Deadwood Free Press Vol 2 Issue 24

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Deadwood Free Press Vol. 2 Issue 2

October 16, 1878

Vol. 2 Issue 24

October 16, 1878

War Hero and Son of Former Councilman Enters Race Harold Leonard Jr., son of famed war hero Harold Leonard, has announced he will be running for Deadwood Town Council. “I can’t imagine a finer person stepping up to lead our community,” stated former Mayor Neil Streeter. “Every day, I call myself to being a better man by asking in any challenging situation, ‘What would Harold Leonard do?’ Surely his son would know and have baked such a high code of thought and conduct into his life.” This brings the number of candidates running to three, with that being also the number of available seats. The others are incumbent Dr. Devon and then young bank teller Mr. Bluebird. They are profiled elsewhere in the issue. “I believe a stronger community with more activities for youth, greater public protection and the amenities of a growing city is important to youth,” said Mr. Leonard, who of late has resided in Brisborn, Nev., where he was sheriff. It is reported he has gunned down a total of 123 lawbreakers over the period of seven months in which he has been sheriff, and personally supervised a number of hangings. Mr. Leonard came up with the idea of pairing hangings with celebrity auctions, so the many people gathered to see an evil man’s head snap could also bid on items to help local charities. Mr. Leonard’s father, also a Civil War veteran, was elected earlier this year to Deadwood Town Council but died in a freak accident involving kerosene and starving orphans he had recently saved from winter snows. “I can’t tell you how many times my

father spoke glowingly to me of Deadwood and I look forward to seeing the place,” said Mr. Leonard Jr, who has lived here for a year. Besides his role as a lawman, Mr. Leonard served next to his father in the Civil War. At 7, he was reportedly the youngest person ever to capture a Confederate battalion. Mr. Leonard says modestly he hardly ever remembers the incident, for as a young man his father encouraged him to often wield a shotgun against villainy. Mr. Leonard says he does regret the condition of the South after the War. He says proudly that the battalion was about to despoil 29 virgins of the South gathered in a nunnery, and so while a Union man he also did his part to keep Southern flowers safe from plucking. Naturally, news of his candidacy has spread like wildfire, even outpacing the ability of the Free Press to announce it. We are dismayed to read in a certain Yankton rag that it maintains based on the previously reported age of Mr. Leonard that Mr. Leonard Jr must be 12. The editor further states Mr. Leonard Jr could not have possibly served in the War as he had not been born yet. Well. We agree Mr. Leonard does not yet have the head of facial hair that the editor of the Yankton paper does not have, but we suggest the editor look between his own legs to see sometimes men don’t have hair where and when expected. We of course have not witnessed that area on the editor ourselves, but know from reading the man’s paper he must not have *anything* between his legs.

President Lincoln consults with Deadwood Town Council candidate Harold Leonard Jr., left, during the Battle of Antietam. Leonard went on to become a famed Indian fighter, killing 398 during one battle in which he was the surviving white man.

Mayor Dufaux Resigns

Mayor Dufaux gathers with supporters outside Town Hall immediately after her resignation

Mayor Astolat Dufaux stunned a packed room at the Deadwood Town Council after announcing her resignation. She also stated she would not be seeking re-election in the term ending this month and up for election on the weekend of Oct. 23. “I thank you for your service to the town, Miss Astolat. It’s been an honor serving with yotu,” stated Councilwoman Merryann Munster, speaking for the group. The news means deputy mayor Clay Kungler, who had been mayor before Miss Dufaux, will now chair the council until it elects a new officer. Other council news: - Councilman Glen Devon resigned a few weeks before the meeting, owing to his plans to resume being a deputy and plans to run for sheriff in this election. “We are grateful for his service,” Mayor Dufaux noted. - Town treasurer Daniel Densmith announced he was indignant that an inves-

tigatory committee had been appointed to look into financial management of the jail remodeling. Mr. Densmith returned from a long trip to Chicago to state that he had received funds back from the contractor right before the man’s untimely death, and that the town’s books were balanced. Mr. Densmith stated only new taxes would pay for additional services the town might want. - The council approved a resolution saying the town should have a library, and leaving it at that. Presumably private citizens will form one. “We are not offering financial or personnel support, only moral support,” Mayor Dufaux stated. It is not known what happened to the previous library, though there are reports Mr. Densmith had it packed up about the same time the investigatory committee was formed. Mr. Densmith however states he is unaware of the library’s situation and was not involved in its management. 1

