Deadwood Free Press Vol.
2 Issue 23
Vol. 2 Issue 23 September 5, 1878
Council Goes Crazy
Town Authorizes Use of Asylum to Protect Citizens
The Deadwood Town Council took an
important step toward public safety by
authorizing public use of the private Black
Hills Asylum to confine people who are a
threat to themselves or others or both.
Mr. Daniel Densmith, bank president
and operator of the asylum, told the town
council that if the public meets the cost of
confinement and treatment, the sheriff,
town-authorized physicians or others could
impound the insane and moronic for their
own good and the public’s good.
“We believe that jail is one place to put
criminals, but some are worthy of medi-
cal care because of mental illness,” Mr.
Densmith stated.
Mr. Densmith offered to house, care
and provide treatment for the public cost
of $36 a day, but the reaction was such
that he gradually dropped the price to $18,
though stating he would have to serve bad
food and claiming he’d slightly lose money.
Town council members, while somewhat
horrified at the original asking price,
seemed keen on taking care of the insane
in some other way besides clubbing them
behind the jail ... though honestly, your
Deputy Glen faces the council, and is selected.
Look at this picture closely, it may be the only time you ever see them all together, from left ot right:
Coodnank Thibedeau, Merryann Munster, Daniel Densmith, Mayor Astolat Dufaux, Deputy Mayor Clay
Kungler, Glen Devon, Doctor Berry.
editor has observed that method can be
effective and has been doing pretty well
in the town’s two-year history.
“A public patient would be confined at
the authority of the public authority ... the
law or such,” Densmith stated.
“Why all de treasures ob Solomon’s mine
would be bought fer $36 a day!” stated
Miss Coodnank Thibedeau.
From the audience, Deputy Glen Devon,
soon himself to be appointed to council,
noted, “Why can’t you just bunch men-
tally insane in with the jail and combine
the cost of the two since the jail costs nuffin
to run practically?”
Mr. Densmith stated that the admin-
istrator Mackman Mauer would take
patients for walks when appropriate and
also hire them out for chores, to keep them
occupied and treat their mind with fresh
air and honest work as treatment.
“Treatment, my behind,” stated Ms. Thi-
bedeau, clearly a critic of the asylum move-
ment, who also held and moved a doll and
chanted in some sort of approach meant to
influence the democratic process.
Densmith stated the money was needed
for security to protect the patient from
himself or herself, or forces such as those
that might try to break the insane free
from confinement. That could be anyone
from a criminal conspirator to a loose
woman who was responsible for the insane
person’s syphilitic condition.
“Well you need to keep an eye on the
person so they don’t hurt themselves,”
Densmith stated.
Doctor Berry, the council’s health com-
missioner, supported if not the original
cost the idea of treatment: “I am willing to
support this with the provision that the hos-
pital administration and local law enforce-
ment has access to actually commit those
patients and see to their proper care while
they are in the custody of the Asylum.”
Deputy Mayor Clay Kungler noted, “It
costs about $1 a day for basic meals and
then the extra expenses like beds and such.
Pretty cheap really... but then again depu-
ties aren’t doctors.”
“Mr. Densmith, in light of the recent..
abnormal people in town, I’d consider your
Devon Appointed to Town Council
Resigns Law Commission
The Deadwood Town Council appointed
Deputy Glen Devon to a vacant seat on the
council this week.
While acrimony had been expected, the
decisionmaking was pretty civil. It is to
be noted this is one of the first councils in
more than a year where all of the candi-
dates have their chief place of residence in
Deadwood, which is to be applauded and
is a good sign no matter who is on the
council.
The council had to vote on candidates one
at a time, and the first person to be nomi-
nated was Mrs. Ana String, wife of Jacob
String, manager of the largest employer
in Deadwood, Homestake Mines. She is a
former deputy. She had three supporters
on the council, Mr. Daniel Densmith, Clay
Kungler and Coodnank Thibedeau.
“Mrs. String stands among other candi-
dates who have many attributes. The simple
truth is that she’s been around longer
than many of the people at this table, and
deserves an opportunity at sharing lead-
ership with this town. And she’s smart,”
Densmith stated.
“Mrs. String was a deputy in my previ-
ous time as mayor, and she did a fantastic
job at a time when it was not easy and
she had little help,” stated Kungler. “She
always went forth with her duties though
even when she was met with many chal-
lenges and had to make sometimes unpop-
ular decisions. But she pressed forth. Much
can be said is similar to being on council.
It is those quailities I approve of in Mrs.
September 5, 1878
asylum. But not without a better under-
standing of the costs,” stated Town Coun-
cilwoman Merryann Munster.
“You know, it occurs to me, that if we
serve beans and don’t use as many candles,
we could do it for $22,” Densmith stated.
