Frontier Index, Aug 11, 1868 HIP, HIP, HURRAH!—Guess not; there cannot be any white men in a town that runs two Democratic tickets against none Republican. O, No, some other place is people by white western men, not Green River, surely. In the contest last Thursday, for city officers, the most regular democratic ticket carried the day by a large majority over the irregular one. The following are the names of the officers elected: Councilmen. JOSEPH BINNS, JAMES W. BUCK, F.H. BUZZARD, JOHN L. TERRY, JAMES B. BROWN. Marshal. THOMAS J. SMITH. Clerk. HARRY OWENSON Treasurer. W.H. DIXON. Assessor L.L. BURNS. If the parties named had not been good men, our community would not have been apt to have elected them. The Police Judge will be chosen by the Council at their next meeting. We are glad to know that we have a civil instead of a military government. We prefer, by far, to see some good civilians make an honest support out of fines for misdemeanors of the unruly ones, rather than to have a pompous shoulder strapper declare our community under martial law, and impose unjust fines and shove the proceeds into his pockets. --- Frontier Index, Aug 11, 1868 CITY ORDINANCE CHAPTER I. Be it ordained by the President and Board of Trustees of Green River City, Dakota Territory. 1st That is shall be unlawful for any person to carry concealed weapons of any kind within the corporate limits of said city. 2nd That is shall be unlawful for any person to shoot or discharge and fire-arm, air gun or other deadly weapons within said corporate limits. 3rd That it shall be unlawful for any person to be on the streets or in any public place in said city under the influence of intoxicating liquors. 4th That is shall be unlawful for any person to make loud and unusual noises, or to boisterously or uncivilly conduct himself or herself, or in any way disturb the peace of the citizens of said city as to fight or threaten to fight in said corporate limits. 5th That is shall be unlawful for a ny person to be guilty of indecent public exposure. 6th That any person found guilty of any of the above offences shall forfeit and pay a fine of not less than five nor more than ten dollars. 7th That is shall be the duty of the City Marshal to arrest any person committing any of the above named offences, and take him, her or them before the proper officers to be dealt with according to law. Be it ordained, that there shall be a chief and other policemen in numbers sufficient to maintain the good order and peace of the city. In accordance with the provisions of the law in such cases made and provided, (this being a case of emergency,) it is ordered that the above ordinance be in full force and effect from the date of the passage thereof. JOSEPH BINNS, President of the board of Trustees. Attest: HARRY OWENSON, Clerk. --- Rock Springs Independent (Extra), Sep 3, 1885 THE EXODUS! THE CHINESE MUST GO! Driven out of Rock Springs with rifle and revolver—Sixteen killed and Many wounded—Chinatown Burned to the Ground. To-day for the first time in a good many years there is not a Chinaman in Rock Springs. The five or six hundred who were working in the mines here have been driven out, and nothing but heaps of smoking ruins mark the spot where Chinatown stood. The feeling against the Chinese has been growing stronger all summer. The fact that the white men had been turned off the sections, and the hundreds of white men were seeking in vain for work, while the Chinese were being shipped in by the car load and given work strengthened the feeling against them. It needed but little to incite this feeling into an active crusade against them, and that little came yesterday morning at No. 6. All the entries of No. 6 were stopped the first of the month, and Mr. Evans, the foreman, marked off a number of rooms in the entries. In No. 5 entry eight Chinamen were working and four rooms were marked off for them. In No. 13 Mr. Whitehouse and Jenkins were working and Evans told them they could have rooms in that entry or in No. 11 or 5. They chose No. 5, and when they went to work Tuesday Dave Brookman, who was acting as pit boss in Mr. Francis absence, told them to take the first rooms marked off. He supposed the Chinamen had begun work on their room and that Whitehouse and Jenkins would take the next room beyond them. But as the two first rooms of the Chinamen had been commenced, Whitehouse took one, not knowing they had been given to the Chinamen. He went up town in the afternoon and in his absence the two Chinamen came in and began work in the room Whitehouse had started. Wednesday morning when Whitehouse came to work two Chinaman were in possession of what he considered his room. He ordered them out, but they wouldn’t leave what they thought was their room. The Chinese from other rooms came rushing in as did the whites and a fight ensued, with picks, shovels, drills and needles for weapons. The Chinamen were worsted, four of them being badly wounded, one of whom has since died. A number of white men were severely bruised and cut. An attempt was made to settle the matter but the men were excited and bound to go out. They accordingly came out, armed themselves with rifles, shot guns and revolvers to protect themselves from the Chinese, they said, and started up town. After coming through Chinatown they left their guns behind them and marched down the front street and dispersed about noon. In the meantime all was excitement in Chinatown. The flag was hoisted as a warning, and the Chinamen gathered to their quarters from all parts of the town, being gently urged by chunks of coal and brickbats from a crowd of boys. After dinner all the saloons were closed, and a majority of men from all the mines gathered into the streets. Most of them had fire arms although knives, hatchets and clubs were in the hands of some, it was finally decided that John must go then and there, and the small army of 60 or 70 armed men with as many more stragglers went down the track toward Chinatown. On the way they routed out a number of Chinese section men who fled for Chinatown followed by a few stray shot. When the crowd got as far as No. 3 switch they sent forward a committee of three to warn the Chinamen to leave in an hour. Word was sent back that they would go, and very soon there was a running to and fro, and gathering of bundles that showed John was preparing to move out. But the men grew impatient. They thought John was too slow in getting out, and might be preparing to defend his position. In about half an hour an advance was made on the enemy’s works, with much shooting and shouting. The hint was sufficient. Without offering any resistance the Chinamen snatched up whatever they could lay their hands on, and started east on the run. Some were bareheaded and barefooted, others carried a small bundle in a handkerchief, while a number had rolls of bedding. They fled like a flock of frightened sheep scrambling and tumbling down the steep banks of Bitter Creek, then through the sage brush and over the railroad and up into the hills east of Burning Mountain. Some of the men were engaged in searching the houses and driving out the stray Chinamen who were in hiding, while others followed up the retreating Chinamen, encouraging their flight with showers of bullets fired over their heads. All the stores in town were closed, and men, women and children were out watching the hurried exit of John Chinaman, and every one seemed glad to see them on the wing. Soon a black smoke was seen issuing from the peak of a house in “Hong Kong,” then from another, and very soon eight or ten of the largest of the houses were in flames. Half choked with fire and smoke, numbers of Chinamen came rushing from the burning buildings, and with blankets and bed quilts over their heads to protect themselves from stray rifle shots they followed their retreating brothers into the hills at the top of their speed. After completing their work here the crowd came across to Ah Lee’s laundry. There was no sign of a Chinaman here at first. But a vigorous search revealed one hidden away in a corner. But he would not or dare not come out. Then the roof was broken through and shots fired to scare him out, but a shot in return showed the Chinaman was armed. A rush through the door followed, then came a scuffle and a number of shots, and looking through an opening in the roof a dead Chinaman was seen on the floor with blood and brains oozing from a terrible wound in the back of his head. Foreman Evans was next visited and told to leave on the evening train. He quietly said he would go. He afterwards asked to be allowed to stay till the next day to get his things ready, but a vote of the men decided against allowing this favor and about four hours after Mr. Evans left for the east. The crowd next visited the house of Soo Qui a boss Chinaman, but Soo had gone to Evanston and only his wife was in the house. She came to the door much terrified and with tearful eyes and trembling voice said “Soo he go; I go to him.” The assurance of the men that she could stay in the house and would not be harmed did not calm her fears. She did not like the looks of the armed crowd and gathering a small armful of household treasures she left and was afterwards taken in by a neighbor. Then a few Chinamen working in No. 1 came out and were hustled up the hills after their fleeing brothers. “Well, gentlemen, the next thing is to give Mr. O’Donnell notice to leave, and then go over to No. 6,” said one of the men in the crowd. But the crowd was slow in starting on this errand. A large number seemed to think this was going too far and of the crowd that gathered in front of O’Donnell’s store the majority did not sympathize with this move. But at somebody’s orders a note ordering O’Donnell to leave was written and given to Gotsche his teamster. Joe Young the Sheriff came down from Green River in the evening, and guards were out all night to protect the property of the citizens in case of a disturbance. But everything was quiet in town. Over in Chinatown, however, the rest of the houses were burned, the whole of them, numbering about forty, being consumed to the ground. The Chinese section house and also the houses at No. 6 were burned and Chinamen were chased out of nearly all the burning buildings. All the night long the sound of rifle and revolver was heard and the surrounding hills were lit by the glare of the burning houses. A look around the scenes of yesterday’s troubles revealed some terrible sights this morning (Thursday.) In the smoking cellar of one Chinese house the blackened bodies of three Chinamen were seen. Three others were in the cellar of another and four more bodies were found nearby. From the position of some of the bodies it would seem as if they had began to dig a hole in the cellar to hide themselves. But the fire overtook them when about half way in the hole, burning their lower extremities to a crisp and leaving the upper portion of their body untouched. At the east end of Chinatown another body was found, charred by the flames and mutilated by hogs. The smell that arose from the smoking ruins was horribly suggestive of burning flesh. Farther east were the bodies of four more Chinamen, shot down in their flight; one of them had tumbled over the bank and lay in the creek with face upturned and distorted. Still further another Chinaman was found, shot through the hips but still alive. He had been shot just as he come to the bank and had fallen over and lay close the edge of the bank. He was taken up town and cared for by Dr. Woodruff. Besides this two others were seriously wounded, and many who got away were more slightly hurt. The trains to-day have picked up a large number of Chinamen on the track and taken them west. Judge ??????? summoned a Coroners jury who with Dr. Woodruff, examined the dead bodies of the Chinamen and returned that eleven had been burned to death and four shot by parties unknown to the jury. The bodies were put into rough coffins and buried in the Chinese burying grounds. At noon Gov. Warren with a number of the railway officials came in on a special and took a view of the situation. A quantity of provisions was sent west in the afternoon for a large number of Chinese who were down near Green River. --- Rock Springs Miner, Oct 24, 1895 Legal Notice THE STATE OF WYOMING ) ) ss. COUNTY OF SWEETWATER ) IN THE DISTRICT COURT In the matter of the application of Charles Victor Paterson to have his name changed to Charles Victor Molsted, NOTICE TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN:-- You will take notice that Charles Victor Peterson, the above named petitioner, has filed in the office of the Clerk of the District Court within and for the County of Sweetwater, in the State of Wyoming, his petition in the above entitled matter, the object and prayer of which said petition is, that an order and judgment be made and entered in the said matter by the said court changing the name of said petitioner from Charles Victor Peterson to Charles Victor Molsted, and for such further relief as may be proper in the premises. Now, therefore, any person or persons who may desire to resist the said application will appear and answer said petition on or before the 14th day of December, A. D. 1865 {sic}, or judgment will be entered in the said matter as in said petition prayed for. CHARLES VICTOR PETERSON, Petitioner E. E. Enterline Attorney for Petitioner Dated October 24th, 1895. --- Rock Springs Miner, Aug 20, 1896 Sketch of Mrs. Malloy. Mrs. Sarah Malloy, upon whom the Wyoming State Republican convention has conferred the distinguished honor of a nomination as one of the three presidential electors of the "Equality state," to vote for McKinley and Hobart, is the wife of Lawrence Malloy, superintendent of the Wyoming division of the Union Pacific railway, having his headquarters at Cheyenne. United States Senator Clarence D. Clark, in an eloquent address ratifying the nominations, took occasion to say: "For the first time in the history of this great nation there will be found when the votes are cast a woman's electoral vote for the president of the United States, and that woman's vote of necessity will and must be cast for the man who represents the purity of home, honesty in political affairs and protection to American industries and hearths." Mrs. Malloy is essentially a domestic woman, having married in early woman hood, and is the mother of four children. Her oldest son is 18 years of age. She was born about 40 years ago in the little village of Central College, near Columbus, Ohio, but has lived in Wyoming since 1870. Her father, F. R. S. Strong, was for many years in the railway service, and is now an old veteran, having been a soldier in the civil war. The highest mission of woman Mrs. Malloy believes to be in the home; but her broad sympathies have led her to take an interest in the deeper problems that concern humanity. Her charities are numerous, and the poor people in Cheyenne can testify to her kindness of heart. On all important questions affecting her rights as a citizen, Mrs. Malloy deems it a duty to vote, and has uniformly supported the republican party. On one occasion she was chosen to serve as a delegate in the Laramie county convention, and as an active member of the Woman's Republican league has rendered valuable service to the party. Her nomination as one of the presidential electors meets with the general approval of all republicans in Wyoming.-- Sun-Leader. --- Rock Springs Miner, Jan 21, 1897 Golden Wedding Celebration On January 11th, 1897, the fiftieth anniversary of the wedding of Mr. Charles Wright Spence and Elizabeth Morrison Spence, the parents of our respected citizen, Charles, Andrew and George Spence, was celebrated amid much rejoicing, at their residence in Wellsville, Cache county, Utah. Over one hundred guests were present, including members of the family. Among the latter were their two sons, George and Andrew and son-in-law, Peter McBride and grandson and daughter, Peter McBride, Jr., and Elizabeth McBride from Rock Springs, who have since returned. A marriage feast was prepared and served by the family. The table groaned with its burden of good things and from the cellar was drawn the best of vintage. It was a feast in truth, such as suited the occasion, and conducive to the comfort and happiness of the participants, who imparted joy to the old couple by their friendly actions and kind expressions. After supper the hours sped fast with song and dance. Father Spence showed his vocal power by singing "Old Dogy Tray" and Mother Spence was equally full of melody with her excellent rendition of "Doon the Burn, Davie Lad." After their meritorious efforts the old couple were liberally cheered. Presents, handsome, appropriate and in large numbers were presented to them by the guests and many more came from absent friends in Rock Springs, to whom, through the MINER, they desire to express their thanks for so kindly remembering them. While the Spence brothers were at home they attended a party in the hall, given in honor of two elders who were about to depart on a mission to Manitoba and other parts in Canada. A purse of $250 was presented to them as a gift from the people of Wellsville. Andrew and George also joined a surprise party who besieged the home of Elder Thomas Leisbman, who will, in a short time, go on a mission to Great Britain. A golden wedding is an event of rare occurence and, therefore, most important in social circles. The Spence brothers are popularly known here, being men of sterling worth and principle and the MINER'S readers being interested in the old couple, the parents of our friends, who heard the golden wedding bells ring forth their joyful sound, we have persuaded Mr. A. M. Spence to give us a brief history of their lives which we take pleasure in publishing. SKETCH OF THE LIFE OF CHARLES WRIGHT SPENCE. Charles Wright Spence was born November 5, 1824, in the little village of Smeaton, near Kirkcaldy, Fifeshire, Scotland. He is the son of Alexander Hunter Spence and Catherine Wright. His father served as a soldier under King George the Third of Great Britain, and afterwards held the office of an elder in the United Presbyterian church of Scotland. He died when young Charles was but four years old, and of course the latter never knew much of a father's love. His widowed mother was left in rather poor circumstances, with a family of six small children. Charles, when only ten years of age, was sent to work at a spinning mill and for his labor received six cents a day which went to help to sustain the family. Becoming dissatisfied he applied himself to shoemaking for one year, but not liking the trade he went down into the bowels of the earth as a coal miner and at this business he remained 30 years. His last coal mining was done in Rock Springs in 1873. SKETCH OF THE LIFE OF ELIZABETH MORRISON SPENCE. Elizabeth Morrison Spence was born January 3, 1827, at Dysart, Fifeshire, Scotland. She is the daughter of Elder James Morrison and Jane Miller. Mr. Morrison had two families; his first wife had by him nine sons and one daughter; his second wife had by him two sons and two daughters. Mother Spence was the youngest of the second family. She was twelve years old when her father died. Shortly after the death of her father the family moved to the little town of Galiatown. Mr. Morrison held the office of an elder in the United Presbyterian church of Scotland, and was a God fearing man, very much respected by all who knew him. It was there where Father and Mother Spence first became acquainted. It must have been a case of love at first sight as they had never seen one another before and it was some time before they saw each other again. But he often asked his companions where the "pretty black eyed lassie that wore the blue frock" lived. It seems that fate drew them together, for shortly after that they got married at Dysart, by Rev. William Muir, Jan. 11th, 1847, notwithstanding the fact that his companions used their best endeavors to break up the match. Shortly after their marriage they moved to the town of Lochgelly, where both were converted to Mormonism and were baptized by Elder David Hutchinson, of Wellsville. No sooner had they received the Gospel than the spirit of gathering to the bosom of the church in Utah rested upon them, but circumstances prevented them until the month of October, 1872. They arrived with their family in Rock Springs on November 3rd, 1872 and in March, 1873, went to Wellsville, Utah, where they have since resided. RAISED AN EXEMPLARY FAMILY Mr. and Mrs. Spence had eleven children, five sons and six daughters. One daughter, Isabella, died in Scotland; another daughter, Jane Spence Leatham, died and was buried at Rexburg, Idaho, and a third daughter, Catherine Spence McBride, wife of Peter McBride, of Rock Springs, died at Salt Lake city and was buried in the cemetery at Wellsville. One son, James Spence, died on the train near Evanston, on his way home to Wellsville from Rock Springs. There are still living four sons, viz: Alexander, Charles, George and Andrew M. and three daughters, Elizabeth Spence Cooper, Grace Spence Bailey and Margaret M. They have forty seven grandchildren. They are comfortable in their old age in their happy home at Wellsville, surrounded by loving daughters, noble sons and true friends. Firm believers in the gospel of the Latter Day Saints, they have done much good on earth and are still engaged in the noble work. Father Spence has held every office in the Priesthood except that of a Seventy from a Deacon to a High Priest. The family are all members of the church in good standing. Two of their sons have performed honorable missions in the nations of the earth. They felt honored to see so many of their friends come to pay their respects on the fiftieth anniversary of their wedding day and they desire to be kindly remembered to all their friends in Rock Springs. --- Rock Springs Miner no. 40 September 23, 1897 The shooting of Abiathar Jones. Mr. Abiathar Jones, one of Sweetwater county's prosperous sheep growers, and brother of Mrs. George Richards, was shot on Sunday by young Willie Davenport, only nineteen years of age, son of Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Davenport. In a case of this kind where all parties interested are so well known, the MINER, in order to prevent injustice to any one, has been careful in finding out as near as possible the exact particulars which we here present to our readers: On Saturday preceding the shooting George Richards, Jones' brother-in-law, and Abiathar Jones discovered the trail of a small bunch of sheep which, they supposed, had been stolen and as they ha been lately missing some sheep from their own bands, they concluded they would follow the trail to see if the sheep belonged to them. On Sunday they took up the trail on Spring creek near the Driscoll cabin and followed it in a north-westerly direction four to five miles to a spring where the camp had been made the night before. The continued on the trail, going down the creek to the gap of Spring creek, where they ran on to the sheep. They were being herded by Levi Jaynes. Richards and Jones looked through the bunch, but there was not a sheep belonging to Richards or Jones among them. Levi Jaynes informed them that Billy Davenport had been with him and that he expected him back soon. They asked Levi who owned the sheep. He replied that they belonged to him as he had bought them. There were about 75 sheep in the bunch, most of them carrying Tom Davenport's brand. After they found the sheep did not belong to them Richards and Jones started for home. They had ridden about two miles when Billy Davenport suddenly appeared on horseback behind them. As he brushed past George Richards he said, "How are you Richards?" and riding up alongside Jones repeated three times in quick succession, "I haven't stolen any of your sheep," at the same time drawing his pistol which, it appeared he was carrying in front of his saddle, he swing it around upon Abiathar who, seeing the danger he was in, jumped off his horse to the ground. his feet had hardly touched the ground when Davenport shot him through the suspender on the right side. The ball went through the shoulder blade and lodged against the skin at the back. Immediately after the first shot Davenport started his horse on the run, firing three more shots at Abiathar as he galloped away. Abiathar with difficulty managed to get his gun to his shoulder and fired three shots at the fleeing figure, but none took effect. Mr. Richards then placed Abiathar on his horse and together they moved slowly along, Jones becoming very weak through loss of blood. In this way they traveled six or seven miles. Casebeer's camp was the first place they reached where Abiathar was able to get some rest. Mr. Richards sent a man to his ranch for a team and wagon to come and meet them. About two or three miles from the ranch the men came in sight with the team. Jones was immediately placed in the wagon and driven to the ranch where he was made as comfortable as possible, then a long, tedious, slow walk to town began. Mr. Jones has a strong constitution which stood him in good stead and by careful nursing by his sister and slow driving by Mr. Richards, the trip to Green River was successfully made. They arrived at the county seat about 4 o'clock p.m. on Monday, when the wounded man was immediately placed under the care of Dr. Haws and his wife. The bullet was removed, also a piece of suspender which the bullet dragged into the wound, and the wound dressed. He is receiving every attention and strong hopes are entertained of his recovery. The latest report is that his condition is very favorable. The motive which prompted the shooting we cannot at present explain. Evidently there must have been some previous misunderstanding between the two young men. We have been told the best of feeling did not exist between them. Both have the reputation of being quiet, peaceable citizens. Mr. Jones we have known from boyhood and there is not a more honorable young man in the state. The occurrence is certainly to be deplored. --- Rock Springs Miner no. 46 November 11, 1897 Adjudged Insane. Yesterday Adam Bell, an old and respected resident of Rock Springs, was adjudged insane before county clerk, Lloyd P. Thomas, by a jury composed of Joseph Young, foreman; W.B. Rae, clerk, and J.F. Hodge, John Thrift, Soren Larsen and Robert Smith. Mr. Bell is laboring under a hallucination that all his friends have gone back on him, making faces at him and all the time trying to belittle and annoy him. Dr. R. Harvey Reed, who made a thorough examination of him, testified before the jury that both his spine and brain were diseased and that he needed treatment at once. Mrs. Bell and other witnesses gave positive evidence of his late peculiarities. Save on the one thing his mind is perfectly clear, Mr. Bell was submissive, stating the he was willing to go away for treatment, if the doctor and jury, who he recognized as friends, thought his condition needed it. Deputy sheriff Peter Swanson leaves tonight with him for Evanston. A jury impaneled by Mr. Thomas on Tuesday, J.P. McDermott, foreman, H. Humphrey, A. Keirle, J.A. Guild, E. Levitt and John Iredale, after hearing all the testimony in the case, brought in a verdict of disagreement. --- Rock Springs Miner no. 48 November 25, 1897 Charles S. Erswell, who shot and killed McCrimlesk, a soldier in Cheyenne some months ago, was acquitted this week the jury rendering a verdict of “not guilty”. The verdict met the approval of the public who were greatly interested in the case. --- Rock Springs Miner no. 50 December 09, 1897 Dr. R. Harvey Reed. A Brief Sketch of the New Superintendent of the Wyoming General Hospital Wyoming may consider itself very fortunate in securing Dr. R. Harvey Reed to superintend the General Hospital, located at Rock Springs. The doctor is now in Ohio arranging his business affairs and he expects to be able to leave with his family for Rock Springs about the 14th of the current month. As evidence of the high standing of Dr. Reed in Ohio, the MINER has only to state that the board of trustees of the Ohio Medical University have positively refused to accept his resignation of either his chair as professor of the principles and practice of surgery, or as a member of the board of trustees, but have extended him a year's vacation on the understanding that if the doctor does not find the change satisfactory he can take up the work in Ohio which he is now leaving. This certainly is the best recommendation a professional man can receive. The Columbus newspapers both Republican and Democratic, have given their readers a brief sketch of Dr. Reed and at the same time advertised Rock Springs very favorably. The following we slip from the Columbus Morning Press, of Nov. 28, 1897, which appeared a good picture of the doctor. The Press prints today a very excellent likeness of Dr. R. Harvey Reed, residing on Buttles avenue, this city, who has lately been appointed by the board of Charities and Reform to the position of superintendent and surgeon-in-chief of the Wyoming General Hospital, located at Rock Springs, Wyo. Dr. Reed has been a practicing physician in this city for a number of years and is a member of the Columbus Academy of Medicine as well as other local scientific and professional organizations. Dr. Reed took a prominent part in the late convention in Columbus of the National Association of Military Surgeons and is very closely identified with the growth and activity of the capital city in many ways. He has many friends here who are congratulating him on his late appointment. Dr. Reed was in the extreme west lately on a hunting expedition and while away captured two very nice plums, the one being the superintendency of the Wyoming General Hospital, owned and operated by the state, and the other being the surgeonship of the Union Pacific Railway company west of the Mississippi river. The doctor will remove with his wife to Rock Springs the latter part of December. Dr. Redd was born in the proverbial log cabin near the village of Dalton, Wayne county, Ohio, in 1841, and is an Ohio man in every sense of the word, filled to the brim with Ohio ideas and vim. His primary education was obtained in the old-fashioned country school house. He attended high school at Dalton and subsequently studied at Mt. Union college, at Alliance, Ohio. Owing to limited means at the time Dr. Reed was obliged to earn money to work his way through college. Between the ages of 17 and 19 he taught his first terms of school for which he received the munificent salary of $20 per month. He used to walk four miles every morning to the school he taught and did chores at his uncle's boarding house, besides being janitor. He taught his last term of school at East Granville, Ohio, where he was also superintendent for a time. He began the study of medicine at Alliance and attended the medical department of the University of Pennsylvania at Philadelphia. While in that city he was elected resident physician of the Mission hospital and graduated in the Centennial class of the university with high honors. After his graduate Dr. Reed was appointed surgeon of the Delaware Copper Mining Co., of Lake Superior, where he spent two years. He entered private practice in Ohio at West Salem where he remained until 1880. In that year he went to Mansfield where he was appointed surgeon of the B. & O. For several years he has been surgeon of the C.S. & H. railway in this city. He is a charter member of the O.M.U. and was elected to the chair of the principles and practices of surgery in the same in '91. He has been surgeon at the Protestant hospital and editor of the Columbus Medical Journal. He was one of the organizers of the National Association of Railway surgeons which he served as treasurer for ten years. He was one of the organizer of the Ohio Sanitarium association and drew up the bill which was enacted into law creating the state board of health. The Oho State Journal of the same date also refers to Dr. Reed's removal to this city in terms very complimentary to the doctor as well as to Rock Springs. It says: Dr. R. Havey Reed has accepted a quartet of positions at Rock Springs, Wyo., and will remove there with the family the latter part of December. Dr. Reed has been appointed superintendent of the Wyoming State Hospital, assistant surgeon of the Union Pacific coal mines and surgeon of the garrison of United States troops, stationed near Rock Springs. When Dr. Reed was in Chicago the early part of October attending the national convention of railway surgeons, he was offered the position of assistant surgeon of the Union Pacific by the chief surgeon of that company. The duties of the position were wholly unfamiliar to Dr. Reed and before accepting the proffer he decided to make a trip of personal investigation. This he did and upon arrival at Rock Springs was surprised by an offer from the state board of Charities and Reform of Wyoming of the superintendency of the State Hospital. Subsequently he was tendered the position of surgeon for the United States garrison. The position of surgeon of the Union Pacific coal mines is incidental to the position of assistant surgeon of the Union Pacific. All the position in fact except that of surgeon to the United States troops, are closely related to the hospital, while operated by the State of Wyoming sustains a close commity of interest with the Union Pacific. It is a large institution; the most important hospital of the West. All the injured employed upon the Union Pacific, in the Union Pacific coal mines and most of the injured of the state population are sent to the hospital for treatment. The Union Pacific operates near Rock Springs the largest coal mine in the world, employing from 1500 to 1600 men, with a daily output of from 5000 to 10,000 tons. Dr. Reed will have absolute authority in the selection of the hospital employes. The hospital building was destroyed by fire some time ago and the new building will be opened under the doctor's management. Rock Springs is located upon the western slop of the great Rocky mountain divide, in the midst of the most beautiful and picturesque scenery imaginable, with a perfect climate and within 200 miles of the finest fruit growing districts of the West. To the north of the town extends a large expanse of ranch country, where thousands of sheep and cattle are grazed. The town is one of the busiest of the West, with solidly established banks, substantially built public buildings and dwellings, and the largest, richest coal fields in the world. Dr. Reed, while reluctant to forsake his Columbus practice, anticipates and agreeable and profitable residence in the great Northwest. --- Rock Springs Miner no. 1 December 30, 1897 Went Insane. Nick Miller, of Ham's Fork, became suddenly insane last week and caused considerable disturbance in the burg. He was taken to Evanston and placed in the asylum. --- Rock Springs Miner no. 10 March 03, 1898 Interesting News from Wellsville Editor MINER:-- Thinking some of your MINER readers would like to hear from Wellsville, I again beg a small space in your valuable paper. We have had a very pleasant winter; snow not over eighteen inches deep at any time, and we have had the best sleighing I have experienced for many years. There has been no wind to drift the snow piles and although sometimes quite cold, as low as 28 degrees below zero, yet, with no wind to accompany the frost, it has been pleasant. At the present time we have very little snow. It is nearly all gone and sleighing is a thing of the past. The crop of mud is great and gum boots are indispensable. George Washington’s birthday was celebrated by the school pupils giving a grand concert; in the afternoon for children free and at night to adults with a small admission fee. After the concert, those wishing to dance had the opportunity to do so by purchasing dance tickets, the proceeds of which are to be used for enlarging the school library. On the 11th of this month, it being the 80th birthday of Grandma Elizabeth Archibald, her sons, daughters, grandson and daughter, invited some of their friends to a grand repast at the residence of her son Alexander. Your correspondent and wife being honored, we gladly accepted the invitation, but I am unable to convey in words the sight that met the eyes of the guests. Tables that seated twenty-two persons groaned under their weight of good things and they were set and reset until 128 guests partook of the hospitality of the Archibald clan. It seemed as though every good thing was there. The vegetables fresh, the meats tender; f=pies and cakes to suit the sweetest tooth; the desserts beyond description caused us to exclaim—“It’s graun, bit ma waem’s fu, I canna bad nae mair.” The birthday cake was just immense, towering high above us all, beautifully decorated, candied and frosted, and really represented a monument of honor for Grandma. At 6 o’clock p.m., the guest took a rest for an hour, then dancing commenced and young and old heeled and toed to the polka; put in their best jig steps to the quadrille and showed their graceful figures to the best advantage in the waltz. The evening’s pleasures were entwined with songs and recitations. Refreshments were served during the evening “wi’ a wee drappie o’ the crater.” And still the fun grew fast and furious until the “we sma’ hours ayont the twal telt us it was time we were abed.” Grandma Archibald received many beautiful and appropriate presents from the guest individually, and from the company a large rocking chair, which she occupied during the might, watching her offspring and friends enjoying themselves in the dance. A SHORT SKETCH OF HER HISTORY. Mrs. Archibald was born in Linlithgowshire, Scotland, on Feb. 11th, 1818, and was married to Thomas Archibald in 1835. She was baptized a member in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints in 1848, by Robert Dean. Her husband died April 6th, 1857, leaving her with ten children, one of whom died while young. She emigrated to this country in 1862 with four children. Two of her children preceded her to this county and three followed. At New York her trunks were stolen and they were left without a change of clothes. She crossed the Atlantic on the ship William Tapscott, and crossed the plains with a team in Captain Hayett’s company. She has now seven children alive:-- One son at Cardston, Albert county, Canada; one son and daughter at Rexburg, Idaho; one son at Clarkston, Cache county, Utah, and two sons and one daughter in Wellsville, and they all have large families. She has 110 grandchildren and 123 great-grandchildren. At her 80th birthday she is surrounded by some of her children, grandchildren and friends and has everything to make her comfortable in her declining years. Today was our ward conference and we had several visitors from Logan and other places. We have had a delightful day enjoying the speeches of those who are our friends and brethren. Wishing to be remembered through the MINER to all my friends in Rock Springs and with well wishes for the MINER and Editor, I am, as ever, HAYSEED. Wellsville, Feb. 26, 1898. --- Rock Springs Miner no. 18 April 28, 1898 For a number of years Judge Craig has been a resident of Rawlins. He was born of Scottish parents near Belfast, Ireland, in 1858, and came to the United States when he attained his majority. He stopped at Brooklyn, New York, where he visited a married sister for a short time, then went to Baltimore, Maryland, to visit friends and finally settled in Danville, Illinois, in 1879, and became a wheat purchasing agent for M.M. Wright & Co., for whom a brother of Judge Craig is now head clerk. Tiring of this line of business he removed to Robinson, Crawford county, Illinois, and commenced the study of law under Robb & Bradbarry, Mr. Bradbarry being a cousin of Mr. Craig. In 1881 he stood his legal examination and was licensed by the appellate court and admitted to practice at Springfield, Ill., in 1884. In April, 1885, he located in Rawlins, where he has since resided. In 1888 he was first elected county and prosecuting attorney for Carbon county, and twice thereafter was elected to the same office. He was elected short term senator to the Wyoming legislature in 1894, since which he was appointed city attorney of Rawlins under E.T. Burke’s term as mayor. Judge Craig was married December 24, 1889, and has three children, two boys and a girl. His selection gives satisfaction to the people of this county, and the other counties in the 3d Judicial District. Judge Craig is honest, conscientious and learned in the law, and attorneys and litigants are getting fair and square treatment in his court. --- Rock Springs Miner no. 42 October 13, 1898 CHARLES SWANSON One of the Favorites of the Republican Party for the Lower House of the Legislature Everybody knows Charlie Swanson, and anybody will vote for him. The attempt of our democrat friends to hold him up in ridicule by making him the butt for their fun will redound to Charlie’s benefit and make his friends hang closer to him and cause them to work all the harder for his election. Charlie has a happy spirit and a heart larger than the entire Democratic party in Sweetwater County, and for the Democrats to poke fun at him is like a rabbit trying to injure an elephant. Hon. Charles Swanson is a native of Sweden, having been born at Norrkoping, the third largest town in that country, October 7, 1860, where he divided his young days by attending school and working in the mines until he was 19 years of age. In 1879 his ambition led him to look for a wider field, when he embarked for America. During the next six years after landing he was engaged in mining, first on Lake Superior, and then, traveling west, at Telluride and Boulder, Colorado. The following two years were devoted to prospecting around Atlantic City and South Pass, in this state, in which districts he located some valuable mining claims, which are destined to become heavy producers under proper development. In 1887 Mr. Swanson arrived at Blairtown, where Mr. P.J. Quealy was operating the Blair mine, and opened a cosy refreshment stand on the north side of the track. In 1889 he formed a partnership with Gus Swanlund, who was an employee of Mr. Quealy, and erected on North Front street the two-story building in which Swanson & Swanlund so long carried on business. The upper or second story is one large hall, and for a long time was the principal dancing hall in the town. A man of Mr. Swanson’s popularity is usually forced into politics and his republican principles have won for him great distinction. From 1894 to 1896 he faithfully served the town of Rock Springs as councilman. Today he is a member of the lower house of the state legislature, having been elected two years ago. During the last session in January and February he was a center figure with an influence that was hard to combat. He lays no claim to the possession of oratorical ability, but for powerful work among his fellow legislators on behalf of right and just measures he does not surrender the palm to any of them. Mr. Swanson was on the right side of every question, and if Sweetwater county knows its own interests it will return him to the legislature. Charlie is of the people and for the people all the time. --- Rock Springs Miner no. 42 October 13, 1898 Peter Appel Peter Appel, of Green River, Wyoming, one of the nominees for county commissioner on the Republican ticket, was born in Germany in 1846. Not satisfied with the opportunities at home, he, when he attained years that qualified him to think and act for himself, crossed the Atlantic in 1867 and sought a home in the land which he chose as his adopted country. After working hard in the mines of Indiana for several years he traveled west, arriving in Green River in the fall of 1873. It did not take Mr. Appel long to find out what would be a remunerative opportunity for him, and keeping his own counsel went right into business. From a small beginning he slowly worked his way until he became manager and owner of the Green River hotel, one of the largest building south of the U.P. main line which divides the town, where his family lives and which he makes his home while in town. There is not a more conscientious law-abiding, honorable citizen in Sweetwater county, possessing a reputation for impartiality and the administration of justice that won for him his election in 1894, and again his re-election last November as one of our county commissioners. He is a close figure and handles the county business as he does his own giving it the same studious attention. --- Rock Springs Miner no. 44 October 27, 1898 Marcus Outsen was born in Denmark in 1840, but spent most of his early life in Schleswick Holsetin, Germany, where he was married to the good lady who has been his help meet during a happy period of their life’s allotment. In 1870 Mr. and Mrs. Outsen bid farewell to Fatherland and came to America to make their home, where protection is found in every wave of Freedom’s flag. Settling first in New Jersey, Mr. Outsen remained about a year, but a desire to see more of this grand country guided his footsteps to Lawrence, Kansas. From Kansas he came to Wyoming in 1875, locating at Rawlins, where he entered the employment of the U.P. Railway company. Three years later he removed to Rock Springs where he has resided ever since. For sixteen consecutive years he worked for the U.P company, and he was a faithful, attentive and trustworthy employee. By steady industry and frugality, he acquired some means and having confidence in the town in which he lives, he invested part of his savings in real estate, being now the owner of four houses in this city. --- Rawlins Semi-Weekly Republican no. 70 September 01, 1900 BANDITS HOLD UP PASSENGER TRAIN This Time it Occurred at Tipton, West of Rawlins Four Men Blew Open the Express Safe on the West Bound Passenger About 8:30 Wednesday Night The second section of Union Pacific train No. 3, westbound, was held up, the safe in the express car blown open and the contents taken about two and half miles west of Tipton at 8:30 Wednesday night. Four men did the job quietly, and no one was hurt. The amount secured by the robbers is known only to the officials of the Pacific Express company, and naturally they decline to make a statement. The robbers secured a package containing $54 and a lot of jewelry from the local safe, but the amount they got out of the through safe, which was blown open with dynamite, will remain a secret. The stuff they took made a considerable showing in a gunny sack and the man who picked it up as they started off lifted it like the sack contained considerable weight. No. 3 was run in two sections Wednesday night, and was about on time. The second section about fifteen minutes behind the first. It consisted of one mail car, two baggage and express cars and two passenger coaches, which were filled principally with laborers for the grading camps west. Engineer Henry Wallenstine, of Rawlins, with engine 818 was pulling the train. Harry Weaver was his fireman. Conductor Kerrigan, of Cheyenne, was in charge of the train. ONE MAN ON THE ENGINE A representative of the REPUBLICAN interviewed Engineer Wallenstine yesterday, and from him the following story of the hold-up was obtained: “We stopped a moment at Tipton, which is 55 miles west of Rawlins, for orders, and it was 8:10 when we left. We had gone about a mile when I heard someone speak to me. I thought it was Harry Weaver, my fireman, and turned my head. A man with a red bandana handkerchief over his face was leaning against the gate which keeps the coal from falling down on the deck of the engine. He had a gun in each hand. One was pointed at my head; the other at the fireman. He repeated the command to slow up. He then stepped over behind me and told me to move up a little so he could sit down. He took a seat placing one gun behind my ear and with the other he kept the fireman covered. I slowed the train down and the hold-up told me to let it go a little faster, and then stop when we came up to a small camp fire that was burning beside the track. We soon rounded a curve and I saw the camp fire a short distance ahead. The man who held the gun at my ear said: “That is the fire; now stop.” He said to me that he did not want to hurt anyone, and we would be all right if we did as we were told. “He asked me particularly whether or not there were any guards on the train. I told him I did not know of there being any. He said: “You would know if there are, and you will be a dead man if there are.” “As soon as we came up to the fire the hold-up told the fireman and I to climb down from the engine. I saw two men standing beside the track and Conductor Kerrigan told me afterwards that there was another on the other side. “The hold-up who was on the engine, and who proved to be the leader of the gang, told me to go back and get the conductor. “I started back toward the coaches and saw the conductor step off with his lantern in his hand. I called to him, and told him he was wanted up front. Just then one of the hold-ups stepped up and told the conductor to put his lantern down. A passenger then jumped off the front coach and one of the robbers was just about to shoot him, when Conductor Kerrigan said to him: “My God, don’t shoot that man; he is an innocent passenger and doesn’t know even what is going on.” “The robber then compelled the man to get back into the coach. Another man kept sticking his head out of the window, when one of the robbers gave him a punch in the breast with the barrel of his gun and told him to keep his head in. By that time the passengers began to realized that something was up and none of them showed themselves any more. “The robbers then commanded Conductor Kerrigan to cut off the passenger coaches, and another one went forward with me to the engine so that I could give him the slack so he could get the coupling undone. “The conductor was then brought forward and told to have Express Messenger Woodcock and Mall Clerk Praut come out. They did so and were marched forward to the engine with the conductor. We were all told to get on board the engine, and the robbers threw on threw sacks, which I presume contained dynamite. Two of the robbers climbed up on the tender while one man remained down on the deck with the train crew. I did not see the other man. I was then told to pull up about half a mile. The man who remained down on the deck of the engine asked Conductor Kerrigan what time it was. Kerrigan pulled out his watch, and the robber remarked that he had a pretty nice looking timepiece. Kerrigan said: “I supposed you will want that pretty soon.” The robber replied: “No, we don’t want anything from laboring men or the passengers. We only want what the company has got; they have plenty.” “I noticed that the other men on the tender kept a sharp lookout as we went along, and finally the man down on the deck asked them, “Ain’t we to the place yet,” showing that they had a particular spot selected where they wanted to stop. I presume they had their horses tied there, although I did not see anything of any horses. “When we got to the right place one of the hold-ups told me to stop, and we all climbed down. We walked back along the north side of the train until we came to the rear baggage car when the leader, the man who first came upon the engine, asked Express Messenger Woodcock which car contained the express company’s safe and if there were any guards in the car. Woodcock told him there were none. The leader then turned to the man who was standing behind Woodcock and said: “Blow their d----d heads off if there is anyone in that car!” “He then told Woodcock to give him a lift. He threw his gun up into the car and climbed in. He then told Woodcock to climb in and open up the little safe which was used for the local business. When Woodcock had done this the leader told him to get out again. All the train crew were then marched back about 150 feet in the rear of the train by one of the hold-ups, remained guard over them. He had a short, double barreled shot gun which he said was loaded with buckshot sufficient to kill the whole crowd, and he also displayed two six-shooters in his belt. The other hold-ups remained at the express car and did the work. They exploded three charges of dynamite before they got into the through safe. “The fellow who guarded us was quite talkative. He said they did not want to kill anyone if they could avoid it; in fact he said they had an agreement that if anyone killed man unnecessarily he himself would be killed by his companions. He further said that there was one man in the crowd who would just as soon kill a man as not. When the second charge of dynamite went off he remarked that it was taking a good while to do the job, “but Perry understood his business,” he said and then he acted like he had let a remark drop that he had not intended to. “He talked of the Wilcox hold-up and said that the engineer came near being killed because he acted so peculiar and did not do what he was told to do. The man said that he was once well to do and had a family, but now it was impossible for him to quit it. Conductor Kerrigan kept moving uneasily and the robber said to him: “You’re trying to get a look at me; now stand up in line there and quit your foolishness.” Kerrigan assured him that he had no such intention. “We probably stood there twenty minutes or half an hour, when one of the men up at the express car called, “All right,” and our guard told us to walk back along the train, he following along behind us. One of the men then shouldered a sack which seemed to be pretty heavy, and they all disappeared in the darkness, going to the south side of the track. As they walked away they said, “Goodnight, boys.” We were all very glad to see them go. “We then looked the train over, and although the main line express car, which contained the through safe, was badly wrecked by the explosions, having the front end blown out and the roof blown off, we decided it would be safe to run it to Green River. The safe was a total wreck. The back was twisted off and all the drawers of the safe were missing. I do not know whether the robbers carried them away or not. MESSENGER WOODCOCK SAVED $600.00 “It was probably an hour and a half from the time we were first stopped until we had got coupled onto the coaches and were ready to pull out again. Both brakemen were missing during the time of the hold-up. As soon as we stopped of course the rear brakeman ran back to flag any trains that might be following us. It seems that Brakeman Nash, the head brakeman, was in the baggage car with Express Messenger Woodcock. When I stopped at the fire, he stuck his head out to see what was up. Nash said he saw three men standing there with guns in their hands and he realized that it was a hold-up. He closed the door and told Woodcock that they were going to be held up. Woodcock, who had the local safe open, grabbed two or three packages and ran forward with them into the Oregon Short Line car and hid them behind some baggage. It is said that there was about $600 in these packages which the robbers did not find. “Nash got off the car and ran off and hid in the sage brush until the hold-ups got through with their work. REPORT SENT FROM BITTER CREEK “It was 11 o’clock before we got to Bitter Creek, from which place Conductor Kerrigan sent his first report of the hold up. “We gave the best description of the men that we could. The first was five feet ten inches in height, smooth face, sandy complexion, gray eyes and talks fast. This man was the leader who first came onto the engine. “The second man was five feet, seven inches in height, sandy complexion, heavy sonorous voice, wore a canvas coat, corduroy pants, shoes badly worn. “The third was five feet, nine inches in height, dark complexion, dark flannel shirt and no coat. “I did not see the fourth man, but Conductor Kerrigan says he was standing on the south side of the track when he stopped the last time, but he was not able to give a description of him.” OFFICIALS ACT PROMPTLY As soon as Conductor Kerrigan’s report was received at Green River, General Manager Dickinson and Superintendent Parks, who were at Allen Junction, were notified. They at once began sending telegrams to officers along the line. Sheriff Peter Swanson, of Sweetwater county, Sheriff McDaniel, of this county, and United States Marshal Hadsell, who arrived in Rawlins Wednesday evening from Cheyenne, were notified and requested to organize posses to go in pursuit of the bandits. Sheriff McDaniel and Marshal Hadsell got their men and horses together as soon as possible, and by 4:40 they had their horses and outfit loaded at the stock yards and were ready to start. The posse that went from here was composed of Sheriff McDaniel and Deputy Sheriff Horton, Marshal Hadsell and Deputy Marshal LaForce from Cheyenne, Chas. Osborne, James J. Fenley and Geo. Lord. Unfortunately the engine which took the special out broke down near Creston, delaying them nearly two hours. Sheriff Swanson organized a posse of six or seven men in Green River and Rock Springs. On account of the delay to the train the Sweetwater county posse got nearly two hours’ start ahead of the Carbon county posse, but were overtaken by them before they had gone far. General Manager Dickinson telegraphed Agent Wood to have circulars printed offering a reward of $1,000 each for the four robbers dead or alive. The REPUBLICAN force was called at 2 a.m. to get them out, and the circulars were sent to every station agent and section foreman along the line on the first passenger trains that went through. The circulars were also mailed to officers in all the adjoining states. OFFICERS ON THE TRAIL Only one report has been received from the officers’ posse since they left the railroad early Thursday morning on the trail of the robbers. One of Sheriff Swanson’s posse came into Bitter Creek early yesterday morning and reported that the officers were close upon the trail. The man was sent in to report to the railroad officials. When he started back late Thursday night all signs showed that the four men were not far ahead. They had been seen by several persons only a little while before and their trail was fresh. The officers’ posse were confident that the robbers would be overtaken. The Carbon county posse had good horses and were well armed. It is believed that the Sweetwater county folks were equally well mounted. Nothing has yet developed to give an intimation of the amount the robbers secured. The railroad officials give it out that the amount taken from the local safe was $54 and some jewelry. A dispatch from St. Louis, the headquarters of the Pacific Express company, says: “Mr. James Eggleston, president of the Pacific Express company, is out of the city and could not be seen in respect to the robbery of an express car of that company on the Union Pacific in Wyoming Wednesday night. Mr. Hartson, his secretary, stated that the general superintendent had reported to headquarters that the robbers obtained less than $100. The safe was blown open, he said, and the car badly damaged by the explosive used to effect an entrance. Information as to the contents of the safes was not given out at headquarters so it is not known whether the robbers secured any valuable packages or not.” From remarks dropped by members of the gang the train crew were convinced that his hold-up was planned to take place last Friday night, but that night No. 3 was run in one section and the hold-ups allowed the train to go by thinking it was the first section. It is stated that strange men have been seen around Tipton and Wamsutter for the past ten days. --- Rock Springs Miner no. 43 October 27, 1904 GEORGE HARRIS, Jr. Republican Candidate for Sheriff Was born in Peoria, Ill., Feb. 16, 1864 and emigrated with his parents to Wyoming in 1872, locating first at Carbon and about six months later coming to Rock Springs. His father erected the first building in Rock Springs, outside of the Union Pacific Co.’s holdings, a hotel known as the old American House. Since that time he has resided in and near Rock Springs for the last seven years, has been engaged in the sheep business. --- Rock Springs Miner no. 43 October 27, 1904 JOHN B. YOUNG Republican Candidate for the House of Representatives Was born in Edinburgh, Scotland, in 1867, where he received a fine education devoting his entire time to study up to the time of coming to this country. About fifteen years ago he came to Rock Springs, where he worked in the mines for a number of years. He then decided to engage in business for himself and opened the store of which he is now proprietor. Two years ago he was elected to the state legislature and is still serving Sweetwater county in that capacity. --- Rock Springs Miner no. 43 October 27, 1904 DAVID M. MUIR Republican Candidate for Coroner Was born December 25, 1843, in Lanarkshire, Scotland, where he lived until 1869. In 1869 he came to this country and settled in Maryland. After living there four years he returned to Scotland, where he remained eight years, coming again to America at the end of that time. He resided in Maryland, Pennsylvania and Iowa, when he decided to locate in the far west. He came to Rock Springs in 1886 and has resided here since that time. Mr. Muir is the father of ten children, several of whom reside in this city. He was for a number of years a member of the Rock Springs board of education. --- Rock Springs Miner no. 43 October 27, 1904 JOSEPH IREDALE Republican Candidate for House of Representatives Was born in Flinnby, County Cumberland, England in 1860 and came to America with his parents when quite young. The family settled in Stark County, Ohio, where he attended school and afterward studied engineering. On coming to Wyoming he settled first in carbon but later came to Rock Springs where he has since resided. Mr. Iredale has been honored by the Republican party since his residence here, having served two terms in the lower house of the general assembly and afterward in the senate, where he was a member of the fifth and sixth sessions. During the last session he was vice president of that body. --- Rock Springs Miner no. 43 October 27, 1904 AUGUST MARTELLO Republican Candidate for House of Representatives Was born in North Italy, in the Province of Venice, in 1871, where he resided until fourteen years of age, attending school until that time. He then went to Prussia, Germany where he remained for a number of years, occupying a good position. He went to his old home for a visit in 1890, returning again to Germany, but in a few months decided to come to America, sailing on the 22 of August, 1891. He came at once to Colorado and went into business for himself, contracting and prospecting. He came to Rock Springs in 1898 where he has since resided, engaging in business for himself. He speak the Italian, German and English languages. --- Rock Springs Miner no. 43 October 27, 1904 ED H. RIFE Republican Candidate for County Commissioner, Four Year Term Was born in Virginia in 1848, later he lived in Ohio and Illinois, but came to Colorado in 1867 and at that time cast his lot with the great west. He came to Wyoming in 1875 and since that time he has lived in and near Rock Springs. During this time he has been principally identified with ranching and stock raising interests, but has lent his aid to every project for the upbuilding of Sweetwater county. He has already served the county as commissioner and understands thoroughly the requirements of the office. --- Rock Springs Miner no. 43 October 27, 1904 A.P. BUGAS Republican Candidate for State Senator Was born in Austria in 1866 and came to the United States in 1880, settling first in the anthracite coal regions of Schuylkill County, Pa. In 1885 he came to Rock Springs, where for three and one half years, he worked in No. 1 mine. Desiring to see more of our country he started west in 1888 and spent some time along the Pacific coast, from Washington to lower California, going from there to Arizona and New Mexico where he remained three years. He then went to Pittsburg, Kansas, where he worked in the mines and attended night school, under Prof. Hiett, studying whenever possible and taking great interest in the science of mining. When the correspondence school of mines was established at Scranton in 1891, he enrolled as a student and completed their course in mining. He returned to Rock Springs in 1896 where he has since resided and been in business. --- Rock Springs Miner no. 43 October 27, 1904 JOHN H. CROSSON Republican Candidate for Member of the House of Representatives. Was born in Illinois in 1869. He attended school until 18 years of age, when he accepted a position with a wholesale business house. His health being poor, he decided to try a change of climate and came to Cheyenne in 1890. Here he was employed by R.S. Vantassel for eight months. He then etered the employ of the U.P.R.R. bridge and building department where he remained for fourteen months, when he was transferred to the U.P. shops at Green River, where he has since resided, having been in business for himself since May, 1893. He was a member of the state senate in 1898, and served as county commissioner for the short term of 1901-02. --- Rock Springs Miner no. 43 October 27, 1904 HERIOT RIDDLE Republican Candidate for County Clerk Was born in the land of the heather, but for the past twenty-two years has been a resident of Sweetwater county, residing eighteen years in Rock Springs and four in Green River. On coming to Rock Springs Mr. Riddle was employed in the mines, working there for four years. He then kept books for Thorpe & SuTton until 1891, when he was elected treasurer of Sweetwater Co., which office he held for four years. Since that time he has again turned to bookkeeping, being employed in that capacity for the Rock Springs national bank for the past nine years. He has also held various city offices during his residence in our city. --- Rock Springs Independent no. 17 March 23, 1906 Mr. and Mrs. Henry Walters have adopted a little child whose father and mother died at No. 4. --- Rock Springs Rocket, Jul 30, 1931 DR. OLIVER CHAMBERS FAVORITE OF LOCAL POST FOR LEGION HEAD Archie Hay Post No. 24 Will Go Into Annual State Convention With Solid Support For Local Member, Assisted by Other Wyoming Legion Posts. Archie Hay Post No. 21, American Legion, of Rock Springs, will proceed to the annual convention of the American Legion, Department of Wyoming, at Cody, August 13, 14, and 15, as a solid phalanx in support of one of its most popular members, Dr. Oliver Chambers, for the office of State Commander. In this movement the local post has been assured of the active support of numerous other Wyoming Legion posts, not only in this locality, but from all over the state, who recognize in this candidate a man eminently qualified for the important position, through his experience before, during and following the World war; and one whose interest especially in the disable members of the ranks has been undimmed by the passing of years. Since Dr. Chambers return from overseas service and the formation of the Rock Springs Legion post he has been active in its affairs, and an outstanding promoter of its success. He served as first commander of Archie Hay Post at its inception. During his tenure of office as state senator from Sweetwater county he was an outstanding supporter of the Wyoming law granting certain tax exemptions to ex-service men, and while a member of the State Medical Board resigned to become a member of the State Boxing Commission to help the local post put over its boxing program that has proved to be its chief source of revenue, and a prime factor leading to its financial success. In Medical Unit Dr. Chambers when the United States entered the World war enlisted in a Nebraska medical unit as surgeon, despite the fact that he was exempt by reason of age and family ties. He left this country for overseas commissioned as a captain and was mustered out a major. His surgical ability being recognized he was assigned to operating surgery in a base hospital at Paris, where he remained for over a year. Dr. Chambers is a man of affairs, prominent in the county and state, active in civic movements; he has held numerous positions of trust and those that required executive ability; her served two terms as state senator from Sweetwater county and his acquaintanceship, not only in Legion circles, but generally, is statewide. He is a man who carries prestige, and his heart and soul are for the success of the Legion, into which organization's affairs he had a keen insight. He is especially qualified to get the maximum relief for the disable veterans, in which work, by reason of his experience overseas, he is particularly interested. --- Rock Springs Miner no. 43 October 27, 1906 ROBERT FORSYTH. Republican candidate for State Senator is one of the most popular men in Sweetwater county. He was born at Neburgh, Ontario, Canada in 1873, where he spent the first sixteen years of his life. At that time he decided to cast his lot with Uncle Sam and started his career in this county as a telegraph operator in the employ of the Chicago Great Western R.R. After a short time in that position he went to Pueblo, Colo., where he was employed by the Santa Fe, in a like position. His next step brought him to Rock Springs where he entered the service of the Union Pacific R.R. Co. in 1891 as operator, remaining with them for nine years. He next entered the store department of the U.P. Coal Co. as bookkeeper, holding this position until last January, at which time he was transferred to Hanna to take charge of a company store at that place. In May 1906 a vacancy occurred in the management of the U.P. Company store at this place and Mr. Forsyth was recalled to Rock Springs to assume the position, which he is now filling to the satisfaction of both the company and the patrons of the store. Mr. Forsyth has always been a consistent Republican and has held two city offices, having been for two years city treasurer and later served two years as mayor of Rock Springs. He is a member of the Elk and Masonic orders and takes an active interest in any project for the social or business advancement of our town. He will be elected Nov. 6 by a large majority and will ably represent the interests of both city and county, in the upper house at Cheyenne. --- Rock Springs Miner no. 43 October 27, 1906 JOHN B. YOUNG Republican candidate for House of Representatives was born in bonny Scotland just thirty nine years ago. With the desire for an education, which seems to be inherent in every Scot, he spent the early part of his life in study and received a find education, before coming to this country. About seventeen years ago he came to