Deadwood Free Press Vol. 2 Issue 24

October 16, 1878

Letters to the Editor Editor, I was greatly taken aback by the announcement of Mayor Dufaux’s resignation. In my opinion, she was a dedicated and hard working official, unlike some, who will remain nameless. It is my sincere hope that she continues to work for the best interests of Deadwood as she has done since her arrival. Our household wishes Miss Dufaux well in her future endeavours. Charles Wadsworth Store clerk Editor, I caint rite, so my pardner is a ritin this fer me. We miners wanna know where all the hoors have gone. They is some high priced ones in places like ta Gem or ta Bella, but me an Jacob caint afford em. Miners dont make that kinda money. Its a plum shame that a man caint go ta town and get a drink an a woman without spendin a years pay. Ya’ll want ta gold outta the mountains, but ya wont pervide fer a mans basic needs, that jest aint rite. Pete and Jacob Editor, I would very much like to address a huge problem here in Deadwood, namely the disposing of waste, human and otherwise out into the streets. The stench is horrific, and a man has gotta watch when he passes by a door or window as he is likely to have a chamber pot emptied upon his head. Why, just yesterday I had a basin of wash water tossed onto my person by a harridan who took exception to my remarks about her dubious ancestry after being so suddenly doused with soiled water. I would respectfully suggest to the Town Council that if they truly want Deadwood to become a city to be proud of, they will address the sanitation of the city post haste. Mr. Joseph Peterson Deadwood

Editor and Publisher Neil Streeter Reporter Addison Leigh Contributing Writer D. A. Kuhr Typesetter S. Morigi 2

Editor, Something must be done about the alltoo-common shootings in Deadwood. In many towns, notably Dodge City and Wichita, there is a dead line. If you step over that line carrying a weapon, you will very quickly find yourself confronted by several lawmen. Why cannot Deadwood follow suit? If a man wanted to carry a weapon in China Alley, all well and good, but should that same worthy decide to wear his weapon on Main Street, he should be hauled off to jail as soon as may be. If you doubt that we have too many shootings then ask our beleaguered doctors who are nearly worn out by the constant victims of gunshots that they must treat, what their thoughts on the matter is. George Stoddard Deadwood Editor, I and the other hardworking men of Deadwood are most alarmed that certain members of Town Council are pushing for taxes to support their various and obviously ill-conceived ideas. Men work in order to support their families and to lay something aside for a rainy day. If a man is somewhat more thrifty, he may even save enough to become somewhat wealthy. These are the foundations of an economy based on capitalism. Something our town fathers seem to have forgotten. The idea of the government taking a man’s wages away, because they think they know better than I how to spend said funds is arrogant in the extreme. I would also point out that it smacks of thievery. Were someone to take monies from those government officials in favor of said taxes, those self same officials would squeal like stuck pigs. I end with this, the members of Town Council who propose such taxation should be prepared for a single term in office, as right thinking citizens will turn the thieves out. Jebediah Wheeler Deadwood

Many Deadwood residents made the trip when Raymond and Merry Lee Frog brought their highly regarded musical stylings and songs and music to Yankton’s theater. The audience enjoyed tales and tunes about Halloween and other spooky subjects. “Thank you for the most wonderful show,” an enthused Abigail Waddington told the performing couple.