This went on for awhile before he finally
dropped the price acceptably.
“The town can control costs by using this
judiciously,” he added.
By motion of Kungler, seconded by
Doctor Berry, the council considered
approving the motion. There was some
diversion when Miss Thibedeau moved that
it be written in the minutes that discussion
had never taken place, but as the discussion
had, this motion did not go far.
“ah moved to strike all reference to de
Asylum from dis meetin. ah doan wanna
heah no mo about it. ah shore doan,”
Miss Thibedeau said, or words like that
anyway.
But the council majority approved use of
an asylum. “I’m sure we will nurse many
pour souls back to health, thank you,”
Densmith stated.
String.”
The vote tied at 3-3 so there was no
appointment. Mrs. String reacted with
smiling grace. Miss Thibedeau was
observed to jam a pin into a doll.
At that point, Deputy Glen Devon’s
fiance, Doctor Berry, moved to appoint
him to town council and the public safety
commissioner, who serves as a liasion with
the legal community. The motion was sec-
onded by Miss Merryann Munster.
“I can’t say I know of someone more
dedicated to the future and safety of
Deadwood and how they inter-relate than
Deputy Devon. When I asked him about
his vision for the seat, and town his answers
were not self serving, but were instead full
of thought for the future growth of our
community,” his fiance said.
“I gave careful consideration, and
allowed each candidate a chance to speak
with me, trying to be as impartial as pos-
sible,” stated Miss Munster. “While I
appreciate the fine efforts and qualities of
the other candidates, and their longevity
in town, I see Mr. Glen as having actively
pursued the betterment of Deadwood in
my time here. His work as a deputy and the
recent ideas he has shared have impressed
me. Regardless of his chances to win the
seat, he has moved forward in an effort to
improve the town.”
The vote was then held, and there was
much applause for the Mr. Devin. He will
of course resign his legal post for now.
1
Deadwood Free Press Vol. 2 Issue 23
Letters to the Editor
Editor,
I find myself astonished at the continued
lawlessness of Deadwood. Why, at this
very moment, there is a ruffian in the jail
who took pot shots at one of the Deputies.
I happened to be walking by the jail and
heard this fellow threaten to kill one of
the Deputies. When will the lawmen take
control and rid Deadwood of these unde-
sirable elements?
I do see some of the lawmen about, the
Marshall goes strutting down the sidewalk,
but haven’t heard of him doing much.
Same goes for out new Sheriff. He strolls
around town without a care in the world
as Highwaymen prey upon unprotected
stagecoaches and unwary travelers.
Perhaps the citizens need to get together
and form a committee of vigilance to bring
law and order to Deadwood again.
Fed Up!
Deadwood
Editor,
What can be done about the sorrow-
ful state of spiritual affairs in Deadwood?
Where ever one looks, you see drunks
staggering in the street, trollops flaunting
their fleshly wares for prosepctive buyers.
It is more than common to hear the Lords
name taken in vain rather than in praise
to Him.
We need men of God who will take a
stand against this tide of iniquity. I for one
will be more than willing to help convince
the heathen of the error of their ways,
either thru persuasion or thru the appli-
Minister: Always Remember What You Can Learn from Your Ass
We begin a column from members of the
religious community with the Rev. Baird
Bravin, formerly of Massachusetts, a Meth-
odist.
Brothers and Sisters, I thank your editor
for letting me share a reflection from
Scripture about a Sorely Afflicted Man
and His Ass.
To appreciate the lesson therein, we must
read from the Book of Numbers.
“And Balak of Moab saw all that Israel
had done to the Amorites.
And Moab was sore afraid of the people,
because they were many: and Moab was
distressed because of the children of
Israel.
He sent messengers therefore unto
Balaam the son of Beor to Pethor,
saying...
“Come now therefore, I pray thee, curse
me this people; for they are too mighty for
me: peradventure I shall prevail, that we
may smite them, and that I may drive them
Editor and Publisher
Neil Streeter
Reporter
Addison Leigh
Typesetter
S. Morigi
2
cation of tar and feathers with a ride on a
rail out of town.
A Warrior for the Lord
Deadwood
Editor,
I’m out to catch and outright kill the
person that robbed me of my claim to Gold.
Any lawmen or subjects of the so-called
law that tries to mitigate my endeavor with
eradicated and his or her body will be drug
in the thoroughfare for all to witness.
Smitty...the Mad Miner
Somewhere in the Hills
Editor,
I write to protest the constant to call
to curb the activities of saloon owners.
From what I hear, there are those who
want to chase the “working girls” out of
town, regulate when and how much one
can drink and even to what come out of
one’s own mouth.
Last I heard, this was a free land. I for
one very much enjoy the company of some
these aforementioned Ladies. Why some
of them are among my very best friends.
They all work hard for their money, I
assure you. And to tell a man when and
how much he can drink? It’s positively