America and located in Rock Springs where he has since resided. He at first found employment in the mines where he worked for a number of years, but later went into business for himself and is now the senior partner and manager of the well known mercantile house of J.B. Young & Co. Four years ago he was first elected a member of the House of Representatives and two years later he was again chosen to represent the interests of Sweetwater county in that body and the MINER predicts that he will again be returned on Nov. 6-06. He is as thoroughly familiar with the work of the House as he is of the requirements of his town and county and is certainly the proper man for the place. Mr. Young is a man of exemplary character and the voters feel that they can trust their affairs in his hands with safety. Vote for J.B. Young on Nov. 6, help to make his election unanimous, for he will receive one of the largest majorities on the ticket. --- Rock Springs Miner no. 43 October 27, 1906 ROBERT C. MORRIS The Republicans of Sweetwater county are fortunate indeed to add to the list of candidates for the House of Representatives, the name of Robert C. Morris, of Green River. Mr. Morris is known all over the state of Wyoming and has had an experience in public affairs that would fit him to hold any office within the gift of the people. He came to Wyoming in 1869 and is familiar with every step in the growth and advancement of our beloved state. He first located at South Pass, Wyoming when that city was the scene of the great gold excitement and was at that time postmaster at South Pass and clerk of the District court of Sweetwater county. In 1875 Mr. Morris removed to New York where he took up the profession that has been the stepping stone to so many prominent men—stenography. For two years he was private secretary to Hon. John Bigelow, Secretary of State of New York, and he was engaged in the direction of an important investigation into the financial management of the state charitable institutions. This opened the way for his employment as an expert in the preparation of a uniform system of accounts for the state of Illinois. This system proved highly satisfactory and has exerted a wide influence on legislation in other states in the financial management of state institutions. His experience in this direction will be of inestimable value to Wyoming if he should be elected to our state legislature. In 1883 Mr. Morris again took up his residence in Wyoming, having been appointed territorial stenographer for the district courts of Wyoming. He afterwards served as private secretary to three Republican governors, Hale, Warren and Richards. Before the admission of Wyoming to statehood he compiled, under the direction of the Federal Government, a very complete and able report on the general resources of Wyoming. This knowledge would also prove a valuable asset to a member of the house. From ’91 to ’94 he was with Senator Carey at Washington as clerk of the senate committee on education and labor. On his return from Washington he was appointed clerk of the supreme court. He has lent enthusiastic support to many measures for the good of the people of the state, it being through his efforts that legislation was obtained, giving free text-books to the school children of the state. About four years ago Mr. Morris located at Green River, to take up the management of the Morris Mercantile Co. and the Morris State Bank at Green River. He has been successful in securing for Sweetwater county, the Carnegie Library which is now under construction. The voters of the count can rest assured that if elected he will use for the entire country the same tireless energy that has done som much in so many palces---Vote for Robert C. Morris. --- Rock Springs Miner no. 43 October 27, 1906 ELMER E. PETERS Republican candidate for County Commissioner is a native of the Buckeye State, where he was born in 1861. The first eighteen years of his life were spent upon the farm, attending school during the winter and in the summer assisting with the cultivation of the land, in this way laying the foundation for a practical and useful life. At the age of eighteen he entered the employ of the Nickle Plate Railroad and later came to Wyoming to enter the employ of the Union Pacific. He located at Green River in 1887 and has ever since been a resident of our state and county. At Green River Mr. Peters has built up an extensive business in lumber, hay, grain and coal, to the management of which he devotes the greater part of his time. He has already served as commissioner for four years and has given the best of satisfaction to the residents of Sweetwater county. He is well acquainted with the affairs of the office at the time and can be depended upon to do his utmost for the good of the county and its residents. His life has been divided between the farm, the railroad and trade, thus making him familiar with three of the great interests of the county and fitting him for the position which he holds. Mr. Peters has always been a loyal Republican and every Republican voter can feel assured he is supporting the right man when he casts his ballot for Elmer E. Peters. --- Rock Springs Miner no. 43 October 27, 1906 GUSTAV STURHOLM Gustav Sturholm, Republican candidate for the House of Representatives, was born in Finland in 1880 and in company with his parents came to this country when but four years of age. They located in New York City where he attended school and obtained a good general education. When but a young boy he entered one of the large New York printing houses as printers “devil” and worked his way from the bottom to the top. At the time of severing his connection with the printing business he was operating one of the great linotype machines, which gave to t he public the record of the events of the world. On leaving this line of work he carried with him the highest references and recommendations from his employers. However, he had resolved to see the great west of which he had heard so much and turned his back to the east, arriving in Rock Springs, June 6th, 1898. He immediately began work in the mines of the U.P. Coal Co. where he continued to labor until Jan. 1, 1900, when he was elected check weighman for the miners. This position he held for three years, being elected six consecutive times, which shows the regard in which he is held by his fellow workers. Last July Mr. Sturholm entered the mercantile business being a member of the Workingmen’s Commercial Co., which conducts a flourishing general merchandise house. Mr. Sturholm is greatly respected by all who know him and is a man of sterling character. He is a member of four Finnish societies holding a prominent office in each. If elected he will do all in his power for the good of the country and to further the interests of the working man. You cannot send a better representative to the house than Gustav Sturholm. Vote for him. --- Rock Springs Miner no. 43 October 27, 1906 THOMAS COTTLE Candidate for County Treasurer is a well known and respected resident of Sweetwater county. He was born in South Wales, England, Aug. 4th, 1866, where he lived until 1887, at which time he came to America. He came at once to Rock Springs, arriving here in April 1887 and has since that time made his home in this city. Since arriving here Mr. Cottle has been in the employ of the Union Pacific Coal Co., with whom he holds a responsible position. He is a man of exemplary habits and sterling character and the people of this county feel that they can safely trust the public funds in his hands, and that the affairs of the office will be conducted in a business-like and reliable manner. He has always been a stalwart worker in the ranks of the Republican party and his services have been recognized by his election to two terns in the House of Representatives, in which body he served from 1897 to 1901. Mr. Cottle stands high in the I.O.O.F. and Masonic orders where he has been honored by various offices. You will make no mistake by casting your ballot to make Thos. Cottle the next treasurer of Sweetwater county, he is a man who can be trusted to fill the position. --- Rock Springs Miner no. 43 October 27, 1906 JOHN CLARK Republican candidate for the House of Representatives is well known in this city and county, where he has resided for the past seventeen years. He was born in the county of Cumberland, in England, in 1864 where he attended the public schools and obtained his education. In 1889 he decided to locate in America and came to Wyoming where he has since resided, with the exception of six months spent in Iowa. Here he has been employed by the Union Pacific Coal Co., and is now in their employ. Mr. Clark is a conscientious and careful man and if elected to the legislature will make the welfare of his constituents his first consideration. He is thoroughly acquainted with the people and interests of the city and county and will do all in his power for their advancement. He has a large circle of friends in this locality who will do all in their power to secure his election and he will receive a large vote at the coming election. You will make no mistake in casting your ballot for him. --- Rock Springs Miner no. 9 March 02, 1907 Superior is rejoicing over the event of the first child born in the camp. A fine daughter was born to Mr. and Mrs. Dona, Saturday morning. --- Rock Springs Miner no. 43 October 27, 1906 MISS HATTIE HALE Candidate for the office of County Superintendent of Schools come before the voters of Sweetwater county as a candidate for the first time, though she is well known amongst them by her successful work in the public schools. Miss Hale was born and brought up in Iowa, where she graduated from high school in her home town. Later she removed to Nebraska where she completed her training in the Fremont Normal School, at Fremont. She began her chosen career as a teacher, in Nebraska, but decided to enter the field in Wyoming and accordingly came to Rock Springs about ten years ago. For nine years she was a most successful teacher in our public schools, when last spring, on the resignation of County Supt. Nellor, she was appointed to fill the vacancy as County Supt. In this work she had proved as successful as in the school room, having up-to-date methods and the necessary executive ability to fill the office. She is fully in touch with school work and has been for the greater part of her life, and for this reason should be continued in the position. We publish below a letter written Miss Hale by the city board of education, on her resignation from the schools, which shows the esteem in which she was held by that body. The parents of the many children whom she has successfully started in their school work, know for themselves her value as a teacher. The letter is as follows: School District No. 4 Sweetwater County Rock Springs, Wyo., April 12, 1906 County Supt. Town My Dear Miss Hale:-- At a meeting of the Board of School Trustees of School District No. 4, held in the Main Building, on Monday, April 9th, your resignation was read to the Board and same was accepted. It was not without feelings of regret that the Board took this step because your long term of employment in this district shows that your work was well performed and faithfully done. Their best wishes, however, go with you into your newer and larger sphere of work, and they have no doubt that the qualities that made you a valued teacher in this district will be fully exemplified in your work as County Superintendent of Schools of Sweetwater county. Very Sincerely yours, Board of Education, By GEOREGE R. PRYDE, Clerk. --- Rock Springs Miner no. 43 October 27, 1906 MARCUS OUTSEN Republican candidate for County Commissioner is too well known to the readers of the MINER to need any introduction, but a few facts concerning his good service to Sweetwater county will not come amiss at the present time. Mr. Outsen was born in Slevig Hostin, Denmark, on the third day of November, 1840, and has consequently reached the age of sixty-six years. He remained in his native land until 1870, when he decided to try his fortunes in a new country and came to America, living in New Jersey, Kansas, and Nebraska before locating in Wyoming. He came to Wyoming in 1875 and to Rock Springs in '79 and has witnessed the growth of our town and county, always being ready to do his part for their advancement. Since coming here Mr. Outsen has been employed for the most part by the Union Pacific R.R. Co., having been car foreman four fourteen years. At the present time he has retired from active business and for this reason is able to devote an amount of time to the affairs of the county, that few other men could give. Mr. Outsen is at present chairman of County Board of Commissioners and it is admitted by all that he is one of the best men who ever held the office. He has devoted a great deal of his time and attention to the care of the poor of the county and has saved Sweetwater county from $1000 to $2000 per year by his careful management of the poor and pauper fund. The citizens and taxpayers of this county are certainly too well satisfied with his administration of affairs to advocate a change from his faithful service, to a new and untried man, and will give him an unusually large vote on Nov. 6. The office of county commissioner is one of the most important to be filled at the coming election and every voter should consider the faithful service rendered by Mr. Outsen and cast his ballot to continue him in office. --- Rock Springs Miner no. 43 October 27, 1906 HERIOT RIDDLE Republican candidate for County Clerk needs no introduction to the voters of Sweetwater county, where he has resided for almost a quarter of a century. Mr. Riddle was born in Scotland, but came to America when a young man, locating at Rock Springs. Here he was first employed in the mines but later went into the employment of Thorp & Sutton, where he remained until elected county treasurer in 1891. After serving the county for four years in this capacity he returned to Rock Springs and accepted a position as bookkeeper with the Rock Springs National Bank, which he held for nine years, resigning to accept the office of county clerk, to which he was elected two years ago. Mr. Riddle has always made good in the positions he has occupied, both private and public, doing his work with method and accuracy. In fact he has made so capable an officer that the Democrats find it impossible to secure a man to run against him and he has no opposition this fall. His re-election will therefore be unanimous. All may feel assured that the office of county clerk will be conducted for the next two years in the same excellent manner it has been run in the preceding two. --- Rock Springs Miner no. 43 October 27, 1906 GEORGE HARRIS JR. Is a native of the state of Ill., where he was born Feb. 16, 1864, and where his life was spent until 1872. Then, in company with his parents, he followed the advice of the immortal Horace Greely and joined the throng who journeyed westward, choosing Wyoming as his destination. They located first at Carbon, but later came to Rock Springs where his father erected the first building outside of the Union Pacific Co.'s holdings, a hotel known as the American House. Ever since that time Mr. Harris has claimed Sweetwater county as his home, having been connected with various business enterprises in this locality. At present he is one of the extensive sheep owners of the county and knows, and is known by, almost every resident therein. He has for the past two years filled the office, for which he is a candidate for re-election, and has given the county a good administration of it. He is willing to let his record speak for itself. He has practically grown up among the people of Sweetwater county, and they will testify their regard for him by casting their ballots in his favor, on November 6. --- Rock Springs Miner no. 43 October 27, 1906 MICHAEL FREEMAN Republican candidate for Road Supervisor was born in Scotland in 1853 and grew to manhood in that country. Is 1882 he decided to come to America and at once located in Rock Springs where he has resided almost a quarter of a century. Since locating here he has been principally employed in the mines where he has done good service. He was elected to the office of Road Supervisor in 1898 and is therefore thoroughly familiar with the duties of the office and his past experience will enable him to fill the office in a most satisfactory manner. The question of county roads is a very important one to the business and ranch interests of this county and should receive due consideration from every voter in the county. Vote for a man for this office who will do his utmost to acceptably fill the position and who will give the work his first consideration and best efforts. Vote for Michael Freeman for Road Supervisor, he will do his utmost to improve the roads of Sweetwater county. --- Rock Springs Miner no. 43 October 27, 1906 DAVID M. MUIR Republican candidate for Coroner has been a resident of Sweetwater county for the past thirty years. He was born in Scotland, December the 25th, 1843, where he lived until 1869. In that year he came to America, settling first in Maryland he returned to Scotland, remaining there for eight years. He again returned to America and resided in Maryland, Pennsylvania and Iowa before locating in Wyoming. Since locating at Rock Springs, Mr. Muir has held various responsible positions with the U.P. Coal Co., by which he is still employed. Although always a Republican Mr. Muir has never held a political office except that of county coroner, to which he was elected two years ago. He is certainly entitle to a re-election, and will receive it at the hands of the voters of Sweetwater county, on Nov. 6. Mr. Muir is familiar with the duties of the office, which he has filed in a satisfactory manner and will continue to administer the office to the best of his ability. --- Rock Springs Miner no. 41 October 12, 1907 Golden Wedding On September 18th 1907 at the neighboring town of Frontier, was celebrated the golden wedding of Mr. and Mrs. Edward Bowker of that town. Edward Bowker was born in Atherton, England, April 19th 1839 and his wife at Kingston, England, January 5th 1840, and were married in the Methodist church, at Leigh, Lancashire, England, just fifty years ago. From this union has resulted ten children, of whom six daughters and two sons are still living; thirty-eight grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. The children present on this occasion being Mrs. James Ward of Frontier, Mrs. Robt. Hamer of Cumberland, Mrs. James Madill of Tonopah, Nevada, Mrs. Herbert Crofts of Salt Lake City, and John T. Bowker of Frontier, the remaining three children residing in England. The old folks, who are highly respected, and still hale and hearty and entered into the enjoyment of the evening with great zest. Many friends from Frontier were present and the evening was spent in conversation and vocal music and a bounteous repast was shared by all. Numerous presents were tendered the happy recipients, among with was a purse of $50.00 in gold presented by friends in Frontier. The company dispersed at a late hour after congratulating Mr. and Mrs. Bowker upon their long and happy married life, with best wishes for that which the future may have in store for them.—Kemmerer Camera. --- Rock Springs Rocket no. 49 October 30, 1908 DEMOCRATIC CANDIDATE FOR COUNTY SHERIFF If it is a man of unimpeachable character, a man who will do his duty through thick and think, in bad weather or good, who will show no fear nor favor, a man not to be bought nor bribed in executing the law as it is put down in black and white, then Matt McCourt is the man to fill the office of sheriff of Sweetwater county for the next two years. We all know Matt McCourt. Have known him for the past sixteen years, or as long as we have lived in Sweetwater county, and in all the time he has lived here, no one can say that Matt has not lived up to his duties as a man and a householder. He is a working man among workers, quiet, unostentatious and unasuuming, not trying to show authority where it does not belong, but when he has the law and order to uphold he does it in a manner to cast honor on his office as was shown in the creditable manner he served the fourteen months term as deputy marshal in Rock Springs, where he has made friends of all the law abiding citizens and struck terror to the wrong-doer. For sixteen years prior to the time of his serving the deputy marshalship he has worked in nearly all the mines in Rock Springs, doing his full share of work, not shirking one small part of it and letting it fall on some one else, but standing shoulder to shoulder with his working brothers as they should stand up for him. A very noticeable feature in his record is the fact that he went to work in the mines four days after his term as marshal expired which shows he is steady and ambitious. He is of the sturdy old English stock, coming to this country with his parents at the early age of five, and settling in Rock Springs at the age of fourteen, which place he has since called his home. He was married to Miss Margaret Riddle, daughter of an honorable citizen, Heriot Riddle, now of Green River, in 1902. Matt is now in the very prime of life, thirty-two years old, and just at the age of discretion. A good common school education and the experience that comes with the hard knocks of this age, have further fitted him for this office. Voters of Sweetwater county, what other qualifications could you wish and expect of the man who is to fill the important office of sheriff of this common-wealth, and how can you get along with any less a man than is Matt McCourt, to protect your business and family interests for the next two years? And remember when you go to the polls next Tuesday, remember the name McCourt, Matt, as it will appear on the ballot, place a cross after it and you can go home feeling secure that you have placed your vote for the right man at the right time. --- Rock Springs Rocket no. 49 October 30, 1908 REPUBLICAN CANDIDATE FOR COUNTY SHERIFF The selection of Joe Hay for sheriff of Sweetwater county by the Republican party was most fortunate. Mr. Hay is well and favorably known throughout the county and was formerly a conductor on the Union Pacific and has many friends in the county who will cast their vote for him on November 3rd, choosing him as their custodian of the law, and showing their faith in his honesty and ability to fulfill the duties of the office of sheriff of the county and manifesting their desire to entrust the affairs of the county in his hands; to defend their homes and to discharge his duties in a fearless manner, showing favors to none, and working for the common good of the people, and standing ready to serve the people who have by their vote designated him as their representative. He is forty-one years of age and was born in Fairfield, Illinois claiming Rock Springs as his home for the past twenty years. The office will necessitate the sheriff moving to the county seat, which Mr. Hay, if elected will do, and his personal, undivided attention will be given to the faithful fulfillment of his obligations. --- Rock Springs Rocket no. 26 May 21, 1909 Celebrates Seventy-Ninth Birthday. John L. Paterson celebrated his 79th birthday yesterday and a party was given for him at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Iredale, with whom he makes his home. There a large family of the Patersons, most of whom have families of their own, and the advent of a birthday means a celebration to which each member is invited, and a sort of reunion is the result. The guest of honor at this gathering, although 79 years old, entered into the pleasure of the occasion. --- Green River Star, June 10, 1910 The county commissioners accompanied by Mayor Anderson of Rock Springs and Mayor Gaensslen of this city, went out to the Big Island last Tuesday and accepted the new steel bridge recently built across Green river at that point. We understand that the bridge was satisfactory in every respect. --- Rock Springs Miner no. 40 October 02, 1915 Miss Allie Jewell, of Wheatland, brought a little four months old girl to the home of Mr. and Mrs. Mike Lewis, of No. 3, this week, for adoption. --- Rock Springs Miner no. 45 November 06, 1915 Mr. and Mrs. Robert Warburton have adopted a baby girl. --- Rock Springs Rocket no. 53 November 19, 1915 Celebrates 80th Birthday Archibald Blair who mined the first gold and first coal taken from the ground in Wyoming within historic times, Monday celebrated his eightieth birthday at his home here. Scores of friends called to pay their respects and many congratulatory telegrams were received. Blair, despite his age, is hale and hearty and still takes a keen interest in industrial affairs. It was in the spring of 1865, at South Pass that Blair and his brother made Wyoming’s first gold discovery and, with a crude cradle constructed of split logs, washed gold dust from a gravel bar half a mile away from Willow creek, the nearest water. Subsequently a million dollar sin gold was taken from the placers in that vicinity. In 1867, at Rock Springs, the Blair brothers again pioneered in the state’s mineral industry, mining the first coal ever dug by white men in the state. In the intervening 48 years Archibald Blair has seen the coal industry in the state grow to an annual production of 7,000,000 tons, while Rock Springs where he first broke ground, has become the largest exclusive coal camp in the world. Archibald Blair was born at Rothesay, Scotland, November 15, 1835. When he was nine years of age his parents emigrated to Canada and he grew to manhood in the Dominion. In 1860 he was lured to California by the gold excitement, making the trip by the way of Panama. In 1863 he and his brother, his inseparable companion were in Oregon, and the following year they made a small fortune in mining near Pocatello, Idaho. In 1865 their search for more gold took them to South Pass, Wyoming, and two years later they arrived at the Pony Express station which is now Rock Springs, where Archibald’s wanderings ceased for he has since made his home here. The Blair boys built a shack near the Pony Express station maintained by the Wells-Fargo Express company, this station being where the No. 6 mine of the Union Pacific Coal company subsequently was sunk. Archibald Blair quickly observed the indications of the coal which abounded in this district and before the end of 1867 had begun the first coal mining in the state at a point now known as Blairtown. In 1868 the Union Pacific railroad reached Rock Springs and over it Blair sent to Cheyenne the first shipment of western coal ever handled by the road. For three years thereafter his mine supplied all of the coal used by the Union Pacific. Blair was also the pioneer ranchman of this section, in 1867 filing on what was known as “The Circle” ranch, 20 miles south of Rock Springs. The cattle and sheep which h bred were among the first raised in Wyoming. In 1870 he was married to Miss Jane Macready in Canada and they have since resided here. They have but one child, Mrs. John Hay, wife of a prominent banker.—Tribune. --- Rock Springs Miner no. 2 January 08, 1916 CELEBRATE GOLDEN WEDDING ANNIVERSARY On Thursday, January 6th, Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Thompson celebrated their golden wedding anniversary, at their home at No. 6. Even the weather seemed to aid in the occasion and contributed an abundance of golden sunshine that enabled old friends from every part of town to call and offer their congratulations, although no formal invitations had been issued, and old friendships were renewed and strengthened. The entire family was present for the occasion, five children and ten grandchildren being present. The children are Thomas, Joseph and Will Thompson, of this city, John Thompson of Wheatland, and Mrs. Isabelle Schlesmier, of Long Beach, California. Mr. and Mrs. Thompson were married in England, on January 6, 1866. After coming to America they lived for a time in Maryland but have been residents of Rock Springs for the past 35 years. For the past twenty-five years, Mr. Thompson has been engaged in the sheep business and is one of the prosperous wool growers of this county. During their residence here, by their sterling worth and kindness, they have formed for themselves a large circle of friends who join with The Miner in extending congratulations and who wish them many more years of happy life together. --- Rock Springs Miner no. 40 September 30, 1916 GAVIN YOUNG Eighty-Five Years Old Today September 30th, 1916, marks the eighty-fifth birthday of one of the pioneer residents of Rock Springs and Sweetwater county—Mr. Gavin Young. The Miner voices the sentiment of his many old friends and neighbors today, in extending congratulations and in wishing that he may live to complete the century. Mr. Young was born in Cambusinethan parish, Lanarkshire, Scotland, on September 30th, 1831. His father’s name was also Gavin Young, the name that is now borne by three generations living in Rock Springs. Mr. Young grew to manhood in his native land, where on April 5th, 1860, at Wishaw, he was united in marriage to Miss Mary Miller. Mr. Young started to work at the looms, weaving being an important industry in that section of Scotland. Later he was employed on the Caledonian railway, the first railroad in Scotland, running from Glasgow to Edinburgh. He also worked in a brick and tile factor in summer and in the mines in winter. In 1871 his eldest son, Gavin, decided to try his fortunes in America, and two years late he induced his parents to leave their home in Scotland and join him. They settled first in the East, living in Pennsylvania and Maryland. Their eldest son was again the pathfinder, and came west in 1882, settling in Rock Springs, and the following year his parents joined him here. They lived in Rock Springs until about 1888, when they took up a homestead south of the city. The homestead was afterward sold to Ed. H. Rife, and is now a part of the Rife ranch. Mr. Young lived on the ranch for about ten years, and it was during his residence there, in November, 1896, that Mrs. Young met a tragic death, by an accident which occurred while coming down Quaking Asp mountain. Mr. and Mrs. Young were the parents of twelve children, nine of whom are living. During recent years Mr. Young has made his home with his daughter, Mrs. Robert Guy, where he will celebrate his birthday. His health is reasonably good, and he enjoys life, taking great comfort in the companionship of his children and grandchildren. --- Rock Springs Miner no. 40 September 30, 1916 Rock Springs Rocket no. 16, Mar 12, 1920 CELEBRATES SEVENTIETH BIRTHDAY “Grandma” Greenhow celebrated her seventieth birthday on Monday. She was invited to the home of Mrs. Robt. Murphy for tea and twelve of her oldest neighbors went in to surprise her and to help her celebrate the happy occasion. The guests gave her a shower for furnishing her new home. Mrs. Murphy and Mrs. Ralph Buxton served lunch. The colors employed were pink and white, the lovely birthday cake being decorated with 70 tiny white flowers with large one in the center. The ladies spent the afternoon in talking over old times and a truly delightful afternoon was spent. Mrs. Greenhow is the great-grandmother of fourteen children. Her son and daughter were in from the ranch for their mother’s birthday. --- Rock Springs Miner no. 41 October 07, 1916 GRANDMA COULTON CELEBRATES HER 80th ANNIVERSARY Yesterday, Mrs. Margaret Coulton celebrated the completion of four score years of usefulness, and in honor of the even her daughter, Mrs. Henry Walters, entertained at a beautifully appointed birthday party. “Grandma Coulton,” as she is affectionately known to the people of Rock Springs, was the life of the company, and gave her friends many interesting reminiscences. She was born in Flintshire, North Wales, on October 6th, 1836. Forty-two years ago she came to America, settling first at Scranton, Pa. From there she went to Iowa, where she lived for a time, coming to Rock Springs about thirty-five years ago. Since then she has lived in several different places, but for the most of that time Rock Springs has been “home.” At tea time a fine birthday feast—a veritable banquet—was served by the guests. Grandma Coulton was presented with a number of nice gifts, with the love and affection of her friends. The Miner joins with her friends and neighbors in hoping that she may live to celebrate many more such happy anniversaries. --- Rock Springs Miner no. 48 December 09, 1916 MR. AND MRS. THOMAS PEARSON CELEBRATE THEIR GOLDEN WEDDING Just 50 years ago today, Nov. 23, 1866, Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Pearson of this city were united in marriage at Macon City, Mo., and today, with both of them enjoying good health, they are celebrating their golden wedding anniversary. It is given to but few couple to do this, and still more rare is such a celebration where the couple is surrounded by all their living children, but such is the good fortune of Mr. and Mrs. Pearson, for they have with them today married daughters from two adjoining states, a son and daughter from points within the state, and a son and daughter who make their home with them, they being Mrs. N.W. Wilson of Heyburn, Ida., Mrs. W.C. Symes of Rock Springs, Wyo., both of whom arrived Monday; Mrs. Irene O’Brien of Conrad, who arrived today; Thos. Pearson of Benchland, who came yesterday and Miss Mabel and John Pearson of this city. Mr. and Mrs. Pearson are the grandparents of five children. At the time of his marriage Mr. Pearson still carried with him at $5.00 gold piece which he had carried all during the Civil war, even during the seven months he spent as a prisoner in Andersonville prison, a place where hardly enough food was allowed the Union soldiers to sustain life, let alone being allowed to retain the gold piece, and this he presented to the justice of the peace who performed the ceremony. Mr. and Mrs. Pearson came to Belt to make their home 20 years ago last March and so are among the older rsidents of this city. Today they are receiving many congratulations, both by word of mouth and by letter, and with them are a number of beautiful gifts. That they may live to enjoy many more anniversaries is the wish of all the townspeople.—Belt Valley (Mont.) Times. (Mr. and Mrs. Pearson are old time residents of Rock Springs and have many friends here whose thoughts were with them on their anniversary). --- Rock Springs Miner no. 17 April 28, 1917 WILL CELEBRATE GOLDEN WEDDING NEXT TUESDAY 1867 – MR. AND Mrs. D.M. THAYER – 1917 Next Tuesday, May 1st, will mark the fiftieth anniversary of the marriage of Mr. and Mrs. D.M. Thayer, two of the pioneer residents of Rock Springs, and the people of the community will join in extending congratulations and good wishes. Mr. and Mrs. Thayer are both natives of the Old Bay State, where their early days were spent. Their wedding was celebrated at Amherst, Mass., May 1st, 1867, a Rev. Mr. Lee performing the ceremony. They resided in Massachusetts during the first years of their married life, coming to Rock Springs thirty-nine years ago, accompanied by their children, Mary, now Mrs. D.F. Morris, and Oliver P., now of Havre, Montana. Mr. Thayer came here to accept a position with the Beckwith & Quinn Merc. Co., being with that firm for fourteen years. During his residence here he has held many positions of trust, having been postmaster and superintendent of the Wyoming General hospital, and he is now with the Union Pacific Coal Co. Mrs. Thayer’s life in Rock Springs has been a particularly busy one and her many acts of kindness on all occasions, whether of joy or sorrow, have made her universally loved and respected. She is blest with a sweet voice and a great talent for music, which were especially appreciated in the early days of the town, and which are still called into constant use. She is one of the people who will never grow old and her friends are kept young by association with her. On next Tuesday afternoon and evening Mr. and Mrs. Thayer will be at home to the people of Rock Springs at their home on Second street. No invitations have been sent out and there will be no formal reception, but they will be glad at this time to greet all of their old friends, and any new ones, who may call. Their only regret on this happy occasion will be in the absence of son, Oliver P. Thayer, who will be unable to be with them. The Miner voices the sentiments of the people of Rock Springs in wishing them many more years of happiness together. --- Green River Star, January 10, 1919 Town Attorney Fred W. Johnson and Attorney T. S. Taliaferro, Jr. appeared before the council in regard to the matter of the new cemetery plat. --- Rock Springs Miner no. 26 June 27, 1919 FIFTIETH WEDDING ANNIVERSARY IS WELL CELEBRATED On Sunday, Rock Springs was the scene of a very unusual entertainment, the occasion being the celebration of the golden wedding of Mr. and Mrs. Jacob Mrak. Mr. and Mrs. Mrak were married fifty years ago in Austria, where their home was in a little town not far from Trieste, near the Adriatic sea. Here they were married and raised their family of seven children and spent their lives there up to about six years ago. Their son John Mrak was the pioneer of the family to emigrate to the United States, coming to Rock Springs twenty-five years ago. One by one, he brought his brothers and sisters to Rock Springs until only one brother and the parents remained in the old country. Seeing the war cloud threatening, Mr. Mrak persuaded his parents to come to this country and they left Austria just in time to escape the suffering and privation that has devastated that country. The other son remained in Austria and the last reports from him were that he was in the army, but they have no word of him for three years. The six children living in Rock Springs are John and Anton Mrak, Mrs. Urban Taucher, Mrs. Frank Vehar and Misses Appolonia and Anna Mrak. There are also fifteen grandchildren. The celebration of the anniversary yesterday was planned in accordance with the traditions of the old country and lasted from early morning until late at night. The first part of the days’ program was the attendance of the entire family at an anniversary mass, at the North Side Catholic church. Here Fr. Schiffrer and Mr. Frank Plemel, the organist, had arranged a special service in honor of the anniversary and a beautiful gold crucifix was presented to Mr. and Mrs. Mrak by Fr. Schiffrer. After church the entire family had a picture taken, which they will prize very highly as a memento of the occasion. Afterward the company adjourned to the home of Mr. and Mrs. John Mrak, where the wedding dinner was awaiting them. Only those who saw the abundance of good things can realize the great dinner that was served, the feast-day dishes of the old country, as well as the good things of America, being provided in the greatest of abundance. During the afternoon and evening an endless number of friends called to extend congratulations and to partake of the good things, and the feasting and merry making lasted until the last hour of the eventful day has passed. Mr. and Mrs. Mrak are both in excellent health and were able to do the honors of the occasion, welcoming their guests in person. The only regret was that they could not have their other son with them to complete the family circle. They speak very little English and were unable to tell much about the wedding day, fifty years ago, but Mrs. Mrak said that they had seen many changes in that time, but that the United States was the best country and that the golden wedding day was a happier day than the wedding day. Their many friends in Rock Springs join with The Miner in extending congratulations and in hoping that they may live to celebrate many more anniversaries. --- Green River Star, November 25, 1921 LA FRANCE FIRE TRUCK WILL BE UNLOADED TODAY The American La France motor-driven fire truck has arrived, and Mr. Lorne Hill from headquarters is here to unload same and give instruction in handling this magnificent fire fighter. The work of unloading will take place today (Saturday afternoon at 1 o’clock) and all who desire to become members of the volunteer department are invited to be out and get instructions from Mr. Hill, while all interested citizens are invited to inspect the truck. --- Green River Star, December 16, 1921 OFFICIAL TOWN COUNCIL PROCEEDINGS …A donation of $50.00 was received from J.E. Irvine; $10.00 from Mrs. Chas. Eggs; $10.00 from George E??????d and $2.20 from a friend all to apply on the first payment of the fire truck, all of which were very thankfully received by the council, making a total of $777.20, including $500.00 from the Union Pacific, donated for first payment of fire truck… --- Green River Star, December 16, 1921 The Sweetwater Beverage Co. is erecting 100,000 ton ice house in the west end of town near the river. This will enable the company to store all the ice that will be needed for the town’s use. --- Union Pacific Coal Company Employes’ Magazine, Feb 1, 1924 ROCK SPRINGS, WYOMING By W.K. Lee The town takes its name from a spring located a short distance north, and was given to it by the Union Pacific Railway in 1869. This springs has gone dry, due probably to the underground movement in No. 1 Mine. The earl history of the town dates back to 1849, when the Old Emigrant Trail first passed through No. 6 Camp, thence on to California. These were the days of the “Argonauts.” The Government established the stage station in 1850 and The Overland Stage Station was located at this springs. On the hill just to the west of the station are several graves of those who died while enroute to the New El Dorado. In 1867 the present town site of Rock Springs was a mere sagebrush, greasewood and alkali flat, over which roamed great herds of antelope (now almost extinct) and flocks of sage chickens. It was at this time that Archibald and Duncan came here looking up coal lands. They also opened a small store at No. 6 Mine near the stage station, which they afterward moved to what is now the site of Blairtown, and where they opened a coal mine. The first coal mines in Rock Springs were operated by the Wyoming Coal and Mining Company under the management of Thomas Wardell, now dead. Up to 1869 there were no houses on the present site of the town with the exception of a few dug-outs on the banks of Bitter Creek, which intersects the town. The oldest house in Rock Sprigs dates back to 1870, moved here from Point of Rocks, probably by Wm. H. Mellor, one of the pioneer officials of the Wyoming Coal and Mining Company, and the Coal Department of the Union Pacific Railroad Company, as the Union Pacific Coal Company was once known. It was not until 1870 that Rock Springs really started to make itself known. At that time Jno. Jarvie and Jos. L. Young erected a store and saloon building on North Front Street, near the present offices of the Green River Water Works Company. The first church services were held during this year at Blairtown or Old Town, the Reverend Mr. Lynn officiating. An orchestra was started at this time by Mrs. D.M. Thayer (now deceased), John Ludvigsen playing the accordion. Dances were held in the school house. The orchestra was augmented by Jim Skedd. The first Postmaster was O.C Smith. The Post Office was located in Beckwith-Quinn & Co.’s store on South Front Street. In 1875 the population of Rock Springs was about 200. The Independent, now the Rocket, and the Miner were the pioneer newspapers, the former being established in 1885 and the latter shortly afterward. In 1887 the Sweetwater Bank, now the First National Bank, started in business. 1887 saw the completion of the pipe line of the Green River Water Works Company. This came as a great blessing to the people of Rock Springs, who prior to that time obtained their domestic water from tank wagons, the water being hauled here in railroad cars from Green River and Point of Rocks. The town was incorporated November 13th, 1888, with William H. O’Donnell as its first mayor. The Rock Springs we know today is vastly improved over the pioneer town, and all feel it will continue to grow, until it reaches a city of imposing proportions. --- Green River Star, June 9, 1922 FERRY BOAT TURNS OVER MEN HAVE NARROW ESCAPE Sheriff A. G. Morton, Deputy Sheriff Chris Jensen, County Commissioner P. G. Wall, Milt Benson and Ed Stevens narrowly escaped death Sunday, when the ferry boat at Homes’ ranch near Buckboard capsized in Green River, throwing them and their car into the icy waters. The sheriff’s car went to the bottom of the river in about twenty feet of water and is still there with little chance for recovery. The men by floating on timber from the ferry and swimming managed to land on an island in the river where they were rescued. They were all fortunate indeed to escape, as the river is unusually high and is ice cold at this time of the year. --- Green River Star, June 9, 1922 WATER LINE TO CEMETERY IS ALMOST COMPLETED If you want to realize that the present town council is accomplishing anything, just take a ride up to the Riverview cemetery and see what has been done in beautifying this burial spot. The new concrete fountain basin is finished and filled with water, so that those that have lots will have plenty of water to care for the graves. The water line is about finished and when completed will make it possible for water to be furnished from the town water mains. The pump has been installed and all but about 100 feet of pipe has already been laid. --- Green River Star, July 28, 1922 SHERIFF’S CAR TAKEN FROM THE GREEN RIVER The sheriff’s car, which several weeks ago went down with the tipping of the ferry boat at Holmes ranch, was located last Sunday. An expert ocean diver from Rhode Island spent two days endeavoring to make a fastening on the car to bring it out of the stream, but without success. James McCabe, a home town boy, made a successful fastening on the car and it was brought from the river, and on e Monday brought to town. The car is in fairly good condition, considering the time that it has been in the water. --- Green River Star, August 4, 1922 CHAUTAUQUA WILL BE AT ROCK SPRINGS The Tenth Anniversary program of the Ellison-White Lyceum and Chautauqua Association gives promise of being one qualified to properly celebrate this 1922 season—the tenth year of Ellison White service in the West. The dates for the Rock Springs Chautauqua are August 11 to 15. Almost before the people of the community realize it, the big brown top will be swung into place, and for an entire week will be the real social center of that community. [article continues naming speakers and performances.] --- Green River Star, August 4, 1922 The first two graduates of Dagget County will teach school in the County this year. Miss Verda Stewart, the first graduate from the Manila High School will teach in the County at Linwood, Miss Stewart who is attending summer school at the U. of U. graduated last May and is one of the only two pupils of the county to ever finish high school. The other is Miss Beulah Larsen who graduated from the Granite High School last spring and will teach near here at Glenn Dale. --- Green River Star, August 18, 1922 MANILA NEWS NOTES Manila, Utah, Aug. 7th Pioneer to Leave Lucerne Valley Daniel M. Nelson with his family will leave here shortly to make his home in Vernal. Mr. Nelson is the last one left of the original pioneers of this valley. He came here with his family from Beaver twenty-six years ago and has made his home here ever since. Besides helping build up the country he has been a faithful worker in the L.D.S. branch, having served as ward clerk for seventeen years under different bishops and having been himself a bishop for three years. He is the father of nineteen children, his present wife being the mother of thirteen of them. Fourteen of his children are living, most of whom are married and are settled here on farms. Four unmarried children will accompany Mr. Nelson to Vernal. Mr. Nelson has always boosted this country. He sent one son to serve his country in the late war, and he died on the battlefield in France. Mr. Nelson and family will be greatly missed by the people here. Mrs. Nelson for years has always been the one to help people in need and to administer to the sick. Their home is noted for its hospitality. We wish them success and hope they make many, many new friends among their new surroundings. A large surprise party was given on Mrs. Nelson Friday night. About forty guests being present. Another big party will be given by the ward in the Amusement Hall soon. --- Green River Star, Feb 2, 1923 286-FOOT BRIDGE TO SPAN GREEN RIVER District Engineer R. J. Templeton of the local State Highway office, has been busy during the week taking prospective bidders to the site of the new bridge to be constructed over Green River, at a point four miles west of this city, on the new route of the Lincoln Highway. Bids for this and smaller structures along the eleven mile stretch of new highway are to be opened on next Tuesday. The Lincoln Highway is to be re-routed west from this point in the spring. At present a round about route is encountered west of Green River. The new route will be north of the river, and will follow the Palisades along the river for four miles, then cross the river, still keeping north of the railroad until Peru, eleven miles west of here is reached, then the tracks will be crossed by means of an overhead crossing. Contracts for the grading of this eleven miles of road will be made early in the spring. The new bridge across the river will be 286 feet in length. --- Green River Star, Feb 9, 1923 SAM MCCOURT NARROWLY ESCAPES DEATH TUESDAY Pinned beneath an overturned automobile on the ice of Green river Tuesday night, Sam McCourt was froze to the ice but despite fractures of leg and shoulder-blade and agonizing injuries to his spine, was able to cut himself free with a pocket-knife. He then crawled up the steep river bank and his cries for help were heard by workmen at the Electric Light Plant, who went to his aid. He was under the overturned car three hours. His condition is grave but recovery is anticipated. McCourt was driving from town to his home when the lights of his automobile failed and the machine crashed through the railing of the Lincoln Highway bridge over Green river. It landed upside-down on the ice with McCourt beneath it. Almost immediately McCourt’s face froze to the ice. That was at 8 o’clock. For a period McCourt was unconed [sic] he shouted feebly for help but was unable to attract attention. Realizing that he was freezing to death, he twisted and squirmed, every movement aggravating his agony, until he was able to get out his pocket-knife. Opening it, he began chipping at the ice about his frozen face. At 11 o’clock, three hours after the accident, he freed his face and dragged himself from under the car and up the bank. In addition to the injuries to his leg, shoulder and spine, McCourt almost severed one ear in liberating his face from the grip of the ice, has many cuts and bruises. He was rushed to the hospital at Rock Springs, where it is said he has a good change for recovery. The automobile, badly wrecked, was salvaged from the frozen river Wednesday. --- Green River Star, May 4, 1923 FORMER ROCK SPRINGS BOY SCOUT BECOMES HERO The following story, taken from a Los Angeles newspaper of recent date, will be of much local interest, owing to the fact that the hero James Jamieson, was formerly a Rock Springs boy, being a member of the local scout team before leaving this city last August for Los Angeles to reside with his mother, Mrs. C. A. Franke. James, who is fourteen years of age, is the grandson of Mrs. E. Wilde of this city. Following is the story: "A Boy Scout who would only give the name of James, and emphatically refused to accept any reward for his efforts, yesterday brought in little Dillie Hjorth, 2 ½ years old son of Mr. and Mrs. A. W. Hjorth, 4251 Vermont avenue, who had been missing from his home for more than three hours. “When the parents discovered that the child was missing they spread a general alarm and enlisted the aid of everyone in the neighborhood, who would volunteer to participate in the search. "James, who later admitted that he was a member of troop 14 of the Boy Scouts, but refused to divulge his full name, declared, when offered a reward, that he was merely performing his duty as a Boy Scout, and would under no circumstances accept remuneration for what he had done. Little Billie had wandered more than a mile away and declared, when found, that he was looking for his daddy. He was not in the least disturbed over the fact that he was so far from home." -Rock Springs Rocket. --- Green River Star, Jul 13, 1923 SPECIAL SESSION OF DISTRICT COURT; TWO VERY BUSY DAYS …The principal matter before the Court was the action brought by County Attorney Yates against Grace C. Magerl and Joe Magerl seeking to close up the property operated by the Magerls on the south side. In his petition, the County Attorney claimed the property was being run as a house of ill repute, and submitted a number of affidavits of Green River people to substantiate the charge. The defendants, though not taking the witness stand themselves to deny the charge against them, made a strenuous effort to prove the falsity of the charge. After a day’s hearing, Judge Tidball found that the charges were well founded and ordered the nuisance abated, issuing a temporary restraining order against the Magerls until the matter comes up for final hearing and disposition at the first day of the fall term of the court… --- Green River Star, Sep 7, 1923 SERIOUS FIRE LAST FRIDAY AT GRANGER Granger was visited last Friday by the most disastrous fire in the history of the town, and damage estimated at around $20,000 was done. Among the places destroyed were the Cottage Inn, garage, Dave Bagley’s warehouse, the Fred Anderson residence and the Owl Restaurant. No insurance was carried on any of the buildings or their contents. It was about 10:40 p.m. when the fire was discovered in the garage, which occupies the lower floor of the Cottage Inn, and when discovered had gained considerable headway. Improvised fire fighting apparatus was at once brought into action, when it was found that the water pressure was low. This with a breeze that later became a rather heavy wind rendered all efforts to save the doomed buildings fruitless, so attention was directed toward saving other buildings. The wind subsided as quickly as it sprung up, or the entire town probably would have been wiped out. When it was seen that it was impossible to save the buildings in the path of the flames attention was directed to the Bagley and the Chrisman and Petrie stores, which at times during the conflagration were showered with sparks and embers that started their roofs smouldering. All the merchandise was removed from the Bagley store, and the furniture from the Anderson home was saved, although their loss will total between 3 and 9 thousand dollars, as the result of the building being consumed. Improvements to the Cottage Inn and garage totaling over $3,000 recently had been made, which now lie a mess of ruins. Six automobiles in the garage were a total loss. It was in the garage that the fire started, but the cause of its origin is unknown. No one was near the property at the time the fire was first observed. --- Green River Star, Dec 14, 1923 KLANSMEN VISIT LOCAL CHURCHES Last Sunday evening the Ku Klux Klan made its first public visitation in Green River, when they appeared at the Episcopal and Congregational churches, unannounced, and after a short address by one of the hooded visitors, they distributed several tracts setting forth the ideals of their organization and placed fifty dollars in gold on each of the church altars and left the following letter: “Gentlemen:-- In behalf of Green River Klan No. 15 we are presenting to the Protestant Church of Green River a token of our interest, in their new building programes. [sic] The supreme aim of our organization is to support all things that are truly American, all churches that stand for separation of Church and State, in profession and in fact we believe to be the only kind of Churches that were intended to exsist [sic] by the early pioneers of our great Nation, who came here largely to escape the religious tyranny in Europe. We hope this will be of some assistance in building a Church edifice that will stand for many years to come, and will help perpetuate American ideals of Citizenship. Signed, KNIGHTS OF THE KLU KLUX KLAN” --- Green River Star, Feb 1, 1924 R. S. NATIONAL BANK BUYS ELKS BUILDING One of the largest and most important real estate transfers to take place in recent months in Rock Springs was the sale this week of the Elks building to the Rock Springs National bank. The building adjoins the bank structure proper and was erected about 12 years ago. The consideration was $25,000. For the present no improvements will be made, but before the summer is over the building will be remodeled to increase the banking floor space of the institution, and it is reported that the upper floor of the three-story building will be converted into office rooms. The new Elks building is expected to be ready for occupancy in about 60 days, when the order will have the finest quarters in the state. --- Green River Star, July 25, 1924 WARRANT ISSUED FOR ARREST OF PROMINENT BUSINESS MAN The County Attorney’s office the past week issued a warrant for the arrest of Herbert A. Sievertson who for a number of years has been the trusted employee of the Overland Lumber Company and for the past two and a half years been resident manager. It seems that Mr. Sievertson on the pretense of ill health informed the Salt Lake office that he desired a few day lay off which was readily granted as his health was not of the best. The Salt Lake people had no fear of Mr. Sievertson as he had for many years given faithful and competent service to his employers, but when the few days ran into a week or better the head office sent representatives to look over Mr. Sievertson’s affairs not expecting by any means to find anything wrong. On going over his books, however, a shortage was discovered in his accounts. Other events which had developed since the auditing of the books show that Mr. Sievertson had been under heavy mental strain and that this no doubt had brought about his very unpleasant situation. Mr. Sievertson has been a very active man since his residence in Green River and about a year ago was head of the Community Club. More through his efforts than anyone else was brought about the big U. P. celebration which will stand out as one of the big events in the history of the county. He was well thought of by the leading business men and was always found among the boosters for anything which would be for the welfare of the town of Green River. His leaving as he did, and also the fact that he left his wife and little daughter, is something which cannot be understood by his many friends. While it looks very dark for Mr. Sievertson at present his friends hope that it will be possible that he can again regain the confidence he had in the eyes of his employers and the people of this city. At this time to his wife and child is extended the heartfelt sympathy of the community in their great trial. --- Green River Star, Aug 1, 1924 SIEVERTSON ARRESTED IN SEATTLE< WASH. H. A. Sievertson who disappeared from Green River a little over a week ago and for whose apprehension a warrant was issued, was arrested in the Hotel Richmond, Seattle, Washington, on Thursday afternoon. Sievertson was in the employ of the Overland Lumber Company and certain events caused an examination of his books when a considerable shortage was discovered and a warrant issued for his apprehension. Sievertson was a prominent man in the city and his many friends were reluctant to believe that he could have been guilty of any dishonorable act but they were ultimately compelled reluctantly to admit that things looked very dark against him. From the time the warrant was issued Sheriff Morton immediately got on Sievertson’s track and has never lost sight of his movements. The sheriff first of all traced Sievertson to Los Angeles where he had gone on leaving Green River. Sievertson then went to Long Beach where he met Miss Forest Healey, a young lady who was formerly employed in Green River, and a marriage ceremony was performed between the two by Judge Scott of that city on July 17th. Sheriff Morton still on the track traced Sievertson back to Ogden and from there to Vancouver, B. C., and ultimately to Seattle. The sheriff on Thursday about one o’clock telegraphed the chief of police to go to the Hotel Richmond and arrest Sievertson and within two hours received a reply that Sievertson was in custody. Deputy Sheriff Chris Jessen left on No. 19 on Thursday night for Seattle to bring Sievertson back to Green River. Thus within a week of the warrant being issued Sievertson was in custody. This was certainly a smart piece of work on the part of Sheriff Morton. During his long term of office very few criminals have succeeded in making their escape from the vigilant eye and long reaching arm of the sheriff. --- Union Pacific Coal Company Employes’ Magazine, Oct 1924 MRS. ESTHER M. OUTSEN “You can always find the strength to do what must be done, and if you put your heart into it and do it well you learn to like it in time.” This is how Mrs. Outsen states her philosophy of life, a philosophy that has carried her over the hard places in the life of a Wyoming pioneer making her home in a land that belongs not to weaklings nor to those without the saving race of a happy as well as a pioneering spirit. In April, 1881, Mrs. Outsen left her quiet, peaceful home in Denmark to seek a new one in this country. After two long and weary months of travel she reached Rock Springs on June fourth. At that time there was one school in Rock Springs, a school of two rooms with two teachers, Mrs. Mary Clark, now the City Librarian and Mrs. Tisdel, whose husband was alter appointed Superintendent of the Union Pacific Coal Company; it was located where the Junior High School is now; was used for Church services, for dances, political meetings and social gatherings. There were thirty-seven pupils. Church socials were held in private homes too but no dancing was allowed. There was one one-horse delivery wagon in town, used for delivering groceries and provisions; it was also used for hauling voters to the polls at election time and even, when needed, was fitted up as a hearse. There was no jail and any box car which was standing empty in the yards was used to hold offenders against the law. It is tremendously interesting to look back now with Mrs. Outsen to the old days, but it was often difficult then. Homesick for her own country and unable to entirely understand her neighbors, she had need to acquire a “long look” and to be willing to brave a present of hardships, looking to the development of an American culture in the west to which she might give her share and so make her contribution to American life—as the West, in turn, made its contribution to the characters of its pioneers in self-reliant resourcefulness. Mrs. Outsen was accompanied to this country by her eldest son, Charles, a lad of twelve, now Billeting Officer for the U.P. Coal Company. Her second son, Bennett Outsen, Superintendent of the Southern Wyoming Electric Company, was born in Rock Springs, in the little adobe house beside the Western Agate Cutting Company’s shop. She has seven grandchildren and one great-grandchild, in whose activities she is always interested and by whom she is adored. Despite Mrs. Outsen’s seventy-nine years, she is active physically and mentally, is fond of the out-of-doors and is very good company. --- Rock Springs Rocket, Oct 24, 1924 Unfortunate Miner’s Children Are Adopted George and Mary Wilson were adopted last week by Judge Tidball to Mr. and Mrs. Arthur Baxter. It will be remembered a year ago last September, Robert Wilson, father of George and Mary, met with an accident in No. 2 mine of the Union Pacific Coal company and suffered in the hospital until the 17th of November, 1923, at which time Mr. Wilson passed away. When Mr. Wilson felt there was little hope held out as to saving his life, he called Jospeh McTee to the hospital to confer with him in regard to his two children. Mr. McTee at that time was president of No. 2 and 7 locals of which Mr. Wilson was a member. Mr. Wilson explained to Joseph McTee the condition he was in and thought that he could not last long; he also stated that Mrs. Wilson, his wife, had deserted his three children and himself and gone to England 13 months previous to the date he was injured, and stated that he did not know what would become of his children. Mr. McTee told him, if anything should happen that the children would be taken care of by the United Mine Workers. After the death of Mr. Wilson, Mr. Joseph McTee was appointed guardian over George and Mary Wilson and also administrator of the children’s compensation and on November 24, 1924, he took charge of the two children and kept them until February, 1924, during which time he was constantly trying to get in touch with Mrs. Robert Wilson, mother of the children, in order to ascertain whether or not she desired to have her children, but she could not be located. The children were then sent to the State Home in Cheyenne where they remained until Mr. McTee wired the home last week and had them returned here, where they were adopted as above stated, to Mr. and Mrs. Arthur Baxter of Colorado. The children are very fortunate in receiving such a good home and Mr. McTee is to be complimented for living up to the will of Mr. Wilson and for the fatherly attention which he gave to George and Mary. --- Green River Star, November 3, 1922 Excitement in oil circles went above par last week upon learning that the Midwest near Rock Springs struck another tremendous gasser. All this information leads one to believe that Green River will have an oil refinery. --- Green River Star, November 10, 1922 DR. CHARLOTTE HAWK MUCH BELOVED WOMAN LEAVES GREEN RIVER It is with the deepest regret that the writer informs its readers that Dr. Charlotte Hawk, last Tuesday left Green River to take up her residence in Long Beach, California. Dr. Charlotte, as she was lovingly known to all, has for the past twenty-six years given her unstinted time, and vast knowledge of medicine, to the aiding of man, woman and child in this community. While possessed of a recognized unusual training in her chosen profession, she has ever been one who took part with a vim to any movement that was for the betterment of the town and its people, and her talents have not been kept in hiding, as she never let an opportunity pass, where she could benefit, and her timely advice and assistance has brought happiness to many, where clouds were darkest. She is a noble work of God’s handiwork, and the wish of all, that she may ever enjoy the happiness that should rightly be hers. She was a graduate of the medical department of the Northwestern University of Chicago, took special training in the Paulina St. Hospital for Women and Children in Chicago, and a Post Graduate course in New York City. Again we say that in her leaving, Green River has lost one of the best, if not the most valuable citizen that it has ever possessed. --- Union Pacific Coal Company Employes’ Magazine, Nov 1924 THE “MAJOR” G.B. Pryde The British Isles have given many citizens to America by naturalization, who have helped by their own good citizenship to mould and shape the destinies of their fellows so that they, too, might show a high regard for America, American ideals and institutions. In nearly all cases, these Anglo Saxons have come from the common people, and like the Pilgrims who came over in the Mayflower to found a new Government where no class distinctions would exist, these later pilgrims have come here imbued with the spirit of liberty and equality. Of such is the subject of this sketch, who has had a wide and varied career. The many incidents of his life would fill a book, and an interesting one, but only a sketch can be given on account of the space limitations the Editor has imposed. A.G. Griffths, or “Major” Griffiths, as he is more familiarly known, came to Rock Springs in 1905, and after a residence of nearly twenty years he expresses the belief that this is the greatest country and form of government under the sun, and he desires to live the remainder of his days under this government among his Rock Springs friends. For years he worked for the Union Pacific Coal Company as a miner in No. 1 and No. 10 Mines, and was also employed fro some time as a miner at Hanna. During practically all of this time he has been closely identified with the United Mine Workers of America in many official capacities. He is the present custodian of their Labor Temple, Rock Springs, and is particularly proud of one thing, while associated actively with the Mine Workers. He was instrumental in the installation of a Library in the Mine Workers building at Rock Springs which today numbers 1,600 volumes. Surely something to be proud of! And as an expression of their appreciation of his efforts, the Mine Workers presented hime with a gold watch suitably engraved. During the recent war, he served Uncle Sam as an examiner at Rock Springs. He was also Chairman of the local Coal Production Committee, Chairman of a Community Labor Board and an organizer for the State Council of Defense. He also sold many liberty bonds among the miners, and for all of these activities he received recognition from our Government. The Major’s early life is full of interesting experiences as a brief resume will show. In 1875, he joined the Grenadier Guards, one of the most famous British regiments. He is proud of the fact that he drilled before General Grant at Chelsea Barracks, London, while the latter was on a visit to the British Isles. About this time he was selected as the right file leader of the second battalion of his regiment. Early in 1882 he left the service and became a member of the Swansea police force. Later during this year he was called back to the Colors and served in the Soudan War against Kipling’s “Fuzzy Wuzzy” and his brother Soudanese-Dervishers. He returned to his work with the police force at Swansea in 1885 and when it looked as if war was imminent with Russia, he again volunteered for service and was assigned as an orderly in the war office in London. In 1889, he joined the 3rd Welsh regiment and was later promoted to drum major. In 1899, during the South African War, he again volunteered for service and was sent