Editorial The Streeter Law: Have some fucking fun, please There were many shocked reactions when Mayor Astolat Dufaux announced her resignation. I wasn’t shocked. I’d thought about resigning many times when I was mayor. I admired her for having the courage to do so publicly and not trying to just fill a chair, which I did my last few months of hanging on. The brutal truth, though, is that we chew up and spit out our elected officials. Who is at fault? Well, this is America. So it’s clearly the fault of government. And ... well ... maybe us. If you think about it, between Sheriff Scara and Sheriff Gus, the average sheriff was often gone almost the minute they were elected. I don’t remember sheriff, I remember numbers. Ditto the council. We’ve had council members who barely showed up. We had one person on the council for seven months who I don’t believe ever did show up. And these were all great people as people to watch on the job and to do what they do - in other roles. They were people who did many things well. But they clearly thought the role was going to be different than what it was. I remember Mayor Clay telling me that people clearly thought a position of sheriff or council was something magic - that it would bring them a power or status or some authority they did not have before. They believed, in other words, in some illusion: like a picture thrown on a screen by a magic lantern. And so yes, we can blame the role and the illusory sense that if we pretend, a role fits us and becomes real. But .... people are involved. Real people. What you quickly find with a role of responsibility is that anything that elevates you raises your head to be a target. As the old saying goes, “The whale only gets harpooned when he comes up to spout.” For most humans, the harpoons start coming, verbal, or implied ... or imagined. You and I can harpoon our own selves much more effectively than almost anyone else can, and much earlier. We all like to pretend we are certain people. It gets us through the day. I pretend I am an editor, and by status in publishing, I am. By pretending I need not be Neil Streeter or whatever name I may have, who without his upbringing would be but a naked soul placed alone by God in this world. So also I pretended to be a mayor.

Who does not want to pretend they are a sheriff? Who does not want to pretend to be a mayor? Who does not want to pretend to be on a council? Who does not want to pretend to be citizen of an amazing place like here in Deadwood? Is that not so much better than being real to ourselves? Well. Maybe not. Maybe in the act of assuming a new role, we find out what’s real and what isn’t. Maybe we don’t escape what we are made by God and our environment before Deadwood. Maybe we are ... human. Humans take important roles. They abandon them, thrive in them, lose them, or any number of fates. We do this to find meaning and ascension. Sometimes we find only humility. Maybe we are not meant for a role, and maybe we should simply do what we enjoy. Not what we think what we *should* do. And certainly not what others think we should do. Maybe we should just have fun. I challenge my fellow citizens to just enjoy me in having fun. Forgot the goddam politicking and crazy bullshit talk. Forget the calls for demotion or promotion. That’s not why we are here. Let’s not forget why we are here: to get rich and to have intercourse. Well ... maybe. But being rich and being laid are only two factors on a higher path. And that’s the calling to have FUN. Let’s just have some fun. So here is the Streeter Law of Deadwood. The next time someone in Deadwood says something negative to you, please kindly either kick them in the breasts, which on most Deadwood ladies in the largest target, or if male, shoot them in the nuts. Do us all a goddam favor. Please. Disable them. Tell them to take their negative comments and bundle that whining with their pole or brush and pound it into the nearest brick. I don’t care if they are even just whispering to you, because we seem to whisper more in this town than we talk. Tell em to pound it however they whine. The method of whining don’t matter. The consequence of positivity and good humor do. Maybe if we have fun we can still build this town and not drive ourselves to drink and insanity. Have fun, people. Whether you are real or not.

Deadwood Free Press Vol. 2 Issue 2

October 16, 1878

Town Council Candidate Profiles Here are surveys from candidates for town council. The election will be conducted the weekend of Oct. 23 to 24. The next council meeting is 7 p.m. Oct. 29.

Mr. Bluebird

Morrigu B. Devon, MD Occupation: Administrator, Deadwood Gulch Hospital’ Physician; Public Health commissioner, Town Councilwoman

comprehensive support of the city services.

What are your personal goals as a council member? I plan on getting a Health Code List a specific law or two you would written and approved over the next like passed: term, regarding issues that could I’d like to see Deadwood have a safeguard the well being of our comprehensive health code, and town’s people. provided I was elected I will do everything I can to see one in place Why should someone vote for as soon as it can be passed. you? Experience, Wisdom, Patience. As What should be the town council’s a mother myself I look out for the goals for the coming months? well-being of my children. WatchFurther development of the city, ing over Deadwood this way is no better planning, a fire brigade, different.

Occupation: Bank teller What should be the town council’s goals for the coming months? To serve the people What are your personal goals as a council member? Same as above Why should someone vote for you? Because I want to serve the people and give them a voice in the council

Harold Leonard, Jr. Mr. Harold Leonard Jr. was fighting Indians in Canada on behalf of the French and was unable to submit his form in time.