unAmerican!
I have just this to say to all you self righ-
teous sons of bitches. You all can kiss my
Rebel Ass!
Thoroughgood Miller
Lead
out of the land: for I wot that he whom
thou blessest is blessed, and he whom thou
cursest is cursed. “
And God came unto Balaam at night,
and said unto him, If the men come to call
thee, rise up, and go with them; but yet
the word which I shall say unto thee, that
shalt thou do.
And Balaam rose up in the morning,
and saddled his ass, and went with the
princes of Moab.
And God’s anger was kindled because
he went; and the ass saw the angel of the
Lord standing in the way, and his sword
drawn in his hand: and the ass turned aside
out of the way, and went into the field:
and Balaam smote the ass, to turn her
into the way.
But the angel of the Lord stood in a path
of the vineyards, a wall being on this side,
and a wall on that side.
And when the ass saw the angel of the
Lord, she thrust herself unto the wall, and
crushed Balaam’s foot against the wall:
and he smote her again.
And the angel of the Lord went further,
and stood in a narrow place, where was
no way to turn either to the right hand or
to the left.
And when the ass saw the angel of the
Lord, she fell down under Balaam: and
Balaam’s anger was kindled, and he smote
the ass with a staff.
And the Lord opened the mouth of the
ass, and she said unto Balaam, What have
I done unto thee, that thou hast smitten me
these three times?
And Balaam said unto the ass, Because
thou hast mocked me: I would there were
Editorial
Why Not a Railroad?
The Answer is More
Complex
The excerpt of the Times herein printed
in this newspaper contains an interesting
reflection about the nature of the Black
Hills. It is herein stated that the commu-
nity around these parts does not support
extension of a railroad.
This is asserted to be that we are influ-
enced by the operators of stagecoaches to
not put them out of business by calling
forth a railroad.
I have written to the Times to agree in
part and disagree in part. It is correct
that people in the Black Hills can, on a
quiet day, enjoy that there’s no noisy train
steaming through town. Certainly it makes
our life bucolic.
It also makes our life poorer. Towns that
boom have railroads. End of the first part
of this editorial.
However, it is not just because we love
the “old ways” that there’s no railroad, as
the Times asserts in our issue. There are
two powerful reasons that foil us so far.
One, railroads cost money to extend.
Certainly there are Chinamen lazing
about, but none enough to build a railroad.
It would cost money to import the materi-
als, the labor, and the design that will have
to factor in that the Black Hills get their
name from some very real hills that will
a sword in mine hand, for now would I
kill thee.
And the ass said unto Balaam, Am not
I thine ass, upon which thou hast ridden
ever since I was thine unto this day? was
I ever wont to do so unto thee? And he
said, Nay.
Then the Lord opened the eyes of
Balaam, and he saw the angel of the Lord
standing in the way, and his sword drawn
in his hand: and he bowed down his head,
and fell flat on his face.
And Balaam said unto the angel of the
LORD, I have sinned; for I knew not that
thou stoodest in the way against me: now
therefore, if it displease thee, I will get me
back again.
And the angel of the LORD said unto
September 5, 1878
need engineering to cross.
Stagecoaches may be the old way, but
they’re better able to deal with the land as
it is than a railroad that requires move-
ment and adjustment of land.
The other issue of course is demand. We
do not yet produce enough gold that it can
only be moved economically by railcar.
Wow, that would be grand, but gold does
not flow like salt or produce.
There is not enough economy here yet to
justify a railroad. It would have to be built
on speculation that goods and industry will
be produced to fill those railcars. These are
tough times to be building something like
that on credit and hope, no matter how
confident many of us are.
Now, that said, there is something about
the Times story that I like. It suggests we
sit around our stoves with the men, wives
and children of the stagecoach operators
and laze about and gossip and game.
That’s a lovely picture. The story does
not overtly say what is implied to anyone
who is past the age of 11, which is that
railroad operators are making payoffs to
politicians and businesspeople to discour-
age railroads. Does that happen? Sure.
I’m not putting THAT in my letter to the
Times, of course.
Balaam, Go with the men: but only the
word that I shall speak unto thee, that
thou shalt speak. So Balaam went with
the princes of Balak
Clearly, this was a very special Ass. And
here is why. Consider what you have read
Balaam, a man who thought himself of
God, a man who thought himself Holy,
could not see what his ass could see. Here
s a man who could, in fact, hear God,
according to the Old Testament. And
yet even with an access that we can only
dream of, he did not see an angel right in
front of him.
And then this man could not even listen
to even his own ass.
Continued on page 5
Deadwood Free Press Vol. 2 Issue 23 September 5, 1878

