that they belonged to the rustler class, and they terrorized their more honest neighbors to such an extent that none dare make open complaint or bring the matter before the proper legal tribunals.

and dangerous men. They were not at all back- ward in letting it be known that they belonged to the rustler class, and they terrorized their more honest neighbors to such an extent that none dare make open complaint or bring the matter before the proper legal tribunals. The Hall family arrived at Pine Cienega about three and a half years ago and had in their possession less than two hundred head of cattle, but sur- prising to relate such was the fecundity of the class of cattle which they brought with them, that without farther purchases or addition to their herd there is now in the neighborhood of two thousand head of cattle bearing the Hall brand beside many which they have killed for beef and sold. A most wonderful increase if claimed that it is honestly come by. Their fav- orite method of acquiring this increase was to choose from the L. C. or C. A. bar cattle the choicest cows with calves which were driven to some lonely, isolated place in the hills and there rope the cow and kill her by beating in the forehead with a rock. The calf was then driven to the ranch and branded with the Hall brand. The better class of mares with suckling colts were treated in the same manner.

o some lonely, isolated place in the hills and there rope the cow and kill her by beating in the forehead with a rock. The calf was then driven to the ranch and branded with the Hall brand. The better class of mares with suckling colts were treated in the same manner. Thus they not only robbed the stock owners of their calves and colts but they ruthlessly destroyed the parent animals that they might more effectually cover up all traces of their crime. On one occasion Thomas Lyons, superinten- dent of the L. C. Cattle company came across the carcasses of two of his best cows recently ( 83 )killed in this manner. In just anger at such barbarous business he threatened punishment to the perpetrators should he find one more. Mr. Lyons’ conversation was repeated to Tom Hall who remarked that the d — n fool might have found another if he had looked close; continuing his conversation he said that if Lyons had gone over to the cedar brakes a few miles away he could have found twenty-seven that his brothers Dick and Bob together with him- self had killed the second day after those found by Mr. Lyons. There is also evidence showing that the gang were in the habit of driving cattle from the ranges and butchering them and dis- posing of the meat for whatever they could get.

s Dick and Bob together with him- self had killed the second day after those found by Mr. Lyons. There is also evidence showing that the gang were in the habit of driving cattle from the ranges and butchering them and dis- posing of the meat for whatever they could get. The hides were usually placed in a pit, a good fire built upon top and this evidence of the crime destroyed. Barns of obnoxious neighbors were burned, grain, implements of agriculture or for household use carried off, wire from wire fences carried away and a thousand and one other indignities put upon nearly all of the settlers on the Gila river, and from the river to Alma on the north and to Silver City on the south. There is positive evidence that two bands of stolen horses have been run out of the coun- try within the last month by this gang. The Hall outfit had two mares when they came to Pine Cienega but these most prolific animals raised nine two-year old colts the first year. It is need- less to say that this was accomplished by the parent-killing process described above. Another scheme pursued by some of the gang was to put a light brand upon sucking calves, merely scorching it to the roots of the hair.

nine two-year old colts the first year. It is need- less to say that this was accomplished by the parent-killing process described above. Another scheme pursued by some of the gang was to put a light brand upon sucking calves, merely scorching it to the roots of the hair. The owner riding the range sees that the calves are branded all right with his brand and pays no more at- tention to them; but the thief has his eye on the animal and when old enough to be taken from the mother he runs it off and puts his own brand on permanently. More than twenty such cases of branding calves belonging to the Enterprise Cattle syn- dicate, were found during the round up last week. These were only of recent occurrence; how many had been lost by this company through the same means will never be known. It must be remembered that this is only one of the measures employed by the thieves and the number which were discovered was only a small percentage of that lost through the year by one company. What then must the stockmen of that vicinity have lost all told by the raids

It must be remembered that this is only one of the measures employed by the thieves and the number which were discovered was only a small percentage of that lost through the year by one company. What then must the stockmen of that vicinity have lost all told by the raids of this gang upon their property during the past three years? Enough to impoverish any persons engaged in a less profitable business. The many crooked things discovered at the recent round-up on the Gila and Duck Creek bore fruit on Sunday last. No longer able to endure the wrongs put upon them, the cattle owners determined to bring the criminals to account before the proper legal tribunals. At 3 o’clock p.m. Deputy Sheriff John Johnson began to summon a posse to aid in making the arrests. After considerable annoyance by rea- son of excuses offered by several who through fear of, or sympathy with the rustlers, declined to serve, he at a late hour secured a force of thirteen men well armed and willing to enforce the service of warrants of arrest which had been sworn out before the nearest Justice.At 11 o’clock p.m. the ranch of Wm. D. Witt Nicknamed Skeet, on Duck Creek was reached. The door was found nailed fast. No response was given to repeated knocking for admittance, but a noise was heard from the inside which apprised them that someone was within.