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Deadwood Free Press Vol. 2 Issue 24

October 16, 1878

Tart sells tarts: Miss Isabelle Endsleigh attracted quite a crowd with her puff pastries as the weekly farmer’s market. Citizens will find all sorts of goods for viewing or sale or both at the weekly farmer’s market.

Orphans - A Good Deal By Elizabeth Vita who lives in the orphan- four girls in together and scrub with soap. age but is not really a orphan as she has her Boys should go after girls because they aunt Marrant who is not really her aunt. add dirt and other things to the water. Also, they can use the soap the girls leave We have many orphans in the orphan- behind. Four girls will fit in one big towel age. It does not cost more than a quarter to for drying Boys will not like towels so they adopt one. That is just for the paperwork. If should be dried up using the girls’ towel you have too many chores, orphans are good for that. Mostly they need to be over four to be of any practical use, but some 3-yearolds can carry logs, fetch water and even mind a baby for a moment. If you do not have a lot of money to hire help, orphans are the way to go. Most often they will do as told without complaint, as they are grateful to have a home, though it is suggested you lock up any valuables in case one does decide to run off. Care of orphans is not expensive. They once the girls are done. do not eat a lot. Oatmeal fills them up for Give an orphan a chore schedule, and breakfast, and for supper, just add water your life can be at ease. One orphan can to the leftover soup. They wear hand me keep a fire burning all day long, make downs and do not much complain. You supper and clean up after. Orphans are can fit four or five to a bed, though they good are washing clothes and ironing, as do not need much sleep. For baths, put well as mending. They are not good at 4

math or writing because they are too busy for school. If you do not have a lot of chores, orphans are good to rent out. Mister String has rented a few for the mines. They are good for climbing chimneys to clean or roofs to repair. If you do not want to risk your own children for some chores, a do p t an orphan. We have plenty. Babies are of little use, though people seem to prefer them. They do look cute a nd t he y do not talk back. They can wear you out. If you like b abies and cannot seem to have you r own, the orphanage has some. Eve nt u a l ly they will grow up and be of use. The end. How to get adopted. Go to the orphanage. Stand around. Look cute. If that doesn’t work, fake being ill. Go to the Doctor’s. Meet Doc Devon and the Devon clan. Look cute. The end.

Help Children with Stories Students of Miss Colleen Tharnaby’s class have been trying to find oldtimers willing to share stories of what Deadwood was like in the olden days. Unfortunately, such old timers seem to be dead, have moved on or are unwilling to talk to young ‘uns. Joellen Devon reported in the last two classes that she was unable to find anyone. Little Mikey tell this paper that he had found a bunch of “old people” in the Gem, where he has often been welco me d b y ou r Mayo r, but that “a mean old lady” had told hi m to leave. “Have yer interviewin with old fuckers someplace else pard,” the unknown woman told the child. “She sweared, too,” the young lad sadly reported, his lower lip quivering ever so slightly. “I gonna fail!” Editor’s note: Surely someone in our town cares about our youth enough to speak with them about their reminiscences. You might ask a child if you see one if they are under this same assignment. We hope to publish these interviews in the paper.

Deadwood Free Press Vol. 2 Issue 2

October 16, 1878

How Bad Will Winter Be? Glad you asked. Judging by all the usual signs, it looks like it’s going to be Bad. So what are the “usual signs,” you say? I’m glad you asked that too. County folk have always observed and tried to understand the land they live upon and the creatures they share it with. In observing patterns over time, you learn to see signs of things that generally follow one another. For example, indications of a bad winter coming: * The migratory birds -those that leave for the winter, like the northern geese, the sandhill cranes, the hummers, even the buzzards -- will generally head out a month or so earlier than they usually do if things are going to be bad during the winter months. * Your livestock -- cattle and horses -will have thicker and shaggier winter coats come in to replace their summer coats. If you go out to milk the cow and she looks kind of like she could use a a trip to the barber, it’s probably going to be a bad winter. * Squirrels. Yep, if those nasty little tree rats have big bushy tails in the fall, winter will be hard and grim. Scrawny, mangy-looking tails? Then it won’t be so dreadful. * Acorns. If they have been larger than usual and more plentiful than usual, a harsh winter is coming. * Another sign is muskrats building their