to the scene of hostilities. While in camp in South Africa, he met J.P. Boyer, who was serving with the Canadian regiment, and the friendship with Mr. Boyer was renewed when Mr. Griffiths landed in Rock Springs, where Mr. Boyer had previously returned. During his military career, he was famous as an amateur boxer, being known as the “Welsh King,” having defeated several British mit celebrities of that time. Despite his many experiences, the Major is erect of figure and clear of eye and has a splendid physique. He has been the drum major of the Rock Springs band for many years, and it is the wish of his numerous friends that he may long be spared in this capacity. In his regimental leading of the band none can equal him swinging the baton. He states that in all his travels he has never seen so many pretty girls as Rock Springs can boast! --- Union Pacific Coal Company Employes’ Magazine, Dec 1924 MR. AND MRS. W.W. WILLIAMS On December 31st it will be forty years since Mr. and Mrs. Williams were married, four years after Mr. Williams went to work for the Union Pacific Coal Company. They have lived at the Grass Creek, Almy, Spring Valley and Cumberland Camps. Mr. Williams says he has never had a time check in his life, that he has helped finish four camps and has moved to the next nearest one every time. “There’s nothing gained by running around the country,” is the way he expresses the philosophy that has guided his life. Mr. Williams is fifty-nine years old and Mrs. Williams is fifty-seven years old, and they have seven living children and four grandchildren. They are members of the Church of the Latter Day Saints, and think Cumberland is a pretty good place in which to live. Mrs. Williams took a trip through Utah and the Western States this summer, but is happiest at home where she has her family around her and where she is loved as a neighbor, adviser and friend. Mr. Williams has been House Inspector and Deputy Sheriff for the last three years. --- Union Pacific Coal Company Employes’ Magazine, Dec 1924 ROCKY MOUNTAIN BILL W.J. Stroud (Rocky Mountain Bill) says he came to Wyoming when they were making it and has stayed here ever since. He knows Wyoming as few men do, is a renowned hunter, fisherman and mountain climber. At one time he climbed Fremont Peak and placed a flag on the summit. It is said of him that he can travel further and faster than most folks—that when he gets out of food he can find both food and drink in the ordinary despised onion. He used to use a team of horses but has recently succumbed to the modern desire for speed and drive an automobile. Mr. Stroud is a cabinet maker, a taxidermist, a photographer and lecturer. He possesses many splendid photographs of unusual Wyoming scenes that he has taken himself, some of which have been published in the National Geographic and other journals. He visited Europe and the Holy Land during the last summer and has contributed an article eon Bethlehem, the Birthplace of Christ, to our Christmas Magazine, which is printed elsewhere. --- Union Pacific Coal Company Employes’ Magazine, Dec 1924 CHRIS JOHNSTON Chris Johnston, Master Mechanic at Cumberland, was born in Denmark in 1867; he came to America in 1885 and began work for the Union Pacific Railroad at Rawlins, Wyoming. In 1889 he came to Rock Springs, entering the employ of the Union Pacific Coal Company where he has remained ever since, except for one year when he went back to the Railroad. Mr. Johnston prospected as a driller in the Cumberland, Reliance, Superior and Hanna fields. He is an Odd Fellow, Knights Templar and a Shriner, belonging to the Rock Springs branches of these Lodges. Mr. Johnston likes chicken shooting, is proud of the new Cumberland Band, is a rooter for the Cumberland First Aid Teams and very much enjoys the Employes’ Magazine. He mails his copies to a brother who formerly lived in this vicinity but is now back in the old country and eager for news. When he retires Mr. Johnston means to have a wonderful garden. --- Union Pacific Coal Company Employes’ Magazine, Jan 1925 John Firmage By G.B. Pryde The subject of this sketch entered the employ of the Union Pacific Coal Company in 1886, and was continuously in its employ for thirty-eight years, until he quit on October 26, 1924. John Firmage was born in Kirkeadly, Fifeshire, Scotland. Kirkealdy is better known as Langtoon, on account of having one principal street extending over a large territory. Mr. Firmage came to this country in July, 1880, going to Montana and settling in the town of Dillon, where he assisted in building the Utah Northern Railroad until it reached Butte City. He then went to the state of Washington and was engaged in railroad work with the Northern Pacific until the year 1886, when he came to Rock Springs and was employed by the Union Pacific Coal Company, going to work in the old No. 1 Mine as a driver and rope runner, retaining this position until 1892, when he was appointed boss driver. In 1910, when No. 1 Mine was closed down, he was transferred as boss driver to No. 10 Mine, and worked in this capacity until 1917, when he was moved to the old No. 8 Mine, having been appointed boss driver and assistant foreman. Sometime later he was transferred to No. 2 Mine. He was engaged as boss driver in this mine at the time he terminated his services with the Union Pacific Coal Company. Johnny was well and favorably known to all the employes of the mines on account of his congenial disposition, and regret was general when it was known that he had decided to give up mine work and settle in Salt Lake City. The officials of the Union Pacific Coal Company join in this regret, as Mr. Firmage’s long and faithful service with the company had made him an invaluable employe. He gave the best years of his life and the best that was in him during his years of service; gave it loyally and uncomplainingly and was always on the job. His vacations were few as he found his greatest pleasure in his work. In enumerating the foremen under whom he had worked, Mr. Firamge stated that he had never been censured and had always gotten along well with the foremen and could not wish to work for better men. He also pays a tribute to the town of Rock Springs, where he had lived for such a long time, by saying that Rock Springs was the finest town that he ever lived in and that he will always consider it his home. Our wish, and the wish of all of his friends (and they are many) is that he and his estimable wife may long be spared to enjoy life in their new home in Salt Lake City. --- Union Pacific Coal Company Employes’ Magazine, Feb 1925 Ye Olden Times D.M. Thayer, Rock Springs Mr. D.M. Thayer came to Rock Springs from Amherst, Massachusetts, forty-eight years ago when Rock Springs had only one small hotel and four houses on South Front Street and five or six homes on the North Side. He began to work in the only store the town boasted, and remembers hiding a fugitive Chinaman there for four days during the Chinese riot of 1885. The store of Mr. Thayer’s earlier days had many Indian shoppers who were friendly and interesting in to the young man from the college town of Amherst; interesting too, was the store itself, carrying as it did, all the needs of the settlers from groceries to coffins, which latter Mr. Thayer made out of lumber, often serving as undertaker. The store was often in demand for parties and community gatherings, a counter being used for a stage and the space between counters for a dance floor. Mr. Thayer says he “never thought that Rock Springs would have the wonderful future and growth it has had,” that he recalls having been offered several acres of property in the vicinity of the Hospital for two hundred dollars, as late as twenty-five years ago. After leaving the store, Mr. Thayer was postmaster for five years; conducted a photographic studio for four years; was, for four and one-half years, the Superintendent of the Hospital and later, clerk in the Mine Office of The Union Pacific Coal Company, from which position he retired two years ago. He is an Episcopalian and was one of the early members of the congregation here, having helped to build the first Episcopal Church. He had two children, Mrs. Mary Morris, the well known pianist of this city, and Mrs. O.P. Thayer of Helena, Montana; four grandchildren and two great-grandchildren, all of whom are proud of their pioneer parent. --- Union Pacific Coal Company Employes’ Magazine, Feb 1925 Very Old Times One of the Rock Springs pioneer teachers who, she tells us, recalls tales of the “very old times” is Mrs. Mary A. Patterson. To quote her further, she taught when the “schools of Rock Springs were excellent. There was no baseball, football or volley, perhaps, but all the teachers loved teaching—we turned out good scholars, too.” Mrs. Patterson has a fund of old time stories. That story about the first school! How it inspired the teachers of her day! How real is the heritage which has come to use from the investment of endurance, courage, resourcefulness and heroism by our pioneers. Recall that first teacher holding school in her tiny kitchen in Blairtown, with a heterogeneous collection of books which had been tucked away in trunks coming into the early settlement. What an inspiration her ingenuity is! Blackboards seemed an impossibility to her until she devised the scheme of pasting dark brown paper sacks on boards. These were later supplanted by painted boards. And the Rock Springs of that day! We enjoyed her description. At the time the first real school was built, rows of red houses appeared on the fields of sage brush and cactus; but all around was wilderness. Coyotes barked and howled on the hills. For many years a wild cat had its den among the rocks near No. 6. Eagles built their nests among the trails which led to Sweetwater and Green River. On the hilltop by the Hospital stood a great rock which had in it an opening forming stairs by which children would climb to the top. It made a favorite rendezvous for them and an excellent place for picnics. South of this rock ran an old trail which was called “Lover’s Lane,” along it grew flowers in abundance but these have long since been destroyed by cattle and sheep. Up the road, along Little Bitter Creek, was the old tie camp of the Union Pacific Railway—the remnants are still there and afford a place for rabbits to live unmolested. An Indian family lived on what is now the hospital site. The head of the family was not very kind to his squaw, he even beat her at times. After her association with the white women she rebelled and left him, supporting herself by doing settlers’ laundry work. The stage station was supplied with meat by hunters and trappers who found such game as deer, buffalo, antelope, bear and sage chicken. We are tremendously indebted to Mrs. Patterson for a most interesting hour, shall view our Rock Springs with a new interest and again acknowledge our indebtedness to the pioneer teacher. --- Green River Star, Mar 27, 1925 MANILA NEWS NOTES By Correspondent Mary E. Harper, an old time resident of Manila, left here suddenly Monday morning without acquainting her friends or neighbors of her intentions. Not even the milk man was notified to discontinue his visits. Nothing has been heard from Mrs. Harper since. It has been reported the Mr. James Beddo accompanied her. --- Union Pacific Coal Company Employes’ Magazine, Apr 1925 Ye Olden Times Peter Boam Sr. Peter Boam was born at Somer, Coates Derbyshire, England, on November 9, 1858. He came to this country in 1877 and went to work for The Union Pacific Coal Company in Almy. He stayed there until Almy Camp was closed and then went to Spring Valley, where he was night boss, night watchman and, later, mail carrier. Mr. Boam went to Cumberland in 1905, being the first night watchman the Cumberland Camp had. He is now employed in the charging station at No. 2 Camp and has been in the employ of the Company for forty-eight years. He was married, in 1881, to Euphemia May Hunter of Ogden, is the father of eleven children and has twenty grandchildren. --- Union Pacific Coal Company Employes’ Magazine, Apr 1925 Ye Olden Times George Fitchett George Fitchett was born in England in 1867, came to America in 1888 and locate din Rock Springs, where he started to work for The Union Pacific Coal Company in that year and has been in their employ continuously since that time, with the exception of about six months when he started in the business of raising chickens at the chicken ranch south of Rock Springs. In the year 1899 he took a trip to his old home in England, but soon returned to the late of his adoption. Mr. Fitchett has held many responsible positions with The Union Pacific Coal Company; he was assistant Foreman in No. 8 mine at Rock Springs, Assistant Foreman in Reliance, Mine Foreman of No. 3 and No. 4 Mine in Reliance and Mine Foreman of C mine in Superior. Mr. Fitchett is at present Assistant Foreman at Reliance, Wyoming. When No. 8 Mine in Rock Springs was opened Mr. Fitchett helped to load the first car of coal that was loaded at the bottom of the shaft. The First Aid movement has always had a staunch supporter in Mr. Fitchett, who has taken an active part in any contest or program that was being given by this organization. He is quite famous as an entertainer at the local entertainments, his favorite songs are “Better than Gold,” “Do Leave Me. Harry,” and “Coppers Will Turn to Silver.” Any one who has ever had the good fortune to be present at one of these entertainments where Mr. Fitchett was on the lunch committee has no doubt had some of his famous Pork Pies. In the summer evenings it is a familiar sight to see Mr. Fitchett and his dog taking a walk after supper. ---- Union Pacific Coal Company Employes’ Magazine, May 1925 Robert Muir, General Master Mechanic, Retires Entering the service of The Union Pacific Coal Company at Rock Springs, forty-three years ago, and after being employed continuously (with the exception of a short break in service) during that period, Mr. Muir recently requested that he be relieved from active service, and he was accordingly placed on the retired list, effective April 16th, of the present year. No official of the company is more widely or favorably known in The Union Pacific Coal Company’s official family than Mr. Muir; his many years of service, during which he supervised the mechanical work at all of the mines, giving him a wide and varied acquaintance, and his friends, who are legion and wide-spread, will hear with regret of his decision to cease active service. “Bob,” as his friends all call him, has seen the Mechanical Department grow from the small primitive steam machinery and individual steam power plants used at each mien, to the modern steam turbines and central power plants; he has seen steam and air driven machinery, outside and inside the mine, supplanted by modern electric hoists, pumps, motors, etc., and with the onward march of progress he has ever kept abreast of all changes, and the central power plant at Rock Springs will stand for many years a tribute to his ability as a mechanic and executive. Like many others who have found success in America, the land of opportunity, “Bob” was born across the sea, his birthplace Bensley, Ayrshire, Scotland. No surprise will be felt at Mr. Muir’s large measure of success, in the home of his adoption, when it is remembered that within a few miles of this cottage an illustrious and famous Scotsman was born many years ago—Robert Burns, and a boy starting out in life with such background and tradition, could not fail to be successful. “Bob’s” first work was in Plymouth, Pennsylvania, where he was in turn breaker boy, oiler, engineer and fireman. In 1880 he went to Denver, where a brother had preceded him; there he obtained employment as transfer man for the Union Pacific Railroad Company. In July of the same year he reached Laramie, Wyoming, working in the Rolling Mills at that place, and in 1881 he came to Rock Springs, where his father was the hoisting engineer at No. 1 Mine; “Bob” was thereafter employed as hoisting engineer and machinist at Rock Springs until 1886, and was then transferred to Como, Colorado, as master mechanic, where he remained two years, he then returned to Rock Springs for a short period, thereafter moving to Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, where he remained for two years, finally returning to Rock Springs early in 1890. In 1892 Mr. Muir was made General Master Mechanic, and this position he held continually until his retirement. During recent years “Bob” has taken to fishing as a pastime, but has been heard to complain loudly regarding the apparently unfriendly attitude of the trout in the streams where he has attempted to demonstrate his skill as an angler. To Mr. and Mrs. Muir were born nine children, seven of whom survive, and to this fine old friend, loyal officer and good citizen, the whole Union Pacific Coal Company family extends its most sincere wishes for good health, happiness, and long, restful years, following a happy, industrious, well spent period of toil. --- Union Pacific Coal Company Employes’ Magazine, Jun 1925 Mrs. Ellen Parr—Rock Springs Mrs. Ellen Parr, now of Rock Springs, once of the old town of Carbon, was born in England and came to this country and to Carbon when she was only eight years old. She enjoys recalling her school days in this town of happy memories. She remembers Mr. L.G. Smith who was Mine Superintendent during her childhood, but more particularly she remembers Mrs. Smith who for years was the school teacher in the little town. It is often said that man or woman is fortunate who has had three teachers whose life and teachings made a lasting impression. Mrs. Parr is rich in memories of this kindly woman who was the wife of the Superintendent, taught the pubic school, and who, because there was no physician, nursed and doctored the sick as well as she could, even caring for and dressing wounds received in the mines. There were no first aid men in those days. Mrs. Smith was the daughter of a physician “back home” in Illinois and had learned from him something about bandaging and the art of first aid practiced so expertly by the men now. Mrs. Parr remembers the good-times of old Carbon, too, the old games that Mrs. Smith as school teacher taught; “pom pom pull away,” “run sheep run,” “Drop the handkerchief” and “London Bridge is falling down.” She remembers the friendliness and good fellowship of her girlhood home—sorrows too, but sorrows that were shared by everybody. She has seven sons living, and hopes to always live near her old friends and comrades. --- Union Pacific Coal Company Employes’ Magazine, Jul 1925 “Granny Higgins,” Superior Mrs. W.T. Higgins came to Wyoming from England thirty-nine years ago. She is a Carbonite having, on her arrival from England, first lived in Carbon, the town which developed an esprit de corps always evident when Carbonites get together. She moved to Superior seventeen years ago and has seen it grow from a tiny hamlet of tents and houses to the busy mining town it is now. Mrs. Higgins has three daughters and one son and is a familiar figure in Superior where she is “Granny” to the whole community. --- Union Pacific Coal Company Employes’ Magazine, Sep 1925 Two Sturdy Old Timers William Price, Hoistman Mine No. 7, Rock Springs, was born in Wales, January 27th, 1861, came to this country in 1880, settling in Iowa for a short period, thence moved to Montana. Began work for The Union Pacific Coal Company in No. 6 Mine, Rock Springs, in 1883, and has seen continuous service with them with the exception of a short time spent in Colorado. He has worked as a Mule Driver, Motorman and Hoisting Engineer in practically all the mines of the company here and is the proud possessor of a gold button covering his forty years connection therewith. William Davis, TImberman No. 7 Mine, Rock Springs, likewise came from Wales, where he first saw the light of day in 1864. He came to America in 1886, locating in Rock Springs, and has been continuously in the employ of our company ever since. He also worked at Almy for a short period. --- Union Pacific Coal Company Employes’ Magazine, Oct 1925 “Doodles” McArdle, Hanna’s Hero First Aider A Hero! A hero is a person who has displayed distinguishing valor or enterprise in danger, so says Webster. Enterprise! That’s what Jimmy McArdle, affectionately known as “Doodles,” Hanna first-aider, most certainly displayed when he quickly rendered first aid to W.W. Hughes, Driver Boss in No. 4 Mine, thereby very probably saving his life. On September, the 8th, the date of the accident to Mr. Hughes, “Doodles” was attending to his usual duties as Motor Runner; promptly the thing touched his motor-consciousness, swift action was necessary, training was necessary. “Doodles” knew how and very soon had stopped the bleeding of the crushed arm. He is a hero in Hanna today. McArdle was born in Chorley, Lancaster, England, on May 11th, 1898, and left his native land to try his fortune in America in November, 1919, beginning work with The Union Pacific Coal Company at No. Two Mine, as a loader. He is now a motorman. He has always been interested in First Aid and Mine Rescue training, taking part in the annual field meets. He was a member of the Hanna First Aid team, which was sent to the National Meet at Salt Lake City in 1923. Training counts—it always counts. It has been said that the World War was won, so far as the American-British part in it was concerned, on the football and rugby fields of these countries. This, not because of the body development but because of the development of the ability to think quickly and to act purposefully in a tight place. Training counts. But it has to have a man behind it. We are all glad to join Hanna in giving honor to James McArdle, first aider. --- Union Pacific Coal Company Employes’ Magazine, Oct 1925 Joseph Dyett Joseph Dyett, Rock Springs old-timer, a Union Pacific Coal Company “forty-year man” and still a hale and hearty practical-joker, was born in Armadale, Scotland, sixty years ago. He came to America with his parents when only sixteen years old, landing in New York on July 2, 1881, the day that President Garfield was shot. News of the shooting came to the ship just as she was tugging into harbor and it was an excited and horrified New York that greeted Mr. Dyett and his parents as they landed in America. They went first to Salt Lake City but came to Rock Springs two years later in 1883, when Mr. Dyett says Rock Springs was only a “little burg with many dug-outs on the Creek for dwellings.” Although Mr. Dyett lived within fifteen miles of the Queen Cit of Edinburg, he has not wanted to go back, and has always been satisfied to stay in the United States. He likes to tell about the good times of early Rock Springs when it was small enough for everybody to know everybody else and folks were more sociable. Mr. Dyett thoroughly enjoyed the “Old Timers Day” with its many renewals of old friendships, says he saw faces he had not seen for thirty years and that altogether the meetings reminded him of the good old times. Mr. Dyett married in Rock Springs, a girl who had lived only four miles from him in Scotland and who had known his parents and his brothers and sisters, although he himself had never met her until he came to Rock Springs. Though Mrs. Dyett is several years younger, their birthdays are on the same day, April 6th, and the Old Timers celebration last June came so nearly on their wedding anniversary that they felt the could celebrate it then. They have seven children and nine grandchildren, all living. --- Union Pacific Coal Company Employes’ Magazine, Dec 1925 Lao Ah Say By W.K. Lee The sending of the nine old Chinamen back to China and the passing of Old Chinatown has recalled the days when there were more Chinese than Americans in Rock Springs, when the celebration of the Chinese New Year was a marvel of pomp and splendor. Our Old Timers will enjoy this story about Lao Ah Say, head of the Chinese colony, written by Mr. W.K. Lee, who knew him very well indeed. EDITOR. The subject of this brief sketch, Lao Ah Say, or as he was better known—Ah Say, came to Wyoming after the completion of the Central Pacific Railroad, where he had been employed with his partner, Ah Koon, handling the Chinese laborers who were employed on the construction of that road. When Ah Say came to Wyoming, he stopped at Evanston after dissolving his partnership with Ah Koon and his connection with Session, Wallace & Company. He then formed a connection with Beckwith, Quinn & Company of Evanston, taking over the management of the Chinese miners and laborers at Almy and Rock Springs. He was engaged in this work up to the time of his death in February 1898. At one time there were over nine hundred (900) Chinese miners and laborers employed in and around the Rock Springs mines. Chinatown then was quite a town, ‘though one would hardly suspect that such was the cause when taking into account the few houses that remain today. Ah Say was kindly, benevolent, and progressive; always willing to help the needy and the sick, regardless of nationality. He it was who purchased and brought to Rock Springs the Great Chinese Dragon, which always appeared in procession at the end of the Chinese New Year celebration. It is easy for those of us who were here at the time to visualize Ah Say marching at the head of the parade, walking cane in hand, dressed in a brand new suit of American clothes, followed by his people carrying large firecrackers strung on poles. Then came the “teaser” carrying a bamboo pole on which were two party-colored squares, which were revolved immediately in front of the Dragon in order to irritate it and make it more ferocious in destruction of the devils or evil spirits supposed to infest the town. The Dragon was some sixty-five or seventy feet long, requiring over fifty men to carry it. Then followed a large number of men arrayed in ancient Chinese costume and carrying battle axes, spears, swords, and other implements of Chinese warfare. These men were members of a secret society. Men beating gongs, exploding bombs, and firecrackers were scattered throughout the procession, and the din and racket was at times deafening. Ah Say died in February 1898, as he had lived, a real Chinese in every sense. The day before he died, he sent one of his men to the Coal Company’s office, requesting the writer and some others to come over to see him. We, of course, immediately called on him at his house in Chinatown, and found him arrayed in a magnificent Chinese costume. As usual, he was very hospitable. When we arose to leave, he told us he would die that afternoon. His prediction came true, for in a comparatively short space of time, that afternoon, one of the boys told us that Ah Say had died. Ah Say was given an elaborate funeral by his people and his body was returned to China for burial. Thus passed on Lao Ah Say, one of nature’s gentlemen. --- Union Pacific Coal Company Employes’ Magazine, Dec 1925 Mrs. Mary McLeod, Superior One scarce needs to be told the birthplace of Mrs. McLeod, so little has her speech changed in her thirty-two years’ residence in this country, so accurately does she reflect the land of Burns, near whose home she was born in Ayr, Scotland. She came to America thirty-two years ago, first to Park City, Utah. Now she has resided in Superior some fifteen years, where most of her family live. Miss Annie McLeod of the Superior Store, Mrs. A.C. Moore, and Mrs. Marian McLean are daughters. One daughter, Mrs. Bert Brown, lives in Salt Lake City and her two sons, James and Murdock, belong to Superior. Mrs. McLeod says she remembers Scotland as the most beautiful place she has ever seen and she’d like to see it again but loves the hills of Wyoming too, and will always want to be where she can see her grandchildren often. She couldn’t do without the association she has with them. Mrs. McLeod remembers Christmas Day in Scotland. It was kept more quietly than here. New Year’s Day is the greater celebration in Scotland. Mrs. McLeod lives on “C” Hill in Superior and, with her always unfailing kindness and wholesomeness is a joy to all her friends. --- Green River Star, Jan 1, 1926 Local Man Suddenly Disappears Sunday Authorities are searching for Norman McDonald, 45, of this city, who disappeared without trace at Rock Springs Sunday night. As far as can be learned, no reason can be found for McDonald’s sudden disappearance, and it is feared that he has met with foul play. Investigation at Rock Springs shows that he left the home of Jahn Forshaw, a friend, shortly after 10 o’clock Sunday night to catch a train for Green River. He was never seen at the Railroad station, nor did he arrive at his home. A thorough search of all hotels and rooming houses in Rock Springs failed to locate him. He has a wife and one child and is known among his fellow workmen in the railroad yards at this place where he is employed as air inspector, as a person of sober and regular habits. His home life is said to have been happy. McDonald when last seen was wearing a brown overcoat and dark cap. He is of ruddy complexion, light hair, five feet eleven inches tall, weighs about 170 pounds. --- Green River Star, Jan 1, 1926 E. TOM RETURNS FROM VISIT TO CHINA E. Tom, who with his brother Joe conducts Green River’s Shanghai Café, returned from a year’s visit in China. While away her suffered most of the time with rheumatism, and he states that his is glad to again be back in Green River. --- Rock Springs Rocket, Aug 13, 1926 Child Finds New Home At Cora J.B. Lutz, Superintendent of the Wyoming Children’s Home Society, accompanied by his daughter, Jean, stopped in the city this week on his way to Cora, Wyoming, where he was taking the newly adopted little daughter of Mr. and Mrs. C.S. Mershon. Mr. Lutz was recently appointed to this office to succeed O.E. McCracken, resigned. He states that last year the organization found homes for 800 children in the state. --- Green River Star, Oct 1, 1926 SWITCHMAN ON WARPATH Yesterday afternoon, about 3:30 Marshal Mike Maher was called to the Commercial Hotel, owing to a switchman by the name of Leonard Easterling having gone on the warpath as the result of too much of the forbidden fruit, and was threatening to kill a switchman friend, who was sleeping at the Commercial. When Marshal Maher arrived at the hotel it was found that the switchman had made good his threat, and as a consequence, Switchman D. R. Rhodes was found in bed with his head crushed from a blow, which had been dealt the unfortunate man by Switchman Easterling, who had used a large earthenware pitcher in the wielding of his wrath against the man, who but recently had been considered his personal friend. Easterling was arrested and lodged in the county jail, while the Wyoming General Hospital at Rock Springs was notified and the ambulance was sent up and the unconscious man rushed to the hospital, where an operation was immediately performed, that his life might be save. As we go to press the man is still alive, but little hopes are expressed for his recovery. Both men have been employed here for the past few weeks as switchmen, and had been getting along very friendly, so far as known, and no motive can be discovered why Easterling should desire to harm Rhodes. --- Union Pacific Coal Company Employes’ Magazine, Nov 1926 Rade’ Skorup, Member of the Old Timers’ Association Rade’ Skorup, “old timer,” left his home in Ricic, Austria, twenty-two years ago to seek a new life in a new country and to make a home for his wife and children. He had been married for eight years and had three children but living was difficult in the Old Country; he saw little chance for advancement for his children so, leaving them behind, he started out for America. He came to Rock Springs and began to work for the Union Pacific Coal Company, living in Nov. 4. In less than three years he sent for his family. They describe their happiness at being reunited and their joy in their new home. It was a wonderful day for them all, after the long separation, the many days on the ocean and the long trip across the continent. Their dream was realized. All together in the new America! Mr. Skorup has never wanted to go back. He made application for citizenship in July of this year and plans to attend citizenship classes this winter so that he may become an American citizen. Mrs. Skorup would like to visit a married daughter in Austria, but is oh, so much happier here. She likes the nearness of the school for her children; she was glad to have Rosie and Katie attend Scout Camp this year and plans that Mary may go next year. The Skorups attended the Old Timers’ celebration last June and say it was the best day they ever knew, the most fun they ever had in America. Mrs. Skorup enjoyed the singing at the Banquet but most especially the speaking and the expressed appreciations of the mothers of the Old Timers’ Association; she wishes her children to be good Americans and to return good citizenship for the advantages that are theirs. --- Union Pacific Coal Company Employes’ Magazine, Jan 1927 George Young, Rock Springs, Wyoming Vice President, District No. 22, United Mine Workers of America Bartlett’s “History of Wyoming” gives a short resume of the activities of Dr. George Young, written when he was a member of the Wyoming State Senate—one of the native sons of Rock Springs has given to the service of the state and who left the impress of a kindly, thoughtful and courteous gentleman wherever that service has called him. Quoting the history: “He is one of Wyoming’s native sons, his birth having occurred at Rock Springs on the 7th of October, 1884, his parents being George L. and Euphemia (Chambers) Young. Mr. Young had come to the state in 1869, at which time he took up his abode in Rock Springs. Mrs. Young was also a pioneer of the west, becoming a resident of Salt Lake in 1866 and in 1870 of Rock Springs. They were married in Bryan, near Granger—one of the most historic old towns of the west. “George Young received his education in the public schools of Rock Springs, after which he began working in the mines near his native city. He was thus engaged until 1914, when he became traveling auditor for organized labor, and in December, 1915, he was elected vice president of District No. 22 of the United Mine Workers, his office to expire on April 1, 1918, when he was re-elected for another two-year term. He is now acting in that capacity and is doing excellent work as the second executive officer of the district, which has a membership of eight thousand in various local organization. “Mr. Young is well known in Masonic circles, having become a Consistory Mason and also a member of the Mystic Shrine. He is likewise a member of the Fraternal Order of Eagles. His political allegiance has always been given to the democratic party and he has been one of the most active and earnest workers in its ranks in Wyoming. In 1913 he was elected to represent his district in the House of Representatives, and in 1915 was re-elected. On January 9, 1917, he became a member of the Senate for a four years’ term, and he is connected with much important constructive legislation. He introduced the amendment to the Workmen’s Compensation Law and put forth his best effort to secure the passage of an eight-hour law for women. He also assisted in putting through the bill for a labor commission.” He was, at that time, the only member in the legislature to carry a union card, and was made a member of the Committee on Labor, where his practical knowledge of the conditions among workingmen proved a valuable element in committee discussions. Mr. Young was married on May 4, 1920 to Miss Lydia J. Foster, who was a sister of Superintendent Tom Foster of Winton and was one of the most lovable and loved young women of the entire district. Mrs. Young died on January 26, 1922, before she had time to enjoy her beautiful little daughter, who was born on January 5, 1922, and who makes her home with her aunt, Mrs. Jack Foster. Mr. Young continued to be prominently associated with the United Mine Workers of America, to whose interests he gives vital concern and many years of wide experience and constructive thinking. He was re-elected in December, 1925, and serves as State Vice President at this writing. Betty Jane, his daughter, is her father’s pal. She would just as soon have been called “Jackie,” and she ordered Old Santa to bring her “Jackie” types of gifts, like a sled and wagon. Santa, being a most understanding old gentleman, sent them right along, and Miss Betty may safely trust her school mates to some day supply the most desirable of nick names. --- Union Pacific Coal Company Employes’ Magazine, Jan 1927 Harry F. Holmes Representative of the Local Union on the All-Reliance Christmas Committee. Harry F. Holmes of Reliance was born at Whitwell, Tennessee, in September, 1893. He grew to manhood in the south and was educated in the public schools of Tennessee. In 1916 Mr. Holmes came to Wyoming and began to work for The Union Pacific Coal Company at Superior. Then Uncle Sam went to war and was calling his sons. Holmes enlisted in the A.E.F., was placed in the Infantry and saw service in several of the heavy engagements of the Meuse-Argonne drive. He was wounded on Hill 224, made famous because it was the scene of the heroic action which won for Sergeant York the high peak he holds in the annals of American heroism. Mr. Holmes was evacuated to hospital and was almost ready for orders back to his regiment when the Armistice came. After being mustered out, he went to Utah and was there married to Miss Dorothy Gray of Parowan. They came to Reliance to make their home and have been residents ever since. Mr. and Mrs. Holmes have three children, and Mr. Holmes enjoys taking part in any plans for the benefit of the youngsters of the town. He is the representative of the local union on the All-Reliance Christmas committee and—well he took Old Santa on a personally conducted tour of the town to celebrate Christmas, 1926. --- Union Pacific Coal Company Employes’ Magazine, Jan 1927 Mrs. Edith Rose Dickinson A Talented Singer Mrs. Edith Rose Dickinson is the wife of General Superintendent A.W. Dickinson, and is a valuable asset to Rock Springs, with her very fine and splendidly trained singing voice. She was, before coming west, a pupil of one of America’s foremost voice instructors, John W. Bohn of St. Louis, in whose school she was also a teacher in voice. In September, Mrs. Dickinson sang at the Salt Lake Tabernacle for a Sunday service, giving “Come, Ye Blessed” to the accompaniment of the famous Tabernacle organ played by Edward Kimball, first organist. At the invitation of G.E. Knapp, Director of Division of Music, University of Wyoming, she sang the soprano solos for the student presentation of “The Messiah” during Christmas week. Mrs. Dickinson is most generous with her talent in all the musical programs of Rock Springs and District. The Girl Scouts have claimed her as their “Singer Dick” and the Woman’s Choral Club as its Director. She directs the choir of the So. Side Catholic Church and had charge of the special music for Christmas Midnight Mass. --- Union Pacific Coal Company Employes’ Magazine, Jan 1927 William J. Rodda A Rock Springs Old-Timer William J. Rodda, Secretary-Treasurer of the Central Labor Union, is on eof the very few members of the Old Timers’ Association who was born in Rock Springs. He is a real Wyomingite and has seen the growth of the city and the steady advance of Wyoming into statehood. He was born on the north side of Rock Springs in October, 1878, and went to school here when the school system was housed in one tiny three-room frame building. Professor Read was principal ad Mrs. Bidwell was his class teacher. Many classmates were the now prominent citizens of Rock Springs, and Mr. Rodda enjoys recalling incidents in which they took part. He remembers one time when a group of cowboys tried to ride into the school a la the very latest wild west movie or Tom Mix at his best. He recalls the Chinese riot and the stirring times which followed it and kept every Rock Springs boy on the alert to be in on the unusual happenings. Mrs. Rodda was married on October 23, 1900, to Miss Janie McQuillan, and has three sons—William Jr., Ivin and George. Always active in lodge and union local work, Mr. Rodda has held many offices in Rock Springs and has been many times a member of the committee that has made Rock Springs famous for its Labor Day celebrations. He is Secretary of Rock Springs; Community Club and of the local lodge of the Knights of Pythias. He led the parade at the first Old Timers’ Association celebration, enjoyed last year’s fete and hopes the banquet, with its opportunity to get close to old friends, will always be a part of the celebration. --- Union Pacific Coal Company Employes’ Magazine, Jan 1927 Hugh McLeod, State Coal Mine Inspector of Wyoming Hugh McLeod was born in the mining town of Wellwood, Ayrshire, Scotland, on the 26th of February, 1833. He attended the public school there until he was nine years old, when his parents moved to Lesmahagow Lanarkshire, Scotland. Here he pursued his studies in the public school until he was twelve, when he went into the coal mines to follow the occupation of his father, who had worked in the coal mines of Scotland all his life. His first job in the mines was that of a pusher, and for eleven years he followed the mining of coal in various positions. Then, like many thousands of young Scottish miners who had heard of the opportunities that the United States offered to the young and strong who were willing to work, he sailed for this country on January 13, 1906. He went directly to Dietz, then one of the largest coal mining towns in Northern Wyoming. He worked in the mines at Dietz as a miner until 1908 and then moved to Old Acme and worked in the mine there until the old mine was worked out and closed down in 1914. With the other miners from the old camp he moved down to New Acme, where he continued to work in the mines until April 1, 1918, when he assumed the duties of International Board Member for District No. 22, a position to which he was elected by the miners of Wyoming in December, 1917. He served on the International Executive Board until February, 1920, having been re-elected for his second term in December, 1919. Mr. McLeod resigned in February, 1920, and went back to the mines at Acme, where for five years he was employed as Mine Foreman. Resigning from this position in September, 1924, he went back to the face as miner and was thus employed at the time he was appointed State Coal Mine Inspector and assumed the duties as Inspector of Mines for Wyoming on the 22nd of April, 1925. --- Union Pacific Coal Company Employes’ Magazine, Feb 1927 William K. Lee Purchasing Agent The old adage “there is always room at the top” is applicable in the case of the person for whom this brief biography is being penned. Mr. William K. Lee was born in New Orleans, Louisiana, August 22nd, 1858, where he lived until 1870 when he moved to New York City, attending school there, also a business course in a New Jersey institution. After graduation, he went to New York and was associated with the large store of A.T. Stewart for several years. He came west in 1878, finally locating at Baldwin, Colorado, in the year 1882, where he was hired as weighman, remaining in that capacity until 1884 when he began prospecting for coal in Gunnison County, Colorado, for the Union Coal Company, serving at that work until 1884. For about a year following, he was employed at various pursuits outside of the coal realm. On April 20th, 1887, he once more returned to the fold as Outside Boss and Material Clerk at Almy, Wyoming, and was located at that camp until November 1st, 1889, being transferred to Rock Springs as Material Clerk and in June, 1890, he was promoted to Chief Clerk in General Superintendent’s office under the late George L. Black) staying in that position until September 10th, 1906, when he was moved to Cheyenne as Purchasing Agent and is still doing the buying for the mines of articles or apparatus from pins to turbines, the headquarters being moved from Cheyenne to Rock Springs in 1919. He is a keen business man, far-sighted and of high executive ability, gained by dint of perseverance and assiduous devotion to whatever job he tackled. During his pioneering days in the Gunnison country, due to the great depth of snow which covered the mountains, he and his partners trekked about on snowshoes for periods from six to eight months with the temperature oftimes 50 below zero and many are the tales of interest he has to relate concerning their winter’s earnings being squandered by a dishonest merchant in whose care they were left; gathering pine boughs for his bed, the fuzz on the blankets, frostbitten faces, hands, etc. Little do the people now-a-days realize the hardships and privations endured and the struggles for existence which attended the early pioneers not only in Colorado but Wyoming as well. His activities have been recognized as a factor in the development of the State and of the City of Rock Springs. He was Mayor of the City during the years 1896-97-98 and many improvements were begun under his administration. He arranged the financing of the present City Hall structure, most of the funds being derived from liquor licenses, there being in the neighborhood of eighty saloons here in those days, an average of about two for each nationality represented by the population. He married at Evanston, Wyoming, Miss Anne Ramsay, daughter of the late William Taylor Ramsay, many years a respected official of the Union Pacific Coal Company family, and has three sons and two daughters, besides numerous grandchildren, living. He is widely known and enjoys the respect of all with whom he has been, through business or social circles, brought into contact. Mr. Lee, by virtue of his long and faithful service with the Company, was presented with a 45-year gold button a the Old Timers’ celebration in 1925. --- Union Pacific Coal Company Employes’ Magazine, Feb 1927 Mike Korogi, A Leading Citizen of Reliance Mr. Mike Korogi, well-known citizen of Reliance, was born in Minneapolis in 1884. He spent his early boyhood there and attended the public schools of the city of Minneapolis. He came to Rock Springs in 1897, went to work for The Union Pacific Coal Company in 1898 and has been so employed ever since except for a short time spent in Utah and visits back to his parents’ home in Minneapolis. Mr. Korogi was married at Rock Springs in 1910 to Elizabeth Spence, a membe of the well-known Spence family of this district and a sister of Foreman Will Spence of Reliance. Mr. and Mrs. Korogi have seven children, six boys and one daughter, and are keenly interested in everything that makes for the betterment of the community, the interests and advancement of its young folks. Mr. Korogi has served his local union in various capacities; as President, as Vice President, and on innumerable committees; his is at present Recording Secretary of his local. He also serves as President of the School Board of District Seven, which cares for the schools of Winton, Reliance and Dines. As the newly elected President of the Reliance Community Council, Mr. Korogi plans to interest himself in the work of each of the organizations represented in the Council and to work for a united and advancing community spirit in the town. --- Union Pacific Coal Company Employes’ Magazine, Feb 1927 James J. Brawley, Old Timer of Rock Springs James J. Brawley, well known Rock Springs old-timer, was born in 1865 at Newmains, Lanarkshire, Scotland, and came to the United States when just a lad to live with a married sister who resided in New York City. In August, 1900, he came west to Rock Springs and began to work for The Union Pacific Coal Company. He worked in old No. 8 for nearly twenty-two years and is now hoist operator at No. 8, Rock Springs. Mr. Brawley went back to Scotland in 1910 and has many interesting tales to tell about his visit to the Old Land. He, accompanied by his mother and sister, visited the Burns cottage at Ayr and the famous herd of white cattle in the Highlands. He thinks Scotland the bonniest land in the world, but found himself more in tuen with the progressive spirit of the new west, to which he was glad to return. Mr. Brawley was appointed to represent Sweetwater County at the American Federation of Labor conference in 1921 and has served five terms as President of the Central Labor body of Rock Springs, for which he was awarded the gold service badge of the American Federation of Labor. He is a member of the Roman Catholic church and of the Loyal Order of Moose. Of Mr. Brawley’s family of four sons and four daughters, all but one live in Rock Springs. His sons, James Jr., Jack and Tom, all served in the A.E.F. during the World War, while Hugh enlisted in the navy. James Jr., now resides in California. His daughters are: Mrs. Sadie Hodge, Mrs. Harry Stewart, Mrs. Jack Shultz and Mrs. Lizzie Salardino. With nearly twenty-seven years of service to his credit, Mr. Brawley is a valuable member of the Old Timers’ Association of the Union Pacific Coal Company and thinks the celebration of last year the best ever. --- Green River Star, Feb 25, 1927 Two U. P. Mines Are Shut Down No. 2 mine of Rock Springs and D mines of Superior, both properties of Union Pacific Coal Company, were closed February 15th. They will remain shut down for an indefinite period. General Manager of the Union Pacific Coal Company, George B. Pryde, states that none of the employees of the two mines were forced out of work by the closing of the two mines. The men who have families will be transferred to other mines in Rock Springs or Superior so that they will not have the inconvenience of moving and the single men will be absorbed by the Winton and Reliance mines. Mr. Pryde also states that the mines have been closed as a measure of economy in saving overhead expenses and that the shut down does not indicate decreased production. The production for the district is up to normal for this season of the year. --- Rock Springs Rocket, Mar 11, 1927 Megeath Officially Changed to Winton The Union Pacific Coal company’s camp of Megeath, near Rock Springs, is now officially known as Winton. This was effective March 1st. Originally the camp was Winton but at the time it was sold by the late Bert Young, of this city, to G.W. Megeath, of Omaha, it was changed to Megeath. In 1921 it was again sold, G.W. Megeath selling to the Union Pacific Coal company. Since it has been called both Winton and Megeath but was officially Megeath. The Union Pacific Railroad objected to two towns of the same name in its area, there being a Megeath in Nebraska, so an effort was made to have the Wyoming town changed which is now effective. Another change in a postoffice within the state, which will be effective March 16, is that of the postoffice of Wyotah, in the LaBarge oil field, which will be changed to Tulsa. Wyotah was a postoffice where later the oil town of Tulsa sprung into existence. Tulsa is midway between Kemmerer and Big Piney. --- Union Pacific Coal Company Employes’ Magazine, Apr 1927 James Murphy, Rock Springs Octogenarian Member of Old Timers’ Association Like his most famous countryman, Saint Patrick, patron saint of Ireland, Mr. James Murphy was born in Scotland. His parents were Irish folk who had migrated to Scotland, to Crafthead, where Mr. Murphy was born in 1845. He came to America in 1869, settling first in Youngstown, Ohio. Later in August, 1885, he came west to Rock Springs just a month before the Chinese riot, which is such a vivid memory to the Old Timers who were in Wyoming at that time. Mr. Murphy was married in Ohio to Miss Mary McAlister and has two children—John Murphy, with whom he makes his home, and Mrs. Thomas Lafferty of Washington, D.C. He had been in Rock Springs only six months when he lost his wife and had to face the new conditions of living, in sorrow and under the necessity of caring for his children. He has been present at both of the celebrations of the Old Timers’ Association and enjoyed them thoroughly. He is a member of the South Side Catholic Church, at the services of which he is a regular attendant. He recalls the good times of early Rock Springs when everybody knew everyone else and a general neighborliness prevailed. Mr. Murphy has only one brother living out of a family of eight. One cousin and a brother lost their lives in the Johnstown flood. He comes form a long-lived family, his grandfather in Ireland having reached the age of 104 years. He has never been ill, and thinks that perhaps we live to strenuously and luxuriously in America. He has retained his Irish wit and carries his philosophy for wholesome, happy and kindly living always. He reads a good deal, and is interested in all the happening of the community. He looks many, many years less than his age, is looking forward to the coming Old Timers’ Celebration and to meeting all of the old Irish friends—and Scotch, too, because Mr. Murphy thinks they are almost alike. Young and old wish this old friend many, many more celebrations and happiest years. --- Union Pacific Coal Company Employes’ Magazine, May 1927 Mrs. Sarah Foster “Yes, the celebration of Mother’s Day is a splendid way for children to remember mother all together. A mother feels so rich on that day, with the thought of her children from far and near; but, you know, Father’s Day isn’t given as much consideration as it should have.” This is how Mrs. Sarah Foster, a pioneer homemaker of Rock Springs expressed herself when asked what she though of Mother’s Day. Mrs. Sarah Murphy Foster was born in Uniontown, Pa., in 1856 and on the 19th of April celebrated her 71st birthday. Forty-three years ago she married Luke Foster, the marriage taking place in her mother’s home, the home in which both she and her mother were born and raised. Mrs. Foster tells of being married in a brown traveling suit, the entire costume matching, from the brown lace gloves to the tiny brown bonnet which was then fashionable. And it was in this that the young bride made the long journey to Colorado, where she resided for two years. Forty years ago the Foster family came to Rock Springs to make their home, and during her long residence in the city Mrs. Foster has established herself in the hearts of all who know her and to whom she is now known affectionately as “Grandma” Foster. Mrs. Foster is the mother of three valued employes of The Union Pacific Coal Company. They are Thomas, Superintendent of the Winton mines; John, of the Assistant Treasurer’s office, and George, who is employe din the mines of Reliance. Mrs. Foster is also the mother of Mrs. Francis Curran, with whom she now makes her home on Tisdale avenue. --- Union Pacific Coal Company Employes’ Magazine, May 1927 Mrs. Charles Wright Spence Mrs. Spence (Christina Robertson) was born in Cumberslang, near Glasgow, Scotland, and first came to the United States when only fifteen years old, making the journey from her home without her parents, who stayed behind in the Old Land and whom Mrs. Spence never saw again. She was married to Charles Wright Spence at Logan, Utah, three yeas afterwards, and together they came to Rock Springs to make their home. Mrs. Spence remembers the houses and semi-dugouts built in the creek bed and hillsides and her astonishment that stovepipes should be apparently without purpose, level with the ground. Mrs. Spence lived the busy days of the mother of a large family in pioneer country, where mother was baker and dressmaker and cook and comforter and nurse, and sometimes even tailor. She was never idle and never unhappy. And if, as on two occasions messages did come asking her to try to visit her own mother again, it was hard to be too far away and too busy with many duties to see home folks—there never was time to repine long. Mrs. Spence lost her husband by death two years ago and has since made her home with Mrs. Zelenka of Reliance and Mr. Charles Spence of Rock Springs. With the exception of one daughter who lives in Salt Lake City her family lives in the Rock Springs district. Mrs. Spence is a member of the Church of Latter Day Saints and recently attended, at Reliance, a celebration of the eighty-fifth anniversary of the formation of the Relief Society of the Church of Latter Day Saints, where young-timers and old-timers alike were interested indeed to hear her stories about the long ago told in a Scottish tongue which she has never lost. --- Union Pacific Coal Company Employes’ Magazine, May 1927 Germano Anselmi Germano Anselmi, better known among his friends as “Dick,” was born in northern Italy in 1870, where he grew to manhood. When he began to make plans for himself he decided to come to America. He arrived in Rock Springs in 1891 and began to work for The Union Pacific Coal Company in old No. 3 Mine. In 1901 he was transferred to No. 1, where he worked under Mr. Dykes. It was during this period that the United Mine Workers of America started its organization in Rock Springs. Mr. Anselmi was married shortly after his arrival in America and has three sons and one daughter. Two of his sons are employed by The Union Pacific Coal Company. He is a member of the Old Timers Association, having thirty-five years of service to his credit, and plans to attend the third annual celebration in June. --- Union Pacific Coal Company Employes’ Magazine, Jun 1927 Miss Mary Taylor, Only Woman Member of Old Timers’ Association To have served for twenty-five years in one organization is a remarkable record, especially in the west, where folks are always seeking new frontiers. To have served as efficiently as has Miss Taylor, bookkeeper and cashier of the Number Four Store, Rock Springs, is indeed an achievement. Miss Taylor was born in Glasgow, Scotland, and, with her parents, came to Rock Springs when she was quite little. Her father had made several trips to America before moving his family over, visiting claims in Idaho and Nevada, but when he decided to make this country his home, he took his family to live in Wyoming. Miss Taylor graduated from the local High School and then began to work in the store which has claimed her unswerving interest and loyalty ever since. She tells that when, as a little girl, she began to work in the store where all the other employes were men, she though she couldn’t possibly stay. Then she got interested in her work, and when old Number Four Store burned down two years ago, she felt as though a loved home was being destroyed. She is a member of the Congregational Church, which Sunday School she attended as a child, and of the Neighbors of Woodcraft Lodge. She has seen the management of the store change some ten times and has carried on with a knowledge of the business, the town and records that has been invaluable to succeeding managers. Of her family a brother, John Taylor, and sister, Mrs. A.V. Elias, reside in Rock Springs; her parents died some years ago. Mr. George B. Pryde, Vice President, The Union Pacific Coal Company, commenting on Miss Taylor’s record, said that it was one of most remarkable loyalty; that when, in October, 1925, the old store was destroyed by fire she, as soon as the blaze was discovered, methodically collected all record books and cash, then made seven trips into the burning building to save property, only stopping when she was insistently detained. Miss Mary Taylor is the only woman member of The Union Pacific Old Timers Association. --- Rock Springs Rocket, Jul 29, 1927 Hunting Home For Child Lost Here J.B. Lutz, superintendent of the Wyoming Children’s Home Finding Society of Cheyenne, was in the city yesterday in the interest of George Engleman, and 11 year old lad, who, for the last two years, has made his home with Mr. and Mrs. Dewey McMann, 121 Thomas Street. Mr. Lutz stated to a representative of The Rocket that he would take him to Cheyenne temporarily. In the meantime an attempt would be made to establish a connection with the boy’s relatives in Illinois through the Illinois Home Finding Society. George was left in Rock Springs two years ago by a fellow named Bill Palmer with whom he had tramped from Illinois. George at that time, after being deserted by Palmer, found living quarters with a negro by the name of Booker residing on East Flat. He remained with Booker but a few weeks when the lad, then but 9 years old, attracted the attention of Mrs. McMann, who readily saw that he was in need of a home. So he was taken into the home of Mr. and Mrs. McMann and immediately placed in school. He proved an apt pupil, passing out of the fourth grade last spring with a high average. In the two years in which he lived at the McMann home he told but little of himself. When he talked he was either evasive or told conflicting tales. Finally Mrs. McMann succeeded in getting from him the names of relatives in Edwardsville, Ill. To her frequent letters to these she received but one answer and that from a brother who claimed to be but four years older than George. She asked that they send for him but that part of her letter was ignored. The brother stated that the mother had died but two months prior to his receiving Mrs. McMann’s letter. Mr. and Mrs. McMann felt that they were unable to keep the lad longer so got into touch with the Cheyenne Home with the results that immediate action was taken. Mrs. McMann was formerly with the Western Union in the Rock Springs office. --- Green River Star, Sep 9, 1927 RIOTS STAGED BY NEGROES ROCK SPRINGS Two fair-sized riots took place on Tuesday in “little Alabama,” Rock Springs’ African quarter. Police quelled the riots after considerable difficulty. The first riot was staged by a dozen colored men over a crap game, it is alleged. A riot call was sent in and Patrolman Jack Douglas responded and placed the alleged ringleader, Dusty Williams, under arrest. The group closed about Douglas, and Williams drew a knife and attempted to slash the patrolman, so it is said. Douglas quickly drew a gun and held the crowd back. He finally got his man lodged in jail. Police reserved then appeared and cleaned up a dozen more. Williams was later fined $50 and lesser sentences were meted out to a half dozen more negroes. Later, Patrolman Bill Harvey was called to a general fight at a colored dance at Finn Hall. The participant scattered. Later Patrolman Harvey and William Smith found their men in various places, among them A. McCantz, the leader, who was found at his Eleventh street shack, where the officers disarmed him and placed him in the bastille. Several others were also brought in for trial. --- Union Pacific Coal Company Employes’ Magazine, Aug 1927 Mr. Joseph Iredale, President of the Old Timers’ Association Mr. Joseph Iredale, who was elected president of the Old Timers’ Association at the last annual meeting, was born at Merryport, Cumberland County, England, on August 3, 1860. When he was ten years old he came to the United States, his parents making their first home in Ohio. However, in 1878, the Iredale family came west to Carbon and so it comes that Mr. Iredale says with all the pride possible: “Yes, I’m a Carbonite.” He was married in Rock Springs to Miss Agnes Paterson thirty-nine years ago and has one son, Fulton Iredale of Rock Springs; and two daughters: Mrs. F.A. Carleson of Idaho Falls and Mrs. H. Lease of Laramie. Mr. Iredale may truly be classed with the pioneers and builders of Wyoming. He served in the second State Legislature, representing Sweetwater County and introduced the bill which resulted in the building of the first Wyoming General Hospital when John Osborne was governor. Three times he was elected to the Legislature and later served in the Senate of which he was Vice President. But he has a way of going back to the old days of Carbon when he and Uncle Bob Cardwell of Hanna were leaders of a boys’ gang and when the terrors and thrills attendant on the escapades of Big Nosed George and Dutch Charlie were interests. After his terms of service for the State, Mr. Iredale went into business for himself for eight years, returning to the employ of The Union Pacific Coal Company as chief of the auto shop in Rock Springs where he wrangles ailing cars. He has some plans for the Old Timers’ Association and invites the co-operation of all the members in preparation for a year of real accomplishment. --- Green River Star, Sep 16, 1927 SCHOOL IS NOW ESTABLISHED AT CURRENT CREEK Last Monday, school, for the first time, was opened at the W. S. Holmes ranch on Current Creek, with Miss Isabella DeWester as teacher. Miss DeWester is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. John DeWester of Rock Springs, and this is her third year of teaching. The school has been established at the Holmes’ ranch, and word received from that district is to the effect that they are well pleased with the teacher supplied them. --- Union Pacific Coal Company Employes’ Magazine, Feb 1928 Old Timer Samuel Samuels of Rock Springs Seventy years old and neither a gray hair nor any visible decline in the beauty of a “crown” That must have earned him the title of the Welsh equivalent to “Pinky,” is one of the records of Mr. Samuel Samuels, member of the Rock Springs unit of the Old Timers’ Association. He has many another record. Born in the coal mining section of North Wales, Mr. Samuels came to the United States, bringing his family with him, in 1907. He sailed from Liverpool on March 27th, and on April 12th went to work for the Union Pacific Coal Company in No. 9 Mine. In Wales and America he has worked in the mines for fifty-seven years, since he began when he was but thirteen years old. Mr. Samuels is a member of the Episcopal Church and has not missed a service for twenty years except when work kept him away. His is a family of singers, and in the choir of his church he has three sons, three daughters-in-law, three daughters, two granddaughters and one grandson. It was his granddaughter, Mrs. Martha Samuels Buston, who won the state medal in the Atwater Kent singing contest and who represented Wyoming in the national contest with such credit. Mr. Samuels has seven children, thirty grandchildren and one great-grandchild. His sons are: William, George, Edward, all of Rock Springs; and his daughters, Mrs. James Knox, Mrs. J. Edwards, Mrs. D. McIntosh and Mrs. J. Lawson. And all his records sit, like the record of his years, but lightly on this cheerful, busy and interesting citizen of Rock Springs. --- Rock Springs Rocket, Mar 9, 1928 RODE PSANCOSS WINTON SLAYER FOUND IN NINE YEARS SEARCH Alleged Murderer of Steve Bahlin Arrested After Threatening Denver Man Who Knew of Crime. Will Be Brought Here For Trial. Rode Psancoss, alia, Radia Sancoff, was arrested at Denver Saturday on suspicion of being the murderer of Steve Bahlin at Winton, Wyoming, nine years ago. Sheriff Morton left Monday for Denver to bring Psancoss back to Sweetwater county for trial. So far as known, Colorado has no felony charge against Psancoss and extradition may be easily obtained. According to information, Psancoss, 64 years old, has been making headquarters at Denver for several years. He had chummed with a fellow Bulgarian who knew him at Winton at the time of the alleged murder. During a quarrel with his pal, Psancoss threatened to kill his countryman. And the latter, remembering the Winton tragedy and knowing Psancoss’ vicious determination, became affrighted and turned his man over to the Denver police for safety. The former friend told the Denver detectives of Psancoss’ record; and it is said the arrested man then admitted the Winton crime. Sheriff Morton was informed of the arrest and advised holding Psancoss. Details Of Crime Coroner Frank Rogan’s records here show that Steve Bahlin was feloniously assaulted with an iron pipe Oct. 14, 1919, at Winton; and that a coroner’s jury attached the crime to Rode Psancoss. Bahlin, however, did not die until December 27 following the assault. He apparently recovered at the Rock Springs hospital and returned to his work at Winton. After a few days labor he collapsed and died. Surgeons attached his death to the wound he received from Psancoss. Psancoss Escaped Soon as the crime was discovered, an attempt was made to arrest Psancoss. A small posse tracked certain footsteps in the snow far as Reliance where they faded out. And that was the last trace of the alleged murderer. The crime and the principals faded from memory until the disclosure from Denver Saturday. Shrouded In Mystery The actual motive for the murderous assault, although vaguely hinted, was never known nor revealed during several searching inquires. The authorities worked diligently on the case to unravel the mystery. And when Bahlin resumed his work, he was asked to explain the cause of the attack. Judge David G. Thomas, of Rock Springs, was superintendent of the Winton mines at the time; and lent every aid to locate the fugitive. And the thread of events leading up to the quarrel were explained by Bahlin just before he died. Bahlin arrived at Winton a few days before the assault and nothing is known of his career. He bartered with Psancoss for a set of miner’s tools without agreement. Lured By Siren Song? The next day Bahlin walked down a gulch lined with miner’s homes. And was thrilled to hear a woman’s voice singing “a favorite song” in his native language. He halted, then rapped at the door. The lone inmate opened it and after an exchange of words in their native tongues, the woman cordially invited Bahlin to enter. While enjoying the conversation several drinks, it is alleged, were served. Bahlin stated that he became stupefied and lost all reason thereafter. He remembered nothing of the assault when questioned after recovering consciousness at the hospital several days after he was received. His mind was apparently blank when assaulted. The woman, also alleged to be under the influence of drink, continued her singing. But neighbors heard piteous groans emanating from the shack. An alarm brought a searching party who entered the shack and found Bahlin lying on the floor in a pool of blood. His forehead was crushed and the gore flowing from a deep wound. The woman apparently paid no attention to the wounded victim and, although much under the influence of liquor, continued her native carols while pursuing her household duties. The supposed dying man was removed to the hospital while a posse searched every shack for Psancoss who left his tools on the spot after the crime. He could not be found. Footprints in the snow leading down the gulch were traced to Reliance where they ended and all trace of the criminal obliterated. Later it was learned that Psancoss remained in hiding in the confines of a friendly cellar for two weeks where eh received sustenance from a friend. At a favorable opportunity he escaped and no trace discovered