Tharnaby Selected To Shape Young

New Schoolteacher Appointed
The Deadwood Town Council autho-
rized new schoolmarm Colleen Tharnaby
to apply her educational talents to teach the
children of the community the whys and
wherefores of life for the modern age.
Considering that the schoolhouse has
been somewhat moribund, there was a
field of applicants that may outnumber the
field of children: Miss Sunday Coba, Miss
Angela Straulino, Miss Colleen Tharnaby,
Sister Monseratt Idlemind, Dawnne Saint,
and Mrs. Major Matthew (Adrianna)
Westland III (Deceased).
By motion of Doctor Berry, seconded by
Daniel Densmith, Miss Tharnaby’s name
was put forth and unanimously approved
to serve as a head teacher.
“We also hope that those candidates that
are not selected for the full time job might
be interested in acting as specialized teach-
ers that come in once in awhile if they have
an area of expertise they could “teach” -- a
foreign language, art, dancing, etiquette,
etc.,” stated Mayor Astolat Dufaux. “This
would be at the discretion of the primary
teacher.”
The new teacher said she appreciated
that approach and direction.
“”I would just say, if chosen, It has
always been my practice to expose my
charges to a variety of good influences.
I would gladly make sure others were
brought in to broaden their experience,”
Miss Tharnaby said.
Mr. Densmith said he endorsed the
selection, but noted that several of the can-
didates including the choice were relatively
new to town, and should be supervised. It
should be noted that it is widely rumored.
Miss Tharnaby after the selection stated
it was too early to announce specific plans,
but she would speak with both other teach-
ers and parents soon.
The only other candidate recognized by
your correspondent as present was Sister
Idlemind. The papist approached Miss
Tharnaby after the selection and offered
her services and knowledge, noting that
feeding the children raisins would help
keep them regular and able to focus on
studies.
The following is a short biography sup-
plied by the teacher, and she will be pro-
filed in a future issue:
Miss Colleen Tharnaby, born in 1844
in Columbia Missouri , began her teach-
ing career in 1861 at the age of 17. Miss
Tharnaby was one of several young women
recruited to fill positions left vacant by
male teachers during the Civil War.
After the war ended, Miss Tharnaby
continued her education, graduation from
The Harris Teacher’s College in St. Louis
in 1868. She was hired as a teacher in her
home town of Columbus at the County
Day School where she worked for 10 years
teaching elementary and secondary school
students. She also worked with the Colum-
bus Women’s Literary and Beautification
Society to establish a library collection
attached to the school.

Schoolteacher Application Letters

For supplemental interest, we include the
letters of application of some of the teacher
candidate so citizens may see how educated
and fine the field is for our future children.
Readers on the East Coast, note that a fine
education is available here.
Dear Mayor and Respected Members of
our Fair City’s Town Council,
It is with great trepidation and yet joy
that I herewithin fling my aging body in
front of all, sacrificing my self by offer-
ing my services as a part time tempory
schoolteacher (yet again) to support who-
ever you may find yourselves hring as full
time teacher(s).
(It would be my recommendation that
you hire as many teachers as possible, so
as not to wear any teacher down and out,
given the strong and demanding nature
of the work).
I speak from experience of some 40 years
as a schoolteacher in the school affiliated
with the Sisters of Havenly Wonderment
in Ohio, where Mrs. Marrant Vita had
been sent for recovery from her teaching
experience in Deadwood, such unfortu-
nate condition thus leading to my arrival
in said city as a temporary teacher during
her absence.
Though Mrs. Vita chose to devote her
life to the orphans of Deadwood rather
than the more demanding work of teach-
ing the children herein, I remain waiting
for the convent to notify me when I might
return.
Until then, I should like to make sincere
and honest use of my time, as despite my
seven and seventy years, I am still of good
mind.
Further, I am appalled at the situation
underwhich I find the children of Dead-
wood. Half of said children appear to be
orphans under the care of Mrs. Vita, who
I am watching attempt to school them her-
self in the orphanage due to the lack of
suitable teachers over the summer.
Mrs. Vita is with myself in the belief that
children should be schooled year round so
as to keep them from harm’s way and out
of mischief.
As we all know, an idle mind is the devil’s
workshop.
Sincerely,
Sister Monseratt Idlemind
Dear Deadwood Town Council,
I write you to ask to be a teacher in
Deadwood. I am 34, unmarried of course.
I have been a librarian and teacher for
over ten years in Columbus, Missouri, at
the Municipal Library and Day School. I
plan to travel the west and apply my skills
from there to towns where children may be
behind in their learning, as well as provide
education for faster learners who may not
get what they need in other small schools.
I believe all children must have the chance
to be educated.
Although I am not married and do not
have a family, I love children and believe
strongly that all youngsters should be
given the best possible start. It is my call-
ing in life.
I focus on the basics: Reading, Writ-
ing, Arithmatic and physical training for
both boys and girls. I also believe they
should be exposed to meeting people from
throughout a community so that they meet
role models on whom they can model them-
selves. Though I am new in town, I know
there are many fine people in Deadwood
who would make fine models for these chil-
dren and I will follow the council’s advice
in seeking them out.
I am a strict disciplinarian, but I enjoy
my work and enjoy a school of learning,
creatively and laughter. The children of
Missouri will tell you I made them both
laugh and learn.
I am a fully certified teacher, 1st class
and can provide references and my certifi-
cates upon request.
Thank you for your kind consideration,
Miss Colleen Tharnaby
Deadwood Grand Hotel
Hello,
My name is Angela Straulino I am a
nurse in the town of Deadwood and I
would like to apply for the teaching pos-
tion that is available. I have been wanting
to teach for awhile here and now would
like to take the chance. Thank you for
your time!
Angela Straulino
I would like to apply for the teachers pos-
tion. I am very well trained with young
children, as i helped rasie my own broth-
ers and sisters. i taught them to read and
write. As well as proper ettiquette.
I am married with a baby on the way
as well. So i am very stable and love dead-
wood.
Please consider me for the teachers posi-
ton. I have learned a lot from the folks of
deadwoood.
Miss Sunday Coba
Greetings Dear Friends of the Town
Council,
I am formally applying for the position
of school teacher here in Deadwood.
I was teacher here last spring as a volun-
teer. I found I greatly enjoyed the work.
The children made great strides in their
studies. But there is so much more to be
done. I wish to continue.
Throughout my last term, I focused not
only on the traditional studies, but made
great headway in teaching morals and
manners: all those things so important
for the proper forming of character in our
youngest citizens.
My methods are tried and true. When
Teaching reading and writing, I use exam-
ple texts that also teach the golden rule and
give clear examples of right from wrong. I
believe my work in this vein resulted in not
only brighter more intelligentchildren, but
a reduction in delinquency and a score of
young people better prepared to grow up
to adult responsibilities as good husbands
and wives.
Most sincerely,
Mrs. Major Matthew (Adrianna) West-
land III (Deceased)