“Pumpkin kicking” is the sport of choice at the weekly game night of the No. 10 Saloon hosted by owner Judge Rod Eun. Contestants kicked pumpkins into a corner while dodging - or sometimes actively interfering with - other contestants and their pumpkins and corners. The big winners included Miss Addie Rau and Mr. Clay Kungler.

holes higher up on the banks of rivers and to you? creeks. The higher they go, the worse it’s going to be. * Have the bees built nests really high up? Yessir, that means the snow will be deep. * Have there b een rings or halos around the moon or the sun? If these appear frequently during the late summer and fall, then there will e numerous snowfalls. But the most reliable, sure-fire indicator? Wooly-worms. Yes, that’s right, I said

wooly-worms. Go out in the garden and look at your woolyworms. If the black and orange fuzzy caterpillars are fatter and fuzzier than usual, and the black bands in their stripes are wider than usual, make sure you lay in a good supply of firewood and plenty of provisions, because winter will be harsh indeed. Some folks may sneer and say such things are but superstition and foolishness. In the modern world of today we should be guided by science based on careful observations and comparisons. But then these beliefs are the result of observation and comparisons made by the country folk over time. Doesn’t that sound pretty much like science

Fashion: Is it what YOU want?

By D. A. Kuhr

Ladies Fashion for the fashion devotee of the Deadwood woman is a subject both men and women can enjoy, I welcome input and comment from both sexes. The lady’s top should it cover the breasts and leave no bare skin ... or do you prefer some cleavage? That question is on the minds of all of us. Should we take the puritan view and keep all covered at all times , or should we be more liberal? The fashion seen most in Deadwood is of the highest standard with garments both colorful and flowing The vibrant colors of the material makes a pleasing look to the eye. Normal work wear for the working gal can range from boringly dull to just dirty . This picture shows this reporter in her work wear a crisp white top shows off her dark hair , the cleavage is only visible between the frills of the shoulders and chest. the light tan and darker lines break the dress up and make it look so feminine. The tied middle section shows her slender waist and pushes up her chest area. Do you think some of us look like tarts? Or do you think we are leaders in fashion in Deadwood? Any ladies who would like their attire to be displayed in any future article could they contact this reporter. Siobhan McKeenan(Miss)

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Deadwood Free Press Vol. 2 Issue 24

October 16, 1878

A guide to the Western Horse, Part 1 The horse is an essential element of life in the West and has has been since they first bore Spanish conquistador into the region some 300 years ago. The horse made the buffalo-hunting culture of the Plains Indians possible, and carried explores, travelers, soldiers and emigrants into the vast spaces of the western half of the content. Today, the ponies ridden by the cow hands and the descendants of the old Spanish colonial horses ridden by the vaqueros facilitate a massive industry in beef. Numerous breeds of draft horses pull the planting, tilling, and harvesting machinery of the modern farms that are transforming the soil of the Plains. Other heavy horses drag the timbers that are essential to hard rock mining, or pull delivery and freight wagons serving the growing communities of the West. Yet so many of our residents come from urban circumstances, where most of their experience with horse is limited to watching teams draw streetcars or pull beer wagons. For them, we would like to present this simple primer of some basic aspects of understanding and communicating about horses:

attached to a particular mare, that if she strays during the night an entire herd go with her, unlike if a couple geldings were to wander off. In fact, in wild horse herds, an older dominant mare will be the boss of the group. The boss mare is the one who decides when and where the herd will move, with the stud following. Stallions will come and go, as they compete more or less successfully for status

Gender First of all, issues of gender: Horses are classified as stallions, mares or geldings. Stallions (or Studs) are the unaltered, non-castrated males. Due to their unpredictable temperament, and inability to think more with head number one than head number two, stallions are seldom used as working saddle horses. Some studs can make acceptable working horses, but it takes the right stud and the right handler to form a dependable team. As a rule, the stallion has one job and that is to sire offspring. Geldings are castrated male horses, of any age. These are the standard work horse of the West, as their personalities are not shaped by the stallion’s mating urges or fighting instincts. They simply have the least number of issues and generally are most reliable. Mares are the females. In the West, mares were usually reserved for breeding purposes and sometimes as a ladies’ riding animal. Mares were not traditionally used for work or riding for several reasons. They can be a distraction to other horses, as they come into estrus about once a month or so, from spring through fall. This can and does create disruptive behavior among the other saddle sto ck, including some geldings, particularly those whi c h we r e castrated at an older age. Furthermore, when the mare comes into heat some (though not all) may become highly irritable and restless around other horses, and hard to work with. Finally, geldings can become so firmly 6