until his arrest at Denver Saturday. Judge David G. Thomas said Monday it was the general opinion at the time that the two men bartered for the tools, quarreled over the terms, scuffled and in the melee Psancoss picked up an iron pipe and knocked his powerful opponent down. The crime occurred Oct. 14, 1919 and Bahlin died almost suddenly Dec. 27th following. Although Bahlin worked for a few days preceding his death, he complained of severe pains in his head. Very little is known of Bahlin’s life or family connections. County Attorney Walter A. Muir will have Psancoss arraigned and formally charged with the commission of the deed, soon as he arrives at Rock Springs. Unless Psancoss waives extradition, Governor Emerson will be requested to issue formal procedure for the delivery of the defendant to the Wyoming authorities. Thus a nine year old crime was cleared up by accident and attests the axiom that “murder will out.” --- Rock Springs Rocket, Mar 16, 1928 Judgments Made in District Court …Adoption papers were awarded to Mr. and Mrs. Leonard Fisher for Alice Oleffe, aged 6 years and to Mr. and Mrs. John Andrew for John Oleffe, aged 19 months. The mother of the Oleffe children died October 26, 1927 at Winton, leaving five orphaned children… --- Union Pacific Coal Company Employes’ Magazine, Apr 1928 Mrs. Thomas Thomas Mrs. Thomas of Rainbow Avenue, Rock Springs, celebrated her fifty-third birthday on the evening of Tuesday, February 28th. Besides the members of her family there were present: Mr. and Mrs. William Rodda and Ah How, who used to work with her husband. Born in Wales, Anna Williams came to America when only seven years old, to Pennsylvania. She was married there to Thomas Thomas and twenty-seven years ago came to Rock Springs to No. Four district. Mr. George Black was Superintendent then and Mr. Morris was manager of The Union Pacific Store, where Mrs. Thomas says she has traded for twenty-seven years. She is a member of the Ladies’ Golden Eagle Lodge and has recently joined the Community Club of Rock Springs. Like many of the gardens on Rainbow Avenue, here is a thing of beauty and color from tulip time until the last bit of golden glow has faded in the fall. She is, however, planning to have the sod turned this year and to improve her lawn. Mrs. Thomas has reason to remember when rescue men from Rock Springs were called to assist at Hanna, her husband having gone and having contracted disabilities which kept him an invalid until his death. It was then that Ah How first began to visit their home, and ever since he has been interested in the children and concerns of Mrs. Thomas, the wife of someone who had befriended him. Nine children of this cheery pioneer live near her. They are: John, Evan, James and Matt, all of Rock Springs; and Mrs. Anna Jones, Mrs. Richard Stanton, Mrs. Alphonse Dona, of Rock Springs; Mrs. Frank Gates of Superior and Mrs. Thomas Thomas of Seattle, Washington. Mrs. Thomas came west to Rock Springs with the Wildes and always enjoys these friends who have given neighborly help when trouble came. She enjoys the Community Club gatherings and is planning a kitchen shower to help furnish the kitchen of the Community Club House, and the visitor had to promise a non-crackable cup or two before going. However, rewards follow the carrying out of Grandma Thomas’ requester—or would seem to since it is recalled that Doctor Roe, arriving late for the Washington party, was seen getting a full quota of delectable cherry pie somewhere in the vicinity of the kitchen door. --- Union Pacific Coal Company Employes’ Magazine, May 1928 Mrs. Sarah Smith, Rock Springs The “good old days” were pleasant and the difficulties of those same days were a challenge that gave zest to the life of the young folks whose pioneering spirit had carried them west to our Wyoming. But the good old days were not so pleasant, not nearly so pleasant as the time of today says Mrs. Smith, of Ninth Street, Rock Springs, who has lived in the town for forty years, and in the same house for twenty-five years and has seen the town of Rock Springs in the most important days of its development. Mrs. Smith was born in Kewanee, Illinois, and later, moving to Lucas, Iowa, she was married there to Charles Smith who came to Rock Springs just before the Chinese riot. Afterwards he went east to Iowa to take Mrs. Smith to Wyoming where the family has made its home ever since. Eighteen eyras ago Mr. Smith died and Mrs. Smith was left to care for her family of five children. The homes of No. 4 were in process of construction when Mrs. Smith came to Rock Springs. She remembers many of the early officials of The Union Pacific Coal Company and tells about the time when daily wages were $2.50 and $2.76, and when seventy-five dollars a month was considered good earnings but when, too, commodities of every sort were correspondingly less. It didn’t used to seem a long walk up to the Congregational Church but the hospital did look lonely on Hospital Hill without any dwellings near it. Parties and gatherings were held in the homes for the most part but sometimes the old Finn Hall, which stood where now is the No. Four Boarding House, was secured for community gatherings. Mrs. Smith like the Old Timers’ Page of the Employes’ Magazine and hearing about some of the folks in the near-by towns whom she used to know. She is a member of Rock Springs’ Community Club and when we visited her was preparing to attend the Washington’s Birthday party—and in this too Mrs. Smith thinks the good new days are more satisfactory than those of long ago. All but one of the members of the Smith family live in Rock Springs. They are: Mrs. G.B. Elliot, Alabama; James, Thomas H., Mrs. S. Kauzlarich and Mrs. Sadie Shultz. --- Union Pacific Coal Company Employes’ Magazine, May 1928 Mr. and Mrs. Max Anselmi, Rock Springs Max Anselmi was born at Brace, Tyrol, Italy, in 1875, and, when he was twenty years old, came to America, first to Colorado for a very short time and later to Rock Springs, where he began to work in old No. One Mine. In 1905 he went back to the old country and to his native town, where he married Miss Caroline Albertini, and then returned to America. Mrs. Anselmi tells of her utter loneliness during her first year in America, her tears when everything looked as bleak and drab as the gray rocks and scarcely green sage. However, she was busy, and her home and children and learning the language kept her busy until she and Mr. Anselmi took their family, Miss Nora and Master Albert, back to visit Austria in 1920. But this was after the World War and when Mr. Anselmi, after a short visit, returned to Rock Springs, Mrs. Anselmi found herself more homesick for America and her American home than she had ever been for the old land. Her mother and brother were there but everything else seemed so changed, even the people were different, looked so depressed and tired. And Master Albert, a boy of twelve, “dreamed of America day and night,” adding to his mother’s desire to hasten her visit. Their part of Austria had, by the terms of the Versailles Conference, been give to Italy, and that added to the feeling of strangeness. Mr. Anselmi has been a citizen of the United States since 1900, and is glad to belong. Mrs. Anselmi had some interesting things to tell about the Mussolini rule as it affects her native village and the people she has known. She is sure that nothing so autocratic can last long and her discussion makes one long to see entire freedom of speech and press encourage everywhere and the rights of individuals protected—looking toward individual expression and so, group advance. --- Union Pacific Coal Company Employes’ Magazine, Sep 1928 W.H. Mellor, Pioneer Mining Superintendent, and Charles H. Mellor, Oldest Old Timer in Rock Springs W.H. Mellor was born in Lanarkshire, England, in 1832. As a very young man he came to Patterson, New Jersey, then to Bevier, Mo., where he met Thomas Wardell, who operated the first mines in the Rock Springs district. He’d heard of the new developments and gladly accepted Mr. Wardell’s challenge to come west. He came to Point of Rocks in 1867 and to Rock Springs when the mines were taken over by The Union Pacific Railway. He was the first resident Superintendent of The Union Pacific, was inside and outside boss, bookkeeper, paymaster and sometimes—doctor. He laid out No. One Mine with a 50 ft. tape line and a pit lamp. The opening was on the curve just northeast of the railroad bridge. The first year’s output of coal in 1868 came from No. One Hill and was brought down with wagons and mules to the railroad tracks. Mr. Wardell came out occasionally (he lived with his family up over the Rock Saloon) but Mr. Mellor did most of the development work. The first dwelling house in Rock Springs (not Blairtown) was built for him. The railroad came in 1867 and the stage line by which Mr. Mellor and his family had come west, went out of business. It is true, however, that most of the graves in the cemetery near the old rock station are those of immigrant. Mr. Mellor’s family came west and attended the first school Rock Springs had. They are all living in the west and will be remembered by old-timers of Western Wyoming: Mrs. Lizzie Rezac, Seattle; Mrs. Celia Moss, Payette, Idaho; Mrs. Lula Murray, Tulsa, Oklahoma; William Edward, Salt Lake and Charles H. of Rock Springs. And it is to Charles H. Mellor, of Rock Springs, the earliest living settler of Rock Springs who still claims it as his home, that we were indebted for stories about his father, W.H. Mellor. And for much else that is of interest to those who have watched the development of the largest coal field west of the Mississippi river. Charles Mellor was born in Bevier and came to Rock Springs when one and one-half years old. He remembers the difficulties his mother encountered in her new home-making, the old oil lamps, the extreme scarcity of water, the times when snow must be melted for drinks or water begged from passing engines when trains began to go through; then the later days of Clegg’s water wagon, a wooden tank which distributed water at fifty cents a barrel, and again, the later water train which ran between Green River and Rock Springs—stages in the making of a desert city, stages too in the building of a railroad to “join the east and the west” for Mr. Mellor remembers when Bryant was “the end of the rails.” Mother Mellor was a worker. She was a native of Perth, Scotland, and after crossing the seas and finding herself in a new land she cheerfully accepted its conditions, and with the other pioneer women of the district gave much of quiet strength and good cheer to the life. Mrs. O’Donnell, who died recently, was a neighbor and, in the absence of physicians, was Mrs. Mellor’s consultant when the little folks took sick. Mrs. Mellor died at Payette, Idaho, without illness or pain, just a natural passing on. Mr. Mellor attended the first school Rock Springs established and recalls the difficulties when the school burned down and a new one had to be built where now is the Junior High School. And, as was to be expected of a Wyoming boy, bred on the age of pioneering things, Mr. Mellor preferred the life of the range to that of the coal miens, and rode with the cowboys on his father’s ranch south of Rock Springs—from Rock Springs to the Gap in the winter and from Rock Springs to Brown’s Park, from the Green River to Tipton in the summer. There was no grazing association them. “Free grass” was available on all property. But adventuring on the range sometimes palled and the town of Rock Springs with its creature comforts looked metropolitan. And then the cowboy Mellor worked in The Union Pacific mines. Wages were $2.16 a day, with weighbosses getting $2.61 a day. Mr. Mellor regrets not having visited Bryant, one of the railway towns of mushroom growth that disappeared almost as quickly as they grew, leaving little trace of once teeming activity—except a cemetery. But perhaps he’d remember little of it if he had visited because the rails had moved on and Bryant had gone the way of all the rest, before he grew up. But he’s proud of his title as the oldest living Old Timer of Rock Springs and can entertain his friends any time with stories about the old new days of a new country. --- Union Pacific Coal Company Employes’ Magazine, Dec 1928 Mrs. George Smith There are few folks in Rock Springs who do not know Mrs. “Geordie” Smith, who lives in a vine clad and tidy home on Fourth Street, near enough to be interested in everything that goes on in the First Aid hall, where “Geordie” himself has been chief dispatcher of smokers and interest for a good many years. Mrs. Smith was born in Dreghorn, in the mining district of Ayrshire, Scotland. She came to the United States and Rock Springs in 1910 with her son, Robert, who was then fourteen years old. Mr. Smith had preceded them and prepared their home. Four years ago the Smiths went back to Scotland and visited their old friends and old haunts and were glad to tell about the developments in their new home. Mrs. Smith recently passed her sixty-third birthday and received the congratulations and good wishes of her friends, among whom are Mr. and Mrs. Ben Dowell of Tono and Centralia, Washington, and Mr. and Mrs. Wm. Stark, Reliance. She doesn’t mind admitting that she had her picture taken to preserve her first bobbed hair curl and that she wouldn’t have long hair again for anything, public favor to the contrary notwithstanding. --- Union Pacific Coal Company Employes’ Magazine, Dec 1928 Sam Tolzi, Reliance Member of The Union Pacific Coal Company Old Timers’ Association Sam Tolzi doesn’t look old enough to be an old timer in anything, but he nevertheless is a member of The Union Pacific Coal Company Old Timers’ Association and has lived and worked in Reliance ever since the mines there were opened. He is a Croatian and was born at Vrgorac, Austria, October 13, 1890. He came to this country twenty-four years ago and began to work at old No. Nine, Rock Springs, twenty-three years ago. In 1919 he was married to Miss Mary Cukale, and has two children, Frances and Billy. The Tolzi family belong to the Rock Springs branch of the National Croatian Society and are members of the North Side Catholic Church. Mr. and Mrs. Tolzi are interested in the things that make for community development, Mrs. Tolzi being an officer of the Reliance Woman’s Club. --- Rock Springs Rocket, Dec 7, 1928 Baby Orphans To Have Homes Near To Rock Springs Mrs. J.B. Lutz, assistant superintendent of the Wyoming Children’s Home Society of Cheyenne, was in the city last week, bringing with her two orphaned babies, a boy and a girl, from the home. The little girl has been placed in the home of Mr. and Mrs. Frank Bybee at Boulder, and the boy with Mr. and Mrs. Dwight Mocroft at Pinedale, for a companion for their young son. This Society is a “home finding” society and as such is busily engaged in the work of placing dependent children of the state who come under its care in worthy homes. Mrs. L.T. Cox, financial secretary of the Society, writes The Rocket that “The babies taken to Rock Springs and then on to their new homes was a fine pair and we fell that they have gone into equally fine homes.” --- Rock Springs Rocket, Jan 18, 1929 CALAMITY JANE (By GEORGE L. ERHARD) Old Calamity Jane again! Like the ghost of Banquo, her aggressive spirit will not down; but bobs up serenely in the annals of the west like a phantom of old, and more clearly establishes her particular niche in questioned fame as the years roll onward. Jane Canary was her real name. She claimed birthplace in Missouri, according to her close pals. Like the epical Homer, many towns claim Calamity Jane, rough though she was. Rock Springs is one town which has ample proof of her presence here just forty years ago. Old-timers like Judge David G. Thomas, Larry Curtain, Nicholas Kappes, Sam J. Sorenson, Senator John Park, Dr. L.D. Shafer, Joe Hay and others remember the spectacular entry of the raucous-voiced queen of the plains. Half man and half woman, biologists would class her as epicene or sexless. She was tall and statuesque, austere and forbidding in many of her unconventional habits. Unlike other women she did not affect any of the feminine styles of dress. Occasionally her cheeks were berouged but only in jest and mockery. At times she wore complete male attire and it was difficult to distinguish her from the hardy plainsmen, tin-horn gamblers and cowboys who wore long hair those turgid days. Calamity smoked black cigars and chewed tobacco like a fisherman. Would Cuss Blue Streaks And how she could cuss! Captain Kidd, notorious pirate gifted with a choice of tinctured words no less effective than his sword, was a rhinestone imitation of the verbally resourceful Calamity Jane. Her snappy gray eyes flashed her vengeance in volumes when she was out of sorts, and made the best of them wilt under her searching glances of fire-light. Her star tinhorn pet proudly remarked: “Calamity can shove her yes through your face and button ‘em on the back of your neck!” That is how she was regarded among the submissive cocktail tribe that loitered habitually before mirrored bars. Calamity Here in 1889 The write remembers the bizarre Calamity Jane as she appeared periodically at Deadwood, Custer, Edgemont, Newcastle, Gillette, Sheridan, Casper or wherever there was gambling and its attendant life. In her many peregrinations she did not neglect Rock Springs; and came here in the fall of 1889—period of the west’s greatest dawn—and settled herself into the aggressive task of rustling for a living among the wine-rooms to inveigle the spending boys into buying extra drinks on which she received a percentage from “Uncle George” Harris, conductor of a variety theatre where O’Donnell’s market now stands. Judge Thomas states that old North Front street was closer to the tracks those days, and the building were moved back to the line they now occupy. Her Arab-Like Habits Nicholas Kappes, now living on a ranch twenty miles south of Rock Springs, owned a beer saloon in the room now used by Thum’s confectionery. Calamity Jane took an instant liking to the decent German owner of the place and pre-empted it as a home. Mr. Kappes did not relish her presence although she always behaved herself in his place, showing the greatest respect for the atmosphere of the place and its gentle owner. Mr. Kappes last week related several circumstances of Jane’s activities while here. Drank Nights—Slept Days “She was a nuisance,” said Mr. Kappes, “and I tried many ways to get rid of her without arousing her suspicions. She would bring rough men into my place and make them spend their money freely, thinking that she was boosting for my business. She could drink more whiskey than any man. She would lean her elbow on the bar, blow smoke in their eyes and talk in confidential whispers to the strangers she flattered with her caressing words. She worked in the variety show until midnight, visiting each wineroom and forcing her enthused acquaintances to buy more drinks. She was a natural rounder. “I used to keep a cot in the back part of my buffet for emergency. Calamity spotted it. One morning I found her sleeping on it. Puzzled, I covered her so patrons could not see her. She persisted in throwing them off. She slept there days for several weeks until I in desperation threw the bed into the cellar. When she missed the cot and learned why it was moved, she cussed everyone in the place. Finally she became so obnoxious City Marshal George Pickering arrested her. Judge “Broncho Jim” Philbrick reprimanded her severely and ordered her out of town. Calamity then went to Green River, according to Mr. Kappes, where she frequented the rougher saloons and entertained the tenderfoot gentry by bragging wildly about her acquaintance with noted characters of the west, including the dauntless generals, Sheridan and Custer, the latter massacred on the Little Horn river by the Sioux Indians June 16, 1876. Major Reno, Buffalo Bill Cody, Wild Bill Hickok (beside whom she now lies in eternal slumber on White Rocks, above Deadwood), Seth Bullock, later companion to Theodore Roosevelt, Mike Russell and other frontier notables. She also related her escapades in the vicinity of Dodge City, Kansas, when it was reputed to by the wildest frontier settlement ever known. She toyed with the gun she always carried and bragged that, “When this dog barks, somebody drops!” She Marries A King While at Green River she fell in with a flashy rounder named Koenig, or King, and they were married or at least lived together. She seemed to straighten out in her brief domestic career. But the languor of a railroad terminal dulled her spirits; she longed for the open candor of a mining camp. She and King left in the spring of 1890 for Deadwood and never returned to Sweetwater county. She occasionally dressed well when not on one of her periodical debauches. She was nimble with her fingers and, would rob a sleeping man or, as they said, would “frisk” a wallet or a watch from a stupid drunk and later tell him of it. While she was kind-hearted, generous to a fault and tender in her merciful aid to one in distress. Her heart was big and she cared nothing for a dollar if some needy person wanted it. Her magnanimity knew no bound. She was strictly a creature of the frontier under-world and was inured to all its glamour, hardships and privations. She could eat the coarsest food without complaint, but rebelled at rattlesnake brands of whiskey whose violence burned all the way down. Left Her Handbag Here “When she left I found her handbag on a shelf,” said Mr. Kappes; “it was a ragged thing which she always carried with nothing of value in it. I kept it for a souvenir for several years, then threw it away. It would be of value now as a souvenir if I had kept it.” Although Calamity was outspoken, prurient and brave enough among saloon habitués, her decorum was discrete and perfect when with respectable persons. When arraigned before Squire Philbrick, her bravado vanished and she took her sentence meekly, with hardly a word of comment. She knew her limit and the proper place to practice it. She engaged in many fist fights, was brawny and had excessively large bones for a woman. She liked nothing better than a saloon mix-up where she would rush in and knock the fighters right and left until she stood triumphantly above the sprawling mortals—supreme. Then she would calmly call for drinks and, while stimulated, dream of her ephemeral glory. Glamour of night life lured her into an utter contempt for daylight, a feline distrust for midday. After leaving here she drifted back to Cheyenne where the police warned her that it was unlawful to retard or block traffic through that wild and aspiring city. She understood what they meant and proceeded on to Sidney, Nebraska, where she tarried a week. Later she got to Alliance, then wide open and a rendezvous for construction crews. But they were all too tame compared with her elysian Deadwood where men were men even if they did smell like goat corrals. Queen Of The Green Front After considerable hand shaking with the old-timers, Calamity Jane settled into a wild routine of the dance halls. The notorious “Green Front” and the “Combination” were her favorite retreats. Though too old to dance, she peppered them all up wit her wise cracks and thus made herself generally useful in such places. Graduated hack driver, accomplished faro dealer and all-around sport, Patsy Carr found himself skipper of the “Green Front” in Deadwood’s heyday and where Calamity was made welcome. But shrewd Patsy, also a partner in Carr & Berry’s European hotel on upper Main street, would not tolerate the ill-dressed Calamity in the more refined Monte Carlo maintained in the so-called “European hotel” where the sky was the limit in chance. Calamity seldom if ever intruded within the proscribed limit of that palatial and sumptuously fitted gambling resort. But she reigned as queen of the Moulin Rouge so far as the underworld congeries of the “Green Front” respected her. Crowded to suffocation nightly, the serried mass of humanity danced, stood for drink ticket mullets, drank, gambled, mocked decency, and riotously upheld every form of voluptuous vice and unnatural indulgence known to the bon-vivant of the proscribed quarters. There in the midst of a boisterous and maudlin bedlam, Calamity became addicted to such dipsomania delights where she swept her fleeting life through the guzzling night throngs a hopeless wreck among scores of human derelicts—lost to all decency! Jests About Her Death Patsy Carr’s swirling seraglio, where harlotry and dissipation reigned supreme, was her simple dream of heaven. Her incontinence and carnal passions deflowered her former womanhood-she was a social outcast! But she pranced to the tune of defiling music, unmindful of the possible consequences. One of her cohorts remarked to her, “Calamity, you are going to Hell so far you are missing the scenery.” “None of your business,” was the retort from the surcharged femme de joie, “I’m having a helofa good time, rain or shine, and there’ll be plenty much good company where I’m going. And that’s that.” Calamity feared nothing. The witchery of an easy existence fascinated her with diurnal pride, such as it was. One day Glenn D. Hart, well known at Deadwood, met Calamity on the street and mildly reproached the demimonde queen for her folly. He warned her to think of a future life. But plain Jane Canary parried him with her carefree wit as she advised the well-meaning Hart to carve nonsense on her tomb. “You mean well Glenn, my boy, and if you survive me, just write this on my headstone: Her Epicurean Epitaph ‘Here lies the body of Calamity Jane, Influenced by Saturn’s blighting bane. For forty years I scoffed at divinity— A damned good record in this vicinity.’” Calamity Jane dropped into her final sleep about 30 years ago. General sorrow haunted her demise and her bier was surrounded by a wilderness of floral tributes sent by those who admired her better parts—her great heart. She was gently laid to rest with loving care in a grave on White Rocks, towering pinnacle above her favorite Deadwood. Buried beside her was Wild Bill Hickok, famous gunman of pioneer Kansas border days, who was assassinated in the late 70’s in a Deadwood saloon brawl. Hickok was Jane’s chief hero—her patron saint. They still sleep there close to the clouds in eternal quiet. A life-size rough statute of Wild Bill wrought out of native stone marks his resting place while a less pretentious marker indicates the grave of the great woman character. It is a difficult climb up the 1500 or more feet to the quaint cemetery where Deadwood retires it dead reverentially. But it never kept Buffalo Bill Cody and Mike Russell from making their annual pilgrimage to the shrine of the departed pals. Thus annually for many years, wreaths of appealing flowers were strewn on the dual graves of Calamity Jane Canary and Wild Bill Hickok, canonized relics of the earliest west’s proudest traditions—personal bravery paramount to all other qualities of mankind. Calamity Jane has it all over Home, greatest epical poet of all time, in one respect. After Homer’s death many town claimed to be the birthplace of the poet. Then an epigrammatic wit penned the following lines to shame the rivalry, as follows: “Seven rival towns content for Homer dead, Through which the living Homer begged his bread.” More than a hundred towns of the west claim Calamity Jane as their own. Possibly Rock Springs may be included in the honored list. At any rate she was here, enjoyed herself, not matter where she was born. --- Rock Springs Rocket, Jan 25, 1929 Names of Early Day Residents Recalled In Naming of Streets The city of Rock Springs has officially changed the names of sixteen of its streets. This became effective Monday, Jan. 21, the date the ordinance was passed by the City Council and Mayor P.C. Bunning. In the renaming of the streets, which with other streets of the city are to be renumbered later, it has been the idea of the city officials to perpetuate the names of early day residents, especially former mayors of Rock Springs. Eighth street and Eighth Avenue in Lowell addition is now Clark street, after D.O. Clark, an early president of the Union Pacific Coal company. Rainbow avenue has been changed to Pilot Butte avenue. This change was made in view of the fact that Rainbow avenue is but a continuation of Pilot Butte. Briggs Street, running from Elias to Bridger avenue, is now Soulsby Street after Joe Soulsby, father of Roy and Joe Soulsby. Third street, running from D street east, is to be known henceforth as Rennie Street. Mrs. Catherine Rennie, widow of the late Michael Rennie, resides on this street. City’s First Mayor That part of Second Street, east of the storm ditch to the Central Coal and Coke company’s first addition, has been changed to O’Donnell street after William O’Donnell, mayor in 1888. First street from D street east to the Central Coal and Coke company’s first addition, is Gobel street, after George Gobel, now residing in Spokane, Wash., and who was mayor in 1896. Mr. Gobel is an uncle of Mrs. Mary Morris of this city. That part of Spruce street in the Kendall addition, from the storm ditch to G street, is Ludvig street, after John A. Ludvigsen, the city’s second mayor. The streets running along the north side of the Central Coal and Coke company’s first and second additions, heretofore unnamed, is Edgar street. E.E. Edgar was mayor in 1891 and was for many years the city’s only contractor. He now resides at Tacoma, Wash., and is a brother-in-law of Mrs. Eleanor Webster of Rock Springs. He married a niece of Mrs. Sarah Shedden here in the early days. The part of Second street, formerly in the Central Coal and Coke company’s first addition in now Lee street, after W.K. Lee of the Union Pacific Coal company, mayor from 1887 to 1900. The part of Spruce street which was in the central Coal and Coke company addition is now Potter Street. George F. Potter, an early day resident, now lives in Idaho. Sold Water In Early Days The part of Spruce street running east of H street in the Central Coal and Coke cmopany’s first addition is now McCabe street. Barney McCabe will be remembered by old timers as one who supplied the city with water in those days, hauling it in tanks, after it had been brought from Green River City by rail and selling it for 35 cents a barrel. He owned the property at C and Fourth streets, and lived in the rock building which stood for many years on that site. Cedar street, east of I street in the Central Coal and Coke company’s first and second additions, is now Thorpe street, after Edward Thorpe, mayor in ’93. The part of Second street in the Central Coal and Coke company’s second addition is now Hill street, after G.R. Hill, mayor in ’94. Mr. Hill was with the U.P. Coal company and lived in the house now owned by Charles Page at 220 B street. The street along the west side of the Central Coke and Coke company’s first addition, heretofore known as G street, is now Gale street. So far as The Rocket is able to learn Mr. Gale was a mine superintendent of the C.C. and C. company. Spruce street, from Hickory east to D street, is now Blair avenue, after Archibald Blair, father of Mrs. John Hay. In the event that Blair avenue is built up beyond Hickory street it will become known as West Blair Avenue. Hicksley streets, south of Wardell court, and Maine street in the Belmont addition are now D street, a continuation of the original D street. --- Union Pacific Coal Company Employes’ Magazine, Feb 1929 Mrs. Jane Riddle Maxwell Anyone who wishes an interesting evening especially if she had Scottish understanding and an interest in the doings of the women who were the pioneers of the early days of our Wyoming, could find few places more worth while than the home of Mrs. Jane Maxwell in which to spend it—and few more interesting companions than this pioneering mother herself who tells of the early days. Miss Jane Riddle was born near Edinburgh, Scotland, and came when quite young to Pennsylvania with her parents. She was married in Mercer, Penn., to Mr. John Maxwell and while her children were quite young came west to Wyoming where Mr. Maxwell had preceded her. Her husband met her in Cheyenne and the journey through Wyoming was an interesting one. It was cold and had snowed a lot. A railway snowplow was at work and the railroad conductor explained its operation to the young folks who hadn’t seen one before. Arriving in Carbon Mrs. Maxwell found herself a neighbor of the Butler home, the parents of Mr. T.H. Butler, Superintendent at Hanna. The bitter cold, the piles of snow and the difficulty of obtaining water were drawbacks but presently Mrs. Maxwell found herself drawn into the fun of the little community and now no one is more anxious to keep green the memory of the little mining town. There were no picture shows in those days and home talent dramatics were the chief amusement of the town. Mrs. Maxwell remembers one special success in which she played called “Nugget Nell”—a favorite which was repeated several times. “Cake Socials” were sued by the churched to raise funds and “Spelling Bees” by the schools for their contribution to the general community amusement. It was all fun—except the water wagon to which Mrs. Maxwell never did become reconciled. The water was transported in barrels which had been whiskey barrels, had been burned but still retained a suggestion that distressed the newcomer. Mrs. Maxwell enjoys Old Timers Day in Rock Springs and seeing the old Hanna folks she sees too seldom. She is proud of the development of Rock Springs and assures folks that the present cold winter is not to be compared to those of the “old days.” --- Union Pacific Coal Company Employes’ Magazine, Mar 1929 Old Timer Joseph Sickich of Rock Springs Joseph Sickich, who counts twenty-five years employment with The Union Pacific Coal Company, was born in Gracac, Austria, in 1875, and came to the United States in 1904. With him came his wife and his eldest daughter, then a tot of six months. He began to work for the Union Pacific almost at once, is a member of the Old Timers’ Association and the proud possessor of its twenty-year service button. For a short time he lived in Superior, having been transferred there, but has spent the bulk of his American years in the Lowell district, Rock Springs. In Austria he worked in a farming district and, having served his term of military service there, had an opportunity to see a good deal of his native country. He has, however, no desire to go back even for a visit since the death of his parents. “My own children were born here. They go to American schools. We are all Americans now. My children would not understand or like the ways in Austria. They belong here and I belong with them,” is the way Mr. Sickich explains his feeling about America and his complete devotion to his town. He has seen Rock Springs grow too, has grown with it. However, he says he is glad to leave the making of plans for its larger development to Mayor Bunning and suggests that he would like to see more of America. Indeed it would almost seem that he might soon be found tagging after the car of Old Timer Bob Muir the next time he trips west to California. But he’d be back again, for the next Old Timer’s gathering, none of which he’s missed so far—and all of which he’s enjoyed very much. --- Union Pacific Coal Company Employes’ Magazine, Apr 1929 Hail Old Timer and Mrs. Andrew Menghini Who would do herself a favor would call on Mr. and Mrs. Andrew Menghini, pioneer residents of Rock Springs. For, whether it be stormy or calm out-of-doors, in their cosy home at No. 3 is cheer and a welcome and a happy, straight-thinking attitude to life. And Freddy, we shouldn’t like to have missed Freddy. Andrew Menghini, who has worked for The Union Pacific Coal Company for thirty-two years, was born in Austrian-Tyrol in 1870 and came to Rock Springs in 1892. He became a citizen of the United States as soon as it was possible for him to have his naturalization papers completed, and, when asked if he missed the beauty of the old land, he replied, “Oh, well, for thirty-seven years I have like to stay here, that ought to say which country I like best—which, if you please, I think the prettiest.” Mr. Menghini was married in Rock Springs to Miss Mary Visintomer [sic] and has five children, Andrew Jr. in Nevada; Albina (Mrs. Pete Stockich) in Winton; Marine (Mrs. William Hackett), Lowell District, Rock Springs; Victor and Freddy, students, at home. Twenty-eight of Mr. Menghini’s years of service have been with the Union Pacific Stores, and he and Billy, the store pony, are familiar figures as they make their rounds. Mr. Menghini like to read the Employe’s Magazine “on Sunday when I’ve got a little time,” but he doesn’t mind suggesting that if the magazine really wants a bang-up number it had better secure pictures of his two grandchildren, born on Lincoln’s birthday and St. Valentine’s Day at the homes of Pete Stockich and William Hackett. They are wonderful babies and have thus far given no trouble at all except that Baby Girl chose Lincoln’s birthday for hers and Baby Boy took St. Valentine’s Day for his natal day, and it would have been so much easier to call Baby Boy “Lincoln” and Baby Girl one of the many names applicable to a Saint Valentine’s Day lassie. --- Union Pacific Coal Company Employes’ Magazine, Apr 1929 Mr. and Mrs. James Gonzales, Rock Springs Old Timer James Gonzales was born in the country near Trinidad, Colorado, and during his earlier years was more inclined to the country than to the coal town which claimed the interest of his neighbors. His parents used to call him the “Son of the Rocky Mountains” because of his great fondness for the out-of-doors. And when he came to Wyoming in 1887 he worked for one and another of the sheep outfits which make Rock Springs their shipping point. However in 1900 Mr. Gonzales came into the town of Rock Springs and sought employment with The Union Pacific Coal Company, beginning his work under the direction of Charles Durham. Later he drove a coal delivery wagon and, since 1915, has been employed in the Boiler Room of No. Four Mine. He was married in Rock Springs to Miss Julia Hartt in 1916. Both Mr. and Mrs. Gonzales are of Spanish extraction, Mr. Gonzales’ forbears having belonged to the Spanish settlers who followed Ponce de Leon. His grandfather belonged to New Orleans and his father came to the west and settled in Colorado. Mrs. Gonzales belonged to New Mexico and, strangely enough, her eldest daughter, Mary, was born in her mother’s native town in that state. Mr. and Mrs. Gonzales have only one other daughter, Miss Lena Gonzales, two members of their family having died some years ago. Mr. Gonzales celebrated his sixty-third birthday on March 7th last and received the good wishes of his friends at his home on No. One Hill. --- Union Pacific Coal Company Employes’ Magazine, Apr 1929 Mr. and Mrs. Y. Sinn and Family Some years ago a friend was tremendously amused to have a little lad, whom he did not know but who was the son of a neighbor, pass him on the street and greet him: “Hello Brian’s daddy!” He declared that he was about to lose his identity and become “Brian’s daddy” only. There are some folks in Rock Springs who might, despite the very definite personalities of Mr. and Mrs. Sinn, greet them as the parents of the loved and admired little Sinn girls. One of the most interesting homes in Rock Springs is theirs, the home itself and the folks who make it as well as the delightful young folks who are its joy. Mr. and Mrs. Y. Sinn are natives of Korea. Mr. Sinn came to America with his parents when he was eight years old. His boyhood was spent in California where he graduated from High School and then attended the College of Pomona at Clairmont. He left California hoping to get into some field where he could use and devlop his liking for mechanics. He is employed in No. 8 Mine. Mr. and Mrs. Sinn have five children, four girls, Sarah, Nora, Sadie and Nellie; and the baby who is named Harry. “There are in the United States today,” said Mr. Sinn, “some 15, 000 Koreans, more than half of them students in colleges and universities. “In Korea, the boys have a decided educational advantage over the girls. The girls of the upper classes are sent to school and the education of a Korean child begins at three years. In the upper classes tutors are employed; middle class people group together and contribute to the salary of a teacher who teaches a class of children. The lower class does the same thing but naturally their economic status does not permit them to employ as well educated an instructor. “You see we have five classes of people in Korea, each with their own customs and manners. Our present marriage customs are more like those of America than they used to be. However, it is still customary for parents to arrange their children’s marriages. The agreement is made when the youngsters are little, then are introduced to each other about a year before the marriage is to take place. There is no compulsion but generally the plans are accepted by the young folks because it is customary, and out of deference to the wishes of parents.” Mr. and Mrs. Sinn appreciate the educational system of America and the Employes’ Magazine is pleased to record the esteem in which this part of The Union Pacific Coal Company family is held. --- Union Pacific Coal Company Employes’ Magazine, May 1929 Old Timer William Angelovic of Rock Springs Sixty-four years old, Old Timer Angelovic was born near the borders of Austria in what is now the progressive and friendly country of Czechoslovakia. His home was in the center of an interesting agricultural district, a beautiful country, but there was little room for new farms so he and his two brothers, Steve and John, decided to come to America. After a short stay in Connecticut they came west arriving in Rock Springs on September 8th, 1891. William Angelovic began to work for The Union Pacific Coal Company on September 9th. He carries a thirty-five year service button of The Old Timers Association and now has thirty-eight years of service to his credit. For eighteen years he steadily operated an undercutting machine. The older Angelovics followed the three brothers to America and Grandma Angelovic is at ninety-four, the pride of her family and of the town of Rock Springs. Mr. Angelovic was married in Rock Springs to Victoria Grivna at the South Side Catholic Church and has four children, Victoria, living in the east; Annie, a graduate of Rock Springs High School and a student of Wyoming University, who is teaching a ranch school in Sublette County; Mike and Anton of the Rock Springs High School. Mr. Angelovic is a thorough-going American and a most interesting old gentleman, a friend of progress and a worth contributor to the strength of his adopted country and to the up-building of the community in which he makes his home. --- Union Pacific Coal Company Employes’ Magazine, May 1929 Mrs. George B. Pryde Entertains Grandma Angel’s Friends at Birthday Party When you are eighty-nine years young in the town in which you’ve spent more than forth years it is fitting surely that you be given a birthday party. So Mrs. George B. Pryde thought it when she learned that the eighty-ninth birthday anniversary of Mrs. Henry Angel was approaching. She arranged a birthday party, with many old friends as guests, and gifts from everybody—and a birthday cake decorated with ninety tiny roses—one for each year and “one to grow on.” Mrs. Pryde was assisted by her mother, Mrs. Sarah Shedden and Mrs. Alice Keirle. Mrs. R. Guy and Mrs. John Bunning served at the tea table which was centered by Grandma’s birthday cake. Mrs. Henry Angel was born at Witlich, Germany, eighty-nine years ago on March 18th. After her marriage she lived in Berncastle on the Moselle River and at Essen. She and Mr. Angel, who died some years ago, came to the United States and settled first in Carbon, where Mr. Angel obtained employment with The Union Pacific Coal Company. Mrs. Angel has one daughter who is well remembered in Rock Springsa dn who now lives in Omaha—Mrs. Angela Schnauber. But Grandma prefers to live in Rock Springs which is, she says, her second country and where she had her own home on West Flat. Union Pacific folks will remember kindly Henry Angel and will unite in extending birthday congratulations to Grandma Angel who has endeared herself to all. --- Union Pacific Coal Company Employes’ Magazine, Jul 1929 Charles Durham, Rock Springs Old Timer Bordering on the “forty year” class of old timers, Charles Durham, one of the best known men in Rock Springs, is still “Charlie” to his friends, big and little, old and young. He lives in House I, the Barracks where once was the Officers’ Club of the days when the U.S. militia were stationed in Rock Springs and of which days he can tell so many interesting tales. Mr. Durham was sixty-three years old last April and was born in Independence, Iowa. He came to Rock Springs when he was twenty-three years old and began at once to work for The Union Pacific Coal Company. He was married in 1903 to Miss Minnie Walker of Omaha and both Mr. and Mrs. Durham are known far and wide in the coal towns of the Union Pacific—and throughout the state. Except for five years in Reliance, Mr. Durham has lived in Rock Springs for forty years. He knows its every nook and crannie, its history early and late, its people and its development. He remembers when there were forthy-tree saloons to serve a population of less than five thousand, saloons with women bar-tenders. And he knows the progress that has come—believes in the “good new days” as well as the romantic and stirring old ones. He is a Mason, and a member of the Elks, Shriner and Woodmen of the World Lodges. He is a member of the church of the Holy Communion, Rock Springs and an interesting conversationalist on subjects that claim his interest. --- Green River Star, Aug 16, 1929 Natural Gas Now In Green River Mains Celebratino of the Last Weld at Evanston Next Tuesday. Green River will very soon be turning on the jets that will give our townspeople gas for cooking, heating or lighting. August 20th, has been set as the date upon which the Intermountain country will celebrate at Evanston the completion of the gas line, which links the fields of southwestern Wyoming with the towns along the Union Pacific railroad from Green River to Ogden and Salt Lake City, Utah. Gas was turned into the Green River mains last week for trial and to blow out the pipes. One or two houses in town were permitted to use the gas to completely test the mains. The committee in charge has been very energetic in the promotion of the celebration and a number of very attractive entertainment features have been arranged. The Wyoming Press, Evanston publications, says interest is intense, and we in Wyoming only wait for exact information as to the cost of the gas before we unbosom all of our enthusiasm, and hopes there will be no fly in the ointment. In the morning there will be a band concert, interluded with a historical review of the great enterprise which is to be celebrated. There will be other talks of interest. In the afternoon there will be a big program of sports. A big ball game will be the afternoon’s feature. The Evanston U. P. team who will represent the Union Pacific at the Boise system meet, will play a picked team from all along the line of the U. P., from Omaha, Denver, Cheyenne, Green River, etc., and mostly etc. A dance for the children will be held in the afternoon and in the evening a grand ball will be held. Everything is to be free, including refreshments served throughout the day. Two immense gas jets will be lighted on the streets of Evanston, which will burn all day and during the evening, until the close of the program. A gas range is to be raffled by the Gas Company. One ticket will be allowed each adult, no ticket to anyone under 18 years of age, and the raffle will be held in the evening. A big day is planned in celebration of the last weld of this great project, which has cost the company lose to $20,000,000. A number of Green River citizens are planning to attend. --- Union Pacific Coal Company Employes’ Magazine, Oct 1929 Old Timer Frank Potochnik Frank Potochnik, Sr., was born in Jugo-Slavia in 1884. He came to the United States in 1903 and after two years of residence farther east he came to Rock Springs. He began to work for The Union Pacific Coal Company within a few days of his arrival in the town and is a member of the Old Timers Association, having carried an unbroken service ever since. He works in No. 8 Mine. Mr. Potochnik is interested in the North Side Catholic Church and, with Reverend Father Anton Schiffrer with whom he maintained a close friendship, he watched the growth and completion of the fine new church near which he lives. He is a member of the Knights of Columbus and of the S.N.P.J. and J.S.K.J., Slovenian National Benefit and Fraternal Associations. He has been, for years, an American citizen and the members of his American-born family have each filled a large place in the school and other activities of the town of Rock Springs. They are: Frank, student at Abbey School; Mary, of the Auditor’s Office, The Union Pacific Coal Company; Rose, of the Rock Springs School staff; Bertha and Cyril, in school. --- Green River Star, Oct 4, 1929 Rialto Theatre at Rock Springs Sold A deal for the sale of the Rialto Theatre in Rock Springs to the Fox Film corporation was closed Tuesday afternoon, according to Walter A. Muir, representing the Rialto Theatre company. Attorney Lewis H. Brown, of Rock Springs, represented the Fox corporation. Immediate possession of the premises is taken, and the deal also includes a lease on the Grand. --- Union Pacific Coal Company Employes’ Magazine, Nov 1929 Old Timer and Mrs. Thomas McMurtrie Mr. and Mrs. Thomas McMurtrie are Scottish and they are Old Timers. Mr. McMurtrie was born in the parish of Dailly, Ayrshire, Scotland in 1871 and Mrs. McMurtrie at Irvine, Ayrshire, in 1875. They were married at Dreghorn, Ayshire, Scotland, thirty five years ago and have had twelve children. Five of them are now living: Mrs. Jeanie McMillan, Lowell Street, Rock Springs; James of California; Dorset of Reliance; Albert and Norman at home with their parents; and one little adopted daughter of seven years, Miss Blance. Mr. McMurtrie has worked in the mines for forty-five years, twenty-two of which have been for The Union Pacific Coal Company. Mrs. McMurtrie is interested in many community and lodge activities in Rock Springs. She is an enthusiastic Scot and says she had to come to the United States to see the National Scottish costume and National Scottish music properly demonstrated. They are kindly wholesome folks and have a host of friends in Rock Springs and the nearby towns. --- Union Pacific Coal Company Employes’ Magazine, Nov 1929 Mrs. Amanda Clark Miss Amanda Craft was born in Kentucky, where, too, she was married to Mr. Clark. However, as her children grew to school age she moved to Ohio because there were better school opportunities there. Mr. Clark died and Mrs. Clark came west to Wyoming, living at Sheridan. She is sixty-seven years old and has lived in Wyoming twelve years. Her children had come west so she followed them to make a new home. She looks longingly back to the East but likes to be near her family, feels that no discomfort of location is comparable to the discomfort of separation from her young folks. She has three daughters, Mrs. Virgil Wright, Mrs. Loretta Thomas and Mrs. Frank Souder; and two sons, Arthur and Emery Clark, both of Superior. The old homestead in Kentucky to which Mrs. Clark hopes sometime to return, is more than one hundred years old. Mrs. Clark is a member of the Roman Catholic Church and attends the masses, conducted by the clergy of the Rock Springs’ parish at the little mission church of Superior. --- Union Pacific Coal Company Employes’ Magazine, Nov 1929 Mrs. Catherine Conzatti A perfectly good teaching-centre for international understanding is the home of Mrs. Catherine Conzatti, a most interesting mother and grandmother of Superior. She was herself born and brought up in Luxemburg, very near the beautiful old capital city which always carries memories of “Graustark” and other stories; and like most of the residents of that city she talks both French and German. She has lived in the vicinity of Metz and has witnessed the struggle for language and other supremacy in the French provinces so lung under German rule. Her son, Edward Conzatti, belonged to the First Diviso of the A.E.F. in the World War and her son-in-law, Frank O’Connel, also a veteran of the World War, is racially equipped with still other sympathies and understandings. Then her granddaughter a grown-up Girl Scout of Superior, Catherine Moser, now a teacher in the schools there, in her preparation for class discussions of current events, follows the latest developments in the politics and economics of the Old Lands. A teaching centre for international understanding presided over by Grandma Conzatti who can be interpreter if necessary—and explain from her longer experience, the comfort of peace. Mrs. Conzatti came to the United States in 1890, first to Michigan where she lived for a few months. Then, after a very short stay in Colorado she came with her husband to Rock Springs where she lived for eighteen years and where the family still has hosts of friends. Mr. Conzatti died in Rock Springs and Mrs. Conzatti moved, with her children, to Superior where she has lived for twenty years. She is a member of the Catholic Church and takes her part in the clubs and community organizations of Superior. She is a most interesting conversationalist, a sportswoman, and is always ready to do her share for Superior in which, she says, she’s more interested than anywhere else. --- Union Pacific Coal Company Employes’ Magazine, Nov 1929 Mrs. Richard Wales Who would give herself a rare treat might call on Mrs. Richard Wales of Superior—and listen to stories about England, to seldom-told bits of English history, and an interesting discussion of the early days of the Methodist Episcopal Church, all colored with a forward-looking, humorous tint, for even the reminiscent glasses of this fine old English-American friend are rose tinted. And not only rose tinted by accurate, forthright and analytical. Born near Newcastle-on-Tyne and married, too, in England, Mrs. Wales came to the United States some forty years ago. She went first to New Mexico taking the long journey when only twenty-one to join Mr. Wales who had preceded her. Later on they came to the mining community of Trinidad, Colorado, where they lived for some years. Eight years ago they moved to Superior, Wyoming, after short stays in other Wyoming towns. And, through all Mrs. Wales’ reminiscences about earlier homes and the Old Land, there runs a thread of affection for her home town of now. She is a Superior booster and even a recent visit to beautiful Tacoma, Washington, failed to win her away from her allegiance to Superior. Mrs. Wales’ family is scattered but she manages to keep in touch with all, and to plan family reunions which are enjoyed by all. Members of her family are well known in the various mining towns of the Union Pacific and are: George Wales of Hanna; Jack Wales of Superior; Mrs. Charles Sneddon of Diamondville; Mrs. Harry Wood of Superior and Mrs. George Crookshanks of Hanna; Mrs. John Sneddon of Tacoma and Richard Junior at home. Mrs. Wales is proud of her grandchildren too, and is always interested in the things that make for larger opportunities for the young folks of the coal towns of Wyoming. --- Union Pacific Coal Company Employes’ Magazine, Nov 1929 Norton Lee, Post Commander, Archie Hay Post, American Legion, Rock Springs Norton Lee, son of Mr. and Mrs. W.K. Lee, Wardell Court, Rock Springs, was a student at Colorado School of Mines, Golden, when America entered the World War. He enlisted in Denver on May 11th and, six weeks later, July 1st, was under fire in France. He was a motorcycle dispatch carrier with the 27th combat engineers and took part in the tremendous bridge building and other feats of the American advance guard. Almost every foot of the fighting area was covered by the dispatch carriers as they travelled through rain and mud and shelled roads and more mud. Where no one else could go went their motorcycles. In the dark. Through shell fire. To reconnoiter a shelled bridge, a new bridge position; to carry messages of enormous importance; to advise bridge building platoons and isolated guarding units. “I didn’t do anything,” says Mr. Lee but seldom have we met motorcycle runners of the fighting areas, carriers of a “pink pass” who’d ever had time for leaves or “rests.” Nor had Mr. Lee. Speak of the leave cities and he “Didn’t get down there”; but he knows the shattered and torn towns of the “behind the line” sectors, the churches and roads and railway bridges which mark the vantage points of the struggle. After the Armistice Mr. Lee went with the army which accompanied General Pershing and his staff into Germany. He was demobilized early in 1919. Mr. Lee is Post Commander of the Rock Springs district American Legion covering Superior, Dines, Reliance and Winton and, with the Post Adjutant carries on the work of preparing the compensation claims and hospitalization applications of ex-service men as well as the plans of the two hundred and twenty-eight members in child welfare and community service endeavours. This year his post was host to the State American Legion Convention and he is proud of the success of his members in organizing and putting over what was recognized as the most interesting and fun producing convention the Legion men of Wyoming have had. --- Union Pacific Coal Company Employes’ Magazine, Dec 1929 Mrs. Mary Angelovic, Rock Springs’ Oldest Grandma She was sewing when we visited here, Rock Springs’ oldster “Grandma”—making Christmas presents perhaps. She’d have need to start early because Grandma Angelovic has forty-five grandchildren, sixty great-grandchildren and fourteen gret-great-grandchildren. We were not a little proud of the reception she gave us and of her willingness to share her granddaughters-in-law’s admiration for her work with us and to have her picture taken for the Employes’ Magazine. Mrs. Angelovic is a native of Czechoslovakia and, next March, will be ninety-four years old. Three of her sons are members of The Union Pacific Coal Company Old Timers’ Association, Steve, Shando and Valentine Angelovic, all working in No. Four Mine, Rock Springs. Besides these three Grandma has one son, Andrew, living in Czechoslovakia; John, who is seventy-six years old, in Cheyenne; and Mrs. Mary Bujnovski, her only daughter, with whom she makes her home in Rock Springs. She is a devout member of the North Side Catholic Church and, until two years ago, attended masses there. She sews and reads her Bible of ordinary print without glasses or sight aids. She graciously welcomes her visitors, knows all the young folks of her family and greets young and old with friendliness and interest. She was distressed because her great-grandson, George Palko, a Rock Springs High School football player was hurt during the Armistice Day game, and was ready to advise care for his sprained ankle. With Mrs. Angelovic in the picture is her granddaughter-in-law, Mrs. John Angelovic, who married Mr. Angelovic in France after a war romance. Mrs. Angelovic comes from near Toul in Marthe et Moselle and is part of the family which will surround Grandma with love and care during this Christmas season. --- Union Pacific Coal Company Employes’ Magazine, Dec 1929 Three Generations of Serbian-Americans “I’d rather be in America. This country is the best in the world,” says Grandam Manda Stockich of Tenth Street, Rock Springs. “But Christmas is better in the Old Country. I’d like to go back there for Christmas time.” Mrs. Manda Stockich is the wife of Old Timer Sam Stockich and is sixty years of age. She came to the United States in 1908 and immediately to Rock Springs where her husband had preceded her. She is a member of the Orthodox Catholic Church and both she, and her husband are Serbian. She attended the annual celebrations of the Old Timers Association, almost her only “party” during the year since she is not well enough to retain active membership in the lodges to which she used to belong. Grandma’s daughter, Mrs. Mary Markisich, came to Rock Springs when she was fifteen years old. She was married to Nick Markisich, a Union Pacific employe, and spent short periods in various towns of the southwest. She, too, remembers the Christmas celebrations of her Austria-Serbia home when all the young folks of the village accompanied by a string orchestra of accordion and tamboritza music sang carols all Christmas Eve and then danced on the street until a late hour. Christmas trees were erected in the homes, there were no set programs or community trees. Sometimes it was a bit cold but never cold enough to deter the carolers. Christmas Day itself was a home day with church services to attend, and family gatherings. There were no long Christmas gift lists, nor had the children a lot of toys. As a child she received gifts only from mother and those, as were her brother’s and sisters’, were articles of clothing, a new dress or gloves. Their trees were trimmed with fruits and nuts of their own growing wrapped in silver tinsel and arranged beautifully. Mother trimmed the tree but the daughters of a home helped make the gifts and decorations; girls of eight years began to learn all the household arts, spinning, weaving and sewing besides cooking. Boys were given the preference if families could not afford to send all the children to school; but girls learned many aids to good homemaking and Mrs. Markisich purposes teaching her daughters some of the lace making and other arts she was taught as a child. Mr. Markisich died eight years ago leaving a family of six children, three boys and three girls: Doris, Georgie, Bess, Willie, Annie and Pete. --- Union Pacific Coal Company Employes’ Magazine, Dec 1929 Old Timer Thomas Twardoski Almost a “forty year” Old Timer MR. Thomas Twardoski, blacksmith at No. 10, is an old time Rock Springser as well as a member of The Union Pacific Coal Company Old Timers’ Associations. Born in Poland he came to the United States forty-five years ago and has thirty-seven years of service with The Union Pacific Coal Company to his credit. He cycles to work and is a familiar figure going with his bicycle, about the town of Rock Springs. He lives on No. One Hill where he and Mrs. Twardoski have a charming home. He is s member of the North Side Catholic Church and of the local unit of the Knights of Columbus. He is also a member of the Modern Woodmen of the World and other lodges and fraternal societies in Rock Springs. He and Mrs. Twardoski have a host of friends and are enjoyed by their many acquaintances. --- Union Pacific Coal Company Employes’ Magazine, Jan 1930 Mrs. Thomas Twardowski Mrs. Thomas Twardoski was born in Poland and came to Rock Springs when she was sixteen years old. Two years afterward she was married to Mr. Twardoski at the North Side Catholic Church, and, last April, celebrated her silver wedding anniversary in the friend’s home where twenty-five years before her wedding breakfast was served. Mrs. Twardoski’s garden is a joy to all her friends and neighbors and, in the winter, when its colors have faded, she uses it for a bird shelter, keeping tables and houses where she feeds sparrows, late chick-a-dees and early robins. Sometime ago children found and brought to her a wounded baby owl which she nursed back to health and trained as a pet. Mrs. Twardoski was an enthusiastic worker during the World War, giving herself and her time to every call made on the women of America. Her enthusiastic kindnesses and appreciations embrace the entire town she calls home. But she loves to tell of the Christmas celebrations of her home in Poland where on Christmas Eve in her mother’s home a bountiful supper table would be made ready for the nine courses to be served, and decorated with hay, a tiny manger and holy sacraments with which to commemorate the birth of the Holy Child. When the first star was seen in the east the family gathered around the table, the sacraments were taken, blessings and good wishes exchanged and a general prayer said before supper. Then, after the family meal, the young people joined other groups of carolers and sang out the message of Christmas to everybody until time to go to the Christmas midnight service at Church. It was a joyous time when all the village rejoiced and expressed friendships. The Employes’ Magazine joins Mrs. Twardoski’s many Rock Springs friends in wishing her many many Happy New Years. --- Union Pacific Coal Company Employes’ Magazine, Jan 1930 Mr. and Mrs. Matthew Morrison Mr. and Mrs. Matthew Morrison live on Rainbow Avenue, Rock Springs, where their garden is one of the beauty spots of the town from early springtime when the first tulips come until late fall and early winter, before sheltered cosmos are finally cut down by frost, and pansies bloom bravely through light snows. Cucumber and Virginia creeper vines cover the porch and house; and silver leafed poplars are additional beauties. Mr. Morrison is an old timer. He was born in Illinois and came to Wyoming on September 22nd, 1889. He has worked for The Union Pacific Coal Company for twenty-seven years. Mr. Morrison is a Scot, likes Robert Burns’ poetry and Scottish celebrations. He can read the broadest Scottish dialect the Employes’ Magazine can produce. He is a member of a family of fifteen. He was married seven years ago in Rock Springs. Mrs. Morrison is a member of the Church of Latter-day Saints and because of her friendliness and kindnesses is a much prized neighbor. Mr. Morrison is employed around No. 8 Mine and two sons of Mrs. Morrison, Dan and Bill Hacket, are also at No. 8. --- Union Pacific Coal Company Employes’ Magazine, Jan 1930 Old Timer Matthew Mattonen Mr. Matthew Mattonen of Reliance was born in Finland fifty-three years ago. He came to the United States when he was scarcely more than a boy. He began to work for The Union Pacific Coal Company shortly after his arrival in the west and now has a record covering twenty-six years of service. He was one of Reliance’s very first settlers, having helped to open the mine there. His daughter, Mrs. Flora Mattonen Patterson was the first baby born in the town. Mr. and Mrs. Mattonen are members of the Finnish Lutheran Church of Rock Springs and have always been interested in the schools of the district. They have five children: Bill, of the Reliance mine office staff; Hazel and Edna of the Reiance store force; Mrs. Flora Mattonen Patterson of the town of Sweetwater; and Raymond of the Reliance High School. --- Union Pacific Coal Company Employes’ Magazine, Mar 1930 Frank, the Junk Man (Contributed) Frank Roncaglio, born in Italy some 56 years ago, a citizen of this country (having taken out his papers at Green River in 1913) worked in Mines Nos. 4 and 8 at Rock Springs as a loader and in other capacities for approximately twenty-five years. This native of sunny Italy is the personification of thrift and energy and would put the most frugal Scotchman to shame as he works from twelve to eighteen hours per day, at his business of gathering and marketing junk. Frank and his handcart (“we”) are a familiarly sight in Rock Springs and its environs. It is not unusual for him to make a fifteen mile journey in a day to pick up a load of junk that has been discarded by his less provident neighbors. This is a real feat of endurance when it is remembered that Frank’s push-cart has no ball-bearings, and is without rubber tires. Frank believes in the more serviceable and punctureless steel tires making it unnecessary to carry spares. Frank, “she’s no lika da horse because, you know he eata too moocha da hay and grain, she’s too moocha trouble for brush and keepa clean, and soma time too you remember and soma time too she run away and breaka da wagon, da hand-cart she no do lika that.” Neither is he in favor of an auto truck, “because soma time she no start when you wanta to, she use too moocha gas and oil, and cost too moocha expense for operate him, and soma time again too he run away, just lika da horse.” He is a member of The Union Pacfici Coal Company’s Old Timer’s Association by reason of his long connection with the Company, but, of recent years, he has followed the occupation of junkman because he did not care to be restricted to a certain number of working hours per day. Frank scorns all such innovations as scales in purchasing junk, “but buys it thisa way, you know, for one a biga pile she pay so mooch, for one a smalla pile she pay so mooch and she no lika you spread the piles out too mooch for that costa too moocha money. The cast iron she’s pretty good, the brass and copper, she’s pretty good stuff, I’m tella you, Mr. Silverstein, she’s like that kind best of all, you know. The wrought iron she’s not moocha good, the Railroad Official she’s take nearly everything for the freight, she’s no leave no cash balance with Mr. Silverstien for me, I betcha that make me pretty mad.” Frank has inherited from his illustrious countryman, Michael Angelo, a liking for Architecture, and, in his spare moments, he has found time to develop those gifts in the planning of a new home which he will soon construct. The house will have many unique features of construction gleaned from Frank’s intensive study in mathematics, in which he has developed some original and rather startling principles. The details of the new home have been carefully worked out, where each piece of furniture will stand and some of his intimate friends have been given copies of the original drawings. The stone for the building has been all assembled, and it might well be said that it has been gathered a stone at a time, from widely separated localities, Sedimentary, Igneous, and Metamorphic are all represented. “You know when I’m geta plenty money, I’m start builda dad house; soma time ago, I’m go to the Bank, I’m deposit money, you know. The Banker she say 4 per cent she’s pretty good for money. Then after that I’m like borrow some money, for help builda da house, da banker, she say, if you gotta pretty good security, I’m just charga you maybe 10 per cent for thata money. I’m no savvy that Banker business, when I’m puta my money in da Bank, I’m get 4 per cent, and no security jsuta smalla piece paper, she justa say I’m deposit so mooch, when I’m lika borrow da money, da Banker she say 10 per cent and good security. She’s pretty smarta fel dat Banker, I’m tink.” One of Frank’s most prized possessions