3
Deadwood Free Press Vol. 2 Issue 23
New Mayor Promises More
Vibrant Town
New Mayor Astolat Dufaux is clearly
someone grounded in history who yet looks
to a bright future. She says her thoughts
often alight to her brother, Starbuck
Shippe, a former town council member
who died abruptly and prematurely - and
yet who continues to inspire her. Just as
he has found a brighter future in God’s
embrace, his sister forsees a brighter and
happier Deadwood.
Your editor has a long memory of Miss
Dufaux standing aggrieved and weeping
over Shippe when he was gunned down
once on Main Street by lawbreakers. He
would live to fight another day, and he and
others have reclaimed the town for law.
“Deadwood has changed so much since
I arrived, we’re now a town of families, of
community, but we still battle against law-
lessness,” said Miss Dufaux, wishing her
town could become like one of the places
she knew in childhood France, filled with
happy community spirit.
“I should say, just like taking the seat on
the council, that I think of what Starbuck
would have done if he had become mayor,” At the No. 10 end of summer swimming party, Miss Mayor Dufaux treads water well, which places her in the
she commented. “I would like to honor his good company of Deadwood mayors.
memory.”
“He wanted Deadwood to be a safe place, (Kuhr) that we need a fire brigade.”
to protect both people and property from
harm. He wanted to see a larger jail built, council, the wishes of Mr. Shippe shall jail in some fashion.
and he agreed with Clay (Kungler) and Dio truly be fulfilled in his memory. There are
Judge Reports Saloon Court was a Success
My thoughts on Court Night, at the No.
10 Saloon:
As much as I would like to take credit for
coming up with the idea of holding court
in a saloon, I had heard of it taking place
before, so I thought it was worth trying at
the No. 10 Saloon. The original thought
was that folks would be more willing to
attend court hearings, in a more relaxed
setting and what is more relaxing than a
saloon?
Our first attempt, a week ago Tuesday,
turned out to be more of a success than I
had hoped for, but a great deal of the credit
goes to our fine Town Attorney, Addison
Leigh. She was instrumental in putting
much of it together.
The idea of the saloon forum, was and is
a way to handle some of the smaller crimi-
nal and civil cases, in a comfortable set-
ting. Folks who attend can listen in, while
having a drink, something that would be
frowned upon in a court of law. We were
able to pass judgement on a couple of law
breakers and finalize the adoptions of three
children to their happy new parents.
So overall, I was pleased with the results
and hope to do this again in the future.
This in no way will replace our major court
cases; those will be heard in the new court-
room, above the town hall. But our new
method can be used to fill in some of the
gaps in our burgeoning system of law.
And now that the Western Jackalope has
been added to the No. 10, I’m sure will be
happy to watch over more court nights,
giving the citizens of Deadwood, large and
small, a voice to be heard in court.
Thanks again to all who participated.
Judge Rod Eun
4
September 5, 1878
What Happened
Last Week in
Deadwood
From Our Youth Correspondent, cheery
words of abundant ne w life from the
young:
There was dead dog down by the river,
under the Main street bridge, it had brown
fur and a short tail.
If you are missing a dog with brown fur,
and a short tail, I am sorry to say but it
is dead. A boy was charging five cents to
look at it, and another five cents to poke
at it with a stick.
I paid a nickel to look at the dog and then
paid another nickel to use the poking stick.
discussions of a fire brigade even today,
It is to be expected with a full and vibrant and similarly there are talks about a new
I poked the boy with the stick, and he ran
off saying he was gonna get his pa. While
he was gone I gave the dog a burial at sea
by pushing it into the river. Then I said the
Lord’s Prayer and washed my hands.
I saw a drunk man throwing up beside
the Palace saloon. He was moaning, and
crying, and saying words I am not allowed
to repeat.
I met a man down on Lee Street who said
he was opening up a new shop. I asked if
the shop would sell candy and dolls, and
she said yes. He said it would also sell guns.
I am very excited for this new shop. Dead-
wood can benefit greatly from a shop with
dolls, candy, and guns.
All of the corn we planted when Mrs
Westland was our teacher was harvested,
and the pumpkins are beginning to turn
orange. We need a new teacher for Dead-
wood school, for some reason our teachers
disappear, sort of like town council mem-
bers. I would never want to be a teacher
or a town council member because of that.
I would much rather be a saloon keeper,
but Mrs Westland would say that is not a
fit role for a young lady to take.
I picked rhubarb and wild plums and
helped make 27 jars of jam and 9 jars of
sauce. If you come to our house for dinner
you can have some.
by Rachel Kungler, age 8
Editor’s note: We are ashamed it took children there, before the bottles are opened
the judge to remind us that he has a rare for the evening of course, to see this rare and
specimen of the Western Jackalope mounted special creature.
in his No. 10, which normally would be
front page news. We urge parents to bring
Deadwood Free Press Vol. 2 Issue 23 September 5, 1878