Movement Now let us address the horses’ forms of movement. A horse moves at a walk, a trot, a lope, and a gallop. Walk is what it sounds like: moseying along at a nice leisurely pace. Pick up the pace a little faster and the horse will move at jog, which is faster and a bit bouncier. Then comes the trot, a pace which a

ning indefinitely. Yes, they can go farther and faster than humans, but they do need to catch their breath, to rest and to cool down, and get a good drink of water. Three days of hard riding and poor care will have a visible affect on your animal. A week of it, and it will look like a different beast ... or dead.

Load Finally for this week: a question that is related to the issue of taking care of your $200 dollar investment in a good horse and not killing it. How much weight can the animal reasonably carry? The answer is pretty much an average size man and his saddle and a little bit of gear. In other words, a 140-190 lb man, his 30 to 40 lb saddle, a rolled up blanket or coat, a full canteen, and a rifle in its scabbard, and maybe a haversack with some bacon, twist and extra ammunition, and you have got a full load. Saddle bags can be used, but a prudent rider does not load up his or her rig with provisions for a week on the trail. If you add full saddle bags, plus your bedroll and camp gear to what your riding horse is carrying, you risk making the horse’s back sore by putting too much weight behind the cantle and seat (where the saddle is not really designed to carry such weight). The extra weight will also possibly bruise the horse’s kidneys. Consequently, if you are going to be going on a long trip and require some means of carrying extra gear and provisions (and don’t have the benefit of a check wagon to carry food and bed rolls and extra weapons. ammunition, etc. as they have on cattle drives now), the best course is to bring along a pack animal as well. The pack mule or mare can carry the bedroll (meaning a canvas rubberized ground cloth and at least two blankets or quilts, plus extra clothing, a rain slicker, extra ammunition, food for several days, matches, picket ropes and pin, coffee, coffee pot, frying pan, utensils, plate, cup, and a few toiletries).

horse can maintain for quite some time. However, it is very bouncy and can hard on the undersides of riders not accustomed to it. The next most rapid pace is the lope. “Lope” is the Western term for “canter,” which is the fancy eastern word for the smooth, 3-beat gait which the horse can keep up for a pretty fair distance. A gallop is a full-out run, which is something the horse cannot maintain that for more than a few miles without becoming winded. Riding a horse too fast for too long will in fact damage or kill the animal. In rough country, a rider must match his horse’s ability, strength, and agility with the terrain. Going uphill, a horse will of course slow down, having to carry both his weight and his rider’s upwards, Next time we will talk more about difalthough some horses will uti- ferent types of horses and issues such as lize a fast lunge coloration and breed characteristics. to get up short By D. A. Kuhr hills. Going downhill on steeper grades requires care and an understanding of the particular horse. Some are very sure footed, others will require s ub s t a nt i a l slowing, and others seem to easily master a odd downhill gait in which they do most the work sort geldings). When speaking of a female of hopping along with the hindquarters animal, the term will almost invariably while sort of tip-toeing with the front end. It all depends on the horse. be “mare.” Also remember, horses cannot keep runin the herd breeding hierarchy, but the mares remain together and will follow the matriarch, often for years. This pattern of behavior is used by stockmen who work with groups of mules as they may keep one reliable “bell” mare as a leader to keep their animals together. A mare also may be employed as a useful pack animal. Some related terminology regarding gender: A young male horse is called a “colt.” If he is not castrated, he is a “stud colt.” A young female horse is called a filly. And a recently born horse of either gender is a “foal.” In common usage in the West, when someone uses the term “horse,” they are referring to a male animal (including