is his trusty pipe blackened with age and nicotine, stained from the consumption of countless packages of “Miners and Puddlers.” Many well meaning friends have presented Frank with new pipes, on different occasions, but Frank in a few days has reverted to his old pipe, probably because he uses it for a variety of purposes; first, because, as a draughtsman uses his pen, so Frank uses the pipe stem to sketch his ideas in architecture; secondly, given a good sized place to figure he can, by the use of his pipe stem, calculate the most intricate problems in estimating the cost of junk, and third, he uses the pipe stem to emphasize his conversations, and so, for these reasons, no doubt, he clings tenaciously to his well seasoned pipe. It will be seen that the subject of this sketch is very versatile, and, in addition to all the duties enumerated, he finds time to attend to and give advice to his countrymen on the care of their general health. His principal remedy is a famous laxative medicine, the actions of which he claims are immediate, but should only be taken under certain specific conditions. --- Union Pacific Coal Company Employes’ Magazine, Mar 1930 Mrs. Julia Russold Mrs. Julia Russold, widow of the late Joseph Russold, is a well-known old timer of Rock Springs where she has lived for twenty-five years. She was born in Austria and came to the United States in 1904. Mr. Russold preceded her, had found employment with The Union Pacific Coal Company and had established a home before Mrs. Russold and their family joined him. They had seven children; one young man died in the old country; a daughter, Anna, died in Rock Springs in 1916; Mrs. Frank Steneca lives in Butte, Montana; Fred lives in Rock Springs and Edward, Alfred and John are all in school. Mrs. Russold belongs to the North Side Catholic Church and only a very stormy Sunday indeed would fail to find “Grandma” at mass. The picture which accompanies this sketch was taken in Butte, Montana, while Mrs. Russold was visiting her daughter, Mrs. Frank Steneca. The baby is the grandchild of Mrs. Steneca who is remembered by many Rock Springs folks. Mrs. Russold lives at 1220 Lowell Street in a home she built following several uncomfortable experiences during the flood when Bitter Creek warned it too-near neighbors that it was a treacherous acquaintance indeed. --- Union Pacific Coal Company Employes’ Magazine, Mar 1930 Mrs. Christina Morrison To have led an active useful life until past ninety years of age, to have retained her interest in and management of her home as well as a story telling ability and a delicious sense of humor that her friends found vastly entertaining, is the record Rock Springs folks love to tell about one of its pioneers, Mrs. Christina Morrison. Mrs. Morrison was born near Glasgow, Scotland, in the Burns’ country of Ayrshire in 1838. She married Mr. Archie Morrison in the old country and in 1870 came to the United States. After a brief stay in Pennsylvania, Mr. and Mrs. Morrison settled in Illinois in 1871 where they lived until in November, 1889, they came west to Rock Springs, Wyoming. It was a sad change for Mrs. Morrison because a little more than a month afterward Mr. Morrison died, leaving her alone with their twelve children in a new western town and a new country. Mr. Morrison was the fourth person to have been buried in the Mountain View cemetery. Death claimed three of her family but nine of her children survived this aged lady, and never failed in a genuine appreciation of a wise and comradely mother. They are: Robert and Archie of Oglesby, Illinois; Mrs. George Howard of Belvidere, Illinois; Mrs. Andrew Orr of Irons, Michigan; Mrs. John Barnie of Rawlins; John, of Gary, Indiana; Mrs. Jennie Stewart, Matt and Das Morrison of Rock Springs. Mrs. Morrison, besides keeping house for a bachelor son, kept up an active correspondence with the members of her family including several grandchildren. Five years before her death, when she was eighty-five years old, she went east to visit, accompanied by a granddaughter who had been spending her vacation in Rock Springs. Returning to her home Mrs. Morrison travelled alone. She loved to tell about the courtesies shown her on the train but never quite forgave an official who requested a wheel chair to meet her at one point. She scorned the chair and insisted on walking. Mrs. Morrison has a sister still living in Illinois and Rock Springs old timers remember her mother who died there at 96 years of age. She was, of course, an old lady when she joined Mrs. Morrison in Rock Springs, but, as late as 1915, she was given a Labor Day prize for the oldest living miner in the town. And indeed she’s been a miner—had actually worked in a coal mine in the old country. The new west owes much to the pioneering women who, like Mrs. Christina Morrison, made fun out of hardships and interesting happenings out of commonplace things. --- Union Pacific Coal Company Employes’ Magazine, Apr 1930 Old Timer Demetrius Powell Old Timer Demetrius Powell of Rock Springs was born in South Wales in 1874 and came to the United States with his parents when he was only seven years old. The family settled in Wilkesburg, Pennsylvania, and when he grew up Mr. Powell began to work for the Lehigh Coal Company there. He was married in April, 1895, and twenty-four years ago came west to Wyoming, preceding his wife and children several months. He began to work for The Union Pacific Coal Company with Mr. Matt Medill who was foreman in No. 9 Mine and these men and the families have been friends ever since. Mr. Powell was one of a group of men who built the Baptist Church of Rock Springs. He worked on an afternoon shift and used to give his morning hours to doing carpentering and other building work on the church with Mr. John Harris who was an engineer for The Union Pacific Coal Company at that time. He was eager to help bring to his new home city the values of an active church life and had brought with him the religious fervor and self-sacrificing devotion of his Welsh parents. Mr. Powell is a Mason and continues to be interest in the work of the church he helped build. --- Green River Star, May 9, 1930 Two Ex-Mayors of Rock Springs Called In Probe 35 Summoned to Testify ON Vice In City; A. H. Holmes Is Served. Thirty-five subpoenas, issued by the federal district court of Cheyenne, and summoning that number of witnesses to appear May 14 to testify as to the alleged graft among city and county officials of Rock Springs, were being served in that city this week by Geo. Hopkins of Evanston, deputy U. S. marshal. Included in the group which are being served with the papers are two former mayors of Rock Springs and a former chief of police. Among those served are Harry G. Parker, former mayor; Dominick Berta, former chief of police; Roy Connor, city clerk, ordered to appear with all books and municipal records showing entries of official transactions including council proceedings from Jan. 1, 1920, to May 1, 1930; John B. Young, former mayor and bishop of the L. D. S. church; Harry J. Boice, Republican state committeeman from this district. Well known citizens of the city who have also been summoned include Gus Sturolm, Bosko Kailagan, Ventine Magagna, John Taylor, Charles F. Hamm, Martla Ozelac, John Flipovich, T. A. James, Thomas Koz, Sam Zuech, John Velga, Joe Giovanini, Richard C. Barrass, Pete Rankovich, John Soltis and Julius Borga. Subpoenas also will be served on A. H. Holmes, now of Green River, Miss Grace Petereson, who is out of the city of Rock Springs, Sally Mason, also absent, and E. Girardi, now of Tulsa. Summoning of the witnesses is the first direct result of the investigations conducted in Rock Springs during February and March by Arthur Hart and D. E. Deneen, federal investigators, who had charge of the cleanup in the Coeur d’Alene district in Idaho. --- Green River Star, May 23, 1930 Rock Springs Officials In Federal Court On Monday Council Appoint Temporary Government To Run City. Thirteen Rock Springs city officials, one county officer and most of 38 alleged liquor law violators of that city, all indicted by a federal grand jury Saturday of last week for conspiracy will be arraigned in federal court at Cheyenne Monday. None of the officials and only a few of the others have faced the court since their arrest last Sunday. All expected indictments in the case have now been served and the defendants await the prosecution. The officials and most of the other defendants are out on bond. The list of persons arrested by Earl Scheel, deputy U. S. Marshal of Cheyenne, G. W. Hopkins deputy U. S. Marshal of Evanston and R. John Allen, state law enforcement officer, who made the arrests, include the following: Mayor P. C. Bunning; Councilman Matt Steffenson, Charles A. Gregory and Frank Holmes; John L. Dykes, former councilman; Fred W. Johnson, city attorney; James Harris, chief of police; city policemen John Veronda, Joe Davenport, Sam Ryder, Val Marcina; Ed Johnson, police judge; and Ralph Harns, city treasurer, all of whom are charged with conspiracy. George Harris, deputy sheriff at Rock Springs, was also arrested. The rest of the list arrested on liquor charges includes John Tomich, Joe Ruby, James Rosetti, C. P. Riley, Margaret Valentine, Albert Rus, Tonq Radaly, Frank Morgando, Jack Martin, William Lerch, Steve Krpan, Mike Gavotia, James Fornengo, John Digalis, Lawrence Demshar, Attilio Dellai, Andrew Sulenta, Tony Drnas, and August Scarcletti. Matt Mattive, Eugene J. Curtis, John Murphy, Andy Bornta, Harry G. Whalen, Joe Vit, Joe Datlich, Emilio Branch, Tony Begovich, Nick Sulentic, Ehtore Allais, Pete Tacconi and John Atkinson. Officers are looking for Andy Bowers and Joe Costa who apparently are not in the city but against whom federal indictments were secured. Two others have not been arrested. Wilbur Woodrow, former city clerk of Thermopolis, was arrested in Rock Springs Monday afternoon in connection with the conspiracy indictments of that city. New Government For City Formed With the mayor and all but three members of the city council arrested and awaiting orders to appear at Cheyenne as defendants, the possibility of the city being without a government loomed. To meet the situation Mayor P. C. Bunning called a special meeting of the city council Sunday night. Hans Theusen was appointed to ??? as mayor in the absence of Mr. Bunning. William Harvey, patrolman and only member of the police force to escape indictment, was named acting chief of police; John Higley, police judge; and Arthur Lee Taliaferro, city attorney. To act as patrolmen in the absence of members of the city police force who were indicted are Matt Bunten, J. P. Laursen, Hugh Wilcox, H. Anderson and Charles Teeters. --- Green River Star, Jun 13, 1930 ROCK SPRINGS CITY COUNCIL ALLOWS $5,000 FOR DEFENSE U. S. District Attorney May Use Same As Evidence of Guilt Reports from Cheyenne today are to the effect that minutes of the Rock Springs city council proceedings of June 2, during which the council voted a $5,000 appropriation for professional services to defense attorney representing the indicted city officials charged with conspiracy to violate the national prohibition law, may figure in their trial there on June 23rd. The appropriated sum was in the form of a voucher and made payable to T. S. Taliaferro, Jr., acting as council for the officials. In making the appropriation for their defense the Rock Springs council takes the position that they are made defendants as agents of the City of Rock Springs. The council holds that the officials were within their rights and following just and legal procedure in passing and enforcing the ordinances now questioned by the federal government, and as they hold the issue on which the charge is based is a municipal one, the city should bear the expense of defense in the action. It has been learned that an effort will be made by the United States district attorney at Cheyenne to place the minutes of this meeting in the court records during the trail to show the “defendants are getting the benefits of money alleged by the government to have been collected illegally.” Several offers of financial aid have been made for the defense of the officials, it has been reported, but if rejected or not we have been unable to learn. But owing to the number of defendants in the action and the necessity of many witnesses being subpoenaed, the case will necessitate considerable expense. --- Green River Star, Jun 20, 1930 TOWN OF CUMBERLAND CLOSED THURSDAY Public Celebration To Pay Due Honor to Old Coal Town Cumberland, the town that will soon be a place of memories, by virtue of it having been called “home” by so many people for so many years, was officially closed yesterday, June 19th, by the Union Pacific Coal company. The little town is situated in the Kemmerer region. The public celebration, giving it due honor and recognition for the part it has played in the building up of this section of Wyoming, will be held tomorrow, June 21st. An estimated gathering of between three and four thousand is expected to attend the celebration. The families now resident there will be moved to the other company properties in Rock Springs and Hanna regions. Chris Johnson, one of the old timers of Cumberland, will come from California to attend the celebration. At the opening of Cumberland NO. 1 he handled the first trip car output. Saturday he will handle the last trip train before the mine is closed. Johnson saw more than thirty years of continuous service with the company before retiring. Other parts of the celebration will feature talks by officials of the company and old timers of that section. A barbecue, band concert, ball game, sports and dance will occupy the rest of the day. --- Green River Star, Jun 20, 1930 TWENTY-ONE SEEK COUNTY AGE PENSION Board of Commissioners Are Attempting to Find Way To Meet Applications. The Board of County Commissioners, in special session recently, made a written request of the attorney general at Cheyenne to give advice as to whether or not monies from the County General Fund could be transferred to the poor and pauper fund, to take care of the old age pensions, under the state law, and for which the local Board has received a number of applications. The poor and pauper fund is sustained by a special mill levy, authorized by law, to the amount of five-tenths of a mill. This, the Board finds, is not sufficient to take care of old age pensions, and if such are granted other means will have to be taken to take care of the pensions. Twenty-one persons of the county have already applied for the pension, which became effective on June 1. The county’s poor and pauper demands are now of such proportions as to make the present fund inadequate and the Board believes the fund will be depleted before the next tax monies roll into the county coffers in November. Governor Emerson this week made a public statement that he was not satisfied with the old age pension law as passed by the last legislature, and would appreciate any plausible suggestion that would improve the law and make it more successful in operation, and upon which many complaints have been received from county boards. --- Green River Star, Jul 4, 1930 Rock Springs Conspiracy Defendants Are Acquitted M.E. Wilson Scores 18th Amendment In Final Arguments. Rock Springs defendants in the government conspiracy case, which has occupied the public interest this week to a fever-heat, were acquitted last evening by the federal jury at Cheyenne, taking them but exactly twenty minutes to reach a verdict of not guilty. Seventeen of the original group indicted were dismissed Tuesday by Judge T. Blake Kennedy and the remaining twenty-eight stood trial till yesterday. The case has been in progress since a week ago Tuesday. The decision clearly settles a question which has been the foremost topic of Wyoming people since the indictment of Thermopolis and Rock Springs officials. As the verdict was read friends rushed forward to offer their congratulations to the remaining officials standing trial—Mayor P. C. Bunning, Police Magistrate E. E. Johnson, City Treasurer Ralph Harnes and Chief of Police James Harris. The quick verdict of the jury was ???ed in part, according to one juror by a remark let drop by one of the government counsel in the final arguments. The attorney was interpreted as casting reflections upon the honesty of Police Magistrate Johnson and imply that an alleged deficit of $100 in the Police Court records had been appropriated privately by him. The remark was seized upon by M. E. Wilson, the brilliant Salt Lake attorney defending the Rock Springs group, who flayed the federal counsel without mercy for having implied an embezzlement in a final argument when not one mention was made during the trial of any suspicion of the personal integrity and honesty of any city official. The juror says that the unsupported attack upon Johnson removed all uncertainty there might have been in the minds of nay of the jurors and acquittal on the first ballot was the result. Government counsel claimed that the city, through frequent fines and application of the license system had in fact entered into a conspiracy to violate the national prohibition laws. Defense centered its argument around contention that the government had failed to prove the agreement and overt act necessary for conspiracy conviction and flayed federal investigator tactics in securing evidence. Attorney Wilson, who collaborated with T. S. Taliaferro, Jr., and Lewis H. Brown of Rock Springs, in defending the Rock Springs officials, scored the Eighteenth amendment in making his final argument yesterday afternoon. After naming the various amendments to the constitution and coming to the Eighteenth Amendment, he said: “Now we come to the Eighteenth Amendment. What has it done? Gentlemen, it has blotted out the noon-day sun and has left the moon-shine in.” The Rock Springs Rocket last evening, ever alert to meeting the unusual of interest to its readers, issued a one-page extra that gave a full and interesting account of the progress of the trial and its result in acquittal. --- Green River Star, Jul 11, 1930 REGISTRATION OF PIONEERS Three hundred and fifty Pioneers registered at the Legion headquarters July 5th and 5th, during the Covered Wagon Centennial Celebration, much enthusiasm being shown in this feature of the two-day program. Of those registered we publish the list of Pioneers who have been residents of Wyoming over forty years, with the date following their names when they first came to the state: Oldest Natives—Mrs. Maggie Fosdick, 1865, Ft. Bridger; Geo Stoll, Jr., 1867, Ft. Bridger; Chas. Philbrick, 1869, South Pass; James Philbrick, 1869, South Pass; Wm. Stoll, 1869, Ft. Bridger; James Barrett, 1871, Green River. Oldest Person to Register—Mrs. Louisa Morris, born Oct. 8th, 1841, 88 years 9 months of age. Oldest Residents—Chas, Deepwater, born 1860 near Pocatello, Idaho, in Wyoming 70 years. Mary Deepwater, born 1861, in Wyoming 69 years; Ada Rollins, 68 years in Wyoming and Utah. P. G. Wall, 62 years in Utah and Wyoming; Chas. Hammond, 61 years in Green River; Thos. Leonard, came in 1867 with U. P. graders, resident of Idaho, Utah and Wyoming ever since; Jas. Cassidy, 1863 on way to Virginia City in Covered Wagon, 80 years old; Mrs. Emma Philbrick, 81 years old, came in 1868, resident of Wyoming, Utah and Idaho ever since, resident of Wyoming since 1870, came in covered wagon ahead of railroad, mother of Chars. And Jim Philbrick; James W. Chrisman, May 1st 1868, with railroad construction gang, resident of Wyoming since; John Wm. Chrisman, same; Carrie A. Wade, born Utah 1861, resident of Wyoming since 1868, Sweetwater County since 1882; Mary Barrett, came on ox team 1868, resident of Green River ever since. 50-Year Natives—Mrs. Minnie Hammond, Mrs. Bertha Rumph, P. C. Barrett, Ed Barrett, Mrs. Mat?? Gilligan, Jime Wilson (Laramie), Lincoln Young (Rock Springs), W. N. Scott, Chas. L. Large. 40-Year Natives—Mrs. W. S. Mortimer, C. F. Lenhart, Mrs. Hattie Hutton, Mrs. W. R. Stiteler (Rock Springs), W. A. Johnson, James A. Chrisman, E. H. Finch (Burnt Fork), Mrs. W. A. Johnson, Jake Lenhart, J. F. Moerke, Mrs. A. E. Elder, Mrs. Jean Jeffers, Oscar Malonek, Chas. R. Harvey. Residents of Wyoming over 50 Years—J. W. Baird, 1871; Geo Harris, Jr., 1872; Mrs. Lucy Schulter, 1873; Mrs. C. H. Bogart, 1874; Mrs. Margaret Lenhart, 1874; Walter E. Ware, 1875; Mrs. Geo. Pryde, 1870; Calvin L. Cousins, 1876; Mrs. Nellie Elliott, 1876; Mrs. C. W. Tyler, 1876; Bill Casto, 1876; Mrs. M. J. Dankowski, 1878; Ed Morrison, 1878; John Morrison, 1878; Chris Waechter, 1878; Geo. W. Yund, 1879; Thos. A. Welch, 1879; Mary E. Harper, 1879; Arthur Dixon, 1879; Joseph Hill, 1880; F. E. Rumph, 18??; Geo. H. Maxam, 18??; Bert Rood, 18??; Mrs. E. A. Gaensslen, 18??. Residents of Wyoming Over 40 Years—Mary L. Pearson, 1883; Geo. A. Bullock, 1883; John s. Logan, 1884; Mrs. Maggie Riley, 1881; John H. Gilligan, 1882; John Hutton, 1884; Leo Viox, 1886; B. Gamble, 1881; S. Dankowski, 1882; Henry G. Lange, 1876; Dave Bell, 1883; I. S. Fletcher, 1887; Mary Outsen, 1887; Elizabeth Walters, 1882; E. J. Brandley, 1882; Mrs. Matilda Anderson, 1883; Mrs. E. E. Johnson, 1882; Mose Harvey, 1885; Glen R. Jones, 1884, father operator during U. P. construction; Hugo Gaensslen, 1890; Hans Larsen, walked, 1890; Geo. Widdop, 1881; Jack Johnston, 1887; Mike Naylin, 1887; Mr. and Mrs. Thos. J. Kiernan, 1889; Chas. A. Viox, 1886; Lester Fogel, 1884; Arthur E. Schmidt, 1886; Mr.a nd Mrs. Thos. Cottle, 1887; Ed Singent, 1889; Dave Logan, 1884; Mrs. E. Singent, 1889; Mrs. S. Dankowski, 1884; Frank Frumer, 1886; Mrs. E. E. Peters, 1890; Mrs. E. Fairchilds, 1888; Mrs. J. H. Crosson, 1888; Mrs. B. Bussart, 1888; Frank Mockler, 1888; Chas. L. Young, 1887; Mrs. Susanna Mueller, 1889; Myrtle B. Schmidt, 1883; Mrs. Ida Franklin, 18??; Mrs. Ella Keogh, 1888; Thos. Quirk, 18??; Henry Bramwell, 18??; O. O. Davis, 1890. --- Union Pacific Coal Company Employes’ Magazine, Sep 1930 Rev. Dr. J.L. Zaplotnik Resigns the Pastorate of the North Side Catholic Church to Return to the Omaha Diocese Genuine regret was expressed in Rock Springs recently when it was announced that Dr. Zaplotnik has been recalled to his old diocese at Omaha. Dr. Zaplotnik was born at Luze, Jugoslavia, and was educated at Kranj in that country, coming to America in 1902 when 19 years of age. He immediately entered the seminary of St. Peter and St. Paul, at St. Paul, Minnesota, taking studies in Philosophy and Theology, later taking post graduate studies at the Catholic University of Washington, D. C., where he obtained his Doctor's degree; being ordained a priest in 1908. He was, for ten years, assistant pastor of St. Agnes Church, Omaha, and pastor of St. Peter and St. Paul Church at Omaha, where he was instrumental in putting up a splendid church building and parsonage. At the end of seven years, these church buildings, through Dr. Zaplotnik's efforts, were entirely free of debt. About three years ago he came to Rock Springs, arriving here September 1, 1927. Dr. Zaplotnik has been very successful in his work here, as he is a man of very high character, and under his administration the church membership has grown very perceptibly. The people of Rock Springs genuinely regret that it is necessary for Dr. Zaplotnik to leave here and again accept work in his old diocese of Omaha, where he goes on August 1st. Rev. Father Krantz, of Detroit, has arrived in Rock Springs and will temporarily act as Pastor until a permanent appointment is made. --- Rock Springs Rocket, Sep 25, 1930 TRIBUTE TO WOLF COHEN IS PUBLISHED IN NEW NEWSPAPER The Wyoming Jewish Press made its advent in Cheyenne Monday of this week, with a Rosh Hashanah and Historical Souvenir edition. Abe Goldstein, pioneer Cheyenne businessman, is the publisher. In its first edition the new newspaper carried a biographical sketch of Wolf Cohen, who for twenty years has been a respected citizen of Rock Springs. The story of Mr. Cohen follows: Rosh Hashanah, with its demand for a recapitulation of personal accomplishments and failures, presents a splendid opportunity to review the lifework of those in a community who, for one reason or another, stand out from their surroundings. The question naturally arises, “How had this man or that woman attained the affectionate regard of his or her associates?” Rock Springs, in this respect, is a typical community. It numbers among it citizenry those who have attained an enviable standing in the regard of the community. One of her most outstanding figures at this time, undoubtedly, is Wolf Cohen. Mr. Cohen settled in Rock Springs some twenty years ago, in 1910, and through the intervening years, by consistent good works, he has made a place for himself in the hearts of his fellows, which any man should be proud to possess. Born in Russia Sixty years ago, in the little town of Metow, Russia, Wolf Cohen was born of Jewish parents, and throughout the years he has been staunch in adhering to the traditions of the ancient race from which he came. Still, he has been found always dispensing wise charity without regard to the race or creed of those in need. His hand of helpfulness is always extended, and the actual need of the one in want alone determines the extent of his giving. At the age of eighteen, Wolf Cohen migrated to the United States and settled in New York. At the age of twenty-one he married Miss Celia Morrison, who had been born and reared in the same town in Russia from which he himself had come. A year or so later, the first child, Jacob, was born, and shortly thereafter the little family moved westward to Denver. This was their home for nearly nineteen years. Then they moved to Rock Springs. First Store in Rock Springs Mr. Cohen opened his first store on K street near the creek which has since been filled in and named Channel street. The building was a white frame structure, and is still standing where it was moved some four years ago to a location fronting on Channel street, at the rear of the old lot. A fine new three-story building now occupies the former location. In the new building Mr. Cohen has an investment of some $50,000, exclusive of the land. The foundations of the building were made strong enough to allow for the addition of several more stories should the occasion for them arise. That his business has prospered is only reasonable, his friends say, because he has never been known to treat a customer with anything but the utmost honesty and fair dealing. Today his clothing business is one of the largest in town. One of the other two stores in the present building is occupied by Mr. Cohen’s brother-in-law, Louis Morrison, operating the Morrison Furniture company. Founded Congregation About six years ago, Mr. Cohen founded the Congregation Beth Israel in his home. Dr. N.H. Oremland, another son-in-law, is now president of the congregation, Morris Brashis is secretary, and Morris Weiss is treasurer. The Congregation observes all Holy days, and has a beautiful Shafar-Torah (Holy Scorrls) which have an interesting history. At one time the Scrolls were in Torrington, used by a small Congregation which had been organized there. Later the Shafar-Torah went to Denver, where they remained until bought by Mr. Cohen and others and brought to Rock Springs. While the Cohen’s lived in Denver, the second and last child was born to them. This was a girl, who is now the wife of Dr. N.H. Oremland of Rock Springs. It is notable that most of the Jews now living in Rock Springs are, in one way or another, related to Mr. Cohen. Sisters, daughters, son, cousins, all are there, and all have the highest respect for their relative, who is so well thought of by Jew and Gentile, Protestant and Catholic alike. --- Rock Springs Rocket, Sep 25, 1930 “Bill” Rodda Is Oldest Native Male Of City The oldest male person born in Rock Springs and now living here is William Rodda, secretary-treasurer of the Central Labor body and prominent, well known citizen. Mr. Rodda admits this seniority but modestly staes he will gladly abdicate from the place of honor accorded the oldest native resident to any man showing that he was born here prior to October 1, 1878. That is 52 years ago. Rodda’s father, the late Samuel H. Rodda, was working in the mines of this city at the time “Bill” was born. Their quarters were on the slopes of the old Bitter Creek channel which formerly ran through the center of the town. The family moved into the Hodges house, which they built, just 15 days prior to the Chinese Riot in September, 1885. Samuel Rodda died in 1896 and his wife in 1900. Mr. Rodda was married to Jennie McQuillan in this city in 1900. They have three sons, William Jr., of Los Angeles, and Irvin and George, both of whom are employed by the Union Pacific Coal company in this city. William Rodda has been active in labor circles here and is also a leader in the work of the Knights of Pythias. He states that he feels highly honored that his birthday this year will be heralded by the United States Marine Band, “the president’s own band,” which appears in concert in this city on October 1. --- Union Pacific Coal Company Employes’ Magazine, Nov 1930 Mormon People Erect a New House of Worship at Rock Springs In the early Seventies, many Mormon people were attracted to Rock Springs through the operation of the coal mines. Some of these people came from Utah, some from the eastern states, and some, who came principally from the British Isles, were converted into the faith. For some years these people maintained a religious organization, holding church and Sunday school in the hornes of the different members. In April, 1875, it was decided to organize a branch of the church and Mr. John McBride was installed as presiding elder, this branch continuing under his leadership for a period of seven years. During 1882 the church was reorganized with Mr. James B. Syme as president. Mr. Syme labored in this capacity for a period of four years, later going to Lyman, Wyoming, which place has since been his home. On December 19th, 1886, it was decided to build a house of worship and this was erected on the present church site, the lot being donated by Mr. Joseph Young, a prominent business man of Rock Springs, now deceased. On the completion of the old church, during 1886, Mr. Joseph Soulsby was president of the church, he holding this position for six years. On May 16th, 1892, the branch church was organized into a ward with Mr. Soulsby installed as Bishop; he remained in this capacity for thirteen years. In addition to his duties as Bishop, Mr. Soulsby worked in The Union Pacific Coal Company's Mines Nos. 4 and 9 as Mine Foreman. In 1905 Mr. James Crookston, now of Salt Lake City, was appointed Bishop, continuing in this capacity for thirteen years. Bishop Crookston is somewhat of a poet and often remembers his friends in Rock Springs by sending them sonnets from his pen. Succeeding Bishop Crookston, Mr. John B. Young, at present residing in Rock Springs, was elected to the office of Bishop. Bishop Young was admirably fitted for the position and gave complete satisfaction to his parishioners for the ten years he officiated as Bishop. In 1928 Bishop Young was succeeded by Mr. Joseph I. Williams, who is presiding Bishop at the present time. It is largely due to the energy and foresight of Bishop Williams that a new church has recently been completed, this church being a credit to the Mormon people of this vicinity. Mr. Williams, in addition to his duties with the church, is a splendid community worker, spending a great deal of time with the Boy Scouts, he being the Scout Executive for Southwestern Wyoming. The Mormon people are to be congratulated on the high type of men who have filled the office of Bishop since the organization of the church, and it is due to this fact that the Mormon church today is one of the most progressive and prosperous denominations in Rock Springs. The new church is located on Blair Avenue, between B and C Streets, and is a modern structure, designed to meet the needs of the church for many years to come. The main floor is divided into two large rooms, one for a chapel and the other for the social activities of the church. The chapel is equipped with a rostrum, choir seats and an electric organ, and has a seating capacity of about two hundred and fifty people. The social hall is equipped with a stage and radio, and has facilities for putting on motion pictures. These rooms are separated by folding doors so that they can be thrown into one large room in case of large meetings. Downstairs, the church is divided into seven large class rooms, baptismal font, lavatories and furnace room. There is also a kitchen, fully equipped, and a large banquet room. --- Union Pacific Coal Company Employes’ Magazine, Dec 1930 New Hangar Dedicated Thousands witnessed the dedication of the new $45,000.00 hangar at the Rock Springs Municipal Air Port, Thursday evening, November 6th. The dedication program, sponsored by the American Legion and Lions Club, opened with music furnished by the Union Pacific and McAuliffe Kiltie Bands. Acting as chairman of the meeting, J. J. Cornell introduced the speakers from the cockpit of the big twelve passenger plane in the center of the hangar. Hon. P. C. Bunning spoke for Rock Springs, O. O. Davis for the board of County Commissioners, E. S. Maroney as Superintendent of the Air Port, Dr. J. H. Goodnough as chairman of the joint committees of Legion and Lions and Capt. Eddie Brooks, Denver, as an honor guest. George B. Pryde, Vice President and General Manager of The Union Pacific Coal Company gave the dedicatory address, tracing the importance of Rock Springs in transcontinental routes through the various stages of ox-team, pony express, overland stage, continental railroad, coast to coast highway and now the airline. Governor Frank Emerson sent congratulations. Dancing followed the program. A special feature of interest was the landing and refueling of a trimotor plane enroute to Salt Lake City, The new hangar will accommodate two eighteen passenger planes and is modernly equipped with waiting rooms, offices, mechanic's rooms, and a radio station. It is a tribute of progress of which Rock Springs can well be proud. --- Union Pacific Coal Company Employes’ Magazine, Dec 1930 Old Timer David V. Bell David V. Bell, a member of the local Old Timers' Association and of Club Number 6 of the Union Pacific Old Timers' Association came to Wyoming in 1883 when it was still a Territory. As he knew the country then, herds of hundreds of antelope and elk still roamed the plains and it was yet a cattleman's paradise. Like everyone else he carried a gun, although Mr. Bell says that it was not for protection from humans that guns were needed. Mr. Bell was born near Altoona, Pennsylvania, June 5th, 1863; coming to Wyoming in 1883 he began to work with the Union Pacific Railroad in 1889. In 1893 he was made Foreman of the Artesian Wells at Wamsutter and Assistant Superintendent in 1904. During 1908 he came to Rock Springs as Superintendent of the Water Companies which position he still fills efficiently and faithfully. Mr. Bell testifies to Rock Springs climate by never wearing an overcoat the year around. --- Union Pacific Coal Company Employes’ Magazine, Dec 1930 Oliver Chambers, M. D. Twenty-seven years of practice is a record of service that only Dr. Chambers can claim in Rock Springs. With practically the same length of time spent with the Union Pacific Coal Company he is well worthy of the distinction of being an “Old Timer”. Born in Wisconsin he moved to Nebraska at an early age where he attended school, receiving his M. D. degree from the University of Nebraska in 1903. After serving as an interne in the Douglas County (Nebraska) Hospital he came to Rock Springs in 1903. Upon the death of Dr. Harvey Reed he became surgeon for the Union Pacific Railway, which position he still fills. Professionally Dr. Chambers is a member of the American College of Surgeons and has served as a member of the State (Wyoming) Board of Medical examiners for twelve years. During the World War he was a Major in the Medical Corps A. E. F., being located in Paris for a year. He was appointed Captain in the Medical Officers Reserve Corps of the United States Army, attached to Base Hospital, No. 49, of the University of Nebraska. Always interested in community welfare and progress Dr. Chambers has been an active and influential citizen in all civic affairs. In this capacity he has served in Rock Springs as: President of the School Board for three years; President of the Union Savings and Loan Association; Commander of Archie Hay Post of The American Legion; and President of Lions Club. As a member of the Congregational Church he has been active in all phases of church work. He is a member of our Old Timers' Association and acted as toastmaster at the Old Timers' Banquet of 1930. --- Union Pacific Coal Company Employes’ Magazine, Jan 1931 Samuel Matson, an Old Timer Samuel Matson was born in Vasa, Finland, March 9, 1870. When he was eighteen years old he decided to come to America, coming to Missoula, Montana, where he stayed a few months. In the fall of the same year, 1888, he came to Rock Springs and began work at once for The Union Pacific Coal Company in the old Number Three Mine. Soon after, he was transferred to the Number One Mine, working there for more than twenty years. He is now employed in Number Four Mine. Last June Mr. Matson received his gold button for forty-two years of continuous and faithful service in the employ of the Company. During this time he has missed very few days work and has never been injured in a mine. He is a life member of the Old Timers’ Association. Mr. Matson has a family of seven children living, five of whom are in Rock Springs, Vestor in the Purchasing Agent's office, Raino who is material clerk at Winton, and Earl who works with his father in the mine. Two daughters. Mrs. L. Larson and Melba in the Rock Springs High School. The other sons, Aner and Iver, live in San Francisco, California, and Houston, Texas. --- Union Pacific Coal Company Employes’ Magazine, Jan 1931 Emil Berquist Emil Berquist, weighman at Number Four, is a member of our Old Timers’ Association with a record of forty-one years with The Union Pacific Coal Company and Railroad. In speaking of his life he says he decided to come to America in the early spring of 1886 when he was nineteen years old. First he came to Wahoo, Nebraska, then he says, “—got into my head to see Wyoming and landed in Rock Springs the first part of May, started to work on the section in Blairtown the eleventh of May. After working there a month, about the Middle of June, I started in Number Five as machine helper.” From then on he worked in the various mines, being in Number Four in 1887 at the time of the explosion. In 1892, Mr. Berquist went into business in Rock Springs, but at the end of two years again started to work for the Union Pacific Railroad, and stayed with the railroad four years, then began work in Number One again. Mr. Berquist was married in 1894 and has three adopted daughters. During his forty-four years in Rock Springs he has seen many improvements and changes come to the town, and has proved himself a progressive and upright citizen. He was born in Sweden, November 8, 1866. --- Union Pacific Coal Company Employes’ Magazine, Jan 1931 I. Hattori I. Hattori was born in Kukuoka, Japan, January 21, 1885, and was the oldest of a family of six children. Reaching the age of twenty-one, Mr. Hattori made up his mind to try his fortune in America, arriving in San Francisco August 2, 1906. In 1907 he came to Hanna, Wyoming, where he began work for The Union Pacific Coal Company. After living in Hanna nine years he moved to Colorado thence to Reliance in 1917, where he now lives. In Reliance he met and married Mrs. Hattori who was formerly Hatsu Harado, a native of Sago, Japan. They have a fine family of eight children, five of whom are in school now. The Hattori's are good parents and citizens and well deserving of the respect the community awards them. Mr. Hattori is a member of our Old Timers' Association with a record of twenty-three years of service. --- Rock Springs Rocket, Jan 22, 1931 FOUR KIDDIES FIND NEW HOME Home Society Cares For Quartette of Girls Four more Sweetwater county children have been taken by the Children’s Home Society of Cheyenne. These are four little girls whose ages are two and one-half, nine, twelve and fourteen years. Mrs. L.T. Cox, financial agent for the society who has been in Rock Springs for two weeks, was called to Green River Tuesday to investigate the home conditions of the girls. She was importuned to removed them immediately to the home in Cheyenne and upon her findings decided to do so. She is bringing them to Rock Springs today and sending them on to Cheyenne on Union Pacific train Number Six tomorrow. The mother of the girls deserted her family of five girls and a husband in Green River December 20 and has not been heard of since. It is alleged that she ran away with another man. The eldest girl is 16 years old and is being sent to the state girls’ school at Sheridan temporarily. Investigation by Mrs. Cox and county officials revealed that the father is incompetent to make a living for his family and it was apparent that officials must take action in their behalf at once. The father with the girls were living in a tent without proper food and clothing. Two of the girls, the eldest and the one next to the youngest, were threatened with pneumonia and were brought to the Wyoming General hospital but their condition is so improved at this time that they will be dismissed today. Another one is suffering with inflammatory rheumatism. Mrs. Cox stated today that plans are incepted for adopting the girls and that one home already has been found which will take the baby. Mrs. Cox purchased clothes for her recently acquired girls and is taking care of them at the Park hotel tonight where they are being bathed and made ready for the trip to their new home tomorrow. --- Union Pacific Coal Company Employes’ Magazine, Feb 1931 Old Timer Elijah Daniels Elijah Daniels was born June 12, 1883, at Dinas, South Wales. The family emigrated to America in the year 1888. He received his schooling in the Almy schools and then commenced work in the Old Central Pacific mines at the age of fifteen years. In 1900 he began work for The Union Pacific Coal Company shortly after he moved to Spring Valley, Wyoming, where he worked outside under D. G. Thomas, then inside as a miner and driver. Leaving Spring Valley he went to Mercur, Utah, to work in a quartz mine. However in 1903 he returned to Cumberland and again began work for the Union Pacific, remaining in Cumberland until 1911 when he was transferred to Reliance as pipeman and thence to Superior. Meanwhile Mr. Daniels, tiring of mining, decided to try his luck at farming. For four years he farmed in Logan, Utah; but in August, 1919, he came back to Rock Springs working as tracklayer and driver boss in Number Four mine until he was made Assistant Mine Foreman in 1921, which position he still holds. February 22, 1906, he married Miss Margaret Robertson in Cumberland. They are the parents of seven children, three girls and four boys. Mr. Daniels is a member of the Old Timers’ Association with a record of 24 years of service. During these years he has always proved himself a faithful fulfiller of all tasks. --- Rock Springs Rocket, Feb 5, 1931 Kiddies Deserted By Mother Are Given Good Homes J.B. Lutz of Cheyenne, superintendent of the Wyoming Children’s Home, was in the city this week in the interest of several dependent children in Sweetwater county. Mr. Lutz stated that the three Sims girls of Green River who were brought to the Home two weeks since after they had been deserted by their mother and their father found to be incapable of caring for them have been placed in desirable homes. The three girls sent to the home were Shirley, aged 14 years, Sidney, 12, and Jacqueline, 9. The Society accepted the care of another, Wyoma, aged 2 years, but was able to place her in a home in Evanston taking her directly there from Green River. The three sisters are being placed by Mr. Lutz in desirable homes in Goshen valley near Torrington, two in one home and the third in a second home. They will be in the same community and will attend the same school. Mr. Lutz also stated that he found the children to be suffering from bad teeth and bad throat conditions and that their general physical conditions were bad. These afflictions are being remedied so that the girls will be nearly up to par when they enter their new homes. Five girls were found to be suffering physical discomfitures in their tent home in Green River two weeks since where they lived with their mother had deserted them December 20. One was found to be suffering with inflammatory rheumatism and threatened with pneumonia. She was brought to the Wyoming General hospital here where she responded to treatment readily. At the time of the discovery of these conditions Mrs. L.T. Cox, financial agent for the Wyoming Children’s Home Society, was in Rock Springs. Mrs. Cox was sent for and with county officials made an investigation of the case with the result that within three days all five girls had been taken from Green River, one to Evanston, three to Cheyenne, and one to the state school at Sheridan. --- Union Pacific Coal Company Employes’ Magazine, Mar 1931 Mrs. May Clark an Early Resident of Cumberland A conversation with Mrs. May Clark carries one back to the early days in Cumberland when it was merely a colony of tents. She watched the town grow with the coming of schools, churches, store and postoffice, and her son, Wendell, holds the distinction of being the first child born in Cumberland. Born in Finchford, Iowa, near Cedar Falls, in May, 1867, Mrs. Clark moved with her parents when just a girl to Lafayette, Colorado. In 1893 she first came to Rock Springs when her father was killed here in the Number 7 mine. Two years later in 1895 she came to Rock Springs to live where she met Mr. Joseph Clark. They were married in 1896 and after a wedding trip to Denver and Manitou they made their home in Rock Springs where Mr. Clark had been employed by The Union Pacific Coal Company since 1889 when he came from England. May 31, 1901, shortly after the Number 1 mine had opened, the Clarks moved to Cumberland living, like everyone else, in a tent. Mr. Clark hauled the first load of coal out of Cumberland with steam. Cumberland was Mrs. Clark’s home for twenty-three years and her four sons finished school there. Three of her sons are living now; Joseph in Florence, Colorado, Theodore in Denver and Wendell who is mine clerk at Superior. Mr. Clark was a member of our Old Timers’ Association. For the past four years Mrs. Clark has made her home in Colorado. --- Union Pacific Coal Company Employes’ Magazine, Mar 1931 Old Timer, T. Nakamura, Rock Springs T. Nakamura was born in Japan, near Tokyo, on January 5, 1880. He arrived in America on May 1st, 1904, and came direct to Rock Springs where he accepted employment from The Union Pacific Coal Company as a miner in old No. 8 Mine. He has been employed continuously here at Rock Springs and has worked in old No. 2, 7 and 8 mines and at present is employed in the new No. 8 Mine as a track repairman. Mr. Nakamura has always shown great interest in the education of Japanese children of Rock Springs and for some time, during the summer months, has assisted with the conducting of a school for the Japanese children where they are taught the reading and writing of the Japanese language. Mr. Nakamura is married and has one son who is three years of age. They live at the Japanese camp near old No. 7 Mine. He is a member of the Old Timers’ Association and has a record of twenty-seven years of unbroken service. --- Rock Springs Rocket, Apr 16, 1931 Pioneer’s Memoirs Tell of Chinese Riot Editor’s Note—The Rocket is glad of this opportunity to give its readers “David G. Thomas’ Memories of the Chinese Riot” as told by this old-timer of the Rock Springs district to his daughter, Mrs. J.H. Goodnough, and preserved by her for posterity. Mrs. Goodnough’s manuscript is being placed permanently in the archives of Wyoming’s historical society by Mrs. Cyrus Beard. There it will be preserved. The Rocket suggests to its readers that they preserve for themselves and for future reference a copy of the story as herein contained. It is worth placing on file. There are but few living persons who could give a graphic account of this event which stirred Rock Springs in the early days and perhaps no one is more conversant with the facts of the riot than Mr. Thomas Mr. Thomas was an eye witness to much of the activities which has gone down in the history of Rock Springs as infamous. In referring to this epochal event Mr. Thomas applies the familiar words of Burns, “Man’s inhumanity to man makes countless thousands mourn.” The date of the Chinese Riot was September 1885. On the fifth day of September 1885, in Rock Springs, Wyoming, occurred a riot, so brutal in its actuality, so revolting in its execution and so gruesome in its details, that it made the town, since famous for its coal, equally infamous, and left deep scars in the minds and hearts of its citizens; scars which redden and open after forty years at “Man’s inhumanity to Man.” As I questioned my father about the stirring events, those which led up to the actual riot, I could not but be impressed, as he sat calmly smoking his friendly pipe, white haired, and animatedly relating events as he saw them, of the progress, which civilization has brought in its wake to our city, contrasted with the bloody scenes of the eighties. We who live in Rock Springs and love it, are vitally interested in her history and this was the reason I secured the acts herein quoted. The opinions expressed may or may not be correct, but they are formed by the impressions made at the time, and are our own. My father, David G. Thomas witnessed the riot from No. 5 tipple and actually saw what follows in the narrative. To understand conditions as they existed, one must go back to the year 1869, when the Southern Pacific railroad had been completed and Chinese coolies had been imported for the work of building the road. Upon its completion, most of the employees were out of work and anxious to become engaged in some remunerative labor. There was a feeling of resentment augered at the time among labor agitators, which grew steadily each year as it was fed on propaganda. Strikes In Air The situation in the coal mines of Rock Springs in the year 1876, was anything but pleasant. A strike was in progress, whereby the coal mined was limited in degree and quantity and very few miners were hired, neither the superintendent nor the mine boss, having any authority, the power being relegated to a committee of three miners, a triumvirate, who were the Mussolini of the mines. Finally the situation became intolerable to mining officials and the agitators were fired boldly and bodily from any further participation in company affairs. A few men, however, loyal in their devotion were retained. To a large extent, the mines were now without white labor, so the question was, “Who should mine the coal?” Beckwith and Quinn agreed to furnish a contract to supply Chinese labor for the mines, with Mr. W.H. O’Donnell, the contact man of the deal, in the year 1885. It is well to bear this fact in mind, as Mr. O’Donnell, or “Grandpa,” as he was affectionately known to those of us of a younger generation, who worshipped him with a real affection, bordering on adoration, which we had and still hold for his memory was involved in the brutal workings of what we now call “Mob psychology,” but which caused him worry and annoyance for two days, when he was guilty of nothing, but the faithful discharge of his duties. So the situation was in the year ???8, when my father arrived in the mining town of Rock Springs, and secured employment in the mines, as a driver. Unrest Gaining The years passed, with the spirit of unrest and dissatisfaction gaining ground against the Chinese, not only in Rock Springs, but California, Colorado and even Pittsburg, Pennsylvania. However, the year 1885 arrived with my father, now a mine boss at No. 5, and from this point he will tell his own story as he actually saw it, using the first person. “One week before the riot Mr. C. P. Wassung and I had occasion to visit Laramie, on lodge business. We met an acquaintance, who had no business connections in Rock Springs at the time, but who remarked that he would visit our town in a few days, and that there would be something doing. The 'something doing' part of the conversation made an indelible impression on our minds, when this same man became one of the leaders in the riot of September 5th. I have reason to believe that he lived and still lives to be very much ashamed of his participation in the disgraceful events.” “Tactless” Jim Evans "I was mine boss at No. Five, and on the morning of Sept. 5th, I noticed a visible commotion at No. Three. Rumors had reached me that there was violence at No. 6, wherein Chinese miners had been assigned to places previously promised by the superintendent to the white men. It is an unwritten law in the mines, that miners work in certain assigned places. I felt at the time and have since had no reason to change my views, that the Chinese riot was due to the tactlessness of the mine superintendent, Jim Evans. He was efficient in working knowledge, but lacking in the virtue of 'tact,' and it was the only thing needed to fan the flames of revolt and race hatred to red heat and start the riot which cost the lives of 27 innocent men, besides leaving a stain on the name of the town and in the hearts of those who participated, some of whom cooled down quickly after seeing the horror of the first scenes. I never felt that the men wanted to riot at this time.” To quote now from a local newspaper, dated Sept. 6, 1885: “Today for the first time in a good many years there is not a Chinaman in Rock Springs. The five or six hundred who were working in the mines here have been driven out, and nothing but heaps of smoking ruins mark the spot where Chinatown stood. The feeling against the Chinese has been growing stronger all summer. The fact that the white men had been turned off the sections, and hundreds of white men were seeking in vain for work, while the Chinese were being shipped in by the carloads and given work strengthened the feeling against them. It needed but little to incite this feeling into an active crusade, and that came yesterday morning at No. 6. All the entries at No. 6 were stopped the first of the month, and Mr. Evans, mine superintendent, marked off a number of rooms in the entries. In No. 5 entry eight Chinamen were working and four rooms were marked off for them. In No. 13 entry, Mr. Whitehouse and Mr. Jenkins were working and Evans told them they could have rooms in that entry or in No. 11 or No. 5. They chose No. 5, and when they went to work Tuesday. Dave Brookman, who was acting as pit boss in Francis' absence, told them to take the first rooms marked off. He supposed the Chinamen had begun work on their rooms and that Whitehouse and Jenkins would take the next rooms beyond them. But as the first two rooms of the Chinamen had been commenced, Whitehouse took one, not knowing that they had been given to the Chinamen. He went up town in the afternoon and during his absence the two Chinamen came in and went to work in the room. When Whitehouse came to work Wednesday morning two Chinamen were in possession of what he considered his room. He ordered them out, but they wouldn't leave what they thought was their room. High words followed, then blows. The Chinese from other rooms came rushing in, as did the whites and a fight ensued, with picks, shovels, drills and needles for weapons. The Chinamen were worsted, four of them being badly wounded, one of whom has since died.” Warning Given “To resume my story from this place. I was standing on No. 5 tipple when I distinctly saw a commotion at No. 3 mine. I hurried over there to transact some business at the blacksmith shop, and upon its completion, made my way thru Chinatown notifying five or six of my Chinese friends to be careful, as it looked like trouble was brewing. I then returned to No. 5 tipple, when I saw the mob, now formed with rifles, shot guns and revolvers, stop for a moment at the railroad crossing, near the present home of M.W. Medill. Here a shot or two was fired at the defenseless Chinese, who came out of their numerous dugouts and shacks like sheep led to the slaughter taken by surprise, unarmed and unprotected. “They fled precipitously to Bitter Creek, eastward to Burning Mountain, and now the riot was on. May I say at this point, that one of our leading professional men was on horseback, waving his hat and shouting loudly, and while he appeared to be unarmed he was inciting a maddened crowd to bloodthirsty deeds. “Bullets followed the fleeing Chinese, when 16 of them were killed brutally, while the other casualties met an even more horrible fate the same evening, when some of the citizens satisfied their murderous instincts and inhumanely slew the few remaining Chinese for the money which their victims had hidden on their persons, afterwards setting fire to the building to hide the crimes. Poor Old Ah Lee! “I left for home and went thru town. Here an old Chinese laundryman, ‘Ah Lee’ lived in a dirt dug out, with a roof of boards. He was so frightened that he had bolted his door, but the fiends were not to be cheated of their prey, so they came thru the poor old man’s roof and murdered him ruthlessly. I asked the same man whom I had met previously in Laramie, ‘Why did you kill poor old Ah Lee?’ His answer was, ‘I had to, Dave, he was coming at me with a knife.’ The reader can judge for himself the accuracy of the alibi, self defense, after breaking thru a man’s roof and shooting him in the back of the head. But dead men tell no tales. “In this connection may be told the story of a Rock Springs woman, who walked over the body of the dead Chinaman and stole packages of laundry, which he had neatly laid aside for delivery. Years later she died in distressing circumstances of poverty. Deserved? Who knows. “Understand, too, we were nervous for our own safety, as we were in the employ of the Company and knew not what the mob might decide to do, as the next order of business. “However, around seven o’clock Frank Hamlin, Lloyd Thomas and I walked over to Chinatown, where we saw laying in the dirt the body of an old Chinaman, whom we had known, shot thru the chest and dying slowly. One of the men in the group suggest that we shoot him to get him out of his misery, but this we declined to do, so we left him to die. Forty Burning Houses “The flames from forty burning houses lighted our faces. When we came to Bitter Creek we saw the body of Joe Brown, one of the first Chinamen killed in the one sided battle. “We returned to Mr. Tisdale, the general superintendent’s house which is located on the present site of the post office. Mr. and Mrs. Tisdale were out of town, so Frank Hamlin and I prepared to retire, although we slept little, as the section house has been set on fire by this time and shots were rending the air all night long. We wondered, too, if the mob would not visit Mr. Tisdale’s house in a spirit of revenge, but our fears were groundless and we were left undisturbed. “These were things I actually saw and the next day we heard that Mr. Jim Evans, mine superintendent, had been requested to leave town at once, which he did on the night train, never appearing here again. “To quote from the local paper of the sixth, ‘Well, gentlemen, the next thing is to give Mr. O’Donnell notice to leave and then go to No. 6,’ said one of the men in the crowd. But the crowd was slow in starting on their errand. A large number seemed to think this was going too far, and of the crowd that gathered in front of O’Donnell’s store, the majority did not sympathize with this move. But at somebody’s suggestion a note ordering O’Donnell to leave was written and given to Gottsche, his teamster. “One of the men, who objected loudest to this mode of procedure, was the same person we have had occasion to mention before, at Laramie, Ah Lee’s murder, etc., but he quit the riot at this place, being highly indignant at the treatment meted to Mr. O’Donnell. However, Mr. O’Donnell was told to come back in two days, which he did, much to the general rejoicing. Modern Racketeer “A look around Thursday, the sixth, revealed some gruesome sights, resembling the methods of the modern racketeer. In the smoking cellar of one Chinese house the blackened bodies of three Chinamen were seen. Three others were in the cellar of another and four more bodies were found near by. From the position of some of the bodies it would seem as if they had begun to dig a hole in the cellar to hide themselves. But the fire overtook them when about half way in the hole, burning their lower limbs to a crisp and leaving the upper trunk untouched. At the east end of Chinatown another body was found, charred by the flames and mutilated by hogs. For a long time, pork therefore was not tempting to us, as an appetite teaser, and we gladly refrained from including it in our diet. The smell that arose from the smoking ruins was horribly suggestive of burning flesh. Farther east were the bodies of four more Chinamen, shot down. In their flight one of them had tumbled over the bank and lay in the creek with face upturned. Still farther another Chinaman was found shot in the hips and still alive. He was taken up town and cared for by Dr. Woodruff. Besides this, two others were seriously wounded. “One Chinawoman fled with her husband, a gambler, who carried her across Bitter Creek, and both appeared to be unusually calm. Neither of them were among the casualties. “The wife of Soo Qui, a boss Chinaman, was badly frightened and with tearful eyes and trembling voice said to the mob, ‘Soo he go; I go to him.’ The assurance of the men that she would be unharmed failed to calm her and gathering a few household good she fled to the home of a neighbor. Mrs. D.M. Thayer “A few days after the riot Mrs. D.M. Thayer was visited by a woman who carried a fur coat over her arm, making the statement that this coat was made of an ‘H ‘African Lion’ and was too large for her, so she would like to sell it. She failed to convince Mrs. Thayer, however, as the latter had seen the coat too often on ‘Ah Coon,’ one of the missing Chinese. “Mr. Joe Young, the sheriff, was in Green River the day of the riot, but placed guards to protect the property of citizens, in case of a disturbance. “A coroner’s jury, who with Dr. Woodruff, examined the dead bodies of the Chinamen, returned a verdict that 11 had been burned to death and four more shot by parties unknown to the jury. The bodies were put in rough coffins and buried in the Chinese burying grounds. “A good many indictments followed the arrival of the troops, which were sent by the Government, but the trial was a farce and the cases dismissed. I was told to report for jury service in Green River and when D.O. Clark asked me why I did not wish to serve, I replied that I did not feel that my back was bullet proof. Such was the attitude of the citizens at the time. Governor Came “Governor Warren came with railroad officials on a special train and took a view of the situation and a quantity of provisions was sent west for the Chinese near Green River. Troops were ordered to be stationed in Rock Springs, and all of the Chinese were picked up and closely guarded by Uncle Sam’s men. Some of the officers located here included Major Freeman, and Captain Coolidge, the adopted father of the Rev. Sherman Coolidge, Indian Episcopal rector at Colorado Springs. The troops remained here until the Spanish American war, and it was with considerable regret that the citizens saw the soldiers depart, as they had become an influence for good in the community. “And now to tell the story of ‘Pung Chung,’ our loyal and devoted friend. He went to No. 3 when he first heard about the riot thru the Chinese whom I had notified, and retraced his steps back again thru the mine to No. 5, where he had hoped to find me, but I had left for home at the time. Then he fled to the hills, where he stayed for three or four days, without food or water, and when found was in a half crazed condition, brought on thru fright and starvation, together with exhaustion. He was always our loyal friend and years later I can picture him, an old man, seated on the coping of my wife’s grave; in his hand, a few fragrant flowers, pitifully eloquent—his token of respect to her memory. His devotion touched us, and we fell it indeed a privilege to place on his grave, each Decoration day, a little flower, with a thought similar to the one expressed by Thomas Campbell. To live in hearts we leave behind Is not to die.” --- Union Pacific Coal Company Employes’ Magazine, May 1931 Old Timer Marko Begovich Mr. Marko Begovich was born in Rozica, Dalmatia, April 22, 1885. When he was a lad of twenty he decided to come to America and landed in this county June 4, 1905. Ten days later he arrived in Rock Springs and began work at once in the old Number 7 Mine. Since that date Rock Springs has been his home and he has worked continuously for The Union Pacific Coal Company having been employed in Number 4, 7, 8 and 10 mines as a miner and motor man. Mr. Begovich, eager to become and American citizen, attended night school here and received his final citizenship papers in September, 1922. He married Miss Jeniie Kucheli in October, 1922, and they have two sons and one daughter. Mr. Begovich has a record of twenty-five years of continuous service with the company and is a member of the Old Timers’ Association. --- Union Pacific Coal Company Employes’ Magazine, Jun 1931 Old Timer Matt Klemenc Mr. Klemenc, who is an Old Timer with a service record of twenty-eight years of continuous service, came to Rock Springs in 1903, directly from Austria. Prior to coming to the United States he had worked in the mines of Austria and Germany, but, not content with conditions there, he decided to bring his family to America. Since Mrs. Klemenc’s brother was already in Rock Springs they came here immediately where they have made their home since. Two sons and two daughters compose the family of Mr. and Mrs. Klemenc. They are all married except one son, Frank, who lives at home. Although sixty years of age Mr. Klemenc is as active as he ever was and works every day in Number Eight Mine. He is a member of two lodges and an American citizen. --- Union Pacific Coal Company Employes’ Magazine, Aug 1931 Forty-year Button Awarded to Old Timer Benjamin Lewis All who attended the Old Timers Banquet last Old Timers Day, June 13th, recall the presentation of the forty-year buttons; the bit of awe and envy we felt as we viewed those men who for forty years had been working and watching the Company, country and community develop. Growing from a frontier village on the fringe of the great Western movement, into a thriving, cultured center, Rock Springs owes much to the men and women who have consistently given their best efforts to this locality. Among those receiving their forty-year awards was Mr. Benjamin Lewis, who began service for The Union Pacific Coal Company in the old Number One mine, Rock Springs, April, 1891. Since then he has worked continuously for the Company, marrying and bringing up his family here. Born in Ohio June 6, 1878, he came to Rock Springs when just a child with his father, Richard Lewis, a pioneer in Rock Springs. Mr. Lewis is the father of seven children, two of whom (Jack and William) are now employed by The Union Pacific Coal Company in Rock Springs. A daughter, Evelyn, teaches and the others are at home. Mr. Lewis, still in active service, is a mechanical loader foreman. He has been a member of the I. O. O. F. Lodge for more than twenty-five years. --- Union Pacific Coal Company Employes’ Magazine, Sep 1931 Old Timer John Matson Mr. John Matson was born in Harmea, Finland, October 4, 1871. When he was twenty years of age he left his native home coming to America where he knew neither a person nor a word of English. First he came to Denver, Colorado, shortly after going to Hanna, which has been his home since. Mr. Myers was superintendent at the time he came to Hanna. During his residence in Hanna he has married and brought up a family of six children, five of whom are living now. One son was killed in Hanna several years ago. A son, Matthew, is in a garage in Rawlins, a daughter, Mrs. Botero, lives in Rock Springs, the other three children are at home. His service, as well as his record as a citizen, is one to be proud of in every way. --- Union Pacific Coal Company Employes’ Magazine, Oct 1931 Old Timer James Besso The service record of the Besso family totals sixty years. Half of this belongs to Mr. James Besso, who has served the Company since 1893. Entering the service at Rock Springs, January, 1893, Mr. Besso began as a contract loader in old Number Three mine. In 1911, when the Reliance mine was opened he moved to Reliance and ten years later to Winton, where he now lives. Mr. Besso has two sons both in the employ of the Company. John, the eldest, has a continuous service record of fifteen years, while Charles has ten years. They are both married and live in Winton. Mr. James Besso was born in Baldisero, Italy, July 25, 1868. He came to America when a young man twenty-four years of age and soon became a citizen of this his adopted land. Throughout the years the Besso family have lived in the community they have proved themselves worthy and loyal in every way. --- Union Pacific Coal Company Employes’ Magazine, Nov 1931 Archie Buchanan Few individuals in our surrounding towns probably have seen more of the development of this western country than Mr. Archie Buchanan, who is a member of our Old Timers Association, with over thirty years service. Born in Springfield, Illinois, November 10, 1861, Mr. Buchanan crossed the plains in a covered wagon in 1864 with his parents. Following the trail across what is now Nebraska and Wyoming, over three months was spent in the crossing to Salt Lake--which is done in three days now. Later the family moved to Echo, Utah, where his boyhood days were spent. When the Grass Creek mines were opened in 1881, Mr. Buchanan began work there. Two years later he was married. Mrs. Buchanan also crossed with an ox team in 1866, her mother carrying her most of the way across the plains because of the freight in the wagon. Following the close of the Grass Creek mines in 1887, Mr. Buchanan began work in Almy, remaining there until Almy was closed in 1899. He again entered the employ of The Union Pacific Coal Company at Cumberland in April, 1912. He worked continuously in Cumberland until Number Two Mine was closed, when he was transferred to Winton on May 4, 1929. He is the father of eleven children, four deceased, twenty-one grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. Two of his sons, Percy and Frank, are in the employ of the Company at Winton and Reliance. Early experiences in Utah and the opening of new coal mines are remarkably vivid in his mind. Many are the changes he has seen come and go. He is a faithful member of the L. D. S. Church. --- Union Pacific Coal Company Employes’ Magazine, Dec 1931 JOSEPH MCTEE, SR. Mr. McTee, who has appeared on our Old Timer Page before, was born at Dailry, Ayrshire, Scotland, March 27, 1875. Leaving his native land he came to this country when but a laddie. In 1890 he entered the employ of the Company and in the space of 41 years he has lost practically no time. His son, Joseph, Jr. is employed in Number Four Mine. --- Union Pacific Coal Company Employes’ Magazine, Dec 1931 C. ELMER MOFFITT Mr. Moffitt was born at Owega, New York. In 1893 he entered the employ of the Union Pacific at Rock Springs, as a carpenter, and with the exception of two short intervals at Reliance has been a resident of Rock Springs since. He has been an employe of the Company for thirty-nine years. In 1917 he was made Scale Inspector and served in that capacity until August, 1930, when he was appointed Outside Foreman at Rock Springs. --- Union Pacific Coal Company Employes’ Magazine, Dec 1931 DAVID ABRAHAM A native of Wales, was born at Carfelia, Wales, May 8, 1867. In September, 1881, he started work with The Union Pacific Coal Company as a miner. Since then he has served as a motorman and machine boss, filling that capacity in Number Eight up to the present. Mr. Abraham has lived in Rock Springs for fifty years and is an old timer in the town as well as in the Company. --- Union Pacific Coal Company Employes’ Magazine, Dec 1931 FRANK EORI Mr. Eori is a native of Italy, calling sunny Naples his home. When he arrived in America he came directly to Rock Springs, where he secured employment in Number 10 Mine, later he was employed in both Number 7 and Number 4. Mr. Eori has a son, Edward, and a daughter, Emma, who are in high school in Rock Springs. --- Union Pacific Coal Company Employes’ Magazine, Jan 1932 Richard Gibbs—An Old Timer Few among our Old Timers can boast thirty-eight continuous years service with The Union Pacific Coal Company. Such is the record of Mr. Richard Gibbs, master mechanic in Reliance, who has seen the opening of most of the mining towns in this field. He was born in Almy, where his father was employed by The Union Pacific Coal Company. When just a boy Mr. Gibbs began his service as a trapper in Scofield, Utah, July 2, 1894. F. P. Gridley was Superintendent of Mines there at that time. The following year, 1895, he was transferred to Almy remaining there until the opening of the Spring Valley mines in 1900. From Spring Valley Mr. Gibbs went to Cumberland in 1905 and later to Superior in 1910. While in Cumberland Mr. and Mrs. Gibbs, who was formerly Miss Agnes McPhie, were married. Mrs. Gibbs' family were also early residents in Wyoming and she was born in Almy. They have seven children, four in school in Reliance, one at home, a daughter who is a nurse in the Hanna Hospital and a son, William, who is payroll clerk in Reliance Mine Office. Mr. Gibb's unbroken service record is a story of progress through years of faithful efforts, well may he be proud of this record. --- Union Pacific Coal Company Employes’ Magazine, Feb 1932 George Tomich One of Superior’s Old Timers Twenty-eight years of continuous service have given George Tomich the title “Old Timer”. Born in Croatia, he started to work in the timber there at an early age, but meanwhile he was dreaming of America, so in 1903 he sailed for this country landing at Baltimore, March 8, 1903. He went to Saint Louis and later to Arkansas where he read an advertisement for men to work in the mines in Rock Springs. Arriving here October 19, 1903 he at once began work in No. 8 Mine, Rock Springs. Mr. Tomich remained in Rock Springs until 1918 when he transferred to Superior. In 1910 he and Mrs. Tomich were married in Rock Springs. She had come directly from their native home in Croatia to meet him. They have seven children all of whom are at home. Mr. Tomich also has three brothers here; one, John who has been in the employ of the Company since 1904, lives in Superior. The others Joe and Steve are employed in Sweetwater. Mr. Tomich is a member of the Thrvatska and Zajednica lodges, also an active member of the U. M. W. of A. --- Union Pacific Coal Company Employes’ Magazine, Feb 1932 The Joe Sikich Family Mr. and Mrs. Joe Sikich have lived in Rock Springs for twenty-seven years, coming here directly from Australia [sic]. During those years their family of seven children with four sons and three daughters have been growing up. Two daughters, Mrs. Rose Santich and Mrs. Catherine Evezich, are married now and live in Number Four, Rock Springs. The four sons, John, Pete, Mike and Louis and Annie, the youngest of the family are home. John and Pete are employed in Number Four Mine. Mr. Joe Sikich, who is an Old Timer with a record of twenty-seven years of unbroken service, is also employed in Number Four Mine. --- Green River Star, Feb 12, 1932 FOUR CHILDREN OF ROCK SPRINGS TAKEN BY STATE A case heard before L. H. Brown of Rock Springs, district court commissioner, Tuesday of this week resulted in four minor children of Thomas Riley of Rock Springs being committed to the State of Wyoming. The investigation brought out that the children, one boy and three girls who range in ages from four months to eight years, were unable to receive the necessary care from their parents. They will be detained in Rock Springs for a time, after which they will be taken to the state’s home at Cheyenne. --- Union Pacific Coal Company Employes’ Magazine, Apr 1932 Michael Murinko Sr. Michael Murinko, Sr., was born October 1, 1866, in Jugo-Slavia, and since September, 1891, his name has been carried on Coal Company payrolls either at Superior or at Rock Springs. Mike has reared a large family consisting of three daughters and two sons, both of the latter likewise in our employ, one here and the other in Reliance. His physical condition has been such of late, that he has retired from the service and a long rest, it is hoped, will be of much benefit. --- Union Pacific Coal Company Employes’ Magazine, Apr 1932 Steve Angelovich The name Angelovich in coal mining circles hereabouts is one to be reckoned with. Steve was born in Jugo-Slavia in 1860, and after a continuous service with the Company of over forty years has, due to infirmities accompanying his ripe age, asked for retirement. He has two brothers still at work here in our employ, and he and his wife have raised a family of eight children (six boys and two girls) and a large circle of friends and acquaintances trust he may live long to enjoy a well earned rest in his declining days. --- Union Pacific Coal Company Employes’ Magazine, May 1932 Winton Henry DuPont is the first Wintonite to own and operate an airplane. He and Mike Bozovich have purchased a Curtiss Wright Junior from a firm in Los Angeles. Henry viewed Winton from the air on the first day the plane arrived and reports it looks even better from the air than the ground. --- Green River Star, May 6, 1932 CITIZENSHIP G.R. JAPANESE BOY IS PROBLEM FOR STATE Attorney General Must Rule Whether Sunada Child Is Eligible for Free Schooling. A perplexing problem has been assigned the state attorney general’s office by a Green River family, in that the Wyoming legal head must give a decision on citizenship of a child. The parents, Mr. and Mrs. M. A. Sunada, proprietors of the Green River Hand Laundry, are residents of Wyoming, but the question arises in that one child of the Sunadas was born on a ship in the Pacific ocean, and thus the point arises of American citizenship. The child, Kohei Sunada, now six years of age, is the child in question. His citizenship must be decided in order to determine whether he may attend public schools free of charge, as is the right of American citizenship, or whether he must pay tuition as a foreigner. Kohei Sunada was born on the Japanese ship “Manila Maru” on December 8, 1926, while Mrs. Sunada was enroute to Japan to visit relatives and friends. The place of birth was 1,270 nautical miles from San Pedro, California, and 3,629 miles from Yokohama. Mr. Sunada has resided in the United States for more than thirty-five years, and the mother has been in this country sixteen years. There are five other children in the family, all of whom were born in this country and entitled to American citizenship. The attorney general will make his decision shortly upon the problem that is of vital interest. --- Union Pacific Coal Company Employes’ Magazine, Aug 1932 The Potochniks In our October, 1929, number there appeared a likeness and brief history of Frank Potochnik, born in Jugo-Slavia, in 1884, who, however, is not related to the brothers herein referred to. Leonard Potochnik, employed in Mine No. 8, Rock Springs, since 1904, was born in Austria in 1871, coming to the United States in 1891. He is a brother of Frank, whose picture is also on this page, and is an Old Timer, too. Leonard manifests a deep interest in the North Side Catholic Church, and is also connected in a fraternal way with several Benefit Associations. There are four children in the family, two daughters married and two sons living at home with their parents. The subject of this short sketch is Frank Potochnik, born in Austria April 2, 1882. He arrived in the United States in 1902 and about three years later entered the service of the Coal Company at Rock Springs. He has journeyed back to the Fatherland twice and on his second trip he was married, his wife following him to this point as soon as necessary arrangements could be consummated. There are two children to bless the union, Frank and Amelia, aged 5 and 3, respectively. Frank is a member of the Old Timers' Association. --- Union Pacific Coal Company Employes’ Magazine, Sep 1932 Old Timers Matt, William and Robert Wilde Matt (Electrical Repairman in Mine No. 8 here) was born at Elizabeth, N. J., November 25, 1887, and entered the Company's employ in 1903, having worked successively in old Mine 7, 8 and 10. He has a family of four daughters and three sons, one of the girls clerking in the store at Rock Springs. William likewise first saw the light of day at Elizabeth, N. J., his natal day being March 24, 1891. He arrived in Rock Springs in 1902 and in 1909 accepted service with the Company and has been in old Mines 8 and 10 ever since, his present occupation Motorman in No. 8. He has an interesting family of three daughters and one son. Robert, born at Wilkes-Barre, Pa., January 5, 1889, reached this section of the country in 1902 and then started in the service at Rock Springs. He is at present engaged in Mine No. 8 as face man on Mechanical Loader and has in past years worked in old Mines 7, 8 and 10. There is but one child, Robert, he being employed at U. P. R. R. Freight House. --- Union Pacific Coal Company Employes’ Magazine, Oct 1932 Mike and John Begovich Mike Begovich Sr., Miner in No. 4 at Rock Springs, came to this point in 1908, beginning work in old NO. 10 Mine. He has successively been employed in old Mines 8 and 10. Was born at Kazna, Dalmatia, on March 15, 1880. Is married and has five interesting children, the oldest son, Mike Jr., working alongside his father, the remaining children living at home. He is a cousin of John Begovich also pictured on this page. He is a member of the Old Timers Association. John Begovich, Rope Rider in Mine No. 8, Rock Springs, was born at Kazna, Dalmatia, on October 2, 1884. He came to this city in Jul, 1904, and secured employment in old Mine No. 10. Also worked in old Mine No. 8. He has never married and is a cousin of Mike Begovich, Sr. He has 28 years service and belongs to the Old Timers’ Association. --- Rock Springs Rocket, Oct 13, 1932 Local Pioneer, 81 Friday, Here When Miners Lived In Dugouts Pausing on the eve of her 81st birthday anniversary, Mrs. Herbert Crofts looked back today to the time 51 years ago when she came to Rock Springs, then but a sagebrush-covered flat on which three houses stood. Mrs. Crofts, a white-haired, soft-spoken lady, one of the remaining pioneers, will celebrate her birthday anniversary tomorrow. She was born in Leicester, England, in 1851. The aged woman arrived here in 1881 with her husband and four small children. They had only recently come from England. Lived in Dugouts “The place where Rock Springs now stands had three houses,” Mrs. Crofts recalled today. “They belonged to the mine bosses. The miners lived in dugouts along the bank of Bitter creek. “We lived in one of those dugouts for a year after we first arrived. They wee mere holes in the ground with a wooden door at the entrance. The interior of each was lined with boards halfway down from the roof. “Later we moved to Blairtown where there were houses. We lived there for about a year before moving back to Rock Springs. “Shortly after our arrival, they built a church and a school. I remember while they were building the school a strong wind came along and blew over the framework they had constructed. “There was no water close and we had to have it brought from Point of Rocks. It cost 25 cents a barrel. It was a hard and trying life, especially since I had the four children. Explains Crooked Streets Mrs. Crofts told how the streets of Rock Springs have come to be so crooked. “When the miners first began building houses,” she said, “they were permitted to erect them any place in the area. “They built them facing north, south, east or west and located in any position. Sometimes all the members of a family would build their homes in one spot, making a sort of community group. “As a result, when the town was platted there were often three or four houses on one lot, some with the back doors on a line with the front doors of others.” Mrs. Crofts was living here when the famed Chinese massacre occurred. She saw much of the fighting from a place near her present home at 659 Pilot Butte avenue. She recalled that the massacre resulted because the mine bosses were giving the Chinese miners preference. The climax came after the Chinese secured jobs the white men believed they should have had. “The white miners had worked for a long time at preparing one of the workings,” she said. “They hadn’t been paid much and it was a hard job. Then the Chinese stepped in and bought the entry. “That was the last straw. The white men entered the workings where the Chinese were and the battle began. Others Join Miners “Not only the miners, but the other white men in the city joined in. Many of the Chinese were shot and many escaped. Some fled into the hills around town. They were pursued and killed. It was terrible. “Our house was not far from what was called Chinatown, on No. 6. I could see the white men march down there and rout out the Chinese. Many of the homes were burned, some of them by the Chinese themselves. “Before the massacre it wasn’t safe for a woman or for children to walk through Chinatown, the residents there were so rude.” Although 81, Mrs. Crofts is still very active physically and mentally. She goes for walks, does much of her own housework, and goes to church every Sunday. She takes an interest in the news of the day and likes to chat with her many friends. She has a very good memory of incidents during the early days here. Of the five children born to Mrs. Crofts and her husband, who died about a year ago, four are living. They are Mrs. William Smith of Rock Springs, Mrs. Esther Mortimer of Green River, Arthur Crofts of Lander, and Mrs. Helen Pierce of Boise, Idaho. --- Union Pacific Coal Company Employes’ Magazine, Nov 1932 Jesse James The subject of this short sketch is Jesse James, employed on haulage in Mine No. 8, Rock Springs. Mr. James does not claim kinship to the noted bandit of that name, it might here be stated. He was born at Perth, Indiana, May 5, 1879, and arrived in this city in the spring of 1884, attending school here until 1890, entering the Company’s service in Mine No. 7 of that year. He married Jeannie Rogan, daughter of Sergeant Rogan, who will be remembered by early inhabitants as connected with the U.S. Army, and who took part in many engagements with the Indians, later locating here. Thiras James, father of Jesse, was in the Mechanical Department of the Company for a number of years. The James’ have two grown children, Thomas and Katherine. Jesse has seen service in nearly all of the mines of this district, being engaged for several years at Superior and Reliance, also at one time worked for the Central Coal & Coke Company. Needless to say, he is much interested in Safety matters, and holds a Bureau of Mines First Aid Certificate. --- Rock Springs Rocket, Nov 3, 1932 PURPLE HEART AWARD GIVEN TO LEO HUNG Leo Hung of Rock Springs, a Chinese, has been conferred the award of the Purple Heart, a medal given for valor and military merit to men who were wounded during the World war, it was announced this week. Hung, the proprietor of the Grand café, will be presented the medal at a ceremony to be held Nov. 14 during the meeting of the local Legion post. This is believed to be the first award of its kind made to a Rock Springs resident. --- Rock Springs Rocket, Nov 10, 1932 New-Born Baby Girl Found on Doorstep Here Infant Is Only Four Hours Old When Discovered Mystery enshrouded today the circumstances surrounding the discovery Monday night of a newborn baby girl on the rear doorstep of the James L. Libby home at No. 8 Wardell court. The baby, nearly frozen, was found by Mr. Libby about 11:30 as he left the house to place his car in the garage. Pinned to a blanket in which the infant was wrapped was an unsigned note asking the Libbys to care for her. The baby, estimated by physicians to have been about four hours old when it was discovered, was taken immediately to the Wyoming General hospital where it was placed in an incubator in an attempt to save its life. It was reported to be recovering satisfactorily from the effects of the exposure. Dark Complexioned The little girl is believed to be of Mexican parentage. It has dark hair and eyes and is dark complexioned. It was perfectly normal. Delivery of the baby was evidently not made by a physician, doctors said. Local authorities sought the mother of the infant but said they had little hopes of locating her. The note, written in pencil, said: “Please take care of this baby until big enough. A big reward will be given to you. When I get better I will come for her.” The handwriting was large and an attempt had been made to disguise it, it was thought. The baby will be cared for at the hospital until some disposal can be made of it. It probably will be turned over to some children’s home society. Mr. and Mrs. Libby wanted to keep the baby until they were told it was Mexican. --- Rock Springs Rocket, Nov 17, 1932 Local Chinese Awarded Medal For War Merit There was a broad smile on Leo’s face today. He was happy and proud. And rightfully so. For Monday they decorated him with the award of the Purple Heart, for military merit during the World war. Leo, everyone knows him by that, although is full name is Leo Hung, is a Chinese. That didn’t’ prevent him from fighting for Uncle Sam, however. It didn’t’ prevent him from risking his life for his adopted country. And while fighting over there Leo was hurt. It was in the battle at Verdun in September, 1918. Leo was in the infantry, fighting as hard as he was able. There was an explosion near him. Shrapnel tore into his right shoulder. A machine gun bullet plowed into his right forearm. Then another bullet shot off his left forefinger. Those wounds and the fact that he received them under condition which entitled him to wear a wound chevron won for Leo the Purple Heart. The presentation was made at the American Legion meeting Monday night. Dr. Oliver Chambers, past commander of the local post, paid high tribute to Leo. Then Mrs. Glen Wilson, president of the Legion Auxiliary, pinned the decoration on his breast. Leo is believed to be the first Rock Springs veteran to have received the Purple Heart, an award established during the time of General George Washington and revived in respect to his memory and his military achievements. Hensley Gets Award John W. Hensley of Reliance has also received the award. He secured his direct from Washington, however, and it was not presented at the Legion meeting. Hensley enlisted at Vallejo, California, in January, 1918, and went overseas with the Fourth Replacement battalion of the Marines. He fought in the Chateau Thierry sector in June and July, 1918 and was in the Aisne-Marne offensive. He was in the Marbache sector in the St. Mihiel offensive. He was also in the Meuse-Argonne offensive on the Compiegne front. Hensley was wounded at Soissons on July 19, 1918. He was shot through the right forearm and leg and received shrapnel scalp wounds. His regiment was cited by the French four different times. --- Rock Springs Rocket, Nov 24, 1932 Doorstep Baby To Be Given to Children’s Home The newborn baby discovered Nov. 7 on the doorstep of the James L. Libby home at No. 8 Wardell court will be turned over to the Wyoming Children’s Home society, it was announced this week. The circumstances surrounding the discovery of the infant are still unknown and probably never will be learned, officers said. The baby was found about 11 o’clock by Mr. Libby. It was about four hours old when discovered, according to doctors. Wrapped only in alight blanket, it was nearly dead from exposure. It was rushed to the Wyoming General hospital and placed in an incubator where it rapidly recovered. A note attached to the blanket asked that the baby be cared for, “A big reward will be given to you,” it said, “When I get better I will come for her.” Physicians said the infant had been delivered without the aid of a doctor. --- Union Pacific Coal Company Employes’ Magazine, Dec 1932 Mr. and Mrs. Thomas LeMarr Celebrate Golden Wedding October 27th last, Mr. and Mrs. Thomas LeMarr celebrated their golden wedding anniversary, having been married in 1882. Many friends and acquaintances called at their L Street home during the day to extend felicitations. Mr. LeMarr after working in the Company’s mines for over forty years was retired from active work some time since. Our congratulations are also offered with the hope that the couple may long be spared. --- Union Pacific Coal Company Employes’ Magazine, Dec 1932 Order of the Purple Heart Bestowed Upon a Reliance Employe Jack W. Hensley, employed as miner in Reliance No. 1 Mine, recently received a citation from the United States Government of the “Order of the Purple Heart” for distinguished service rendered during the World War. He enlisted at Vallejo, Calif., in the U. S. Marine Corps in 1917 at the outbreak of the war and went to France with the Second Division, Sixth Regiment, 96th Company, which was assigned to service in France with the French 4th Army Corps under General Joffre. Mr. Hensley saw active service at the Aisne, Marne, Champagne, St. Mihiel, Meuse, Argonne, Chateau-Thierry, Belleau Wood and Soissons, having received injuries at the latter place three different times in the battle of July 19, 1918. In addition to this award from the United States Government, Mr. Hensley has previously received three different citations from the French Government for his bravery. He was born at Minden, Neb., in 1897; he is married and has three children. Mr. Hensley was discharged from service in August, 1919, and started to work for The Union Pacific Coal Company at Reliance in 1920, where he had been employed continuously with the exception of two years which he spent on a ranch. --- Union Pacific Coal Company Employes’ Magazine, Dec 1932 Lao Hung Also Honored On the evening of November 14th at American Legion headquarters in Elks Building, some 200 people gathered to witness the presentation of the decoration of “The Order of the Purple Heart” to Lao Hung, who has been connected with the Grand Cafe for many years past. This award was granted for bravery and meritorious service in the late World War, and, it is believed, his is the only case in the West wherein a Chinaman has had this honor bestowed upon him. Lao was born in San Francisco and has long been looked upon as interpreter and charge d'affairs for the many Chinese formerly in the employ of this Company. He is a Legionnaire, takes an active part in their meetings and stands high in business circles here. It may not be known generally and it might be mentioned that “The Order of the Purple Heart” was first authorized by our President, George Washington, for distinctive gallantry while in action, and the custom has recently been revived after lying dormant for a long period. A photo of Lao wearing his much-prized possession appears with this brief story. He is receiving congratulations from his friends and acquaintances, in which our many readers will most heartily join. Dr. Chambers made the presentation, while Mrs. Glenn Wilson pinned the Order on his coal lapel. --- Rock Springs Rocket, Dec 8, 1932 GREEN RIVER TO ASK MARKING OF BURIAL GROUND GREEN RIVER, Wyo., Dec. 8—(AP)—To preserve for future Wyoming a mute reminder of the hardships of the early pioneers and the passing through here of the first Mormon emigrants, Green River is backing a move to have designated as a historical landmark, a burial ground near this city. Discovered only several years ago, the tiny graveyard two miles south of this point, was found to contain eight graves. Each was lined with rocks and four had headstones, the inscription on which can hardly be read because of weathering. The dates of these stones, however, indicated the deaths occurred at intervals from August, 1863 to January, 1864, and August, 1865. the fourth headstone was broken and only one piece of it remains intact. It is to prevent further destruction of loss of the remaining stones that the movement had been instituted. Historians have estimated there are nearly 1,000 graves of early emigrants along the old Mormon trail from Thermopolis to Salt Lake City. --- Union Pacific Coal Company Employes’ Magazine, Feb 1933 Silver Anniversary of the Samuel Condie Family Mr. and Mrs. Samuel Condie celebrated on New Year’s eve their silver wedding anniversary, the affair being held at the home of Mrs. Condie’s sister, Mrs. George Mitchell, being assisted by a large number of friends and relatives. Cards were played and a very delectable lunch was served after which most of those present went out “first-footing.” A wedding cake made in the old Scottish home by one of the sisters (Mrs. James Condie) was the feature of the evening. The couple was married in 1908 in Dunfermline, Scotland, and their friends and acquaintances wish them many happy returns of the day. “Sam” is employed as a Duckbill Operator in Mine No. 8 and entered our employ in 1925. --- Green River Star, Jan 27, 1933 HOUSE BILL OF STERILIZING THOSE INSANE IS AMENDED Would Let the Next In Kin Make The Decision. The bill authorizing operations for the sterilization of the feeble-minded and insane under certain circumstances received an amendment when it came before the house of the Wyoming Legislature on second reading yesterday. Adoption of an amendment by Representative W. A. Norris of Laramie County places decision, whether a feebleminded or insane inmate of a state institution shall be sterilized, with the next of kin of the inmate, or the inmate’s guardian or trustee. The amendment was adopted by a vote of 33 to 25. In support of the amendment, Representative Norris said that he did not believe that the legislature had authority to take away a God-given right of an individual. Sterilization, he said, would be deprivation of the rights of reproduction. He called upon Representative J. F. Replogie of Fremont County, a physician, to inform the house regarding the seriousness of the operation for sterilization of a female. He supported his argument with statistics stating that approximately one-half the population are below average intelligence and might have their procreational faculty jeopardized by acceptance of the principle of sterilization. He also questioned the advisability of the bill’s conference of powers upon institutional heads. --- Rock Springs Rocket, Apr 20, 1933 Family of Five Is Deserted by Father, Mother Local relief officers today continued their efforts to locate Mrs. Manuletta Mastes, Rock Springs Mexican woman whom they said has deserted her family of five children. The father disappeared two years ago. Mrs. Mastes left the family home three weeks ago, according to Joseph McTee, chairman of the relief committee. It is believed she is somewhere in the state. While she is gone the relief committee has been furnishing the children food and fuel and has obtained the services of an elderly man who has taken them into his care. The children in the family are Ernest, 19; Susie, 17; Louis, 15; Cora, 12; and Lena, 9. --- Union Pacific Coal Company Employes’ Magazine, Mar 1933 Mr. Lawrence Zajec, the winner of the Dodge car, was born near Trayena, Austria, in 1886. When of age he started to work in Austrian coal mines at Tobeljc. In 1903 he emigrated to the United States and worked in the coal fields at La Salle, Illinois, before coming to the extreme West. Next he located at Scofield, Utah, property of The Union Pacific Coal Company, until its operation was abandoned. Mr. Zajec has worked for the Company almost continuously since 1912, the greater part of the time at Superior, and he also spent a couple of years in the Winton mines. Mr. Zajec is a single man, and has never previously owned a car, but he feels now that, being a “no accident man” in 1932 he is bound to have a better break with the fairer sex since he can take them for a ride in his new sedan. --- Union Pacific Coal Company Employes’ Magazine, Mar 1933 Mr. John Tomich, the recipient of the Chevrolet automobile, was indeed a happy man when he arrived to claim his car. He, likewise, was born in Austria, in the year 1876, near the town of Lovinac. After attaining manhood and serving three years in the Austrian army, he came to the United States in 1904, direct to the Rock Springs coal field, where he started to work in old No. 8 Mine. In 1910 he was transferred to Superior, where he has spent the major part of this period. He is also a single man but contributes toward the support of his mother who still lives in Austria. He has never previously owned an auto. --- Union Pacific Coal Company Employes’ Magazine, Jun 1933 The Zelenka Brothers Reliance offers for the June issue of our Magazine, a photo of the Zelenka brothers, both Old Timers. They are sons of the late Vaclav Zelenka, who died in 1931, having worked for the Company over thirty years, consequently a member of the Old Timers' Association, too. Frank, on the left, is 38 years old, a native of Jugo-Slavia, naturalized at Green River in 1924. He began service with the Company at Superior in February, 1911, transferring to Reliance on March 18, 1912, at which point he has since been continuously employed, now a machine man on the Scraper Loader crew in Mine 4. He is a married man, the union blessed with a fine family of four boys and one daughter, James, 11; Roy, 7; William 4; Ralph, 3; and Marjorie, 9. James Zelenka, 36, also of Jugo-Slavia, became a citizen of the United States at Green River, Wyoming, in 1927. His first engagement with the Company was in 1911 at Superior, but he didn’t remain in that district very long, removing to Reliance in 1912, and has since worked there continuously with the exception of a few months at Dines. He, too, is a machine man on one of the shaking conveyor crews in Mine No. 4. He is married, with one daughter, Eleanor, 12, and a son, James, 10. --- Union Pacific Coal Company Employes’ Magazine, Oct 1933 Group of Old Timers and Short Sketches of Their Lives WILLIAM H. POWELL, Rock Springs Born at Duquoin, Ill., July 30, 1882. Entered the service of the Coal Company as Trapper at Carbon in 1899. Worked at Superior five years. Was a driver and rope rider in No. 4, Rock Springs, for many years. Left the Coal Company for a period of seven months in 1915, part of which time he was in the employ of the U. P. R. R. Co. Is a married man, and has two grown children. WILLIAM WOODS, Superior Entered the service in 1905 as miner, Hanna, and has worked at Superior and Rock Springs for many yeara. Left Union Pacific Coal Company and went to Tono, Wash., in May, 1925, remaining in Washington Union Coal Co. service until July 6, 1931, returning thence to Superior, where he has since been steadily employed. Holds Certificate as Mine Foreman and Bureau of Mines Certificate for First Aid. Is married man. Born December 20, 1881, Wigan District, Lancashire, England, and was naturalized in 1911 at Hanna. GEORGE A. BROWN, Superior Started as Miner in No. 1, Hanna, in August 1905, and labored as Tracklayer, Shot Firer, Fire Boss, etc., in the various mines there. Was later Foreman in “C” and “E” Mines at Superior and in No. 2 at Cumberland. In 1918 was made Superintendent at latter town and in July, 1926, was transferred to Superior as Superintendent, where he is still in the harness. George was born at Skelmersdale, England, May 13, 1880, is married and has two fine young boys. --- Union Pacific Coal Company Employes’ Magazine, Nov 1933 Group of Old Timers and Short Sketches of Their Activities Right—Thomas Overy, Sr., Foreman, Mine No. 4, Rock Springs, was born at Grass Creek, Utah, April 29, 1888. Started to work for the Company in 1902 in Mine No. 2 at Cumberland, Wyoming, as a tracklayer. Holds a certificate as Mine Foreman, also a Bureau of Mines First Aid Certificate. Since his first employment, he has been out of the service for several brief periods, his last absence being from April 30, 1906, to October 16, 1915, being engaged in ranching upon the occasions noted. He returned to the coal game (his first love) at Reliance in 1915, transferred to Mine No. 4 at Rock Springs, from that property to No. 7, and again from No. 7 back to No. 4, thence to No. 8, and, as above stated, is now in No. 4. Left-Benjamin Lewis, Assistant Mine Foreman No. 8, Rock Springs, was born June 6, 1878, at Randville, Ohio. Is a married man with four children. He began work for The Union Pacific Coal Company at Rock Springs in April, 1891, and has remained continuously in its employ. He holds a Mine Foreman's certificate, as well as a Bureau of Mines First Aid Certificate. He is a life member of the Old Timers' Association, his record showing 42 years in the service. --- Rock Springs Rocket, Nov 22, 1933 FOURTH CHILD IS ADOPTED BY PINEDALE PAIR With her newly-adopted four-month-old daughter in her arms, Mrs. P.C. Hagenstein, wife of a Pinedale banker, passed through Rock Springs this week en rout to her home from Denver. Mrs. Hagenstein adopted the child from the Colorado home for dependent children. It was the fourth she has adopted in the last six years. John L. McMenamin, superintendent of the institution, said “the action of Mr. and Mrs. Hagenstein in giving a home to these youngsters is the finest thing I have seen.” --- Union Pacific Coal Company Employes’ Magazine, Dec 1933 Jedediah Orme and Demetrius Powell Jedediah Orme (left) was born at Clay Cross, England, January 9, 1877, is a married man, with a family of two grown sons, residing in his own home at 1034 Pilot Butte Avenue, Rock Springs. His first employment with The Union Pacific Coal Company here was as a Miner, in August, 1905. His present occupation is Unit Foreman, No. 8. He holds a Foreman's Certificate as well as a Bureau of Mines First Aid Certificate. He returned to his native land in 1920 and spent five months there with relatives and friends. He was naturalized at Green River in 1912. Demetrius Powell (right), Power Plant Operator, Rock Springs, was born in Wales on April 26, 1874. Is a married man with five grown children. His first connection with the Company was as a Miner at Rock Springs in March, 1906, and he has remained in its service continuously since that time. He takes a lively interest in municipal affairs and is a representative citizen. He holds a Bureau of Mines First Aid Certificate, and is usually “out in front” in Safety matters. --- Green River Star, Dec 22, 1933 Old Cemetery To Be Moved Under C W A Projects Land May Be Used For City Improvement Park Or Garden A new project in Green River to move the old cemetery was accepted this week by the state Civil Works Board, it was announced this morning by Mayor William Evers, who sent in the application early in the week. This is a long needed city improvement and will be accepted with great enthusiasm on the part of local people. The old cemetery will be moved into additions of the Riverview cemetery on the hill above. It is predicted that the land now occupied by the cemetery, when it has been moved, may be used for city improvement purposes. Suggestions have been made that it would make an ideal location for a city park or city garden site. --- Union Pacific Coal Company Employes’ Magazine, Jan 1934 Old Timers Richard Webster and Paul Stevens Richard Webster, Outside Laborer at Rock Springs, is a native of that place, born August 5, 1891, began to work for the Union Pacific Coal Company in March 1906, and barring two years in the Great War 1917-19, has been continuously employed as car repairer, blacksmith and at other occupations. He lives at 415 Soulsby Street with his widowed mother. He is a member of the Old Timers Association and may be seen as a member of the Color Guard at the head of its annual parade. Dick is a fine specimen of manhood and under uniform presents a very soldierly appearance. His service record is quite interesting and is here given: Enlisted at Green River, Wyo., September 18, 1917, and left there the day following for Camp Lewis, American Lake, Wash., where he remained until June 27, 1918, on date mentioned departed for Camp Merritt, N. J., reaching there on July 3, 1918. Sailed from New York City, July 7, landed at Halifax, N. S., July 11, thence to Havre, France, reaching latter point July 22, on the “DARROW”. On December 7 and 8 his Company paraded at Aix La Chapelle (Aachen). He was rated a Wagoner (Truck Driver) in Company A, 346th Machine Gun Battalion, 91st Division, which performed much work in the engagements at St. Mihiel, Argonne, France, and at Lys-Scheldt, Belgium, and has service bars for each. The Battalion consisted of two Companies, motorized, their duties being to haul rations to all companies in the Division. After the signing of the Armistice the “FLORIDAN” brought his bunch back to the United States, sailing from St. Nazaire on April 2, 1919, Camp Mills, N. J., being the rendezvous for a short period, after which they were ordered to Fort D. A. Russell, Wyoming (now Fort Warren), where the Company was discharged April 28, 1919, and he reached his home at Rock Springs the day following. Paul Stevens, born in Austria on September 16, 1864, entered The Union Pacific Coal Company employ in October, 1882, as a miner in old No. 1 at Rock Springs under the late Superintendent Morgan Griffiths. Paul is a married man with four children. He has been engaged in Mines 8 and 9 and other properties of the Company, now being engaged in Mine 8 here on a Pit Car Loader unit. He was naturalized at Green River in September, 1907, and is an ardent and enthusiastic member of the Old Timers Association. --- Union Pacific Coal Company Employes’ Magazine, Feb 1934 Golden Wedding Anniversary Mr. and Mrs. John T. Parr celebrated, on January 1, their 50th (Golden) wedding anniversary surrounded by their seven sons and three daughters, the first time the entire family had been assembled in 18 years. The day was mild and bright, barring a gentle rain which fell about noon, in deep contrast to the day they were joined in holy wedlock at Carbon, when the temperature was recorded at 38 degrees below zero. During the afternoon a largely attended reception was given in one of the local fraternity halls by the Woman's Auxiliary of the Episcopal Church, over 100 being present, light refreshments were served. Both Mr. and Mrs. Parr are natives of England, but Wyoming claims them as residents, their entire life in this country having been spent in this state. Mr. Parr entered the employ of The Union Pacific Coal Company at Carbon, in 1882, and remained at that point until the district was abandoned, removing thence to Rock Springs, then to Spring Valley, and upon the closing down of Spring Valley they returned to this city. He was 30 years in our service, later engaging with the Central Coal & Coke Company, by whom he was employed 15 years. As a child of 7, he worked in the collieries of his native country, no child labor laws in those early times. Our issue of August, 1933, contained a record of the service of the Parr family. Mrs. Parr is well-thought of in Rock Springs, always sympathetic for those in trouble or distress, her untiring energy in behalf of her Church standing out pre-eminently. They were the recipients of many beautiful gifts upon the occasion, testifying to the esteem in which they are held in the community. Their many friends hope the couple may be spared to celebrate many more such happy events. --- Union Pacific Coal Company Employes’ Magazine, Feb 1934 Old Timer James Moon Celebrates 82nd Birthday James Moon, dean of the Old Timers' Association, celebrated his 82nd birthday on Wednesday, January 17. In honor of the occasion, a family dinner and reunion was held at the home of Mrs. John Marietta, a large number of friends and relatives participating in the event. It is pretty generally known that Mr. Moon entered the service of the Company in Almy, in 1874, which entitles him to the distinction mentioned in the opening lines of this article. Our hearty congratulations are tendered him with the wish that he may be enabled to be present at many future celebrations of his natal day, surrounded by those near and dear to him. --- Green River Star, Feb 2, 1934 MANY IMPROVEMENTS MADE BY CIVIL WORKS PROGRAM Tombstones And Graves Removed From Old Cemetery In Preparation For City Park. While the Civil Works program may be regarded by some as just a means of providing work instead of a dole, a survey of the work done in and around Green River shows that just a lot of very fine improvements have taken place which ordinarily could not have been handled by our community for many years. Among the objects which are much appreciated as being of real worth are the following: Sidewalk to Island Park, which will be appreciated by all during dusty and muddy weather. Caring for the banks of the Island, protecting it from wearing by low spots and seeding down, gravelling of a single driveway as a matter of protection to the rest of the Island. Repairing of cemetery fence and guard fence on driveway, as well as strengthening of the shoulders of the driveway on the curves. Painting, papering, and new floor in some rooms at the Court House. Painting and decorating interior and exterior of Library. Quite an improvement is noted in old Elizabeth street, now First East street, in the removal of the tombstones and monuments which have stood in the abandoned cemetery in town since the new cemetery was established some 20 years ago. All the graves have been moved, together with marker slabs, and the place will be made into a small city park, inasmuch as the ownership of the old graveyard is much in doubt, and a thing of beauty will replace the unsightly abandoned graveyard which provided a resting place for many of the early day pioneers and a large number of men who died “with their boots on” in many a hectic drama of western life, since the railroad was projected through the town. A storm sewer along the north side of town which will eliminate the floods we experienced in years past when we had heavy rains. --- Green River Star, Feb 16, 1934 Green River May Have New No. 1 Airport Mayor And County Survey or Inspect Proposed Sites. Mayor William Evers in company with County Surveyor Dave Miller and assistant have made inspection of several proposed sites for an air port adjacent to Green River. Mr. Marvin Landes and H. T. Bean, airport engineers for the Civil Works Program spent some time in Green River going over the proposition with Mayor Evers with the result that the possibility of a No. One airport being established near here. Under the airport program, it is planned to have a full sized field about every 25 miles, and the sight south of the Union Pacific railroad five miles west of town where the Lincoln highway crosses over the railroad seems to fill the bill. The plot of ground there is nearly a mile square and would make a No. One field. There are not very many No. One fields in the present air route, so it may mean that the Green River field if made a No. One would undoubtedly be utilized to such an extent that it would be a considerable asset to our town. If Congress passes the additional appropriation necessary to keep the CWA going until May 1st, it is more than likely that we may have a very prominent place on the future air maps of the United States. The amount necessary to complete the proposed field, about $15,000, would keep quite a number of our men employed for many weeks. --- Green River Star, Feb 16, 1934 SPRUCE TREES TO BE PLANTED IN CEMETERY County Agent W. L. Duncan, C. W. Johnson, John Cudney, Dave Logan and M. Hoffeldt contacted the forest ranger at Manila last Saturday, whence they proceeded to the Ashley National Forest and brought out a fine load of young spruce to be transplanted in the cemetery. We believe that this is the first time in the history of this section that is has ever been practical to dig and transplant tress in February. --- Green River Star, Mar 16, 1934 Park Planned for Old Cemetery Mayor Evers and the Town Council are giving thought and study to plans for the use of the old cemetery recently abandoned. That it will be used as a park and resting place there is no doubt but just the form has not been definitely decided. Grouping of trees with large open spaces now seem to be more popular rather than the complete covering with trees spaced at intervals all over the plot. It has been suggested that tennis court or two could be advantageously put in for amusement of young and old. Anyway, it will be used to good advantage, a thing of beauty and enjoyment forever in place of the foreboding gravestones, honorable and well-intended memorial tho they were intended. --- Green River Star, Mar 16, 1934 AVIATION BRANCH OF CWA GIVES FINAL APPROVAL OF AIRPORT FOR GREEN RIVER Allowed $16,000, Some $12,000 will be Spent For Labor. The Civil Works Administration aviation branch on Wednesday gave final approval to the Green River airport, which will be located west of town on south side of the Railroad where the highway passes over the Union Pacific tracks. The amount of money allowed was raised so that now it involves an expenditure of over $16,000 some $12,000 of which will be spent for labor. For the time being, the field will be a No. 2, but later on can be enlarged to become a No. 1 field, as the location and lay of the land will easily permit extension when that is desired. Men will be put to work next Monday. The rate of pay of common labor was raised to 60 cents per hour, with slight reductions for foremen and supervisors. From its location where it will be easily discernable from the air, its freedom from treacherous surrounding hills being out in the open, where there is little likelihood of freak currents of air, it is predicted that the Green River airport will soon become one of the most popular airports in the western country. --- Green River Star, May 25, 1934 WORK ON LOCAL AIRPORT STOPPED The work on the local airport was sharply curtailed on orders from state headquarters last week, was stopped altogether on Tuesday on further orders. It is not known just what will be done nor when until some new instructions are received from Washington. This is about the only CWA or FERA work which was in progress lately and leaves a very large number of men unemployed with only road and street work to fall back on. --- Union Pacific Coal Company Employes’ Magazine, Sep 1934 William Bean, Sr. William Bean Sr., of Evanston, attended the Old Timers Tenth Annual Reunion in Rock Springs on June 16th last, and judging from the expression upon his face, he was in a happy mood. He was proud of the fact that he hadn’t yet missed one of these annual gatherings and has fond hopes of being present at many more. “Billy” came from Westham Essex, England, his birth date July 6, 1860, and his first employment with the Company was in 1880 at Grass Creek, later being engaged at Cumberland. He was retired on pension in May, 1927. --- Union Pacific Coal Company Employes’ Magazine, Sep 1934 Charley Morgan Charley Morgan (retired on pension), wife and daughter, (Mrs. Malcolm McCuaig), all of Evanston, Wyoming, were among the many Old Timers in attendance upon the Tenth Annual Renunion of the Association and our “snap-shot” man procured such a good picture of the trio that we believed it worth of reproduction in our column. A recital of this “young man’s” connection with the Union Pacific has previously appeared in our Magazine; suffice it to say, his first job was as a Fireman with the Railroad Company, then locomotive engineer at Evanston, that he has worked in many districts for the Coal Company, mainly Rock Springs, Cumberland and Superior. We almost omitted the place and date of his birth, Nelson, Wales, on July 17, 1862. His years sit lightly upon him, as our readers will note. --- Union Pacific Coal Company Employes’ Magazine, Oct 1934 Morgan F. Roberts Above is a “snap shot” of Morgan F. Roberts and wife, taken at the recent Old Timers’ Reunion. Morgan was born at Miner’s Mills, Pennsylvania, May 11, 1893, and his firt entry into the employment of The Union Pacific Coal Company was in June, 1905, as an Outside Laborer, at Rock Springs. Is a married man with six children. He was also in the service of the Union Pacific Railroad some three years. Since beginning work he absented himself for three years to attend school. Is now Foreman of Power Plant here. Was a member of the City Countil for a term, and is quite active in fraternal circles as well as showing a big interest in Boy Scouting. --- Union Pacific Coal Company Employes’ Magazine, Oct 1934 Andrew G. Hood and Robert V. Hotchkiss Andrew G. Hood and Robert V. Hotchkiss, the former Material Clerk at Superior, the latter Unit Foreman in same district, are herewith represented. Mr. Hood is Secretary of the Old Timers; Association and has been in the employ since June, 1898, having started as a miner at Almy under the late James Bowns, Foreman. Is a married man with one son. Holds Gas Watchman, Mine Foreman, Shot Firer’s and other Certificates. Was born January 21, 1884 at Almy. We almost omitted to state he is a member of the local School Board. Mr. Hotchkiss is a native of Glasgow, Scotland, having been born there on June 18, 1884, and became a naturalized citizen through his father’s papers. Is a married man, with two daughters. He engaged with the Company at Rock Springs in February, 1930. He, like Mr. Hood, also holds a number of Certificates, such as Gas Watchman, Foreman, etc. Mr. Hotchkiss, it may be recalled, marches at the head of our big parade each ear as Drum Major, and takes as well a lively interest in the local affairs of the town. --- Union Pacific Coal Company Employes’ Magazine, Oct 1934 Rudoph Ebeling and Charles Addy Rudolph Ebeling, butcher at Reliance store, is pictured here shaking hands with Charles Addy, employed in Superior mine. Mr. Ebeling was born in Germany on March 16, 1869, and is a naturalized citizen. Has two grown children, Carl a traveling shoe salesman, living at Spokane, Washington, and Louise (Mrs. Thomas Hartney, Rock Springs). He is a member of the Old Timers Association, his first connection with the Company being in 1912 at Reliance. He also worked at Cumberland for several years prior to the abandonment of the mines there. Mr. Addy was born at Sheffield, England, on September 25, 1879, and was naturalized under his father's papers. He is a widower and lives with his two daughters at Superior. In 1898 he was employed on Section work with the U.P.R.R. at Echo, Utah, later worked for the Grass Creek Coal Company near there, for about two years. Is a member of the Old Timers Association. The “snap shot” was taken upon the occasion of the Tenth Annual Reunion of the Old Timers Association here upon June 16, and is only one of the numerous renewals of friendships of early days. --- Union Pacific Coal Company Employes’ Magazine, Oct 1934 Robert W. Hill Robert W. Hill and wife are pictured here. He was born at Farmington, Illinois, January 26, 1879. Is a married man, five children, and resides at Green River, being connected with the Green River Water Works Company, in whose employ he has been for 27 years. At one time he also worked as Engine Hostler for Union Pacific Railroad Company at Rock Springs. --- Rock Springs Rocket, Oct 10, 1934 FIRST UNION MAN IN STATE DENIS JOSEPH O’MAHONEY of Burnt Fork, Wyoming, who has the same name as Senator Joseph O’Mahoney’s father and came from the same district in Ireland. He was the first member of organized labor to settle in Wyoming and is possibly the oldest card man in the West from point of service. Denis Joseph O’Mahoney, 83, of Burnt Fork, Wyo., has the longest union labor record of any man in the West and also holds the distinction of being the first card man to settle in this state, according to facts revealed to Senator Joseph C. Mahoney on his recent visit to Sweetwater county. The senator also learned that the venerable labor leader not only has the same name as his own father but came from the same district in County Cork, Ireland. They are not related. In an interview granted a Rocket reporter the Burnt Fork pioneer said without solicitation: “I am going to vote to return Senator O’Mahoney to the senate, not because he has the same name as I but because he represents the principles I have fought for all my life.” In Ireland, O’Mahoney was a member of the coach builders union. In 1872 when social unrest was at its height in his native land and after he had completed a prison term for having a rifle in his possession, he migrated to the United State. He landed in New York and immediately became a charter member of the blacksmiths’ and mechanics’ union. Early in 1884 he came to Wyoming and entered the employ of the government at Fort Bridger as a blacksmith and wagon builder. Later he opened up a shop in Green River City where he remained for two years and again entered the employ of the government. His first trip into the Burnt Fork valley followed soon after when he helped drive a herd of cattle into that district from the Ute Indian agency in Utah. Mining activities claimed O’Mahoney’s attention and in 1890 he went to Idaho and located a claim just east of Pocatello. In that state he continued his interests in laboring activities while diving his time between his prospect holes and a blacksmith shop he had established. At that time the Socialist party was active in political affairs and he took up that party’s fight as an organizer and speaker. In 1918 he was nominated as the Socialist party’s choice for governor of Idaho when, he said, “I polled up a large vote notwithstanding the breaking out of the World war that almost put an end to any further growth of the Socialist party.” O’Mahoney now makes his home with his son, Frank, on a farm at Burnt Fork where he delights in talking about the wonderful strides that have been made by organized labor since he first entered the ranks. --- Union Pacific Coal Company Employes’ Magazine, Nov 1934 Gust Dagres and Henry Walters Gust Dagres and Henry Walters were snapped while sitting on the retaining wall in front of the Elks Home during the recent Old Timers Reunion. Mr. Dagres was born in Greece on Christmas Day of 1889, and was naturalized at Kemmerer in 1927. Is a married man with two children. His first employment with the Company was as a Stone Mason at Reliance in 1913. Later on he removed to Cumberland and worked 12 years at that point, returning to this city, being now engaged as Outside Laborer. Henry Walters is a native of Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, born there March 19, 1878. Is a married man. Started to work at Rock Springs as Outside Laborer in 1901 and is now engaged as Hoistman, Mine No. 4 here. --- Union Pacific Coal Company Employes’ Magazine, Nov 1934 Lauri Bergren Lauri Bergren first saw the light of day in Finland, December 20, 1885, and became a naturalized citizen in 1904 and 1916 at Green River, Wyoming. Is a married man with one son living under the parental roof. He put it 4 ½ years with the Cottonwood Coal Company, Lehigh, Montana, and entered our service at Rock Springs in 1903 as a Miner, and now occupied as Faceman in “E” Mine, at Superior. --- Union Pacific Coal Company Employes’ Magazine, Nov 1934 Joseph Sikich To those unacquainted, this is Joseph Sikich, born in Austria January 18, 1875. He began to work for the Company in No. 8, Rock Springs as a Miner, February 2, 1904, and was naturalized at Green River in 1920. Is a married man, four children. He was also employed at Superior for six years, returning to this city to enter Mine No. 4, now engaged as a Faceman. --- Rock Springs Rocket, Nov 14, 1934 State Dedicates Marker at Site of Old Rock Springs Early History of West Retold at Services Sunday A monument erected “to the memory of those brave pioneers who passed this way to win and hold the west” was dedicated Sunday by the Wyoming Historical Landmark commission at the stie of the old Rock Springs stage station and springs. The monument was unveiled at 4 p.m. in the presence of a large crowd, by Mary Jane Hegewald, great-granddaughter of Archie Blair, co-owner of the old station, and a granddaughter of Mr. and Mrs. John W. Hay. The dedication program included the introduction of William Crookston, pioneer resident who came here in 1868 shortly before abandonment of the station, and addresses by Thomas Butler, one of the first white children born in this section of the state; Warren Richardson of Cheyenne treasurer of the commission; and John C. Thompson, editor of the Tribune-Leader in Cheyenne. Archie Hay post No. 24 of the American Legion fired a sundown salute and lowered the flag from a metal staff erected on the rock from which the spring flowed. Governor Leslie A. Miller, who was to have been the principal speaker at the dedication, was unable to be present because of a severe sore throat. The station, erected early in the 1850’s was an important relay point of the overland stage service operated by Ben Holliday between the Missouri river and Sacramento, Calif. Holliday diverted his stage service tot his route in 1862 when Indians became troublesome along the Oregon trail. The station was abandoned when the Union Pacific railroad reached here in 1868. Archie and Duncan Blair were stationmasters at the time the station was abandoned. Archie moved to what is now Blairtown where he opened a coal mine and began to provide fuel for the railroad. A short distance from the site of the station is the spring that gave Rock Springs its name. The spring dried up years ago when operations were stated to pump water out of mines in No. 6. Names of several pioneers and the year they passed through this territory may still be seen on the rock from which the spring flowed, although elements have erased the greater portion. Many of the pioneers wrote their names with grease from their wagon wheels, according to Crookston, and these were soon worn away. Others, however, used greater forethought and one may still see “H.H. Hill ’65,” “D. Fuller, Iowa, July 18, 1885,” “J.C. Crump.” “J. Kappel” and other names clearly scratched on protected portions of the rock. The Union Pacific railroad granted the commission a deed to the site of the old station and the Union Pacific Coal company granted the deed to the piece of ground on which the spring is located. --- Union Pacific Coal Company Employes’ Magazine, Dec 1934 Clyde Crofts Here is Clyde Crofts and wife. Clyde was born in Rock Springs on January 26, 1897. Is married and blessed with four children. His first employment was in s1913 as a Greaser, and his present job is as an Outside Laborer, No. 4 Mine, Rock Springs. Attended the local high school three years and saw army service about one year. --- Union Pacific Coal Company Employes’ Magazine, Dec 1934 Adam Flockhart and Fred Robinson Adam Flockhart (left) born January 30, 1880, Dalkeith, Scotland, is a married man, and has one son and one daughter. He was naturalized under the papers of his father. His first employment was at Carbon as a miner in 1895. Holds Shot Firer’s, Foreman’s and Gas Watchman’s certificates and is also quite active in Mine Rescue and First Aid work. He was with the Diamond Coal & Coke Company for about nine years, returning thence to his present job as Unit Foreman, “C” Mine, at Superior. Fred Robinson (pictured with Mr. Flockhart) at the right, was born in Skelton, Yorkshire, England, July 31, 1881. Naturalized in 1913 and 1915 at Green River. Is a married man. His first engagement in The Union Pacific fold was at Superior in April 1908 as a Driver. Is the possessor of a Mine Foreman’s certificate and is usually out in front in maters pertaining to Mine Rescue and First Aid work. Is at present engaged as Unit Foreman in Mine “C” Superior. --- Union Pacific Coal Company Employes’ Magazine, Dec 1934 Myrle Crofts Myrle Crofts, wife and daughter, shown on the opposite page, were “photoed” during the Old Timers celebration just outside the General Office Building. He was born in Juniata, Nebraska, April 10, 1891, started to work for the Company here in 1905 as a Miner, also put in one year with the Central Coal & Coke Company and a year in army service. Holds Bureau of Miens First Aid Certificate. Is now at work in Mine No. 8, Rock Springs. --- Union Pacific Coal Company Employes’ Magazine, Dec 1934 James Gerard The above photo shows James Gerard and wife, employed as Hoisting Engineer, Mine No. 8 at Rock Springs. Started in as a Greaser in 1912. Is a married man with one daughter. James was born in England June 21, 1897, and was naturalized through the papers of his father. Holds Bureau of Mines First Aid Certificate. --- Union Pacific Coal Company Employes’ Magazine, Jan 1935 John Porenta John Porenta, a miner at Reliance, started to work for the Company at Rock Springs in July 1902. Was born February 28, 1879 in Austria. He was naturalized at Green River in 1919 and 1921. Is a married man with two sons. He spent ten years in British Columbia, coming back to this Section in 1913, locating at Reliance in that year. --- Union Pacific Coal Company Employes’ Magazine, Jan 1935 John Drysdale John Drysdale many years back was in the Coal Company’s service as a Miner, but, due to rheumatism, had to abandon that class of work. John is a familiar figure on the streets of Rock Springs and now is a constable in the Justice Court here. He has not been able to do heavy work for some twenty years, and rarely misses the Old Timers’ Association functions, at which he meets many acquaintances of earlier days. --- Union Pacific Coal Company Employes’ Magazine, Jan 1935 Jerry Notar Jerry (Jerney) Notar was hired as a Miner at Rock Springs in July, 1905. Is a native of Jugo-Slavia, born there October 24, 1865. Is a married man with five children, one son (Max) at work in Mine No. 4 here. Received his citizenship papers at Green River in 1921. Is now a Pit Car Loader in Mine No. 8. --- Union Pacific Coal Company Employes’ Magazine, Jan 1935 John Peters and William Askey John Jones Peters is a native of Wales and first appeared on the scene there March 16, 1872. He became connected with the Coal Company at Rock Springs in 1912. Took out naturalization papers at Green River in 1919. Is a widower and has one daughter (Frances) living at home, who was employed in the General Office building for several years as clerk and Stenographer. William Askey, Miner at Rock Springs, was born in Scotland August 2, 1868, and comes by his citizenship under his father’s papers. He was first engaged at Cumberland in 1901, and also worked in other Union Pacific coal properties at Scofield and Reliance, as well as for commercial coal operations at Glencoe and Sweetwater, later coming back to the U.P., now being engaged as a Pit Car Loader in Mine No. 8, Rock Springs. William took unto himself a wife a few months ago. --- Union Pacific Coal Company Employes’ Magazine, Jan 1935 Martin Stalick This group consists of Mrs. Anton Oblock, wife of miner at Rock Springs since 1903, with Mr. and Mrs. Martin Stalick, Reliance. Martin’s first employment with the Company was in 1908 as a Miner at Rock Springs. He was at one time in the service of a mine at Hudson, Wyoming. Was born in Austria, January 21, 1877, and his naturalization papers were taken out in 1919 at Green River. He was transferred to Reliance in 1913, and is firmly established there and likes the district. --- Union Pacific Coal Company Employes’ Magazine, Feb 1935 Matt Perkovich and Wife Matthew Perkovich hails from Jugo-Slavia, having first seen the light of day November 12, 1883. His early schooling was in Europe, but after reaching this country he attended night school at Rock Springs for several winters and received his naturalization papers at Green River in 1923. Is married—two sons, Nick and Victor. He was first employed as a miner in old No. 8, under former Foreman David Jones. Now works in No. 8 here. --- Union Pacific Coal Company Employes’ Magazine, Feb 1935 Robert A. Simpkins and Robert Wilde Mr. Simpkins was born in Scotland on March 7, 1870, and was made a citizen of these United States at Green River, Wyoming, in 1896. He is a single man and first entered the employ of The Union Pacific Coal Company as a Loader under former Foreman Tom Francis. He left the Company and lived in Idaho for many years 'where it is stated he owns a ranch. Robert Wilde is a native of Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, his date of birth being January 5, 1888. Is a married man. In June, 1902, he started to work for the Company here under then Foreman Thomas James, and is now engaged in Mine No. 8 here. --- Union Pacific Coal Company Employes’ Magazine, Feb 1935 Matt Yovich This group represents Matt J. Yovich and two daughters. At home are two other children. Mr. Yovich was born in Austria February 19, 1889. It was in August, 1908, that he was first given employment with the Company as a miner in this city under then Foreman Dykes. He possesses certificates qualifying him in Mine Rescue work as well as Bureau of Mines First Aid. He attended night school for three winters and received naturalization papers at Green River in 1915. He has been away from the Union Pacific fold upon several occasions being in the service of the U. M. W. of A. as checkweighman and auditor. --- Union Pacific Coal Company Employes’ Magazine, Feb 1935 William McMillen and Wife William McMillen (and wife) is an Outside Laborer at Rock Springs. Was born here on August 13, 1886. Has an interesting family of two sons and two daughters. His first service was as a Bit Sharpener in 1902, under then Foreman Thomas James. He holds a Bureau of Mines First Aid Certificate. --- Union Pacific Coal Company Employes’ Magazine, Feb 1935 Hugh McLeod State Inspector of Mines His legion of friends in Wyoming will be gratified to learn of his selection as State Inspector of Mines with headquarters in Rock Springs. As everyone knows, “Hughey” has been for several years past Foreman of The Union Pacific Coal Company's Mine No. 4 here. Born at Wellwood, Ayrshire, Scotland, February 26, 1883, he adopted the coal mining occupation of his father following graduation from the public schools. For eleven years he was engaged in the collieries of his native Scotia, and in 1906 he sailed for the United States, going directly to Dietz, Wyoming in which district he labored until 1918. An appointment as International Board member was tendered him then, which place he filled with credit to himself and the U. M. W. of A. His resignation was submitted in 1920, and he accepted service as Mine Foreman at Acme, Wyoming, which position he held until receiving an appointment in 1924 as State Inspector of Mines to which place he now returns. He is thoroughly conversant with the mining industry, and has efficiently taken care of other duties to which he had been assigned with Union Pacific coal properties, among them that of Supervisor of Ventilation in 1927, Assistant Foreman in Mine No. 8, and Assistant Superintendent, headquartering in Rock Springs. His home in this city houses an interesting family of one son (Jack) and daughter (Ella), the lad's services as a baritone soloist being much in demand at local affairs, the young lady of late officiating as at rained nurse at the Denver Children’s Hospital. It is understood that Mr. Fearn will not relinquish his duties until April 21, 1935. --- Union Pacific Coal Company Employes’ Magazine, Mar 1935 Port J. Ward Port Jackson Ward comes from Leigh, Lancashire, England, born there May 5th, 1882. Received his naturalization papers at Green River in 1912-14. Is a married man, three grown children. His first work with the Union Pacific Coal Company was as a miner in May, 1909, at Rock Springs under the late Superintendent Morgan Griffiths. Is a member of Old Timers Association, also holds Bureau of Mines First Aid Certificate. His present occupation is Company Weighman. He has one son at work in “C” Mine, Superior. --- Union Pacific Coal Company Employes’ Magazine, Mar 1935 William Sherwood William Sherwood, wife and baby, awaiting the opening of the door for the banquet. There are two grown children also in the family. “Bill” was born in 1885 at Sandy, Utah, and his first Union Pacific service was with the Railroad Company at Evanston, Wyoming. He has been out of the employ of the Coal Company upon several occasions, but, since returning in 19194, he has kept steadily at work here. --- Union Pacific Coal Company Employes’ Magazine, Mar 1935 Mrs. Jack Saxberg and Mrs. Gust Murto This group portrays Mrs. Jack Saxberg (of Hanna) on left, and Mrs. Gust Murto, of Superior. Their husbands are on Company pay rolls in the districts mentioned, and all are regular attendants at the Reunions, the men somewhat retiring and shy and when the photographer showed up they disappeared. --- Union Pacific Coal Company Employes’ Magazine, Mar 1935 Joe Sickich Joe Sickich, Conveyorman in No. 4 mine, Rock Springs, was born January 18, 1875 in Austria. Is a married man with two daughters and two sons. First started in Company’s service as Miner at Rock Springs in 1904. He also put in six years at Superior, returning to Rock Springs, where he has since been stationed. --- Union Pacific Coal Company Employes’ Magazine, Mar 1935 Erminio Gatti and Family This photo represents the interesting family of Erminio Gatti, who, with his two sons (Guy and Primo) are employed in our Mine No. 4 at Rock Springs. The father was born at San Pedro, Italy, October 22, 1889, he and his wife coming to the United States many years later, settling at Dawson, New Mexico, where he was employed for seventeen years in the service of the Phelps-Dodge properties. Holds a First Aid certificate procured at that point, and received his naturalization papers in Trinidad, Colorado, in 1922. Was married in 1909. Those in the group, reading, top row, left to right, are: John, Guy (Slate Picker No. 4), Fred (unemployed), Mrs. Gatti (wife of Primo), Joseph, James. Bottom row, left to right: Mary. Mrs. Gatti (mother), Erminio (father, Loader. Mine No. 4), and Primo, (Loader in Mine No. 4). Three of the youngest lads are attending school here. --- Union Pacific Coal Company Employes’ Magazine, Mar 1935 Ignatz Kudar Ignatz Kudar, Conveyorman in Mine No. 4 at Rock Springs, was awaiting the arrival of some Old Timers at the station, when the photographer espied him. Ignatz was born in Austria on June 25th, 1881, and his naturalization papers were procured in Green River in 1915. Is married, one son (Steve). His first engagement with the Company bears date of September 16, 1904, at Rock Springs. --- Union Pacific Coal Company Employes’ Magazine, Apr 1935 James Ward James Ward (son of Richard Ward, deceased) came to the United States with his parents in 1881. His birthplace was Leigh, England, in 1873. The family located in Utah and moved to Rock Springs in 1885, where his father had obtained employment, James working alongside until he reached manhood. Claims he was in old No. 1 approximately 25 years ago, and that he labored in Cumberland also about five years. Jim in married and has a number of grown children. --- Union Pacific Coal Company Employes’ Magazine, Apr 1935 Henry Beveridge Henry Beveridge, born in Rock Springs, February 1, 1884, started work in old No. 1 Mine at the age of 14, digging coal, afterwards cleaned track, was parting boy, car greaser, rope runner, mule driver, etc., remaining in company employ some 19 years. He was married in 1905 to Mabel Clark, daughter of John Clark, and has an interesting family of ten children living. Henry remarked, “I had the satisfaction of telling every person that I worked in the largest coal mine in the United States.” His father served many years in the mines here and later was Marshal of the town. --- Union Pacific Coal Company Employes’ Magazine, Apr 1935 Moses Harvey Moses Harvey, born on a farm in the County Down, Ireland, December 27, 1858. At the early age of fifteen, he departed for Scotland, where he secured employment for a short time, leaving for England, obtaining work in the coal mines there, remaining five years. The urge came to him to once more visit his native heath, having previously reached the decision to emigrate to the United States. He sailed from Liverpool on May 12. 