Prospect Inn
plans Saturday Free Press Photo
Dance
The Prospect House Inn will be hold
the first fall dance and open house at 4
Contest Winners
Our photo contest winners are top, Mrs. Dio Kuhr, not only for her fine photo of ladies
pm Saturday. but its caption ... “What do I like most about Deadwood? Just being with friends.”
All of Deadwood residents of all ages We also reward Deputy Glen Devon for a dramatic blending of scene and type. Well
are invited to come celebrate the change in done, both of you.
seasons and the hospitality of the Street-
ers. Come dance to the fiddler, then gather
around the fire to talk, tell stories and eat.
Cider, wine, popcorn, apple pie and mar-
shallows for toasting will be served.
Other pot luck delights are welcome if
you would like to show off your cooking
and bring your own.

Minister, cont.
Continued from page 2

How many times do we fail to see the

Angel, brothers and sisters? As we rush
around Deadwood, how often do we kick
our ass instead of listen to it?
There is more to be learned from this
Balaam. Balaam heard the Lord on that
path, after his eyes were opened, but he
had committed to see the king of Moab.
He arrived to Balak, and warned Balak he
could only do what the Lord directed.
Balak was confident the Lord was on the
side of Moab, and ordered a massive stone
altar be built in the hills over a camp of the
Jews. Animals were slaughtered, fires lit.
I continue from the Book of Numbers:
And Balak said unto Balaam, Did I
not earnestly send unto thee to call thee?
wherefore camest thou not unto me?
am I not able indeed to promote thee to
honour?
And Balaam said unto Balak, Lo, I am
come unto thee: have I now any power at
all to say any thing? the word that God
putteth in my mouth, that shall I speak.
And he took up his parable, and said,
Balak the king of Moab hath brought me
from Aram, out of the mountains of the
east, saying, Come, curse me Jacob, and
come, defy Israel.
How shall I curse, whom God hath not
cursed? or how shall I defy, whom the
LORD hath not defied?
A Notable Citizen:
For from the top of the rocks I see him,
and from the hills I behold him: lo, the
people shall dwell alone, and shall not be
reckoned among the nations.
Diogenes Kuhr
Who can count the dust of Jacob, and Editor’s note: Our new writer Miss Siob- Mrs. Kuhr is a prominent member of
the number of the fourth part of Israel? han will favor us with profiles, this being the town, being Co-Owner of the Grand
Let me die the death of the righteous, and the first and certainly of a first and foremost Hotel on Main Street. This well-run estab-
let my last end be like his! citizen. lishment is clean and tidy with a friendly
And Balak said unto Balaam, What atmosphere.
hast thou done unto me? I took thee to The cleanliness at the time of my visit
curse mine enemies, and, behold, thou hast was due to the hard work of young Tim
blessed them altogether. Hax.
And he answered and said, Must I not Mrs. Kuhr also runs the Laundry in
take heed to speak that which the LORD China Row where your laundry can be done
hath put in my mouth? for all those Busy people of the town.
That is all the direct Scripture we have She also runs a small ranch outside of
room for, so I must summarize: Two other town with a man friend, she told me. They
times, brothers and sisters, Balak tries to raise Draft Hosses and are just starting to
get Balaam to curse the Jews. Two other get into the buyin an sellin of cattle.
times, Balaam speaks only blessings. Her plans are to go into wholesale liquor
The lessons to us here in Deadwood are business she told this reporter in the not too
clear. We are often called upon to curse distant future.
others. If someone tries to get us to curse This lady has quite a few enterprises in
another, they may wait a little bit and try and around town which must make her one
to get us to curse them again. of the towns Entrepreneurs.
Be not so tempted. Balaam faced down The picture was taken surreptitiously
the king of the Moabs. You too can be by this reporter and shows the delightful
brave and resist the temptation to speak local business woman, Miss Kuhr and her
foully of others. I know it. helper Tim Hax.