Deadwood Free Press Vol. 2 Issue 2

October 16, 1878

Job Postings CHALLENGING OPPORTUNITY! EARN COMMUNITY RESPECT AND ADMIRATION!--Energetic persons of strong moral courage are needed for law enforcement positions. Brave souls are encouraged to apply at the Sheriff’s office, located in the Deadwood Jail. Benefits include advanced training in firearms and funerary services at taxpayer’s expense. THE GEM SALOON--seeks comely female dancers to entertain customers. Talent optional though appreciated. Hours vary, room negotiable. Interested parties should contact Claytanic Kungler or Copper Garsdale at aforementioned saloon for further details. DEADWOOD TEACHING HOSPITAL--is now accepting applicants for Physicians, Nurses and Medical students. Please contact Doctor Devon, 29 Wall Street, Deadwood DT BANK--requires tellers. Must be armed and accurate. Should also be familiar with arithmetic. Applications available at the Chamber of Commerce office. DEADWOOD PUBLIC LIBRARY-requests applications for assistant librarian. Experience preferred, but will train. Dedication to the pursuit of knowledge mandatory. This position may require interaction with children; all resulting medical costs will be reimbursed. Submit application at the Deadwood Chamber of Commerce.

From the ((RL)) New York Times, 1878, accounts of local happenings:

A Coach Attacked by Road Robbery of a Agents; Four Passengers Robbed Dakota Stage - A Passenger Resists and Thieves Retreat Hot Creek, Wyoming, July 2. – A coach from Deadwood, with six passengers, was attacked last night by road agents at Whoop Up, 65 miles south of Deadwood. The passengers were E. S. Smith and J. S. Smith, of New-York; A. Liberman and H. Liberman, of Chicago; Daniel Finn, and Mrs. Boughton, of Cheyenne. Only two of the road agents came into view, who, after placing the passengers in line and robbing four of them of various amounts of money, together with two gold watches, advanced to Finn, who drew his revolver and shot one of the robbers in the region of the groin. The robber fell to his knees, but rallied. As Finn and was about to shoot again he was himself shot by an accomplice of the robbers, who laid in ambush. The ball entered at the left side of his nose and passing through his mouth came out in front of the right ear, inflicting a painful but not serious wound. The robbers then retreated, firing several shots. E. S. Smith was wounded in the leg below the knee, and

A. Liberman in the thigh. Both are flesh wounds. Mrs. Boughton was not molested. The coach and passengers arrived here at 7 o’clock this evening. The wounded were made comfortable, and are now on the way for Cheyenne. About eight highwaymen are supposed to have participated in the affair. Division Superintendent William Ward, with reliable men, is now in pursuit of the robbers.

PRIVATE INSTRUCTOR NEEDED-Lady desires to learn the use of firearms. References required. Those interested are asked to leave an application at the Chamber of Commerce. THE PALACE SALOON NOW HIRING--the proprietor of the Palace Saloon seeks women for recreation and leisure activities. Requirements include nominal health and hygiene, endurance and an adventurous spirit. Inquiries should be directed to Mr. Bakerly at said establishment.

DEADWOOD, Dakota Territory, Aug 23. –About 2 o’clock yesterday morning the northbound stage from Cheyenne was stopped between Cheyenne River and Lightening Creek, 90 miles south of Deadwood, by three highwaymen, who, after compelling the passengers to throw up their hands, went through their pockets, obtaining two watches and a small amount of money. After securing what the passengers had they cut open all the United States mail-sacks and appropriated all the registered letters, leaving the rest of the mail strewn over the ground.

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Deadwood Free Press Vol. 2 Issue 24