st Justice.At 11 o’clock p.m. the ranch of Wm. D. Witt Nicknamed Skeet, on Duck Creek was reached. The door was found nailed fast. No response was given to repeated knocking for admittance, but a noise was heard from the inside which apprised them that someone was within. The door was broken open and Witt was found in the chimney with a six shooter cocked in his hand. He was asked to surrender and drop his gun but refused. Fred Golden, foreman of the W. S. ranch at Alma threw his shot gun down on Witt telling him if he did not drop his gun and surrender before he. Golden, counted three that he would load him with buckshot. Witt allowed Golden to count two and then dropped his gun and surrendered; but remarked that if Tom Lyons had been in front instead of Deputy Sheriff Johnson he would have killed Lyons. It is to be supposed that he was enraged against Mr. Lyons for entering a protest against being robbed. The posse then proceeded to the house of Tom Hall at Pine Cienega where they were met by another posse from the C. A. bar ranch. The house was sur- rounded and the prisoner was told to talk to Tom Hall which he did, telling him the house was surrounded and he might as well surrender, which he did with the use of a great deal of profane and vile language.

another posse from the C. A. bar ranch. The house was sur- rounded and the prisoner was told to talk to Tom Hall which he did, telling him the house was surrounded and he might as well surrender, which he did with the use of a great deal of profane and vile language. At daybreak a por- tion of the posse, which had gone ahead to surround the house of Peter S. Hall, Sr., entered the house and made a demand that he surren- der, which acceding to the inevitable he quietly did. It was now discovered that Peter Hall Jr. ( 84 )at Bill Bates’ ranch in Bear Valley, where they now directed their course as quickly as possible. On the way thither the house of Dick Hall was passed; they had just got by when Mrs. Hall rode rapidly along the trail from the house out- stripping those who attempted to catch or detain her. Capt. French of the W. S. ranch at Alma who was like most honest men in the community lending his aid in the business at hand, gave chase and commanded her to halt, but she con- tinued on her way, as the captain expressed it “the devil wouldn’t stop her, you know.” The horses of the ranchers who had been traveling the entire night were fagged and Mrs. Hall reached Bates’ ranch far enough in advance to give the alarm, crying out mob, mob, they are killing every one in the valley. Peter Hall, Jr.

e devil wouldn’t stop her, you know.” The horses of the ranchers who had been traveling the entire night were fagged and Mrs. Hall reached Bates’ ranch far enough in advance to give the alarm, crying out mob, mob, they are killing every one in the valley. Peter Hall, Jr., Steve Kemp, Riley and Jo Witt, brother of the one first arrested, saddled their horses and started from the house as the party of officers came in sight. Now came a race such as is never seen anywhere but in the far west; each man with his pistol, shotgun or rifle in hand, rode a mad race ; the pursuers to intercept, the pursued to escape. You might bet your money freely that the best horses and riders would win, no throwing the race here. This continued for two miles without perceptible gain on either side, until Steve Kemp’s horse fell, the pistol which Kemp held in his hand cocked and ready to turn upon his pursuers, was discharged, the bullet entering his horse’s brain. He imme- diately mounted behind Riley and the chase continued for half a mile farther, the sheriff’s posse gaining some ground. Here Steve Kemp called to Deputy Sheriff Johnson and J. D. Birch that they wanted a parley which was granted.

he bullet entering his horse’s brain. He imme- diately mounted behind Riley and the chase continued for half a mile farther, the sheriff’s posse gaining some ground. Here Steve Kemp called to Deputy Sheriff Johnson and J. D. Birch that they wanted a parley which was granted. Kemp informed the officer that his posse had to fight as they would not surrender, but upon being told that they only had a warrant for one of the party, Peter Hall, Jr., he was turned over and the chase ceased. Another young lady in Pine Cienega exhibited her skill as a rider that night. Miss Lulu Jackson rode from Dick Hall’s ranch to Dan Neil’s at the head of the Cienega, distancing her competitors. She went to give the alarm but Neil had already flown, having been forewarned. nor made any attempt to escape. The prisoners were brought in and safely lodged in the county jail; a thing which could not have been accomp- lished in any other western settlement. These men had stolen, burned and buffaloed, bull- dosed and harrassed the settlers for over three years.

attempt to escape. The prisoners were brought in and safely lodged in the county jail; a thing which could not have been accomp- lished in any other western settlement. These men had stolen, burned and buffaloed, bull- dosed and harrassed the settlers for over three years. Risking their lives for years previous, against the bloodthirsty Indians on the ouskirts of civilization they had by economy, hardship and toil acquired from a small nucleus good herds of horses and cattle in remuneration for their labors and when about to enjoy the well earned fruition of their hopes of the tedious years, passed in isolation and privation far from the enjoyments of the civilized world, they are now robbed of what they had so long battled for. Not content with ordinary horse or cattle stealing these people introduce a new feature in the business. They appropriate to their own use the young increase of the herds and besides destroy the original parent stock that the colts and calves may not return to the mothers with a stolen brand upon them and thus lead to their detection. Our informant states that there is positive evidence to convict each of the prisoners on a dozen charges and that others will be arrested as accessories; that they have a vast amount of information unknown to the thieves. The only wonder is that the pris- oners ever reached the jail alive.

tes that there is positive evidence to convict each of the prisoners on a dozen charges and that others will be arrested as accessories; that they have a vast amount of information unknown to the thieves. The only wonder is that the pris- oners ever reached the jail alive. While such measures are to be deplored yet who would censure severely the long suffering settlers had they exterminated such a horde. The prisoners were brought before Justice Givens on Wed- nesday, and they waived examination. Their bonds were placed at $3000 each, in default of which they were committed to jail.