5
Deadwood Free Press Vol. 2 Issue 23
A Gentle Western Creature
Correspondence from the ((Real Life))
Chicago Times, summer 1878
Editor’s note: We thought readers would
be interested in how an outside reporter
saw this famous scene.
A middle-aged woman by the name of
Lovell, who lives in a suburb of Deadwood
called Elizabethtown, has earned for her-
self during her sojourn in the Hills, a wide-
spread reputation as a virago. Her first
exploit was about three months ago, when,
armed with a Colt’s navy, she stampeded
several miners from work on a quartz mine
near her residence, claiming the mine as
her own.
A month or six weeks later officers of the
law attempted to arrest her on a warrant
sworn out by a man who claimed she had
driven him from a town lot (his property)
at the point of a six-shooter. On behold-
ing the officers approach, she barricaded
herself in her house and refused admis-
sion to them, with a warning that if they
attempted to force the door she would shoot
them down.
6
The officers tried persuasion, strat-
egy, and every means but force, but she
remained obdurate throughout, standing
at the window with two 44-caliber revolv-
ers, one in each hand, prepared, as she
said, for business, if they should attempt
the force. The officers returned to the Jus-
tice of the Peace’s office and held a coun-
cil of war with the Justice of the Peace,
and they came to the conclusion that the
facts in the case did not warrant them in
using force, and in fact, they didn’t want
to arrest her.
This was victory No. 2 for the Madam.
A few days ago a Mr. Johnson purchased,
with a full knowledge of the woman’s claim
thereon, the town lot from which she had
already driven one man at the point of the
pistol. It seems Johnson had averred his
willingness for a scrimmage with her, and
bragged of his ability to clean her out.
Yesterday morning, Johnson proceeded
to the premises, and commenced tearing
down the fencing that the woman had put
up. The old lady was promptly on hand,
and ordered him to desist. A short and
heated discussion ensued at the conclusion
of which both reached for their revolvers.
The Madam, being the quicker, secured the
“drop”, and being only a few feet from her
antagonist, she aimed for his vital parts.
Johnson was pulling his revolver from
his left side with his right hand, which cov-
ered the pit of the stomach when the female
fired. The ball fortunately struck the lower
part of the knuckles of the little finger,
tearing through the flesh and coming out
at the wrist joint, perforating his shirt, and
making a circuit of his right side.
The woman retreated in good order to
her barricaded castle, evidently under the
impression that she had done good work.
Johnson, however, succeeded in getting
his pistol extricated, and sent two shots
after his retiring enemy, one of them whiz-
zing close to her head as she disappeared
through the door.
Warrants have been issued for the arrest
of both parties concerned in the fracas.
September 5, 1878
A Dakota Jail
Report
As heard in New York, as reported by the
((RL)) New York Times
This is an outside account of a known
event:
Deadwood, Dakota Terr., Aug. 24 -
Shortly before noon today, as Jailer Man-
ning unlocked the door of the main cell
of the City Jail, the prisoners, acting on
a preconcerted plan, made a dash for lib-
erty.
The jailer was knocked down, and the
prisoners all succeeded in getting outside of
the jailyard before an alarm was given.
Undersheriff Mahan and deputies,
assisted by a large number of citizens,
were quickly on hand, and began a hot
pursuit of the jail-birds, who had taken to
the mountains.
The chase was so well managed that in
less than an hour, all the prisoners, except-
ing one, had been recaptured. Several shots
were fired, but no one was injured.
The prisoners recaptured were White
and Keiser, horse thieves, and Dale and
Martin, cattle thieves. Bell, the alleged
murdered of Charles Lee, did not attempt
to escape.
Deadwood Free Press Vol. 2 Issue 23 September 5, 1878