October 16, 1878

See previous issues for the perils of this young heroine and her adventures

The Perilous Journeys of Mary Sue Sweetlyness Episode 5 By Miss Adele Leeland Mary Sue Sweetliness sat upon the wagon as her father’s former trusted servant, Sweet Jesus, drove the gay, multi-colored circus wagon into the sunset. “I just wish we knew which direction we were going,” moaned Dear Beth from the back seat, ill-tempered but still speaking after the loss of her love. “Eet eez impossible to tell,” said Sweet Jesus with a shrug, squinting into the blinding light. “I can barely see.” “At least Ox knows where he eez going” said Beth regarding the black bull with undisguised affection. Sweet Mary gazed overhead as crimson streaked clouds danced across a darkening sky. She sighed wistfully at her sullen sister in the back seat of the swaying wagon and passed the time by turnning her thoughts to inward meditations in devotion of her lost love. Mary Sue, Jesus and Dear Beth rode along in silence till the black ox pulled them out of the tall grasses and stumbled to a stop conveniently near the ford of a wide river. Near the shore, a lone man stared aimlessly into the swift current. Jesus sighed at the man standing there in the way. Eager to get across before dark, Jesus grunted and called out through the thick humid air, “Are ye skeered or just waxing poetic?” “My apologies sir, I deedn’t mean to Jesus’ face fell in shame as the man offend you.” Jesus replied bowing his turned to reveal a marked face and miss- head. “Hi,” said Beth, batting her eyelashes. ing upper right quadrant. “I don’ know how to swim!” cried the man with a pained Mary Sue gasped at her sister and turned expression and quivering jaw. toward the man, torn between the purity

Miss Addie Rau showed entrepreneurship when friend Elizabeth Marrant fell asleep, and quickly marked the child for sale. Thankfully, there was no transaction.

of compassion and suspicion of this face that form that seemed all too familiar. The man approached cautiously, his eyes sparked with hope. “You have an ability I do not!” he declared “Please, let me climb aboard and cross the river?” “NO,” Cried Mary Sue on her feet, suddenly recognizing the fearsome visage, “you sir, are a dread outlaw, “One Arm” Dick of the dreaded Dick Gang!” I’ve seen your wanted poster upon the mail house wall! Jesus blanched and recoiled wide-eyed from the man, “I’m sorry dear sir, I would like to help you, but knowing who you are, I can not risk these ladies or the wagon, eet is all I have.” “It is true! I am One Armed Dick, but I am no danger!” declared the man in earnest, helpfully pointing out his missing upper quadrant with his remaining free hand. “All the other Dicks have fled, and I am helpless. You must see how our fates our tied upon the river. I only ask for pity, sympathy and safe passage to the other side.” “What shall we say Miss Mary? ” intoned Jesus in a quandary, “he eez earnest?” After all, it all sounded so reason-

able. The man had a bad past, but he was helpless now and try as they might, neither could see any reason to deny hospitality. With a fretful nod from Mary, Jesus helped the man aboard. The driver took a deep breath and all held tight as Sweet Jesus urged Ox into the ford. The crossing started well, soon the playful lapping at the shallows gave way to a shouting torrent of swirling darkness. Sweet Jesus murmured encouragement to his beleaguered but steady bovine. Inch by inch they progressed. Calm but careful, Mary took the hands of her sister in prayer as One Armed Dick stared fitfully assessing the driver, the women, the ox and the blackening swirl that threatend to take them in whole. At the zenith of their peril, Dick could no longer contain himself. The thief and murderer in their midst, lepted from the security of his seat, latched Jesus by the neck and ripped the reigns from his grip. Exulting in victory, the evil man drew a cruel blade from between his teeth and plunged it savagely towards the driver’s shocked expression. The wagon lurched as Ox Bellowed his panick. Turning sharply, the confused animal faltered sidways, forcing waves of icy water over the side. Mary Sue screamed in horror as Dear Beth’s hand ripped away, it’s owner catapulted over the side and into the churning current. “Why have you done theeeees!” screamed Jesus as he stretched out, not knowing who to save; Sweet Mary, Dear Beth or his beloved wagon. “I don’t know!” howled the man in tearful distress as he realized his fate, “I can’t help what is my nature!” There was no time to save anyone. Ox bellowed and faded beneath the waves, capsizing the wagon under by the sheer weight of his mass and harness. Sweet Jesus fell to his knees and rolled unconscious into the current. Without a word, One Armed Dick lost his vice like grip, fell backwards into the depths and drowned. Mary Sue dangled above the waves, suspended by her voluminous skirts caught firm on the elevated tongue of the capsized frame. Stunned and numb, she kicked furtively at the rippling river that swallowed friend and enemy alike. As darkness fell, one last wave crashed the unrecognizable remnants of the ill-fated wagon upon the rocks, flinging her hapless form onto the shore. Numb and bruised, Mary Sue cleared the muck of the river from her eyes and mouth and looked about, unsure which side of the river she was on.

To be continued... 8

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