1880, on the S. S. Indiana, landing at Philadelphia on May 26, 1880. He procured a job in the coal mines of that state, staying there one year, removing thence to Ohio. He was married at New Lexington, Ohio, on January 26, 1882. After a few years there, he sought the West, arriving in Rock Springs in February, 1885, going to work in the Union Pacific Mines in the city named. Has been employed in mines 1, 5, 7, 9, 8, 10 throughout his connection with the Company. Dropped out from the service on several occasions but always drifted back. He retired about five years ago to look after private interests and enjoy a rest. He has a family of two sons and three daughters, all grown. He counts it a pleasure to be permitted to retain his membership in the Old Timers' Association at whose gatherings he meets many old "buddies" and swaps with them experiences of the early days. --- Green River Star, Apr 12, 1935 Pioneer Lady Writes Her Life Story (By Mrs. Florence Hill) I was born in Springfield, Illinois, on March 22nd, 1845. I was the daughter of Hueston Smith and Rebecca Norvel Smith. My father having lived near Navou, Illinois, knew the Prophet Joseph Smith and often joined him in his meetings. My father was a very religious man and always taught us children to do right. He had been married twice, and therefore there were sixteen of us children in the family. We were unable to get much schooling on account of the deep snows and the wolves being so dangerous. The larger boys went ahead to break the trails, and with their guns, guard us from attack by these wolves, to and from school daily. My father was a wealthy man, but nevertheless, we children had to work. The fall was always a very busy time, preparing for winter. We killed no less than 35 hogs and one beef for our winter use. We always fried down about 15 gallons of sausage, some of which was put in jars, and some were put in corn husks to smoke with the rest of the meat. Mother always had about 500 laying hens, 150 turkeys and 200 to 300 ducks and geese. The geese were picked every six weeks. It took down from five geese to make a pound. Mother received at least $80 for the down each time these geese were picked, that was as I have said, each six weeks. The woods were always full of wild fruit and nuts. When father was not using all the teams mother would take the wagon with double side-boards and a few of the children accompanied her to gather nuts. The wagon, when we returned, was always as full as we could trample them down, with fine hazel nuts. When we reached home we put them out to dry, turning them occasionally until they were thoroughly dried, then we would store them away for the winter. We would then make another trip to gather hickory nuts, chestnuts and black walnuts. We also picked wild fruit, bushels of wild grapes being used for making jelly and wine. There was a plentiful supply of hops which were glad of as we used them for making yeast and many other things. The percoon roots, Indian Arrow buds, and the various herbs we found in the woods were used in the making of our medicines. We had a large orchard and often had “Apple Bees.” Everyone around us was invited, and the younger ones would peel the apples, while the older people would cook and bottle them for our use in the winter. We also did the same with our peaches. Then in turn we would all go to each of the neighbors until all of them had their fruit canned for the winter. This was one of the greatest times of the year for us for we all had a chance to visit, but while we visited, we canned about 33 gallons of peach and apple butter for our own use. We also had six large maple trees from which we made all our own sugar. Father would go ahead to tap the trees, then we children would follow along with the buckets and a wagon load of barrels. After getting all the barrels filled with sap we would take it home and boil it down into sugar, making about 33 gallons of maple syrup and almost 2,000 pounds of sugar. Mother then made cubes of sugar for the use of her company at afternoon tea. We never raised less tan 100 acres of corn. We had the corn-husking bees in the fall which we would all attend. There were no threshers in these days. Father had a large barn in which was a double floor where he threshed his grain with the aid of eight horses. We had a small windmill that was used to clean the wheat, after which we piled in in a bin. The oats were threshed in the same slow method. There were large quantities of popcorn and peanuts raised. We children would have “treat sport” sitting around the fireplace in winter playing “hull gull” while the older people talked, popped corn or roasted peanuts. Father raised all of our own flax and cotton and we could all pick cotton well. I could pick 100 pounds of cotton a day at that time. We had a homemade cotton gin to separate the seed from the cotton. I still have some of our quilts with homespun cotton and wool in them. We spun and carded all our won cotton and wool, and made our own yarn. Each of us children could knit a sock in a day. We were paid one dollar a pair for the wool socks and seventy-five cents for the cotton ones. One of my sisters and me could spin sixteen “cuts” a day. There was eighty threads in “cut.” These threads were woven on a loom into cloth and made all the cloth that was needed for the family use. The flax grew in stalks; in order to separate the outside of the stalk from the flax we had to scotch it. A scutcher is a tool similar to a board full of nails with three sharp ends out to pull the flax over. Then we spun, wove and bleached it and always had a supply of fine linen for our use. The men always had a fine linen shirt for dress. The winters in Springfield, Illinois, were always hard. We had deep snows and long cold spells. One winter the mailman took the mail and passengers of a “staken rider” fence for three weeks before he knew where the fence was. But nevertheless, during these deep snows we had lots of fun sleigh riding. I was always called “Tommy” because of my great love for outdoor life, especially horse-back riding. When I was 16 years old I rode in the fair at New Berlin, Illinois, and won a horse, saddle and sash. I was acquainted with Abraham Lincoln and have talked with him many times. His eldest son, Bob, was a great friend of mine; he was two years older than I. I met William Welch in 1866. We were married June 25th of the same year. We moved to Piatt County, Illinois, and it was there that my first child was born, Thomas A. Welch, on May 25, 1867. We lived in Piatt County three years, then we moved to Kansas. It was here that we had such terrible cyclones. One particular that I recall left people homeless. It blew one man up into a tree, killing him; another man in a creek. Members of some families were lost, barns were blown over and crops destroyed. Whenever we saw a cloud grow in the northeast we would run for our cyclone cellars. My husband, William Welch was killed on the G. and W. Railway. I was married to Benjamin Hill near Girard, Kansas in 1876. He had three sons, Leo, Dave (a pioneer of Vernal) now deceased, and Joseph who resides in Green River, Wyoming. As I have said, I have a boy Thomas, who now resides at his ranch in Burnt Fork, where he is a prominent cattle raiser. He also has a house in Green River. He is a part-owner of the Tomahawk Hotel in Green River. My second child, Fred Hill was born April 15, 1879. We left Kansas City May 1880, when Fred was one year old. We migrated west to Green River, Wyoming. There were 33 wagons in our train of emigrants. On our journey we suffered many hardships, often going a whole day without drinking water for us and our horses. Our children would often cry of hunger on the prairie. At times is was even difficult to find wood for our fires. It was three weeks before we reached Green River. There was no bridge so we had to ford the river. We were in Green River about two years when my husband accepted a contract to freight to Old Ashley. Ashley was just below where Vernal, Utah, now stands. When we started freighting my husband drove a four-horse team and I drove a two-horse team, with bedding, hay and some freight. I always had my little boy, Fred, with me. One day I would go in the lead and the next day my husband would because there were roads to make, trees to cut out of the way and much fallen timber in our trails. It was a very rough road over Tailor Mountain and at any time we could expect to be attacked by Indians or outlaws. There was but one store in Old Ashley then. We also freighted to White River. While freighting we became acquainted with Chellas Hall. I also met my old friend Bob Lincoln on one of our trips. We were at that time among the few white people who had to be guarded by the soldiers. In June, 1884, a girl, Catherine, was born to us. My second son, Fred, died January 12, 1908, when he was 18 years of age. My husband’s health began to fail about that time and he passed away march 11, 1908. My husband, Benjamin Hill, in his earlier life was a sea captain, having sailed around the Cape of Good Hope and Cape Horn. On one of his voyages in South America he saw a snake nearly as large around as he was. He was in the Gold Rush of ’49 in California. After having been all through Wyoming and Utah, he like it so much he decided to make his home hereabouts. I went to Vernal in the fall of 1924 to stay with my daughter, Catherine Edwards, who had recently lost her husband. We moved back to Burnt Fork five years ago. - Mrs. Florence Smith Hill remained in Burnt Fork, Wyoming, until her death on March 18, 1935, and was buried on the 20th day of March, just two days before her birthday, when she would have been 90 years of age. --- Union Pacific Coal Company Employes’ Magazine, May 1935 August Gentilini and James Genetti This snap-shot taken in June, 1934, August Gentilini (left) and James Genetti. Mr. Gentilini is a native of Tyrol, Italy, and was born May 7, 1869, naturalized at Green River in 1924. Is married man, one son and one daughter. His entry into The Union Pacific Coal Company’s circles was on August 18, 1905, under former Foreman Dykes. Holds a Bureau of Mines First Aid Certificate. James Genetti was born October 8, 1869, at Fonado, Tyrol, Italy. Has been employed by the Railroad and Coal Companies for approximately 31 years, and started as a miner in April, 1891. Owing to enfeebled health he was pensioned May 1, 1934. Owns his home in Rock Springs; has a family of five grown children. While working for the Railroad, his occupation was Car Repairer and Track Repairman. From April, 1897 to October, 1902, he was employed on a ranch, and was laid up through injuries at another period for nine or ten months. --- Green River Star, Jun 7, 1935 SWEETWATER BREWERY COMMENCES BREWING OF “WYOMING BREW” This week witnessed the completion of the work of rehabilitation upon the Sweetwater Brewery plant. Months of work and thousands of dollars have been spent to put the plant into first-class shape. Brewing is under the direction of one of the famous brewmasters of the old school. Only the finest of the world’s materials will be used, assuring the public a drink that will be a masterpiece of the brewing art. Every step in production is under the most rigid sanitary control. Officials of the brewery state that no food you eat or drink is more cleanly and carefully prepared. The product will be marketed under the trade name of “Wyoming Brew.” It will be a balanced beer, not too bitter nor too sweet, but brilliant, creamy and mellow, with a flavor and an aroma unsurpassed. Test brews that have been run bear out these assertions, is the claim of the officials of this company. Since 1872, when Adam Brown opened the original brewery with a capacity of only 200 barrels per year, until prohibition a gradual increase in production took place. Since rehabilitation work has started in the plant, the aim of its present management has been to retain all of the old features that have made such wonderful beer in the past and completely modernize the present brewery, making it one of the finest institutions of its kind in the West. With the smoke once more pouring from the stack of the brewery, with beer going daily into its storage casks, the people of Green River are once more assured of a leading enterprise which brings employment and wealth into the community. “What Wyoming Makes, Makes Wyoming,” is a slogan that should be ever borne in mind, especially when it means the advancement of your town or state. The Star joins in wishing Green River’s new industry every success. --- Rock Springs Rocket, Oct 6, 1935 Mrs. Mary Kershisnik Tells of Visit to Old Home In Yugoslavia After an absence of over four months, Mrs. Mary Kershisnik, proprietor of the Pilot Butte hotel returned to Rock Springs last Saturday evening. A large gathering of relatives and friends met her at the station. To the correspondent of The Rocket, she relates her experience in this language: “It was on a wintry January morning back in 1901 that I first landed in Rock Springs. During the 34 years of my residence here, I never desired to return to my native land until last spring, when a sudden wish to visit the memories of my childhood days possessed me. With the aid of a representative of the French Line here, John Wataha, I soon had all necessary documents on hand and, on June the first, accompanied by Mrs. Joseph Galicich, Sr., I was off for Yugoslavia. Fully resolved to be observant to the progress and changes, I began to observe immediately and, seated in a modern air-conditioned limited towards the east, my thoughts went back to that first wintry trip between New York and Rock Springs, when for four days without repose or proper food, a condition which almost lost me all desire to travel again. And now, a porter to serve you, soft cushions, a bed well-ventilated and lighted, the commodious dressing room, a dinner fit for a king and the observation car to observed the beautiful expanse of our lands, I landed fully rested in the beautiful city of Washington. There I was the guest of my old friend, Fred W. Johnson and his entertaining wife. I was there shown Mr. Johnson’s working offices, where I met several girls who are there employed, many of them from Rock Springs, so that I felt like I was among my own. I was shown also several of our federal buildings of which the treasury building and the mint took my wonderment most. “From there I went to New York to be met by Anton Subelj, whom many in Rock Springs remember on account of the concerts he gave here in 1929, and for his private visits with the Lions club, at the home of Dr. Lauzer, and others. Like Mr. Johnson, he also was all hospitality and too fast did the time arrive for the maiden voyage of the Normandie on which we were booked. “The Normandie is a marvel of the present age which I feel unable to describe at all adequately. We were permitted to visit every part of it and one merely stares and wonders. It is a city in itself with its grand salons, dining rooms, dance halls, elevators, swimming pools, gardens, theatres and what-not. Some inconvenience was found with the help, most of whom are French and frequently one must enlist the aid of the steward of the cabin to act as interpreter. The tremendous weight and the terrific grinding of the propelling power sometimes seem to be conflicting with the laws of momentum so that some vibration is felt and at times becomes irritative. But it was a matter of only five days and we were at Havre, France. Immediately a special train took us to Paris. There, on a bus with a good guide, we were shown some prominent sights of Paris, which is a city like most other large cities except one soon notices the lack of tall buildings that are found in the cities of our own land. The remainder of France through which we passed was mostly a farming country with wide expanses of flowery fields. It was just the season of the blooming of the red poppies and very pleasing to the eye. “Then into beautiful Switzerland, and the sight of Lake Zurich, the beauty of which can not be described. There we traveled on an electric railroad which is said to be the only one of its kind in the world. It runs through steep cuts and long tunnels and, finally coming through the longest tunnel, our eyes beheld Slovenian land—the land of my birth. Our first stop was at Ljubljana, the capital city of Slovenia where my relatives live. After a few days of rest, I proceeded to visit old friends, of whom only a few remain. Of those whom I remembered as the younger set, nearly all are old and bent from toil in their battle for existence. A new generation, all unknown to me, has sprung up during my seemingly short absence from the country all of which gave me a feeling of a stranger in my native town. What changes? I remembered back the days when I walked down the white roads and through the pleasant valleys on the way to school, how I then thought that no wider road or wider valley could be found anywhere else in the world. And now, traveling the same white road and through the valleys, what an awakening! Now I began to realize how large is America. Slovenia, once to me the largest in the world, now appears like a top country. That country which once looked to me so great and wide, those roads once so wide and white would now compare only to our secondary county roads. I noticed also the lack of conveniences simply because the country just can’t produce them and I discovered how tenderfooted and “spoiled” we have become in this land of ours. But I found one old institution in Slovenia still, namely, the same industrious, honest and hospitable souls and it was this that kept me there for nearly four months. It is a beautiful Slovenia, for its glorious mountains, its great forests and its carefully cultivated fields justly compare to famous Switzerland. “Because it is hardly likely that I will ever have another opportunity of such a visit, I went much into the interior of Yugoslavia and visited such as Belgrade, its capital city, where I visited Oplenac, the tomb of the deceased King Alexander in the royal burial grounds. I visited also cultural Sarajevo, the spot on which the death of Archduke Ferdinand caused the spark which set aflame the World war in 1914. From there I visited Yugoslavia’s chief port on the Adriatic, Dubrovnik. Here the climate is tropical comparable to Florida or California and producing the same tropical fruits and flowers as are found in these two cities; then finally to Split and later to Zagreb, which is Yugoslavia’s most modern and beautiful city and the capital of Croatia. “Too fast did four months pass and it became time to return to America, to my true country. I returned well satisfied and with fond memories. I will never regret making the visit, for it is a visit of this sort that makes us appreciate America the more, and stirs us to a feeling of gratitude for the opportunities this country gave us, opportunities which in the native land would have been impossible.” --- Union Pacific Coal Company Employes’ Magazine, Jun 1935 Andrew Matson Andrew Matson was born in Finland, October 12, 1869. He is a married man with several children, two of whom are under age. His first employment was at Rock Springs in September 1891, under late Foreman Morgan Griffiths. He has been away from the U.P. fold upon several occasions, having worked at Diamondville some 12 to 15 years. He also saw service at Cumberland for a couple of years. He is now employed as timberman in No. 4 Mine, Rock Springs. --- Union Pacific Coal Company Employes’ Magazine, Jul 1935 THE NEW FORTY-YEAR MEN Oliver C. Buehler was born at Schuyler, Nebraska, September 14, 1878. Is a married man with three grown daughters. His first employment was at Hanna as a Pumper in No. 1 Mine, under then Foreman, F. L. McCarty. Thomas J. Morgan was born at Capcoch, Glamorgan, Wales, June 17, 1869. Widower, one married daughter living. Began service with Union Pacific Railway, Coal Department, Mine No. 4, Rock Springs, as Mule Driver, December, 1887. Left our employ in 1902 and returned in 1908, being engaged in Mines 4 and 8 here, then transferred to Reliance. Was als? at work as pumper for the Green River Water Works Company there and later moved to Winton in same capacity, being continuously employed since 1908. Now lives at Boulder, Colorado. John Doak, Sr., born at Kilwinning, Scotland, November 26, 1861. Three daughters and one son living, the latter employed by the Railroad Company at Green River. He first entered Coal Company employ at Rock Springs as a Miner in No. 8. He also worked in Mines 7 and 8, and when pensioned (June 1, 1929) had 35 years connection with The Union Pacific Coal Company. Now resides at Ogden, Utah. --- Union Pacific Coal Company Employes’ Magazine, Jul 1935 Reverend Anton Schiffrer Friday, June 14, was the fiftieth anniversary of the birth of Reverend Anton Schiffrer, former pastor and builder of the North Side Roman Catholic Church at Rock Springs, known as the Church of Saints Cyril and Methodius. Reverend Schiffrer was born on June 14, 1885, in Stara Loka, Slovenia, former province of Austria in Europe. He came to America on May 1, 1906. Completing his theological studies in St. Paul's Seminary in Minnesota, and in Le Grand Seminaire au Montreal in Canada, he was ordained on February 17, 1910, by the Rt. Rev. P. P. Rhode, in St. Michael's Church in South Chicago, Illinois. He became assistant pastor of Our Lady of Sorrows Church on March 4, 1910, and was made pastor of Sts. Cyril and Methodius Church on the 23rd day of July, of the same year. For several years past, Father Schiffrer has been chaplain at St. Mary's Hospital, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and quite recently he has been appointed pastor of St. John's Church (Slovenian) in that city. Feeling that Father Schiffrer should be given an opportunity to see the improvement made in his old parish, and renew his acquaintance with his thousands of friends, former parishioners and others, we asked him to consult his physician as to the possibility of his attending the Eleventh Annual Reunion of the Old Timers Association. Father Schiffrer's doctor, A. F. Rheineck, wrote a most kindly reply, advising, however, against the visit at this time. We propose to keep after Father Schiffrer and when we can induce his doctors to sanction his making the trip, we will try to have him attend one of the Old Timers Reunions. As a matter of fact, we are now bidding for his attendance in 1936. --- Union Pacific Coal Company Employes’ Magazine, Nov 1935 Old Timer John Sloan John Sloan, Miner in No. 4, this city, was born in Ireland, April 3, 1885, was naturalized at San Francisco in 1907, receiving his final papers in Green River in 1915. His first employment was in August, 1909, as an Outside Laborer. Is a married man, one son and one daughter. This picture was taken in front of the Elks building upon the occasion of the Eleventh Annual Reunion of the Old Timers’ Association, to which he belongs. --- Union Pacific Coal Company Employes’ Magazine, Nov 1935 Old Timer Edward W. Wilson The snap-shot of Edward Watson Wilson, Blaster at Rock Springs, was made in June last during the Old Timers’ Reunion. “Ed” is a native of England, and received his naturalization papers at Green River in 1911. Is a married man. His first employment with the Company was as a Miner in old NO. 8here, June, 1903. He olds a Shot Firer’s certificate obtained in 1931, and also a Bureau of Mines certificate. He was on a ranch in Idaho during a portion of the year 1917. --- Union Pacific Coal Company Employes’ Magazine, Dec 1935 Golden Wedding Anniversary The youthful couple pictured above is none other than Steve Angelovich and his estimable wife. The young (?) man is only 74 and his wife is considerably under that number of years, both hale and hearty. They were married on November 23, 1885, at Torisa, Czecho-Slovakia, and accordingly celebrated their golden wedding anniversary just a week since. They arrived in Rock Springs on September 8, 1891, and have resided here ever since, the head of the family having been employed in our various mines at Rock Springs in different capacities until his retirement on a pension in March, 1932. To the union were born 8 sons and 2 daughters (two of the boys deceased): Shandow, with the U. S. Steel Company, Gary, Indiana. Steve, lumber business in Colorado. Andrew, Secretary and Steward, Elks Lodge, Rock Springs. Albert, bookkeeper, W. H. Gottsche Sheep Company, Rock Springs. Joseph, teller, First Security Bank, Rock Springs. George, unemployed, Rock Springs. Mrs. Mary Palko, husband employed in No. 4 Mine, Rock Springs. Mrs. Helen Davis, husband employed by Telephone Company, Pocatello, Idaho. Many friends, relatives and most of the children participated in the celebration at the family home, 901 Sixth Street, upon the festive occasion, and many were the wishes of long life and happiness extended by their callers, in which we heartily join. --- Rock Springs Daily Rocket, May 5, 1936 California Rushes Plans to Send Two Killers to Gallows State Speeds Trial Plans as Rattlesnake Killers Wrangle in Cells LOS ANGELES, Calif., May 4 (UP)—While Robert James, plump red eyed barber, and Charles H. Hope, his cold eyed helper in the rattlesnake killing of Mrs. James, the man’s fifth wife, wrangled from their jail cells today over who did the actual job of killing, officials cleared a legal pathway to rush both to the gallows. District Attorney Buron Fitts said he would prefer a formal murder charge against Hope, ex-sailor and café manager, tomorrow and will haul both before the grand jury Wednesday morning, “I’ll get an indictment in less than 20 minutes,” he promised. Meanwhile James and Hope, both of whom admitted part in the scheme to murder the barber’s pretty three-week bride, Mary Busch James, by plunging her bare legs into a box of poisonous rattlesnakes then drowning her in a bathtub, fired accusations at each other in the county jail. “I’m in the clear on this thing,” the beauty shop proprietor said. “I’m not going to try to escape anything by pleasing insanity because there is nothing wrong with me. I’ll plead not guilty and I’ll clear myself.” --- Rock Springs Daily Rocket, May 5, 1936 UTAH SLAYER ARRESTED IN GREEN RIVER Dankowski and Young Aid in Arrest of Ben J. Pack Ben J. Pack, Jr., 21, was arrested at the transient camp at Green River about 4 a.m. yesterday morning and was returned to Salt Lake City where he faces charges of the attack-slaying of Ruth Shaw last March 22. The youth was arrested by Sheriff M. J. Dankowski and Night Marshall Charles Young of Green River and Detective M. D. McGinness and Deputy Sheriff George Knepp of Salt Lake City. Lodged in the county jail at Salt Lake City, Pack, according to officers, confessed responsibility for the crime. Pack, the officers said, admitted he had taken the girl up Immigration canyon early Sunday morning, March 22 after a dance, that she had fainted and, thinking her dead, he had dumped her body out of the car into a snowbank. “When I read in the papers Monday about Ruth Shaw’s murder I decided to get out of Salt Lake City immediately.” Pack was quoted. The officers said pack revealed that he left Salt Lake City on a coal truck and headed south through Colorado. He stopped in Denver, where he had had his mail forwarded, then fled to Pueblo and Alamosa, Colo., Fort Worth, Texas; and into Mexico. He then returned to the states through Alamosa, where he left instructions that his mail be forwarded to Green River, the officers said. Acting on the mail-forwarding tip, the Salt Lake officers notified Sheriff Dankowski and then sped to Green River to aid in the arrest. Pack’s capture ended a six-week manhunt that for a time had Salt Lake City officers rushing to widely separated parts of Utah and Idaho as rumors of men answering his description came in from an ever-widened circle. Finding of the girl’s body by two canyon dwellers represented a crime that shocked the most hardened Utah officer. Report of the autopsy revealed a violence seldom paralleled in Salt Lake City police annals. The doctor’s report also revealed that the girl, a 20-year-old jobless bookkeeper, had been suffering from heart disease, which was held to a contributing factor in her death. --- Green River Star, May 22, 1936 Blairtown Mine Destroyed by Fire Be Put Operation Work of cleaning up the debris at the outside workings of the Blairtown mine of the Lion Coal corporation, destroyed by fire last Friday at Rock Springs is under way and company officials arranged to take care of its commercial business without a lapse. Company officials said arrangements will be made soon to either rebuild the old plant or enlarge the workings at its new mine, half a mile west, which were not damaged by the flames which caused a loss estimated by company officials at $500,000. R. H. Gibson, superintendent of the company, announced the tipple at the old mine will be rebuilt as soon as the charred debris is cleared away. Arrangements were completed to run a power line from the Union Pacific Coal company’s plant to operate pumps and fans, necessary to keep the mine in working condition. The tipple which was destroyed by flames along with the boiler house, power house and tipple track was fitted with screens for handling commercial coal. --- Union Pacific Coal Company Employes’ Magazine, Jul 1936 Our New Forty-year Class Matthew Morrow, Sr., was born April 28, 1872. He started to work in November, 1890, in No. 7 Mine, Almy. Was off one year, 1894; off one year, July, 1897 to August, 1898, and off five years, February, 1899 to February, 1904. John McTee, Jr., was born in Pennsylvania, November 10, 1883. He started work March, 1896, as a Miner, in Rock Springs Mine No. 8 and has consecutive employment of forty years. Thomas L. Edwards was born at Almy, January 1, 1876. He started as Pumpman, at Almy, March, 1888, when twelve years of age. During his period of service he was off approximately five years. --- Union Pacific Coal Company Employes’ Magazine, Jul 1936 Dr. James W. Sampson We are always interested in a young man who, leaving a coal mining background, seeks life opportunity in one of the more difficult professions. Dr. James W. Sampson, a former employe in the Winton mine office, where he served as payroll clerk from December, 1929 to September, 1930, is of this class. Dr. Sampson was born at Acme, Sheridan County, Wyoming, on November 29, 1908, attending the Acme grade schools, later graduating from the Sheridan High School at Sheridan, Wyoming. After leaving our Winton mine office, he entered the University of Wyoming, taking the pre-medic course, subsequently transferring his school activities to the University of Nebraska, from which he was recently graduated with high honors. Dr. Sampson's thesis leading up to his doctor's degree, relates to the disease known as “Rocky Mountain spotted fever,” an acute specific infectious disease transmitted by ticks, characterized by an onset of chills, followed by fever, terminating in severe bodily pains, headaches, and bodily eruptions. The importance of the study made by Dr. Sampson is evidenced by the fact that in the State of Wyoming alone, from 1922 to 1930, there occurred 1,122 cases, with 171 deaths. The disease is also prevalent in California, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, Utah, Oregon and Washington, with fifteen states east of the Mississippi River reporting a total of 140 cases in 1934. Sympathetic with the welfare of the Rocky Mountain region, our young doctor friend chose this particular disease for special study, his thesis, voluminous in character, looked upon as one of the most brilliant graduating theses ever submitted by a student of the University of Nebraska College of Medicine. Dr. Sampson's father, Mr. James M. Sampson, came from Ayrshire, Scotland in 1904, serving a year in the Crows Nest Pass coal fields, locating at Dietz, Wyoming, in 1905, remaining in the employ of the Sheridan Coal Company at that point until 1912, when he served as mine foreman in our Superior “E” mine, returning to Acme, Wyoming, in 1913, where he served in various capacities, including that of mine superintendent, for ten years, coming to the Lion Coal Corporation at Rock Springs as mine foreman in 1926, now serving as mine superintendent for the Lion Coal Corporation at Blairtown. Dr. Sampson is one of three surviving children, Gordon and Alice residing with their parents at Blairtown. Dr. Sampson married Miss Ruth E. Early of Sheridan, Wyoming, on August 25, 1934, and is the proud possessor of a daughter five months of age. We are not an authority on medical research or medical literature, but those who have read Dr. Sampson's thesis, including members of the faculty of the University of Nebraska College of Medicine, do not hesitate to praise same in the broadest terms, representing as it does, months of toil and study. We predict a brilliant future for this young Wyomingite. --- Union Pacific Coal Company Employes’ Magazine, Dec 1936 Purple Heart Awarded Ed. Conzatti For exceptional valor displayed by him in battle during the World War, Mr. Edward Conzatti, an employe of this Company residing at Superior, was, at a meeting of the American Legion held at that point on October 17, awarded the Government Order of the Purple Heart, Dr. B. V. McDermott, Company Surgeon, making the presentation. More than 150 people were in attendance at the affair including members of the Canadian Legion, representatives from the various ladies' auxiliaries throughout the county, etc. Many talks were made by past and present Legion officials; several musical selections were on the program; lunch was served and the evening's entertainment wound up with a dance. Mr. Conzatti was born in Rock Springs, April 15, 1895, is a married man, two sons and one daughter. He started to work in our Superior Mines on December 1, 1909, under then Superintendent Brennan; is a member of the Old Timers Association, has continuous service with the exception of his army engagement. He enlisted with the 41st Division of the 163rd Infantry, First Platoon, Headquarters Company, and left Rock Springs October 2, 1917, making the trip across the water on the Leviathan (on first voyage after its capture from the Germans) landing at Southampton, England, on Christmas Eve. He departed for France a week later reaching there New Year’s Day. The engagement for which the citation was given was at the Argonne, Mr. Conzatti Carrying several wounds as a reminder of the event. --- Rock Springs Daily Rocket, Dec 5, 1936 CHILDREN LEFT ALONE HERE GO TO INSTITUTION Robert Gillum, director of the Sweetwater county welfare board, left Rock Springs late Thursday for Torrington accompanied by five deserted children who he is taking to the Catholic home at Torrington. The children, all of the same family, range from two to 13 years of age. --- Union Pacific Coal Company Employes’ Magazine, Jun 1937 Frank Potochnik Elevated to the Priesthood A signal honor was bestowed on Rock Springs through the ordination of Aloysius F. Potoch- nik to priesthood in the Order of St. Benedict of the Roman Catholic Church. Holy Orders were conferred by Most Reverend Urban J. Vehr, Bishop of Denver, on May 22, 1937, in the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, in the presence of his parents and other members of his family, and several friends and students from Holy Cross Abbey in Canon City and St. Thomas Seminary in Denver. Colo. Reverend Albin Gnidovec, Pastor of the Church of Sts. Cyril and Methodius in Rock Springs, acted as sponsor. Father Potochnik, more familiarly known as “Frank”, was born in Rock Springs on December 11, 1907, the son of Mr. and Mrs. Frank Potochnik of 674 Ahsay Avenue. He received his early education in the public schools of this city, graduating from High School in 1926. For a few years he was employed in the First Security Bank and offices of The Union Pacific Coal Company, entering the Abbey School in Canon City, Colorado, in 1928. His many friends are looking forward with interest to his first Solemn High Mass, which will be celebrated in the Church of Sts. Cyril and Methodius in Rock Springs, on June 20, 1937. Father Potochnik is not the first member of their family that Mr. and Mrs. Potochnik have had the honor of giving to the Church. A daughter, Miss Rose Potochnik, also born and educated in Rock Springs, and for a time a teacher in the schools here, entered religious life in 1931, and is now known as Sister M. Alvernia of the Order of St. Francis, in Chicago, Ill. An uncle, Ciril Potochnik, D. D., is a member of the Priesthood in Europe and a Professor at the University in Ljubljana, Jugoslavia. Father Potochnik had contemplated coming to America to be present at the ordination of his nephew, but found it necessary to change his plans. Mr. Frank Potochnik (father of the newly ordained Priest) is a member of the Old Timers' Association. --- Union Pacific Coal Company Employes’ Magazine, Jul 1937 George B. Pryde Mr. Pryde was born in Gauldry, Scotland, January 25, 1872, and came to the United States in 1893, securing his first job with the Colorado Fuel & Iron Company at Newcastle, Colorado. In the fall of that year he was employed by The Union Pacific Coal Company at Rock Springs and he has been in the employ of the Company practically ever since, with the 3exception of a few years when he attended university. --- Union Pacific Coal Company Employes’ Magazine, Jul 1937 New Forty-Year Men Left-Fred Wall was born at Animskog, Sweden, December 17, 1874. He arrived in this country in 1896 and began work at Rock Springs in October of that year. In April, 1910, he went to Superior and has since remained there, now being employed as attendant at “C” mine lamp house, also night watchman. Right—Gust Ojala was born at Herma, Finland, February 18, 1876. He first started to work for the Company in May, 1897, at Hanna, as a miner. Since that time he has been employed in various capacities as timberman, driver, rope rider, driller, blaster, shot firer, loader, mason and tracklayer. He was placed on the pension list in September, 1936. --- Union Pacific Coal Company Employes’ Magazine, Sep 1937 Thomas Woodward was born at Evenwood, Durham County, England, December 31, 1875. Has papers certifying to his naturalization at Green River in 1920. Is a married man with a grown family. His first employment with the Coal Company was as a Miner in March, 1913, under then Foreman Joseph Seaton. His present occupation is on repairs of Pit Cars. Is a member of the Old Timers’ Association with approximately 25 years’ service. --- Union Pacific Coal Company Employes’ Magazine, Sep 1937 William Askey was born in Scotland August 2, 1868. Started to work for the Company in October, 1901, at Cumberland, under Superintendent J. M. Faddis, deceased. Is a married man. He has seen service at several of the mining districts of the Company, Cumberland, Scofield, Reliance and Rock Springs. Was away for about two years during which period he worked for coal companies at Glencoe and Sweetwater, Wyoming. He is now an Inside Laborer in No. 4 here. Belongs to the Old Timers Association. John Jones Peters, born in Wales on March 16, 1872. Received his naturalization papers at Green River. Is a widower with one daughter (Frances) residing at the parental home. First entered our employ at Rock Springs in June, 1912, as a miner under then Foreman Joseph Seaton. He has continuous service, though off one year through injury, and is a member of the Old Timers' Association. He enjoys thoroughly the Reunions, at which he may usually be found fraternizing with former "buddies” and associates. He lives at 1113 Pilot Butte Avenue, Rock Springs. --- Union Pacific Coal Company Employes’ Magazine, Sep 1937 The Flood at Rock Springs Sunday evening, July 11, Rock Springs and vicinity was visited by a heavy downpour of rain, the fall in 24 hours measuring 2.8 inches. As a result, Bitter Creek went on a rampage. The inhabitants of East Flat evacuated their homes and members of The American Legion policed the district to keep out marauders, re-routed motor traffic, etc. One hundred boys from the CCC Camp at Farson, in charge of able officials of that organization, were brought to the city on the following day to protect the dyke, merchants and others volunteering trucks and drivers to haul flour, salt, bran (anything available in sacks) to withstand the onslaught of the angry waters which had been reinforced by those of smaller tributary streams. The CCC lads did valiant work in the vicinity of the dyke and their services were retained for several days additional to assist in the restoration of residents of West Flat to their homes, pumping water from basements, etc. In acknowledgment of their great assistance, the boys were treated to a dinner and entertainment at the Old Timers Building, following which they were guests of the Chamber of Commerce and others at the Barnes-Sells-Floto Circus. Considerable damage resulted to the main line railroad trackage, also on Reliance and Winton branches, as well as to the Water Company pipe lines near Kanda. Many highway and county bridges were damaged, approaches caved, a wooden bridge leading to Roosevelt School buckled in the center. Photos shown will furnish our readers a conception of the big downpour and resultant damage done. The mayor and city administration are considering measures to be employed in handling future flood waters of Bitter Creek, which work should be begun at an early date. --- Union Pacific Coal Company Employes’ Magazine, Oct 1937 August Ravenelli August Ravenelli, born Tyrol, Austria, July 23, 1891 naturalized at Green River in 1925, is a married man. Was first employed at Rock Springs in October, 1910, as Miner under Foreman Ben Lewis. Is a member of the Old Timers' Association, and wears a yellow badge, indicating a service of between 25 and 30 years. Attended night school here for three years in order to perfect himself in examination for citizenship. --- Union Pacific Coal Company Employes’ Magazine, Oct 1937 Ignatz Kudar Ignatz Kudar was born in Austria June 25, 1881, and received naturalization papers in 1915 at Green River. Is a married man. First Employment was as a miner at Rock Springs in September, 1904, under Foreman John Dykes. Is an Old Timer with approximately 37 years’ service. --- Union Pacific Coal Company Employes’ Magazine, Oct 1937 Frank Ord Frank Ord was born in England, September 9, 1866, and holds naturalization papers dated Green River in 1896. Is a married man. Quit service several times to go ranching. First employed as a miner at Rock Springs in October, 1882, under late Foreman John McBride. Is an Old Timer, and gets a thrill each year in attending the Reunion and its activities. --- Green River Star, Dec 10, 1937 Mr. and Mrs. Wm. Rogers Mark Golden Wedding Year Fifty years of wedded life, which began in the little coal mining town of Bevier, Mo., Dec. 7, 1887, were celebrated this week by Mr. and Mrs. William Rogers of Green River. Many friends called at the Rogers home to offer their congratulations and the observance was climaxed by a dinner at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Harry Dakin attended by ten members of the family of Mr. and Mrs. Rogers. Three days before the anniversary celebration Rogers marked his 75th birthday. He was born in South Wales Dec. 4, 1862, and came to Bevier, Mo., with his father in 1869. The father was killed in a mine accident in 1878 and young William, a boy of 16, was thrown on his own resources. His first job, when he was 13 years old, was lighting the fires in a schoolhouse and sweeping out the schoolroom. For this work he received $1 a month. Later he began working in the mines, earning 75 cents a day. On Dec. 7, 1887, Rogers married Miss Isabella Pierce, a native of North Wales. The young couple lived in Missouri until 1890, when they came to Wyoming, arriving in September, only two months after Wyoming became a state. Rogers worked for a time in the old No. 1 mine of the Union Pacific Coal company. During his eleven years in Rock Springs he became one of the town’s influential citizens. He was elected to the school board there and for five years was clerk of the board. Mr. and Mrs. Rogers came to Green River in 1902 following his appointment to the office of county treasurer. They have lived here ever since. They are the parents of three children, all of whom are residents of Wyoming and were in Green River to celebrate the wedding anniversary. They are: Mrs. Frank Viox, formerly Eve Rogers, of Cheyenne; Thomas E. Rogers, comptroller of the Green River Mercantile company and manager of many of the T. S. Taliaferro interests here, and Mrs. Harry Dakin, the former Sarah Rogers. Mr. and Mrs. Rogers have five grandchildren. These are Francis Viox, Dorothy and William Rogers, and Robert Dakin. --- Green River Star, Dec 31, 1937 U. P. ABOLISHES WESTERN DIVISION Offices Will Be Closed Tonight; Wedge Remains Effective this evening, the western division of the Union Pacific Railroad, extending from Rawlins to Ogden, Utah, with headquarters in Green River, will be abolished, The Star is informed today by officials here. The move is to be completed as quickly as possible, it was said, to inaugurate new operation policies for the road starting tomorrow, January 1. The announcement places a considerable amount of cold water upon “Happy New Year” greetings locally. T. E. Williams, superintendent of the Idaho division at Pocatello, is transferred to Cheyenne as superintendent of the Wyoming division running from Cheyenne to Ogden. This places the operations the same as they were about a year ago when the division were split up to reinstate the western division to make Green River a division point. B. O. Wedge, superintendent of the western division here, will remain in Green River as assistant superintendent of the Wyoming division. Other division officials will be transferred to various points on the system, it was indicated, while clerks in the division offices here will exercise seniority rights in applying for positions elsewhere. The move is a terrific blow to Green River, reliant entirely, as it is, upon railroad operations. It will also prove to lend added burden to unemployment levels, it is believed, as many of the clerks, typists, stenographers, and others, added during the past year will probably be relieved entirely by the change. --- Union Pacific Coal Company Employes’ Magazine, Feb 1938 Mr. James Macdonald, Sr. Mr. James Macdonald, Sr., who will celebrate his 84th birthday on February 11th, is a retired employe of the Company. He came here from Dundee, Scotland, and worked for the Company 35 years, serving as Master Mechanic at Cumberland, Rock Springs and Hanna. He was retired on pension in 1926. Mr. Macdonald is a very friendly and cheerful old gentleman and very alert for his advanced years. He resides in Hanna with his son-in-law and daughter (Mr. and Mrs. O. C. Buehler) whom he accompanied last summer on an extended trip to the west coast. --- Union Pacific Coal Company Employes’ Magazine, May 1938 First Coal from the D.O. Clark Mine, Superior The first trip of coal from the No. 7 Seam, D. O. Clark Mine, Superior, was landed on the temporary tipple April 15, 1938, and, on April 16th, the first railroad car of coal was loaded and billed out. The car was No. UP 30714, the net weight of the coal was 103,200 pounds, and the destination was Cheyenne. The pictures shown elsewhere show the first trip of three mine cars on top of the temporary tipple, the last of the three cars being turned over in the rotary dump, and the first railroad car loaded. There is also a side view of the temporary tipple, with the workmen sinking the foundations for the permanent steel tipple. The steel for the tipple and the underground conveyor and dumping system is being delivered as of May 1st, the work of steel construction and machinery installation, beginning immediately thereafter. --- Union Pacific Coal Company Employes’ Magazine, May 1938 Birthday Party for Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Dyett Upon occasion one learns of two birthdays celebrated in one house upon the same date. This was the case in the Joseph Dyett family—both himself and his amiable wife were brought into the world on April 6th—Joe selecting the year 1865, while she drew 1871. Every person knows Joe” who has long been associated with coal mines, in which industry the sons have followed in the paternal footsteps. There are three husky, manly sons-Andrew at work as a Faceman in Winton Mine No. 1; Joseph Smith Dyett engaged on Mechanical Loaders in No. 8 here; while William formerly was employed by our Company but is now in the service of The Colony Coal Company at its Megeath mine. The daughters number four-Zella, Margaret, Martha and Clara-all seven boys and girls living. There assembled at the home of Mrs. Frank Daniels (Clara) on the evening of April 6th to partake of a sumptuous dinner, Joseph, Sr., and wife, Mr. and Mrs. William Dyett, Andrew Dyett, Joseph Dyett, Jr., Mr. and Mrs. Alfred Thyberg and family, Mrs. James Ferrero and family, Mr. and Mrs. Jack Farrington, Mr. and Mrs. Frank Daniels and daughter, Joan. Mr. Dyett was born at Armadale, Linlithgow, Scotland, and his first employment with Union Pacific interests dates back to 1883. By reason of his lengthy, loyal and faithful work, he was retired on a pension in 1928. He has been connected with the Old Timers' Association since its inception, and eagerly looks forward each year to its Reunions to “hobnob" with some of his “old mine cronies.” Many friends called throughout the day and evening to wish “many happy returns of your birthdays" to the “young couple,” in which expression Ye Editor extends sincere greetings on behalf of the Company officials, coupled with the hearty sentiment that “may they live long to enjoy many additional such happy events.” The group photo of the family was made years ago, it taking some effort to get all together for a similar occasion, and the Dyetts intact in number all met again at the pleasant event here chronicled. --- Union Pacific Coal Company Employes’ Magazine, May 1938 Birthday of a Beloved Pioneer The story copied below from a local paper will be of interest to the many friends and acquaintances of Mrs. Moon. Our heartiest felicitations are extended to her with the wish that she may long be spared to meet and greet the members of her family, friends and relatives. Mrs. James Moon, venerated resident of Rock Springs, will celebrate her 84th birthday on April 1 amid a great many of her 115 living descendants. Mrs. Moon, who makes her home with her daughter, Mrs. John Marietta, at 207 M street, is the great grandmother of 55 children, grandmother of 50 children, and mother of 10, all living. She became a great grandmother to the 55th child on March 13 when a daughter, Marlene Katherine, was born to Mr. and Mrs. William Moon, Jr., of Rock Springs. Two daughters, 13 grandchildren, and 13 great grandchildren live in Rock Springs. Mrs. Clara Coffey and Mrs. Marietta are the two daughters who make their homes here. A son, William Moon, Sr., lives at Winton. The grandchildren are Mrs. H. H. Callaway, Mrs. Peter Edwards, Mrs. Ben Dusel, Mrs. Ben Do. lezal, Mrs. Harry Crofts, Mrs. Erma Kumer, William Moon, Jr., James Moon, Bernice Moon, Bill Coffey, Gordon Coffey, Jack Marietta, Melvin Marietta, and Clarence Harlin. Great grandchildren who live in Rock Springs are Maxine Callaway, Illa Mae Edwards, Darhl Edwards, Bernard Dusel, Shirley Dusel, June Dole zal, Warren Dolezal, Charles Crofts Jr., Wilma Jean Crofts, Jackie Kumer, Marlene Katherine Moon, James Moon, Jr., and Donald Moon. Mrs. Moon is the widow of the late James Moon, former employe of The Union Pacific Coal Company. At the time of his death, three years ago, Mr. Moon was the oldest employe in years of service with the company and was the first president of the Old Timers' Association. The Moons were married in Wales in 1871, where both were born. Mrs. Moon's maiden name was Rachael Lewis. They came to the United States in 1874 and settled at Almy. Later they moved to Spring Valley and Evanston and moved to Rock Springs in 1905 where Mrs. Moon has made her home ever since. Any special observance of Mrs. Moon's birthday is not being planned. Her descendants in Rock Springs and other relatives in the western part of the state will come here to spend the day with her, as has been their custom for several years. Numbered among the descendants whose names appear in the above article are the following: William Moon, Sr., Winton, son of Mr. and Mrs. James Moon, who, at our forthcoming Old Timers' Reunion, will be presented with a 40-years Gold Service Button. William Moon, Jr., son of the above, Tippleman at Winton, living at Rock Springs. James Moon, son of first above named, Slate Picker at Winton. Harry Crofts, Clerk Mine Office, Rock Springs, grandson by marriage. William Coffey, Faceman at Reliance, grandson by marriage. Peter Edwards, Faceman at Winton, grandson by marriage. --- Rock Springs Daily Rocket, May 13, 1938 Your Fellow Townsmen Thomas R. Jones Thomas R. Jones, owner and manager of the Karmelkorn shop since 1932, came to Rock Springs with a highly varied background of experience in diverse types of industries. Born in Bingham, Utah, the son of Reese and Margaret Jones, his first job was selling newspapers on the street. After attending the Jordon High school near Salt Lake City for two years, he went to work in the Utah Steel Mills at Bingham. He became a mill foreman at 19, and later left the steel mill to take a position with the Utah Copper company. He was later connected with the Fuller Brush company. He left the Fuller company to work in the circulation department of the Salt Lake Tribune, acting as circulation manager for Yellowstone National Park during 1929. He came to Rock Springs in 1930 as a newsdealer for the Tribune Publishing company, and was married in that year to Evan J. Madsen of Salt Lake City. He purchased the Karmelkorn shop in 1932, and has managed it actively since. --- Green River Star, Jul 1, 1938 Bishop Ziegler Conducts Rites To Dedicate Eden’s First Church When the bell cord of the new Garden Church of Eden, Oregon Trail Memorial (Episcopal) was pulled last Sunday in dedication rites it was the first time in history of the Eden Valley, settled some 60 years ago, that a church bell has pealed its welcoming message to the settlers. First services in the log church, erected by citizens of the valley with the cooperation of other churches and donations from firms and individuals, saw fourteen people receive baptism at the hands of Rt. Rev. Winfred H. Ziegler of Laramie, bishop of the Wyoming Protestant Episcopal church. The little church was jammed to overflowing with visitors from all over southern Wyoming anxious to hear the dedication services, while many other people, unable to pack themselves inside, listened at doors and windows. Bishop Ziegler was assisted by Rev. Alfred Lee Jones of Green River, pastor of St. John's Episcopal church, and other nearby clergymen. T. S. Taliaferro, Jr., prominent Rock Springs attorney and Eden Valley ranch owner and one of the donors to the church fund, and John A. Reed, Kemmerer banker, who had taken an active interest in the erection of the Oregon Trail memorial, both spoke briefly. Preceding the dedication ceremonies, several hundred persons participated in a barbecue lunch served in the grove at the Wyoming state experimental-farm. Those attending from Green River included Mr. and Mrs. Adrian Reynolds and family, Mr. and Mrs. William Yates, Mr. and Mrs. Mike Maher, Miss Helen Haynes, Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Coope and family, Mrs. Wm. Hutton, Mrs. Mabel Gravelle and daughter Miss Grace, County Clerk Helen Y. Hamm and Clerk of Court Grace Siegert. --- Green River Star, Oct 7, 1938 Former Resident Born Here in ’69, Again Visits City Gerry M. Fields of Los Angeles, Calif., and his son, S. w. Fields of Ft. Douglas, Utah, were Green River visitors Sunday, making acquaintance of many old timers. The elder Mr. Fields is the son of Green River’s earliest settlers, and was born here in 1869. His father filed homestead on 160 acres of land now known as Green River being the eastern portion of the existing city plat. --- Union Pacific Coal Company Employes’ Magazine, Nov 1938 Old Timers John Peterson and Gregor Kalan The above photo taken in front of the Elks Building at our last Old Timers' Reunion, shows two “old cronies” — on left, John Peterson, Rock Springs, and Gregor Kalan, of Reliance. Mr. Peterson is a native of Sweden, born there December 21, 1864. He first entered our employ here in June, 1901, as Outside Laborer, and served on the tipples of Mines 7, 8, and 10 here for a long term until his retirement through illness in 1927. Is on the Company's pension list. Is a single man, and resides at 215 Ridge Avenue, this city. Gregor Kalan, employed at Reliance since March, 1912, is a native of Skofia, Austria-born there March, 1875. Is a widower and has raised a very interesting family of two daughters and four sons. --- Green River Star, Jan 27, 1939 Death of Veteran Railroad Man Recalls Tipton Train Robberty The death of Ed J. Kerrigan, retired U. P. train conductor at Cheyenne recently, has recalled to John Charles Thompson, of the Cheyenne Tribune-Leader, the heroic part that Kerrigan played during the hold-up of U. P. train No. 3 in Sweetwater county in 1900, by the Cassidy gang. Mr. Kerrigan was father of Mrs. E. A. Prieshof, of Rock Springs, and was widely known here. Thompson says: E. J. Kerrigan, retired Union Pacific conductor for whom funeral services were held today, knew how it felt to look into the business end of a rifle in an outlaw’s hands. Menace of the lethal weapon could not intimidate the red-headed railroader to jeopardize the lives of a trainload of passengers in his charge and his heroism loomed large in a dramatic hold-up of a Union Pacific train by the “Butch” Cassidy gang near Tipton station, Wyo., 58 miles west of Rawlins, 38 years ago. It was this banditry which inspired the Union Pacific to organize its famous “rolling posse” under command of Big Tim Keilher and terminate terrorism and rapine by the Cassidy, Logan and Curry gangs. Kerrigan was the conductor of the second section of U. P. train No. 3 as it rolled through the Red Desert country early the night of August 29, 1900. At Tipton a man boarded unobserved the tender of the locomotive. Hardly had the train drawn away from the Tipton tank when he appeared in the locomotive cab, his face concealed by a handkerchief, covered the engineer and fireman with a revolver, commanded the man at the throttle to bring the train to stop when the engine arrived opposite a fire beside the track. The engineer obeyed, while his assistant stood helpless under the threat of the gun. Concerning what then occurred let Kerrigan’s words tell the story. “I knew something was wrong and went up ahead to see what it was,” he said. “There was a small fire by the track, and I saw some men going down toward the baggage car. As soon as I reached the engine a man covered me with a Winchester and made me hold up my hands. When he saw I was the conductor he took me back to the passenger cars and told me to uncouple the mail, express and baggage cars, so they could run them down the tracks. I started to do this, but the train was on a very steep grade and the passenger cars started to move down by themselves. They let me set the brakes on the coaches to hold them and then ran the front part of the train down the track about half a mile. “After they stopped they ordered expressman Woodcock to unlock the cars and come out. This he refused to do for a minutes; then, when I saw they were going to blow up the car, I told him to come out, and he did so. They took the engineer, Henry Wallerstein, the fireman, Woodcock, the brakeman and myself down the track a little distance and left us guarded by one man, while they blew up the cars and safes. They blew the roof, sides and end out of the baggage car and demolished the next car to it. They put three charges on one safe before they could brake it open. After they got what they wanted, they went to their horses, which were tied near by and fled. It took about an hour to complete their work. “They did not rob the passengers, but I had a hard time to keep the passengers in the cars out of sight before we cut off the front cars. They shot at one passenger to scare him; another one got to walking around and a robber knocked him down with the butt of his Winchester and told him to lie there or he would get killed. Another old man, who was deaf, put his head out of a car window and I just got him in time to save his life. He did not hear the robbers’ orders. There may have been five of the outlaws. Two were at the baggage cars using dynamite; one was at the engine, one guarding us, and I think they left another with the horses. They were all bad men and well armed.” From W. H. Kuhns, flagman on the train, came testimony of Kerrigan’s heroism. “Brakeman Fred Nash and I were on the train,” he related. “As soon as the train stopped I thought the engine was broken and I stepped off behind. When I heard a shot I knew we were held up. I ran back with some fuses to warn a special freight which was following. When I got back they had got Kerrigan and were making him uncouple the cars. I tell you he was gritty and deserves great credit. He would not uncouple those cars until they let him fix the brakes. He explained to them that these cars full of people would rush down on the baggage cars and cause death if left alone without brakes. They took the trainmen off and guarded us while they used the dynamite. We could see their horses a few hundred yards from the train guarded by one man.” How much money the bandits obtained from the express safes was not revealed, but Woodcock, the express messenger, was quoted as having said it was at least $55,000. The gang, later identified as Cassidy’s, rode off southward into the Sierra Madre mountains, doubtless headed for Robbers’ Roost in Brown’s Park, Colo. Posses lead by United States Marshall Frank Hadsell, Deputy Marshall Joe LaFors, Sheriff McDaniels of Carbon county and Swainson of Sweetwater county, trailed them for more than a week, never came within shooting distance. Effort to borrow the dynamite wrecked express car for exhibition at Cheyenne’s second Frontier Days celebration, held two weeks later, was futile. --- Green River Star, Apr 28, 1939 Buffalo Herds On Lincoln Highway Will Entertain State Tourists Acting upon the advice of national park naturalists, two buffalo herds of 15 animals each, which are soon to be placed along the Lincoln highway in southern Wyoming, will be fed alongside the highway so that they may be seen by tourists this summer, it was learned following the return of J. S. Weppner, president of the Wyoming Lincoln Highway association, from Cheyenne, where he had place the matter before the Wyoming game and fish commission. Weppner said that park naturalists had advised that the buffalo, which will be taken from the Yellowstone park herd, will remains in the vicinity of feeding grounds. These feeding grounds will be established so that the animals can be viewed by motorists traveling through this section of the west this summer. Date for the loosing of the herds has not been set. It is expected that one herd will be released in the Red desert region in Sweetwater county near Wamsutter. The plan is a part of a larger one to enable visitors to the west to view Wyoming wild life from the highway. Weppner recently obtained action by the state highway commission designating a long strip of land north of the Lincoln highway and across more than half of the state, as a state game preserve in which no hunting would be allowed. It was hoped that this game preserve would grow into a haven for antelope and other native wild life, so that visitors might become acquainted with game animals of Wyoming. --- Green River Star, Aug 4, 1939 MRS. K. NELSEN OBSERVES 90th BIRTHDAY TUESDAY Mrs. K. Nelsen, one of Green River’s long-time residents, well-loved and admired by hundreds of friends, was ninety years of age Tuesday, August 1. She received congratulatory messages and well wishes from friends during the day, was the guest of honor at a small, intimate dinner party, but otherwise observed her four-score-and-ten anniversary in the quiet manner that has been always typical of the lady. Born in Sweden August 1, 1849, Mrs. Nelsen resided in Denmark sixteen years before coming to the United States with her husband and children in 1890. They immediately traveled across the continent to take up residence at Bear Lake, in Idaho, moving in the early 1900’s to Randolph, Utah. Mr. Nelsen died there in 1911 and Mrs. Nelsen came to Green River to make her home in 1913. Mr. and Mrs. Earl Hall, close friends of Mrs. Nelsen and whom are held in high respect by her, entertained at dinner at their home in honor of the birthday observance. Present also were Mrs. G. J. Hall, mother of Mr. Hall, and their son, Jackie. When interviewed on her ninetieth anniversary, Mrs. Nelsen said “I ??? ???? say that I am very happy to be remembered by my friends, and I thank them very much for their many, many kindnesses to me. Mr. and Mrs. Hall are very lovely people, and their dinner in my honor was to me a particularly happy event in my life.” Despite the ninety years she has lived, some of them the hard way in pioneer farm and ranch life, Mrs. Nelsen does not give the appearance of her age. She continues to work about her home on North First West street, tend to her flower garden and daily makes two or three trips, always walking the several blocks to the downtown district. As the years passed, the goodness of her heart increased also, for the many helpful acts Mrs. Nelsen has done for relatives and friends, financially and otherwise, have been one of her most gentle characteristics. Because some of her friends know of these charitable acts, and her kindly attitude to everyone, is the reason they love and h???? her. And because she performs those acts so unselfishly—well, perhaps that is the reason she attains that venerable old age which most of us will never approach. She is the mother of Pete Nelsen of Cokeville, and the last Mrs. Annie Rood of Green River. --- Union Pacific Coal Company Employes’ Magazine, Dec 1939 Flood Control at Rock Springs By C.E. Swann Old-time residents of this thriving coal-mining community have become accustomed to watching the ravages caused by flood waters in and around the city of Rock Springs, and to consider these hazards as a necessary evil. Sporadic attempts were made, prior to 1925, to partially control the destructive action of the flood waters. The Bitter Creek water shed is located in a barren area in which there is little rainfall and, as a consequence, during a large part of the year the bed of Bitter Creek, which is the main discharge channel for the vast area lying easterly and southerly of Rock Springs, is practically dry. The hills and valleys encompassed in this vast area are, in the main, covered only by a rather sparse growth of sage brush or grease wood, and when a cloudburst occurs or a heavy rainfall covers a large area, there is little to retard a