Rapid City's Rapidity

The Black Hills and the Gold Hunters

Opposition to Railroads ... The Little Missouri and the Powder
River Diggings ... The Future of Deadwood
June 29, 1878 fm the Times correspon- FRESH DIGGINGS: In my last letter, I Rockville, the newer, and thriving camps AGRICULTURE: The agricultural and
dent spoke of the chances of a stampede to the are 25 miles to the south. grazing capacities of this section of coun-
new diggings of the Little Missouri and While there are extensive mining inter- try are becoming more and more apparent,
There has been a good deal of talk the Powder River country. A good many have ests being developed on both sides, the and it will not be many years before the
past few months of the immediate con- gone over there. No reliable accounts have neighborhood valleys have been improved farms and flocks will outstrip the mining
struction of a railway into the Hills, by yet been received, but from the “colors” that by gardeners and farmers in a small way. interests.
the Union Pacific Company, either from some returned prospectors have brought The chances are that Rapid City, besides There has been an abundance of veg-
Sidney or Cheyenne; and during the spring in, it would seem highly probable that rich supplying its share of the bullion product etable raised in the vicinity of all the towns
surveyors were in the field, examining placer diggings have been found. of the Black Hills, will be the granary of and settlements to supply the demand, and
routes and making estimates of cost. But The reports that are brought here are, of the whole territory. there will be in some sections quite the
news has reached here that the survey- course, exaggerated, for they come from harvest of wheat and other cereals.
ing parties have been ordered home and the lips of interested parties anxious to get VOTER APATHY: Generally, the people The cattlemen of Wyoming have, some
directed to make ready to run a line from the chance to pilot men into the new Eldo- of the Black Hills have no difficulty in get- of them, divided their flocks and driven
the present terminus of the Utah Northern rado for a good round compensation. It is ting out the voters when there is an election them into this region, and there are now
Railway into Montana. quite tempting to a man out of luck to have of any kind. But at the local elections last thousands of head grazing on the ranges
The Union Pacific officials have just a brawny frontiersman shake the colors week they were either too busy to vote or of the Black Hills.
made a tour of the line of their road and before his eyes and offer to show him the have been thinning out considerably.
its connections, and it seems to them a way into rich diggings for a mere $100. The total vote in Lawrence County, com- WEATHER: There has been more than
much better investment to build into Mon- And so, many gold-hunters never get prising Deadwood, Gayville, Lead City, sufficient rain in this country during the
tana than to the Black Hills. So far as our fairly settled down before the winsome Central, Crook City, Bear Gulch, Spearfish past two months. Mining and farming
people are concerned, there is not much prospector lures them to newer fields. and Galena, was less than 2,500. These have in some of the districts been greatly
disappointment over this decision. In the Rapid City, Deadwood, Central, Crook, camps claim to have three-fourths of all retarded. “Water sprouts” seem to have
first place, the majority prefer not to have a and Lead Cities have all lost some of their the population of the Black Hills. been an uncomfortably frequent occur-
railroad; and those who do want one think surplus population the past few weeks. In a country like this, the voting force is rence, deluging the streets of such towns
that the chances are good for the extension Quite a number have packed over into the about one to every four inhabitants. This, and camps as are built in the gulches,
of the Dakota Southern from Yankton; Little Missouri country, and to new camps then, would indicated that the population sweeping away bridges and rendering the
and with some assistance the Northern on the Powder and Tongue Rivers. of the Black Hills is somewhere between roads impassable. Only a couple of weeks
Pacific might be able to build a branch in To show how quickly any reports of 15,000 and 18,000, very far below the ago we had an experience of the kind in
this direction. new diggings will induce people to pull up estimates made by the lobbyists having Rapid City.
It may seem strange that the greater stakes, I have only to recite an instance in in charge the bill before Congress for the
share of the Black Hills people do not want the discovery of these Bear Paw Moun- creation of a new territory.
a railroad; but these Western traders and tain placers. They were found by some
freighters think the old-fashioned, slow Black Hills miners going back home. They
way of doing business the best. Railroads struck $20 diggings, and although this
bring too much competition and lower was known but two weeks ago, there are
prices. They rob the freighter of his occu- already on the way to the scene of the new
pation and drive out the stage companies. discoveries new parties well equipped, and
The owners and agents of these lines, their ere this town has been staked out, corner
employees and families, are the pioneers in lots are selling at prices away up in the
these new sections; they have seen a good hundreds.
deal of the world, are not afraid to speak
their minds, and the result is they build RAPID CITY: Rapid City, the place from
up quite a domineering public sentiment which I write, is about 45 miles southeast
in their favor. of Deadwood, on the Sidney stage road. It
Generally speaking, that part of these is a bustling little town, well located, and
new communities looks upon railways as likely to be one of the main points in the
something that spoils the country for busi- Black Hills Country. It is about midway
ness. But those fresh from the East, the between the row of busy towns that lie
“tender feet,” as they are called, are quite along Deadwood Gulch and the promising
unanimous for “the iron horse.” placers of French Creek. Hayward and

7
Deadwood Free Press Vol. 2 Issue 23 September 5, 1878

Scenes From Around Town

There was much frivolity as Justice Rod Eun commenced an event at the

No. 10 actually across town at the Phoenix, where there was a community

swim. There were many happy conversations, and two brave children put

out a fire that Celestials set behind a vacant building.

Judge Eun emerged the victor in a lively contest with rubber bullets

and guns, in other words, a lot of fun. The event was coordinated by

Miss Salissa Wilder of the Bella Union, and with that dress around, it’s

amazing any breathing man could even look to another fellow to shoot.

The event clearly called for a lot of concentration.