rapid runoff of the water which falls on the rocky hillsides or on the alkali clay flats, which resist quick penetration of water. During the early settlement of Rock Springs, it was customary for some men employed in the mines, and others, to become squatters on land they did not own, and to excavate portions of the creek bank and construct therein wood or rock structures, which were commonly known as dugouts, in which they made their homes. As this condition expanded, the construction of corrals for livestock and other purposes followed, with the result the natural channel of Bitter Creek became much restricted in area, causing the flood conditions to become progressively more serious as the years rolled by. For years, during the flood periods of Bitter Creek, it was a customary sight to see boats used to rescue people who insisted on remaining too long in their dugouts, or possibly a cloudburst had occurred a short distance from town and the flood waters reached this area before these people realized a flood was in progress. During 1924, a flood of large proportions occurred (see pictures) which caused many thousand dollars damage to business and other property along the creek, also on higher ground adjacent thereto. It was then decided by the city administration, in cooperation with the management of The Union Pacific Coal Company and the Union Pacific Railroad Company, that something must be done to relieve the condition. During 1925 a new channel was excavated for Bitter Creek, which would detour the waters of that stream away from the central portion of the city, and carry it through a sparsely populated section to the north. Squatters along Bitter Creek east of the channel change were moved to higher ground. The 1937 flood showed conclusively that the present facilities for handling flood waters through the city were inadequate against serious property damage which might occur in future floods. Any proper solution for flood control which would reasonably safeguard property in Rock Springs from floods occurring in Bitter Creek and Kilpatrick Creek would cost more money than the city could possibly raise by assessment. Through the united efforts of the City Officials, the Union Pacific Railroad Company and The Union Pacific Coal Company, the flood control problem was successfully presented before the United States Rivers and Harbors Board, and was favorably acted upon by the Board for definite study of the problem. During the past two months, a most complete topographic survey of the area covered by the City of Rock Springs, also a considerable area on all sides of the City, was completed by a field party from the Los Angeles office of the Rivers and Harbors branch of the U. S. Army Engineering Corps. Experts from the Los Angeles office, trained to cope with the various details encountered in flood control structures, have visited Rock Springs from time to time and have collaborated their work with the work being done by the field party, and are now able to design a flood control system which will adequately take care of flood conditions as they arise in the future. It is to be hoped that the Government Engineers find that the economic necessity for constructing a proper flood control system for Rock Springs justifies the expenditure by the Government of the one million or more dollars necessary for the construction of an adequate flood control system. --- Union Pacific Coal Company Employes’ Magazine, Dec 1939 Old Timer John Yedinak and Wife Celebrate Their Golden Wedding Anniversary “Old Timer” John Yedinak and wife on November 1lth celebrated the 50th anniversary of their wedding at their home, 434 M Street. A family dinner was held on Saturday afternoon, at which 27 relatives and friends were seated. A special mass was held by Father Gnidovec, pastor of Sts. Cyril and Methodius Church, in the presence of a large gathering on Sunday morning. Open house Sunday afternoon was a part of the program, and a multitude of friends and acquaintances called to pay their respects and felicitate the "young couple.” John remarked he had such a good time he felt like repeating the celebration at Christmas. They were married in Austria, November 18, 1889, and the family consists of five sons and four daughters, with twelve grandchildren. Our sincere congratulations are tendered to Mr. and Mrs. Yedinak, with the wish they may live to celebrate the event many additional years. A group photo of the members of the family taken in the home on the occasion, reading left to right; sons, Steve, Paul, Mike, John; and daughters, Mrs. Mike Timko, Mrs. John Larrabaster and Mrs. Joe Elliott; sitting; Mrs. Jay Walker, a daughter, John Yedinak, Sr., and Mrs. John Yedinak. George A. Yedinak of Los Angeles, Calif., not in the picture, was unable to attend the happy event. --- Green River Star, Jan 26, 1940 Yedinak Purchases Rock Springs Miner Paul G. Yedinak, plant foreman of the Rock Springs Miner for a quarter century, last week purchased the weekly newspaper from the estate of the late Frank B. Crumley, who died December 10, it was announced Friday. Yedinak is a native of Rock Springs and has spent his entire lifetime at the printing trade. His announcement said he “had realized a life’s ambition,” which is the ownership of a newspaper. --- Rock Springs Daily Rocket, May 9, 1940 Pioneer Watches Rock Springs Grow From Town of No Houses to City Of Nearly 10,000 in 73-year Span A real pioneer of the west is William Crookston, 78, of 209 Thomas street in Rock Springs, a resident here continuously for 73 years. He has watched Rock Springs grow from its infancy into a city with a population of almost 10,000. In fact, Mr. Crookston came to this region three years before there was even on dwelling built in what is now Rock Springs. His family, with the exception of Archie and Duncan Blair, was the first family ever to locate in Blairtown, then called Rock Springs. His stepfather, mother, sister and brother came here from Alton, Ill., in 1867, when Mr. Crookston was five years old. His stepfather, Mr. Matthews, opened many of the mines around Rock Springs including the old No. one mine, then located on No. One hill. The No. One mine of the Union Pacific was opened where the depot park now is when the mine on No. One Hill burned and was closed. “There wasn’t a house in Rock Springs, and only dugouts and tents in Blairtown, where we settled, when I first came to this country,” he said. “The only house in Blairtown was a log cabin built by Blair brothers in which they also had the only store.” Archie Blair was the father of Mrs. John W. Hay of Rock Springs. The name of Rock Springs was first applied to the Overland stage station near No. 6, Crookston said, and was taken with the miners who settled in Blairtown, which had not then been named after the Blair brothers, until what is now Rock Springs had begun to grow. The first house was built in Rock Springs around 1870, and was followed by many others of the same frame design. “They were little more than shacks,” Crookston said. The houses were built on what is now South Front street and were movd back to Fourth street when the settlers decided that streets were a necessity. The building of the railroad had gone through Rock Springs when Crookston came here, but the westward construction was still in progress. He doesn’t remember the date when the first train came through here, but he was still a boy, he said. The trains were wood-burning and crews of men cut the cedar trees from the nearby hills, hauled them to the railroad and stacked cords of wood along the rails. Whenever the engine would run out of fuel, they would stop along the track to replenish the supply. There was only one track and one switch. The first depot was built in what is now Blairtown, and was later moved to the site upon which it now stands. The station was loaded on two flat cars and moved up to Rock Springs, Crookston recalled. At one time he worked for the railroad sealing cars and “coaling engines,” as it was called. Crookston’s job was to see that the engineer of each train signed for each load of coal he burned, after the wood-burning idea was abandoned. A ticket for each ton of coal the engineer received at this station was given to Crookston and was the only means of checking on the expense of the run. In addition to his job of coaling engines, he received $13 a month for sealing cars. The coal mines around here were individually owned then but were late sold to a firm called Beckwith and Quinn, from whom the Union Pacific purchased the mines. The first No. One mine was opened by the Union Pacific in 1878, Crookston said. One of the first buildings built here is still standing and is now occupied by the Playmore. The rock building was constructed by Tom Wardel and was leased to Beckwith-Quinn as an office building. “It seemed that after the first house was built in Rock Springs it just sprung up,” the pioneer said. “Houses began to be guilt everywhere and were scattered all over the region. Streets ere unheard of then.” The first school house was a two-story building located where the watering trough now is along North Front street. The upstairs of the building was used as a school room and was presided over by a Mrs. Osborn. When the building burned, Mrs. Holliday opened a school room in a red building on South Front street. From there the school children were moved to a building where the junior high tennis courts now stand. Education was comprised of the first to seventh grades. Mr. Crookston eventually leased the Fountain saloon, which still is operated under the same name. The saloon had the only social hall in town and was used for all dances and socials during 1886. Mrs. Mary Morris and her mother, Mrs. Thayer, were the only pianists here at that time and played for all social functions. A family by the name of Clegg lived at No. 6 and sold water from a spring there to the town people at 25 cents a barrel, Crookston said. Despite the fact that most of the buildings erected were used for saloons, Crookston remarked that “I don’t think it was as wild then as it is now.” The residents appointed a one-man police force, a marshal, who would have complete jurisdiction. “Once in awhile there would be a shooting scrape of the cowboys would come to town and after a few drinks would ride their horses into the saloons—for a game or two of pool.” “I myself have ridden many a horse in a saloon,” Crookston said laughingly. After working for a short time in the mines and operating the Fountain club, Crookston entered the stock business and sold and bought cattle until his retirement. The first bridge to cross Bitter Creek was built on Bridge avenue, now M street. Later bridges were built across C and K streets. What is now C street was then only a ditch which ran through the town to where the Park Hotel is now. When it was decided to move the buildings to lay out streets, property sold for practically a song, he said. A lot on the north side of town could be purchased for $30, while the south side property ran around $25 for any lot. “I could have been property rich,” he said, “had not everyone advised met hat as soon as the coal played out, there would be no Rock Springs. I wish I had known then that there was enough coal for a hundred years.” Mr. and Mrs. Crookston, who have been married 45 years, are both still active and their appearances denies their ages. They were married in Colorado, while Mrs. Crookston was on vacation from Missouri, and he was visiting there. They have three children, a son LeRoy, and two daughters, Mrs. John Foy and Mrs. George Crowder, all of Rock Springs. --- Green River Star, Apr 19, 1940 Buffalo Herd Placing Proves Serious Task With Thirty head of buffalo on their hands, the Wyoming Lincoln Highway association now has a problem of knowing where to place them to the best advantage as a tourist attraction, the Green River Community Club was told Wednesday evening by Adrian Reynolds, director of the organization. He sought the advice of the club in suggestions. Some requests have been made to the association, Reynolds related, that the herd be divided into three units of ten animals each, while others desire the full number to be held intact. The Green River club appeared to agree wit the latter suggestion, believing that if the herd was split up there would be no scenic value accruing to placing the buffalo along the highway. Discussion was also given the problem of feeding and caring for the animals, with Reynolds stating that he believed this problem had been fully assured with little expense. Although it had been suggested that the herd be used to start a wild herd on the desert country once occupied by them, Reynolds said, the association officials ran up against a snag when they started preparations to release them at large, and establishing feed and salt beds for them adjacent to the highway. Uncle Sam’s grazing service gave notice that a grazing permit must be secured in exactly the same manner as if the animals were cattle, sheep or horses. This phase of the situation is also being studied and some plan sought by which at least a part may be released at large, but still cared for. The buffalo must be taken from Yellowstone National Park by May 15th, it was pointed out. A site west of Green River, on the extensive flats about 10 miles from here, was suggested as an ideal spot for the placing of the buffalo. This location offers good water and feed grounds, as well as making the buffalo immediately adjacent to both the Lincoln Highway and Union Pacific railroad, where tourists of both class could view the animals. --- Green River Star, Apr 19, 1940 EARLY “ADOBE TOWN” HERE TOLD BY MRS. J. H. GILLIGAN The west of cow days, and Green River of more than a half century ago, were described to almost 100 Green River men who attended the monthly dinner and program of the Men’s Club at the Congregational church Tuesday night by William Crookston of Rock Springs, and Mrs. J. H. Gilligan of Green River. Adobe Town, or Old Town, was built before any of the present town of Green River, but had almost disappeared when Mrs. Gilligan was a girl, only a few adobe walls remaining, she told the men. The town was located in the vicinity of the present power plant. Outside of small plot of grass surrounded by few trees on railroad property, there was but one tree and one rose bush in the city in those days of her girlhood, while it was not until Robert Morris conceived the idea of making Green River a beauty spot were the trees planted in any quantity. Most of the large trees in the town today were planted by Morris. Recalled were the days when a bear pit was maintained at the railway depot, two bears being kept in the pit for the edification of the railroad travelers. In those days, the railroad yards were only four or five tracks wide. It was until almost 50 years ago that there existed a bridge over the Green river at this point, a ferry being operated at a site slightly below the present county bridge in the south end of the town. The stage station of the Overland route had disappeared by the time of her girlhood, but the stage to lander, with its station on the river bank near the present house occupied by E. H. Craver, was operating by way of Alkali gulch, Starvation and Pacific creek. Mrs. Gilligan described the scattered buildings of the town of those days, recalling that the first town jail was a long structure with ironed-barred windows, back of what is now the S. Dankowski property. Dancing was the principal social activity, and as the town had no entertainment hall, the county court house was the gathering place of Green River. William Crookston, hale and hearty long past his proverbial three score and ten, told of the days of the famous cow outfits, when he was beef herd foreman of the famous Goose Egg ranch on the North Platte river. This outfit carried brand on 35,000 head of cattle at its peak and was owned by the Seawright Brothers, a Texas family. Crookston, who as a boy came to Sweetwater county in 1867, his stepfather having been employed in the building of the railroad, told of early scenes in the coal town, also. He said that a small mine on “burning Mountain” in Rock Springs had been opened a short time before the famous U. P. mine No. 1 was opened, but that it was abandoned after it had caught fire. When fire broke out, powder was stored at the mine mouth, and all the population in the immediate vicinity took to the hills, remaining until it was ascertained no explosion would occur. The old timer recalled such characters as Cassidy, but when asked about them, said he had never had dealings with them. Asked as to the best bronc rider he remembered, Crookston said, “we all had to be good to hold our jobs.” John S. Logan reminded the audience that Crookston was one of the best horsemen in the region. The two pioneers were interviewed by Adrian Reynolds, president of the club. Preparation of the program was under direction of C. H. Standen, Carroll Petre and R. W. Davis. Rev. H. Schellinger delivered the invocation. The dinner was served by a group of ladies of the Congregational church. --- Green River Star, Dec 13, 1940 County Leases Land Here For Buffalo Park Railroad passengers and motorists traveling west of Green River next year will have an opportunity to view buffalo at close range as a result of action taken this week by the board of county commissioners. The commissioners have leased 26.82 acres of land from the state board of land commissioners along the Union Pacific railroad right-of-way just west of Green River which will be converted into a buffalo park, according to present plans. The acreage, located between the railroad tracks and the river near the Lincoln highway south of the Palisades, is to be fenced in to hold the animals. Thirty head of buffalo, which the county and other cooperating groups expect to obtain from Yellowstone National Park, will be quartered in the enclosure. While no definite arrangements for obtaining the buffalo have been completed, the commissioners were informed several months ago by park officials that the animals would be available providing a suitable location were found for them. The lease on the land obtained by the commissioners will expire on March 1, 1943. --- s Rock Springs Daily Rocket, Mar 13, 1941 Woman Honored on Her 87th Birthday Mrs. Karen Smidt, who was 87 years old yesterday, was honored on her birth anniversary at an open house at the home of her daughter, Mrs. Carrie Sprowell. Mrs. Smidt was born in Skagen, Denmark, on March 12, 1854. She came with her husband, S.S. Smidt, to Green River 48 years ago. He was employed on the railroad. She is the mother of eight children, seven living: Mrs. F.G. Cundy, Mrs. M.W. Medill, Mrs. Sprowell, all of Rock Springs; Mrs. George Christensen, Dannebrog, Neb., Hans Smidt, Rockville, Neb., Jim and Tom Smidt, Montrose, Colo. Another daughter, Mrs. Anna Anderson, died recently in Green River. Since the death of her husband six years ago, Mrs. Smidt has made her home with Mr. and Mrs. F.G. Cundy. --- Rock Springs Daily Rocket, Apr 26, 1941 Pioneer Springs Couple To Observe Golden Wedding Anniversary Monday Mr. and Mrs. Harry Lange, 203 Thomas street, pioneer Wyoming and Rock Springs residents, will observe their fiftieth wedding anniversary at their home Monday. Starting married life in Wyoming in an era when “the west” was a magic phrase, Mr. and Mrs. Lange have lived a happy and useful life. “If everyone could get along as well as we have during the last fifty years, there would never by any divorces,” Mrs. Lange said. “We have had our ups and downs but we never get mad at the same time.” “And being 16 years older than she, I nearly always let her have her own way,” Mr. Lange added. Mr. and Mrs. Lange will observe their Golden Wedding anniversary with an open house at their home Monday afternoon. Mrs. Lange’s sister, Mrs. Frank Ord of Rock Springs, who was present at the wedding ceremony, will be a guest at the reception. Tuesday night the F.O. Eagles will honor Mr. and Mrs. Lange at a party. When they were married, April 28, 1891, in the Episcopal parish house in Cheyenne by the late Dr. George Rafter, Mr. Lange was 35 and his bride, Nettie Smith, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Charles Smith, was 16. Their attendants were Fred Snyder and Lizzie Beecham. A large reception was held later at the home of the bride’s parents. Mr. Lange, who was born in Baraboo, Wis., in 1856, enlisted in the United States army in 1876 and was sent to Fort D.A. Russell, now Fort Warren, to aid in quelling the Indian uprisings in the territories. At the time he and Mrs. Lange were married, he was working in the passenger service of the Union Pacific railroad between Cheyenne and Green River. Mrs. Lange was born at Fort McPherson, Neb., in 1872, and moved with her parents to Fort Russell. Forty years ago, Mr. and Mrs. Lange moved to Rock Springs where Mr. Lange went into the laundry business with his father-in-law, C.F. Smith. After the business was sold, Mr. Lange was caretaker of the city hall for twenty years, giving up the position two years ago due to ill health. Mr. and Mrs. Lange have two daughters, Mrs. Mamie Lorensen of Lovington, Ill., and Mrs. Ruth Harlan of Rock Springs; four grandchildren, Mary Adair and John Henry Lorensen of Lovington, Clarence “Bud” Harlan, in the U.S. Army at Ft. Leavenworth, Kan., and Mrs. Pete Edwards of Rock Springs; and two great-grandchildren, Illa May and Darhl Edwards. --- Union Pacific Coal Company Employes’ Magazine, Aug 1941 New Engineering Scholarship Student, John Nick Dasovich John Nick Dasovich, the son of Old Timer Pete Dasovich, triumphed over four other candidates, and won The Union Pacific Coal Company's Engineering Scholarship in 1941, the examination having been given by the Company's Engineering Department in conjunction with Mr. Charles Irvin, the Superintendent of Schools at Reliance. John's father is employed as Conveyorman in the Reliance No. 1 Mine, and the family lives at 1204 Eleventh Street, Rock Springs. John is a native of Rock Springs, having been born here on June 24, 1923, and he has lived in this part of the country all his life. During his high school career, in addition to maintaining a high scholastic standing, he took an active part in athletics, having been a member of the football, basketball and track squads. His participation in these extra-curricular activities earned for him a place with the “Tiger Club," an organization of those who have received their "letter” for athletic prowess. John will enter the Colorado School of Mines at Golden, Colorado, for the fall term of 1941, and the good wishes of his many friends go with him in his search for a higher education. Good luck, John! --- Rock Springs Daily Rocket, Sep 11, 1941 Springs Pioneer Resident Recalls Early Days On Eightieth Birthday BY TED SHERWIN Americans of recent generations “don’t know what trouble is,” according to Thomas LeMarr, who at 80 still lives alone, enjoying his life by himself at his apartment, 122 L street, though his children and relatives have often pleaded with him to share their homes. At an open house yesterday at the home of his sister-in-law, Mrs. Mary C. Young, 601 Gobel, honoring him on his 80th birthday, the one-time cowboy recounted some of his experiences during the 61 years that he has lived in Rock Springs, and explained why he believes that life is now much easier than it was in the early ‘80s. “I saw the time when cattle were selling in Rock Springs for only $3 a head,” declared the healthy-looking old gentleman, “and horses could be bought for $5.” That was in 1883 when for some reason the bottom dropped out of the livestock market and the famous “71” outfit which ran 12,000 head of cattle in Sweetwater county, sold out to a “Scotch outfit” which went broke within a year, LeMarr said. When he came to Wyoming in 1880, then a youth of 19, LeMarr went over on the Green river and went to work for a cattle outfit on Fontenelle creek. He had been living in Kansas, but after “a sunstroke in 1878 and getting knocked out the next year” the youngster struck out for the pioneer frontier and went to work punching cows. That was during the summer of 1880. When winter came LeMarr came down to Green River and got work with the Union Pacific railroad and worked about a month before coming to Rock Springs in October. Soon after that he went to work for the “71” cattle outfit in northern Sweetwater county, but gave up riding the range in 1882 when the ranch was sold and he found working for the mines more profitable and steady. “In 1882 I sold my outfit (boots, saddle, and other regalia) after I got married, and settled down,” the pleasant-voiced oldtimer related. He married Hannah Calderwood, who had come over from Scotland in April. They were married in October, 1882. Mrs. LeMarr’s sister, the present Mary Young, was much younger than her sister and the LeMarrs raised her in their home, together with a daughter of Mrs. LeMarr’s brother, who is now Mrs. Hannah Yahner. In addition the LeMarrs had two sons, Thomas and James, both of whom still live here and are well known. After working for several years as yardmaster for the railroad LeMarr went to work for the Union Pacific Coal company, working outside as weighmaster for several of the mines at various times. He had 44 years of service to his credit when he was retired in 1926 because of illness. “They thought I was done, and so did I.” LeMarr said, smiling. “I was laid up for three years with neuritis, but I recovered finally and have worked form many years afterward. He traveled around considerably taking treatments, and credits the Ft. Washakie hot springs with having cured him of neuritis. “This is the first year in 20 years that I have not gone there to take baths,” he explained. “I intended to, but just didn’t get around to it.” Having always led an active life, LeMarr is interested in outdoor activities, and in discussing the opening of the antelope season yesterday he recounted how in the early days he had seen hundreds of antelope as tame as sheep almost within the town limits. In 1883 a particularly severe winter drove many of them to the lowlands where they starved in large numbers because of the lack of feed. LeMarr told of having seen huge herds of buffalo on the Red Desert east of here, and mountain sheep on White Mountain. One of the most vivid memories of the early days in Rock Springs was the scarcity of water, and the general primitive living conditions. Drinking water hauled in tanks from Point of Rocks sold for 35 cents a barrel, and water that could be used for washing was secured from “Old Klegg” who had some artesian wells near No. 6 camp in what is now commonly referred to as “the haunted house.” “Many a time I walked out to the springs north of town for which Rock Springs was named, just to get a good drink of water,” LeMarr said. The old watering trough which until a few years ago was located near the sulphur spring on North Front street, was the center of the early population, and the course of Bitter creek was close by. Many of the inhabitants had constructed rude dugouts along the creek bank which served as homes because of the scarcity of building material. A familiar and beloved figure around Rock Springs, identified by his long mustache which he refused to part with, Mr. LeMarr causes his friends more concern than he considers justifiable, by his insistence on living alone and walking all around town nearly every day. He has retained the use of all his faculties except for slightly impaired hearing, and speaks in a strong, clear and eager voice. For many years he rode a bicycle to work in the yards and to the mines when automobiles were almost unheard of and roads were few. That activity gave him strong legs, which he has continued to exercise ever since. He is a “good cook,” according to Mrs. Young, and nearly every morning gets up and prepares his own breakfast before going out for the day. His hardihood had an early beginning when he walked 200 miles from Missouri, where he was born in 1861, to go to his grandmother in Kansas. As a boy of 15, he walked the entire distance with a pack on his back. --- Union Pacific Coal Company Employes’ Magazine, Oct 1941 A Wee Bit O’ Scotch Our former Pipe Major of the McAuliffe Kiltie Band, William H. Wallace, Winton, Wyoming, recently returned from a trip to Montana and the Canadian Rockies. He had the extreme pleasure of meeting, and felt highly honored in playing with, David Charles Mather, Champion of the World, of Anaconda, Montana. Mr. Mather has in his possession some few hundred medals won at contests in various parts of the world, 22 of those adorning his jacket being of solid gold, one of which is more highly prized than all the other trophies, having been given him and pinned on his coat by the late Queen Victoria. Mr. Mather is now in his 74th year but his finesse still sticks, he hasn't forgotten his cunning of earlier days. In the pictures, beginning at the left, (1) Mr. Mather has just "taken a bow”. (2) Mr. Wallace appears with Mr. Mather. (3) Mr. Alex MacPherson (Green River, Wyo.) is a “braw laddie” and evidently would make good timber for the organization referred to in the first paragraph. Mr. Wallace informed the writer that his spare hours are taken up in the manufacture of bagpipes, it being impossible at the present writing to procure the product from Scotland due to the war. --- Rock Springs Daily Rocket, Oct 11, 1941 Springs Woman, 89, Says It’s “Tough Life”, But She Enjoys It BY TED SHERWIN “It’s been a hard, tough life, but I’ve enjoyed it,” was the comment of Mary Crofts, one of Rock Springs’ oldest pioneer residents, on the eve of her 89th birthday yesterday. Still spry and vitally interest in what is going on in the world, Mrs. Crofts hearkened back to the days of her youth in England, before she came to the United States to settle in Rock Springs as a miner’s wife in 1881. “It makes me feel sick to hear of the terrible things that are going on in England now,” she sighed, “when I think of how peaceful and lovely the country was when I was a girl.” Mrs. Crofts and her husband had four children when they came to this country, and one other was born after they settled here. Their first home was in Blairtown, where they lived in a three-room frame shack, “and were mighty lucky to get that,” she added. “It was quite a different place than what we were used to,” Mrs. Crofts related, speaking with a still distinct English accent. “There were only about 40 white families in Rock Springs then.” Fuel was plentiful, but water scarce, she remembered, and people had to pay 35 cents a barrel for water that was hauled in. Crofts, who was a miner in the early days, became justice of the peace. He died about ten years ago. Mrs. Crofts has three daughters, and makes her home with one of them, Mrs. Florence Smith, at 89 Second street. Mrs. Crofts could not remember the number of grandchildren she has, but there are 20 great-grandchildren, she said. The winter of 1881 was one of the worst in history, she recalled, and clothes were at a premium. No ready-made clothes were available, and everything had to be made by hand. There were no schools, no doctors and no church, she said. Sitting upright in a straight-backed chair, Mrs. Crofts talked to reporters yesterday for half an hour, and spoke with conviction on present day events, on which she is well informed, before hurrying away to a meeting of the Episcopal guild. --- Union Pacific Coal Company Employes’ Magazine, Jun 1944 Golden Wedding Anniversaries MR. AND MRS. JOHN MATSON It was a joyous May 6th for the charming couple, Mr. and Mrs. John Matson, of Hanna, who cele. brated their Golden Wedding anniversary on that day. Mr. and Mrs. Matson greeted approximately 125 guests in an open house celebration of fifty years of happiness. Mr. Matson was born in Vasa, Finland, October 4, 1871, and Mrs. Matson, April 6, 1871, in the same district. Although they knew each other as children, the saying, “childhood sweethearts" didn't apply. Mr. Matson first came to the United States when he was eighteen years old. He worked in a rock quarry at Lyons, Colo., for one year before entering the Company Mine at Hanna, in 1891. He is now a member of the Old Timers' Association, having retired April 1, 1937. When Mrs. Matson was eighteen, she came to Crystal Falls, Michigan, where she stayed with her sister for two years. Soon after, she followed her sister to Hanna. A short time after she arrived she met Mr. Matson, and the couple were married a year later, on May 6, 1894, by the Lutheran Minister, the Reverend Samstrom. All of their nine children were born in Hanna and attended the schools there. The surviving children in the order of their ages are: Matt Matson, who is married and resides in Rawlins; Ernest Matson, of Hanna, also married; Mrs. Joe Bottero, of Winton; S/Sgt. Arvey Matson, of the Army Air Corps; and Evor Matson, who is married and now in the Merchant Marine. They still have many of their childhood traits and both are noted for their wonderful sense of humor. Mrs. Matson has a remarkable memory, being able to recall everything about her life, including dates. They are known to all as “grandpa” and “grandma.” Their opinions of this country is, “It’s perfect. The greatest country in the world. It’s our country.” MR. AND MRS. EMIL BERGQUIST Many friends of Mr. and Mrs. Emil Bergquist will be happy to know that they celebrated their Golden Wedding Anniversary at their home in Pasadena, California. Many Rock Springs friends now living in California were guests. Among them were Mr. and Mrs. Frank Holmes, Mr. and Mrs. Fred Kellogg, and Mr. and Mrs. H. Hildreth. Mr. and Mrs. Bergquist were married in Rock Springs on April 28, 1894, by the Rev. H. N. Smith, pastor of the Congregational Church. Mr. Bergquist in a recent letter to his daughter, Mrs. Wilda Bergquist Pryde, recalled the day and said it rained and rained, and in those days there was no gravel on the streets, just a sea of mud. The bride and bridegroom were taken to the home of the minister via a buggy and a team of horses. Mr. Axel Johnson, who still resides in Rock Springs, served as best man at the wedding. Mr. Bergquist entered the service of The Union Pacific Coal Company in 1886, being retired February 1, 1933. He was employed in the No. 1 Mine for a number of years and later in No. 4 and No. 10 Mines, Rock Springs. Some years ago, Mr. and Mrs. Bergquist moved to California but made frequent visits to Rock Springs. In the more recent years, they have resided continuously in Pasadena, California. Their many friends in The Union Pacific Coal Company family wish them many years of happiness and extend their good wishes to them on the occasion of their Golden Wedding Anniversary. --- Rock Springs Daily Rocket, Apr 28, 1945 Will Observe 54th Anniversary Today MR. AND MRS. H.G. LANGE In observance of the 54th wedding anniversary today, Mr. and Mrs. H.G. Lange, 203 Thomas street, will receive close friends at open house during the day. Residents of Rock Springs for 44 years, Mr. and Mrs. Lange were married April 28, 1891 in Cheyenne. Mr. and Mrs. Lange have two daughters, Mrs. John Lorenson of Lovington, Ill., and Mrs. Ruth Harlin of Taft, Ore.; four grandchildren, Mrs. Vivian Edwards of Rock Springs, Mary Adair Lorenson of Decatur, Ill., and Capt. Clarence Harlin, who is stationed with an army infantry division in Italy; and three great-grandchildren, Illa May and Darhl Edwards of Rock Springs and Vicki Lynn Harlin of Sheridan. Mrs. Lange’s brother, Clarence Smith of Pinedale, will arrive in the city today to visit the Lange home. --- Green River Star, Jun 8, 1945 Pioneer Rancher Goes Back To Childhood Scenes To Make Home One of the pioneers who helped build the ranching industry of western Wyoming – a man who knew the famous ranchers and infamous desperadoes of the area is leaving Green River to make his home in the scenes of his youth - Provo, Utah. George Bullock, known throughout the region simply as "Bishop,” left last Saturday morning for Provo, accompanying his son-in-law and his daughter, Mr. and Mrs. D. S. Keister, to secure a home in that city. Mr. Bullock, who was born and raised in Provo, has been a resident of western Wyoming for more than three-score years, having first gone to Fort Bridger as an employe of the Carter Cattle company - one of the first big cattle spreads in western Wyoming - 1882. He rode with such old-timers as Tom Welch and Jim Lamb, both of whom, like Bullock, became pioneering cattle ranchers in the Henry's Fork Valley south of Green River, and helped develop that area. The Son, Mass, Fosdick, Stoll, Lamb, Large, Hereford, Pearson, Parry and other early day families were contemporaries of Bullock in the valley, and with them he saw the passing of the open range cattle days that came to make the west famous. Asked one day about the desperadoes that made their headquarters around the Wyoming-Utah corner, he said, "Sure, I knew them. But the best policy in those days was to let them alone and they left you alone.” Recently, he has often talked of the change in range conditions about the lush grass that covered the desert years ago, so that the ranging of livestock was a simple matter. Just a short time ago, in a conversation with the writer, he called attention that a half century ago it was not necessary to feed cattle during the winter, because of the ample natural feed that existed at that time. Since that period, the range grass has been gradually disappearing. He can recall seeing grass, south of Green River, that rappled "like a grainfield" in the wind and sun. He remained in the Burntfork section of the Henry's Fork valley until 1918, when he sold his ranching interests and came to Green River to retire from active life. He was married 58 years ago November, his wife dying suddenly at the family home here three years ago. Following that he sold the home to Lee S. Nebeker and has made his residence with Mrs. Keister, He has one son, Kimball Bullock, and the one daughter, Mrs. Keister, besides three grandchildren and six great grandchildren. The daughter, Mae Bullock Decker and Mr. Keister were married in 1926. Mr. Keister has lived in western Wyoming since 1910, working first for the railroad at Rawlins as a brakeman and then a conductor. Later Dan entered the contracting business and many of the homes of this city have been erected by him. When the war ended building activity on large scale, Dan returned to the railroad as a switchman. Mrs. Keister's health necessitates the change. --- Rock Springs Daily Rocket, Sep 18, 1945 The “Losted” Twins At Last, They Find A Happy Home The story of the “losted” twins today assumed a new significance, clarity, and best of all—happiness. Despite the consistent and weeks’ old hush-hush policy of Mrs. Ruth C. Eaman, director of Sweetwater County Public Welfare department, and Mrs. Beverly R. Black, superintendent of Wyoming General hospital—both public institutions supported by the taxpayers—to consider the story none of the people’s or newspapers’ business, The Daily Rocket, which last week “broke” the story from other sources, has ascertained these specific facts: The two-year-old twins, a boy and girl, handsome, sturdy youngsters, were virtually abandoned by their parents at Green River the afternoon of Wednesday, August 22. The father and mother, the former more recently employed as a railroad section hand, were first discovered by William Harscha, a Green River shop employee, that afternoon in their dilapidated car three miles west of Green River. The family, of itinerant nature, had been touring through the Dakotas and Missouri. The twins, the boy extremely fair and husky, and the girl, slighter and a trifle darker, were in bad shape from severely sunburned legs. Mr. Harscha, according to the sheriff’s office, gave them shelter at his home that night and next day notified the sheriff’s office. Sheriff Mike Maher was absent at Cody at a law enforcement organization meeting, so Deputy Sheriff Jack Logan and Police Chief Chris Jessen of Green River investigated. The summoned a Green River doctor who discovered the twins needed medical attention. The father and mother, reported they were unable to give their children proper care and upbringing, expressed a desire they be adopted into some good family. Deputy Sheriff Logan immediately notified Mrs. Eaman at the County Public Welfare department. The latter went into Green River, talked with the parents, the sheriff’s office reports, put the children under charge of her department and took them to the Wyoming General hospital for treatment. After three weeks various disquieting rumors began to seek out concerning the case, one being that Sheriff Maher had jailed the parents; another was that the children had been whipped severely by their parents. Neither Mrs. Eaman nor Mrs. Black would divulge any facts concerning the case, such as would help to clear up these reports fast gaining credence in Rock Springs, Green River, Granger and throughout Sweetwater county during the three weeks before The Daily Rocket ascertained fragmentary facts which however, warranted printing of a story so that the public might learn the general facts. Mrs. Eamon, visiting The Rocket office and making an effort to suppress the story as well as to ascertain who wrote it, assumed the claim that the work and results of her department as “privileged” and should not be given to the public, although her setup is a public institution, supported by the Sweetwater county taxpayers. Mrs. Black took refuge in the Hippocrates oath, saying that her oath of office precluded her divulging any such information, this including other cases which comes to the hospital. There is nothing in the Hippocrates oath which implies that the public is not entitled to information from a public institution. The Wyoming General hospital is a public institution and not a private hospital. --- Green River Star, Nov 2, 1945 Frank Johnson Recalls First Auto Stage Line In Green River Valley Frank Johnson, who last summer purchased the Charlie Howell place on the Green river about 10 miles above town, is a real old timer in western Wyoming, having been born and raised in the western part of the state. This week, in visiting at the Star office, the talk turned to automobiles, and he recalled the first motor stage to be run between the upper valley and Kemmerer. Pat Healy operated the line, and was agent for the cars. As Johnson recalls it, Healy used Maxwell cars for the stage line. He recalls one trip he made, in which Healy was driving one car and a young fellow driving the other. Before leaving Daniel, Healy cautioned the youth to avoid speed--adjuring the young driver “Don't see how fast you can go." The youngster grinned to himself, said nothing and the stages started out. Before long, the second car passed Healy in a cloud of dust and wasn't seen again until the Healy car, in which Johnson was a passenger, arrived in Kemmerer. Whereupon Healy proceeded to eat a chunk out of the driver, asking him how fast he was driving. "Oh, not more than 30 or 35 any time." To which Healy snorted, “Well, how blankety-blank fast do you think you should drive--no more of that kind of driving for me.” Healy, in demonstrating a car to Dr. Montrose, another figure of the Daniel section, proclaimed that the wheels were stiff in turning, which would aid in keeping the car on the rough roads of that day. Montrose grabbed a front wheel to turn it, jerked it around easily, and took his turn in snorting. Also recalled is Gasoline Gus who ran a mail route between Bondurant in the Fall River basin (now called Hoback basin) and Cora, Gasoline Gus made a car out of parts of other old time gasoline buggies and got a hybrid that would run all of six miles an hour but which would deliver the mail over the tortuous old road over the Fall River rim through fair weather or foul, hanging up only when the snow or mud got too deep to navigate. First car over in that country, as he recalls it, was a gasoline buggy owned by Dr. Stafford, early day doctor in Kemmerer. Often as not, the gas buggy would be seen abandoned on the road between Frontier and Kemmerer, where it had failed the doctor on a call. Sooner or later, it would be hauled to the roundhouse at Kemmerer, where the roundhouse mechanics--experts on steam repair--would horse around with it until they could get it to run again. Recalling the days when brave spirits would attempt to drive a car across the desert from Rock Springs to Pinedale, he said that the cowpunchers herding cattle on the desert, would abandon their herds and push their horses to the road to see the horseless wonders. "Now, when we see them, we get out of the way as fast as we can," he commented --- Green River Star, Dec 21, 1945 Cat Takes Over Depot Position Of Official Dog-Watcher The "No Dogs Allowed” sign in the Union Pacific passenger station here is of no further use. Station authorities might just as well take it down and put it in storage. Because there is a black cat on the job to take care of the dog situation. Dogs understand a cat who means business, and can't read signs, anyhow. About six weeks ago, a black cat of the ordinary, back-yard variety, wandered into the station and declared it home. She is exceedingly friendly with humans, and one late night, when trains were delayed and the waiting room full of people, she wandered from lap to lap, even climbing upon the shoulder of willing passengers, and purring to them softly, as though she waa attempting to offer solace for their ordeal of waiting. But--a dog wandered into the station and before the Stationmaster could find the time to chase it out, the cat--like the Marines--had the situation well in hand. A few fast passes, a hiss, a hunch, and the dog left, not to return again. Since that time she has lifted the burden of dog-chasing from the Stationmaster's shoulders. Any dog that lucklessly wanders into the waiting room does not have to look about for pussy. The first thing Mr. Canine knows a ball of black fur, spitting, scratching, is riding him with spurs. No dog has yet shown the nerve to stand and fight it out, station employees state. --- Green River Star, Dec 28, 1945 AIRPORT SITE PROGRESS IS REPORTED Progress is being made towards the site for a Green River municipal airport, Gilbert Lee, former Army pilot and member of the Community Club's aeronautics committee, told club members Wednesday night. He said the municipal port site on Peru hill, eight miles west of the city, is now leased by the Rock Springs Grazing association as winter grazing range, but that preliminary negotiations indicate a way will be cleared for re-establishment of the airport there. Considerable work was accomplished on the Peru site during the days of work relief. If this is secured, application will be made to have a $56,000 allocation expended to improve the site, an amount made available to Green River by the CAA as part of the national plan to develop airways. Also reported is that the movement to secure a portable army or navy hangar has bogged down because there appears to be no surplus property of this type being offered for sale by the government. --- Green River Star, Dec 28, 1945 PALISADE LAKE TO BE MADE SKATING POND FOR YOUTH At the suggestion of the youth committee of the Lions’ club, a group of Green River men, including officers of the State Guard, last week took the Guard’s jeep and used it as a tractor to scrape snow off the ice at Palisade lake. The project was intended to make a safe place for smooth ice skating for Green River’s children, but snows of the last few days have covered the ice again—and the job is to be done over again. The town’s small power pump is also to be secured, and the ice surface of the lake flooded in order to provide good skating this winter, members of the committee said this week. The lake, formed when the highway dammed off part of the old river channel at the foot of Palisades, is regarded as the safest skating in this area, because of the shallowness of the water. --- Green River Star, Jul 12, 1946 RE-LOCATION OF SOUTH ROAD ASKED TO OBTAIN CITY AIRPORT SITE 1½-Mile Change Is Sought; State To Make Site Inspection Petition has been made to the Wyoming Highway Commission to re-locate 1 miles of the proposed new highway south of Green River to Linwood, in order that Green River may establish a municipal airport four miles south of the city atop the large plateau, it was learned yesterday from Erwin J. Vehar, secretary of the Green River Community Club and a member of its airport committee. The Community Club has been working on this site for weeks only to learn last week that the proposed new road survey will cross the plateau, instead of skirting it. The site has been found to be one of the most ideal in the State for an airport, and the community is anxious to develop it for inclusion of Green River in the State-wide airport program. A conference was held Saturday in Rock Springs with Highway Commissioner E. D. Crippa by representatives of the Club-comprising Vehar, J. H. Jacobucci and Lee S. Nebeker. Crippa agreed to go into the matter of making a re-survey and promised to have State Highway Engineer Talcott Moore go over the proposed change sometime this week. Engineer David P. Miller of Rock Springs, engaged by the city to survey the airport site, has completed his work and submitted prints on the site, it was learned and these will be made available to Crippa and Moore. Three extensive runways can be constructed on the site, it is learned, all of which can be logically adopted. --- Union Pacific Coal Company Employes’ Magazine, Sep 1946 John Kobler “When I came to Rock Springs in 1900, wild game was abundant,” said Mr. John Kobler of Winton. Mr. Kobler stated that you could go any place, even in your back-yard, and get sage chicken, and deer and elk were not much more difficult to find. John has been an ardent sportsman and informs us that some of the finest catches of fish he has ever seen were taken from the Elk Mountain district when he lived in Hanna. John was born May 16, 1875 to John Kobler and Helen Pagon Kobler of Lovoden, Austria. His father was a farmer in Austria and raised vegetables and wheat, most of which was used for their own table. Being a very adventurous young man, John was not content to stay on the farm with his mother and father, and at an early age left home to seek his fortune in the steel mills and coal mines of Austria and Germany. After three years of employment, he left the steel mills at Donewitz, Germany for his required service in the Austrian Army. His army tour of duty was for three years, and during the last few months he observed many advertisements extolling the opportunities in America. These advertisements appealed to John, and, as soon as he was free from military service, he and his brother, Frank, came to America, arriving in Pittsburgh on April 1, 1900, where he worked in a coal mine near there until September of that same year. According to John, both he and his brother were extremely disappointed in the conditions they found in America, not necessarily for what it actually was, but more because America was not the "fairy land" which the advertisements he had read in Germany had depicted and led them to believe. He said he had to work to eat in America, the same as he did in the old country, the only difference being that he received comparatively more wages and had better living conditions here. John has two sisters, Mrs. Andrew Peternell, Sr. of Rock Springs and Mrs. Mary Marinchek of Bear Creek, Montana and one brother, Frank, of Rock Springs. Mr. Kobler and Mary Korpnik, who came to the United States from Graz, Austria, when 15 years of age, were united in wedlock in 1902 in Cumberland, Wyoming. They have nine children: Rudy, who works at Winton; Mrs. Helen Olivero of Rock Springs; Mrs. Arvella Nesbit of Winton; William of Rock Springs; Mrs. Agnes Harrison of Cheyenne; and Edna, Margery, Catherine and Gary, who live with Mr. and Mrs. Kobler at Winton. Edna is employed in the office of the Winton Store and Margery is engaged in clerical duties at our Stansbury Mine Office. Mr. Kobler began work with The Union Pacific Coal Company 46 years ago in Cumberland, Wyoming, where he remained until 1907, at which time he was transferred to Rock Springs. In 1908 he was sent to Hanna, where he worked until 1911, then returned to Cumberland until 1928 when the mine was abandoned. He has been living in Winton since that time and for the past three years has had charge of the bath house, which, incidentally, is as “clean as a pin.” The recent United States Naval Inspection Party, which visited the mines in this vicinity, highly complimented Mr. Kobler on the condition of the Winton Bath House. --- Union Pacific Coal Company Employes’ Magazine, Dec 1946 William Victor Telck A Tyrolean, William Telck's father, after two years in the German coal mines, Ruhr Valley, decided that his fortune could be made easier in the United States. For his first location in the states he chose a country almost like his native Tyrol, namely Leadville; Colorado. He and his brother, John, after two years of “no strike,” tried their hand at coal mining for the Colorado Fuel and Iron Company near Trinidad, Colorado. Then in 1899, Mr. Telck's father moved to Kansas where he remained until his death. Bill, as he is known to his friends, was born June 3, 1887 in Tyrol, coming to this country with his father at four years of age. He was married in 1909 to Mary Dalasta in West Mineral, Kansas, and came to Wyoming in 1914 to be employed by the Coal Company at Superior. He advanced to the position of tracklayer in the Superior “A” Mine, then was promoted to hoistman and machine boss. In July, 1920, he was transferred to Reliance where he worked as hoistman and machine boss. While working as machine boss, Bill incurred an injury as a result of a loose lamp cord catching on the main slope trip in the Reliance No. 1 Mine. Because of this and similar accidents involving the loose lamp cord catching, the present safety practice of securing the lamp cord under the suspenders or under the armpit was fostered. After recovering from his injury, Bill worked in the machine shop and later was made tipple foreman, the position he holds today. Mr. and Mrs. Telck have reared two children, Henry, a tippleman at Reliance, and Margaret, now deceased. Upon Margaret's death in 1932, the Telcks adopted her two children, Richard, now 15, and Douglas, now 17. Richard is still in High School and Douglas is serving with the armed forces. Mrs. Telck, together with Mrs. Jane Robinson and her daughter-in-law, Mrs. Henry Telck, show deep interest in the children of Reliance, and play a very important part in the Reliance School Lunch program in the way of serving and cooking. Miss Norma Eyre, Home Economics Teacher, is in charge of the program. --- Union Pacific Coal Company Employes’ Magazine, Dec 1946 Artist-Miner From the depths of our Rock Springs No. 11 Mine comes a modest, young man with exceptional artistic ability. As a result of “Back-sight” Joe, a new monthly feature in the Employes' Magazine, it was necessary to procure the services of an artist conscientious of the practices of safety. Our long search is ended—we have found the man. Raymond Noble was born September 29, 1917 in Derbyshire, England, to Mr. and Mrs. James Noble. At the age of seven, Ray came to the United States with his parents, residing in Rock Springs. Mr. Noble passed away several years ago, and Mrs. Noble is still residing in Rock Springs. During his high school career, he was nick-named “Ritz" by his many associates and continues to answer to that name. As a high school student, “Ritz" enjoyed the arts of craftsmanship, and unlike many of the young men of his acquaintance, continues to delve into the arts, being adept at woodwork and plastics. He is also active in outdoor sports, his chief recreation being fishing and hunting. Upon leaving school, Ray began work in the commercial mines of Rock Springs and was later employed by The Union Pacific Coal Company, netting him a total of 11 years experience in the coal mining industry. On October 18, 1941, Raymond Noble married Kathryn Kaucich, and the young couple, who are residing in Rock Springs, have two children, Roger and Carl. --- Green River Star, Jan 11, 1951 Little America Gets Telephone Service Leaving nothing to the imagination in providing a de luxe roadside inn—really an ultra-modern village on the desert—Little America is providing telephone service, many miles from the Green River exchange, with which it will be connected. A PBX board has arrived, and the roadside oasis henceforth will be connected to the outside world by phone. Little America is the fulfillment of a dream of S. M. Covey, once a sheepman of the region now graced by Little America, who envisioned years ago a comfortable retreat for travelers and others. The amazing result of this dream is known by travelers from coast to coast. --- Green River Star, Jan 18, 1951 Last of Buffalo Herd Destroyed Finis had been written to the vast herd of buffalo that once ranged in the vicinity of Douglas, Wyo. The remaining lone bull, last of the Hylton ranch herd, was hunted down recently and shot. The bull had no use for the Hereford range bulls, and having injured several belonging to neighbors, his death was decreed. The animal weighed 900 pounds, and his hide now is in possession of Bill Chapman of Douglas who, with Pete Jackson, shot the buffalo. “Thus endeth another chapter in the history of the old west,” comments the Douglas Budget. --- The Star-Journal, Jul 6, 1951 New Drive Inn for Green River Mrs. Lily Byrd and Mrs. Agnes Kearns, proprietors of the Wagon Drive Inn, recently purchased the Orange and Black Drive Inn building located in Rock Springs, and moved it to their lot adjacent to the Wagon Drive Inn. They are redecorating the new building, which will be known as the Green and White Drive Inn, and hope to be open for business in the new location next week, Meanwhile they are continuing in the old building, which they have operated for several years. The spacious new drive inn facing Highway 30, will have seven stools and plenty of room for customers who prefer to be served in the cafe rather than in their cars. Mrs. Byrd has announced that she will serve coffee and basketburgers, and has acquired a new hot dog machine. Jeannine Byrd will be in charge of the carhops. --- Green River Star, Apr 4, 1952 Will Open Mortuary In Green River Announcement is made this week that Francom and Villanova will open a mortuary and ambulance service in Green River on April 13, at which time the mortuary will be open to inspection and their ambulance will be on display. Dick Francom, now engaged in the barber business here and formerly in the mortuary business, and William Villanova, Rock Springs funeral director, are partners in the venture. The building on the corner of Railroad avenue a block south of the Green River Mercantile company has been remodeled for this purpose. --- Rock Springs Miner, Jul 6, 1952 No July 4 Trip for George LaBakis George LaBakis left for "home" Saturday. But not for a Fourth of July weekend. George set out on a 8,000 mile journey, determined to visit his native Crete for "my first and last" visit since I left 40 odd years ago." This isn't a sudden wanderlust brainstorm snatched out of a travel folder, but the result of five years of planning and 40 years of hoping. George isn't a sentimental man outwardly and he tries to assure people that his trip is purely a matter of curiosity. But when he gets started, you notice tinges of homesickness in his voice as he talks about old friends and relatives which he has kept acquaintance with through frequent correspondence. George a bachelor, is convinced he's not a spry as he used to be now that he has reached the 69 year mark. His trip to Greece to visit friends and relatives and see old familiar scenes has been prompted because his eyesight isn't too good and may become worse. George says that after his four months tour, he will be content to return to Rock Springs and "spend the rest of my days in peace." Unlike many of the living immigrants to the U.S., George remembers well the life he led in Greece and Crete because he didn't leave there until he was 28. NATIVE OF CRETE George was born in Rethymno, Crete and had no ambition to leave until he had finished the Grecian equivalent of high school and studied law. Not until he began working for the government as a clerk in the Greek courts did George realize; through reading and discussion America, what the "land of opportunity really offered." Most people who immigrated to this country in the early twentieth century had relatives or friends who preceded them. But George cut all ties with home, bid farewell and set sail for a new way of life in a new country without a qualm and without a friend to greet him when he docked in New York, Oct. 10, 1912. New York is terrifying enough to an American visiting there for the first time, but to a homespun Greek who spoke no English, it was a perpetual turmoil and an undignified monstrosity from which he did well by exiting. GO WEST So 28-year-old George followed the "go west" motto and landed in Salt Lake City as a worker for a copper company. From law, to copper, to candy would drive many people mad, but George was determined to succeed in his adopted land and he obtained work in a Salt Lake City candy store. After all, as he reasons it, there wasn't much possibility of a non-English speaking person getting to be a copper company president. George saved his money and soon was capable of entering his own business--the big question being where. First he owned a soda water business in Salt Lake and then traveling about the west and struck on Rock Springs as an up-an-coming town. He and James Daskalos went into a partnership in 1926. The opened up a bakery shop candy store and named it the Parisian bakery, little realizing that the same store would still be operating in 1952 in the same location. George later went into partnership with Sam Kerakis and the two still actively operate the business. When George settled down to his Rock Springs business in 1926, K street was a dusty road in the summer, a rutted road in the winter, and a quamire in the spring. A western town of the first water, cowboy boots plunked up and down the narrow boardwalks of a city which has the dubious credit of being the last place of its size to get paved streets and sidewalks, sanitary system, and adequate lighting. People, who before thought Rock Springs was destined to be a coal camp of short duration, where just realizing that they might spend their lives here and were becoming interested in sanitary facilities. A REALITY George came at the right time, Rock Springs became progressive just before he arrived and in 1926 the diversion of Bitter creek from the center of Rock Springs became a reality. No longer were homes flooded and no longer did the stench of Bitter creek make the business district smell like a rendering plant. Liking the progress and the people, George decided his days of wandering were over and settled down to satisfy people's palates and suvive business cycles. He has only lost out once in his Rock Springs business career and that happened about five years ago--someone blasted open his safe and trotted off with some $2,500 in negotiable greenbacks. George keeps the mangled safe as a souvenir and shining example of the art of safecracking. There are other reasons why George likes Rock Springs besides the progress and friendliness. He like the climate "Not too hot in the summer, and in the winter, a little cold but not much." He like to hunt and fish and considers Wyoming a mecca for the addicts. And he thinks Rock Springs offers the best opportunity for success in the business world. BOTH HOME That's why he's going to return to the city after his vacation. Actually, although he calls both Greece and Wyoming his home, he favors the latter as "being my true hom." In talking about his trip, he said he would "have a good time, meet friends and then come back home." When George boards the Greek-American ship "Nea Hellas" in New York July 12, it will be a far cry from the steamer "Princess Arlene" which brought him to America in 1912. Like many other Rock Springs residents, he came to this country as an immigrant from a foreign nation, became a citizen, and through perseverance and foresight, is now a successful businessman capable of returning to his homeland, his read high from justified pride. --- Green River Star, Oct 14, 1955 Stark, Butcher Named by Sheriff Glen Butcher of Green River, who has for many years been identified with the Green River police force, either as a patrolman or as a relief man, this week was appointed deputy sheriff by Sheriff George M. Nimmo, to be stationed at Green River. Sheriff Nimmo also appointed James Stark, who has been deputy at Rock Springs, as undersheriff, filling the vacancy caused by the resignation of C. D. McWilliams to enter private business. Stark will maintain his headquarters in Rock Springs. --- Rock Springs Miner, Aug 27, 1960 Pioneers Will Observe Golden Wedding at Old Home Thursday Thursday, August 31, will be a festive day for Mr. and Mrs. Robert S. Fletcher, longtime residents of Rock Springs. The day will mark their 50th wedding anniversary and the occasion will be observed at their old home which now is the home of their daughter, Mrs. James J. Johnson at 214 K street. All of their sons and daughters and most of their grandchildren will be in attendance. The observance will be an open house reception and all friends of the family are extended an invitation to attend. Guest will be received between 2 o’clock in the afternoon and 8 in the evening. Mr. and Mrs. Fletcher were married in the L.D.S. temple in Salt Lake City on Aug. 31, 1900. Up until that day Mrs. Fletcher was Elizabeth Ann Young, sister of the late J.B. Young, prominent early day resident of the city. She is a native of Scotland and came to Rock Springs at the age of six. Mr. Fletcher is a native of Coalville, Utah, and came to Rock Springs at the age of nine. With the exception of three years that they lived in Kanesville, Utah and about two years when the lived in Ogden Mr. and Mrs. Fletcher have lived in Rock Springs since they first came here. Mr. Fletcher is 72 years old and his wife is 70. He was a son of Mr. and Mrs. Samuel Fletcher and she was a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. George Young, all early day Rock Springs residents. Mr. Fletcher takes great pride in the fact that The Union Pacific Coal company in an issue of its Employees magazine credited his father as the man who first discovered coal west of the Mississippi. The father also was active in laying the Union Pacific railroad. Mr. and Mrs. Fletcher are the parents of six children. Two children died in infancy. Their living sons and daughters are Mrs. Johnson with whom they spend the summer and fall months in Rock Springs and Sam Fletcher with whom they spend the winter and fall months in Mesa, Ariz.; Mrs. Raymond (Catherine) Ault of Weed, Calif.; George Fletcher of Green River; Mrs. Osman (Vera) Mann of Salt Lake City and Robert Fletcher of Rock Springs. They have 21 living grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. The three daughters and the three daughters-in-law of Mr. and Mrs. Fletcher will preside in the dining room at Thursday’s golden wedding observance and several of their granddaughters will serve the guests who call at the Johnson home during the hours of the reception. Three days after their wedding a half century ago, Mr. Fletcher left on a two-year L.D.S. mission to the central states. During his absence Mrs. Fletcher worked in the J.B. Young and company mercantile store here and lived with her sister, Mrs. James (Maggie) Kay, who also was a pioneer Rock Springs woman. When Mr. Fletcher returned from the mission he went to work in the J.B. Young store and was employed there for many years. In later years he served as custodian at the junior high school in the city. --- Rock Springs Daily Rocket, Nov 29, 1962 Man Reports His Brother Missing CASPER, Wyo. (UPI)—Natrona County authorities were asked Wednesday to assist in finding a man reported by his brother to be missing two weeks. The missing man, Cyril Kelly, 46, was last seen on Casper streets Francis Kelly, his brother. Cyril Kelly lives in nearby Evansville. Authorities said the search had been extended to Billings and Butte, Mont., cities where Kelly has relatives, as well as to Denver and the Mayo Clinic at Rochester, Minn., without success. Kelly is a rockhound, so sheepherders in areas he is known to favor for rock hunting also were notified. The missing man is 5-10 and weighs 200 pounds. He drive a black Valaint automobile (1960) with Natrona County license plates, authorities said. --- Arizona Republic, June 30, 1973 GILA BEND - The birthday of Mrs. A. M. Willson, 106 today, was proclaimed Elizabeth Willson Day here. The proclamation, issued by Mayor James O. Robertson, declared, "Whereas, the town and community desire to pay special tribute to those senior citizens who reach and exceed the century mark, and, Whereas, the citizens of Gila Bend hereby express their sincere best wishes to Elizabeth Willson on her 106th birthday... the town proclaims the 30th Day of June, 1973, Elizabeth Willson Day." Though she felt too tired to pose for a photo or receive the usual onslaught of visitors who will arrive on her birthday, Mrs. Willson is still keen of mind. She recalled that she has lived under 20 presidents, seen the creation of 13 new states, lived through four ??? "In our family," she said, "girls were not instructed to stay indoors and leave out-door work for the boys. We had plenty of exercise and I was active all my life." She smiled and recalled trading detested dishwashing chores with her brother in return for slopping the pigs. Mrs. Willson, a retired teacher was born Elizabeth Huntly in New Hartford, Iowa. She is a graduate of Iowa State Teacher's College, then Iowa Normal School. In 1895, she married another teacher, A.M. Willson, and moved to Golden, Colo., where she lived for 22 years and became the mother of four daughters, three of whom became teachers. The fourth was a social worker. Only two daughters now are living Mrs. Elizabeth Hidy, a Gila Bend teacher with whom Mrs. Willson has made her home since 1951, and Mrs. Frank Mayo of Wyoming. Mrs. Willson has 14 grandchildren, 30 great-grandchildren and two great-great grandchildren. Active well past her 100th birthday, Mrs. Willson now is plagued by diminished hearing and vision and bouts with arthritic pain. Her daughter said she spends most of her time resting but keeps her mind active by playing word games. ---