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About The Sanders County Independent-Ledger (Thompson Falls, Mont.) 1918-1959 | View This Issue
The Sanders County Independent-Ledger (Thompson Falls, Mont.), 08 Aug. 1918, located at <http://montananewspapers.org/lccn/sn86075282/1918-08-08/ed-1/seq-6/>, image provided by MONTANA NEWSPAPERS, Montana Historical Society, Helena, Montana.
SANDERS COUNTY INDEPENDENT -LEDGER THREE TRAPPERS STOOD OFF 1 5 500 SAVAGE SIOUX IIN BLOODY PRYOR MOUNTAIN [FLIGHT The history of the pioneers of Mon- tana is replete with stories of hero- ism—of tales of personal bravery and self-sacrifice in the face of peril and death—where the hero received no medal or cross as a reward for gal- lant conduct. The pioneer trappers and gold seekers took danger and death as a matter of course; it was all in the day's work. A close brush with the grim reaper was little thought of Lnd soon forgotten. The written records of Indian fighting are confined largely to the battles between soldiers and the red men. Many of these are sufficiently thrilling. Every school boy knows the tales of the Battle of the Big Hole, Custer's last fight, Chief Jo- seph's last stand in the Bear Paw mountains and Sully's battle with the Sioux in the bad lands on the eastern Montana line. But none the leas thrilling would be a volume of tales of the battles fought between the trappers of the old fur days and the plains savages—hair-raising stories of a few white men fighting against terrible odds, and sometimes win= ning. Scores of these have not been preserved and today are forgotten. Perhaps no more remarkable In- dian battle ever was fought in Mon- tana than that which took place in the Pryor mountains in Big Horn county, June 24, 1875, between three prospectors and 1,500 Sioux Indians, who had taken the war path and were fomenting the trouble that culminat- ed in the Nez Perces war and the wip- ing out of Custer's command. It is the story of a determined, plucky fight against overwhelming odds that deserves to go on record as an ex- ample of coolness and bravery typical of the men who blazed our trails. The famous battles of Fort Fetter- man and Fort Phil Kearney were made against eaor,mous odds, and the valor and courage of the men engag- ed in them are not to be questioned. But those engagements were not In- augurated by a surprise of the at- tacking party, nor were the odds so great. Forsyth's famous fight on the Arickaree, rated as one of the great- est on record, is not in the running with the one about to be related, for in that instance there were more than 60 troopers in the command who had been following the Indians for days, seeking, expecting and pre- pared for battle. In that instance, too, Forsythe and his men had by a lucky chance camped on an island, when the Indians, several hundred strong and led by the noted Roman Nose, came openly in sight in day- light and offered battle. Roman Nose was killed with many of his braves, but they almost annihilated Foreythe's command. In the Pryor mountain fight the three men were caught apart, wholly surprised and compelled to fight singly for their lives against odds of 600 to 1. A few days before the fight, Taze- well Woody, Lew Hubbell and Charles Cocke, three of the best known trappers, prospectors and In- dian fighters of the Yellowstone val- ley, left the Old Mission, situated a few miles below where Livingston stands today, and then a famous out- post, on a prospecting expedition. They were well mounted and each led a pack animal well loaded with bed- ding and provisions for a trip of several months. After leaving the Mission they rode down the Yellow- stone valley for several days, crossed the river and skirted the base of the Pryor mountains, where they first noticed signs of the Indians. Woody, an experienced Indian fighter, smelled trouble and wanted to return, as the tracks of the reds showed him that they were in great force. His companions argued against going back, and when Woody yield- ed, the three rode on through Pryor's Gap and went into camp the evening of June 23 on a little stream called Beauvaix creek, which empties into the Big Horn river about 10 miles below old Fort C. F. Smith. Their camp was made in a small park. The following morning they were astir early, but no earlier than a horde of bloodthirsty Sioux, who had been watching their movements and had waited till daylight to attack. Hubbell had gone up the creek to string some traps and Cocke down stream on the same errand, while Woody was working in the vicinity of the camp, so the three were well scattered when Cocke saw a large party of mounted reds coming toward him. They saw him at the same in- stant and fired a volley. Cocke fired in return and killed one of their horses, leaping, as soon as he shot, Into the brush, and starting to work back toward camp. Soon he came upon Woody and they heard heavy firing up the creek, which told them that Hubbell was also fighting his way in, for the shooting came grad- ually nearer. Hubbell reached a ridge about 400 yards from the cree' and concluded it Was the safest place, although 200 Indians were firing at him and the bullets whistled about him on all sides. Hubbell hit one Indian and broke his arm, and as the white man as crouching now behind a rim of rocks in an advantageous position, the Indiana withdrew a short dis- tance. Hubbell made a break for the creek and the attackers closed in on him, firing and then retreating. As he did not reply with his rifle, the Indians must have thought he was out of ammunition, for soon three of them charged him. He shot two of them, which stopped the attack for a few minutes, during which he made a run for the camp. In such a fight as they knew was inevitable, the return of Hubbell was source of joy to his companions. Woody and Cocke had already piled up everything in camp in the form of a barricade and had brought in the horse.. Soon the Indians posted them- selves on the surrounding hills and poured a hail of bullets among the white men, killing th latter's horses and shooting to pieces the saddles, flour sacks and other camp equipage. But the three prospectors were shoot- ing too, and with such accuracy that the Indians presently withdrew from sight. This afforded the whites an opportunity to drag up One of the dead horses into position to strength- en their barricade. Immediately afterward 60 Indians reappeared, but again they were received 80 warmly that they retreated, dragging off two of their dead and leaving a couple of dead horses. They had hardly dis- appeared when another party of about the same number came from the opposite side. The prospectors shot so rapidly and with such deadly accuracy, however, that the Indians turned and fled. One of the reds was pinned alive under his horse, which had been shot under him. A bullet immediately scattered his brains. Soon a party of 100 Indians made a charge at the camp, but the white men, now well protected behind their barricade, knocked half a dozen off their horses and killed the head chief when he was not 30 feet away. The rest beat a retreat again. In the meanwhile the hills about were literally alive with red war- riors, who sent volley after volley into the white men's camp at close quarters. The return fire was ex- ' - tremely deadly, however. The three defenders were noted shots and little lead was wasted. But as the smoke of their rifles went up, the reds fair- ly deluged their defenses with bullets and the trees around them were rid- dled. How the three prospectors missed death a hundred times they never could tell. At one time Cocxe and an Indian fired simultaneously at each other at a distance of only ten feet. A hole was cut in Cocke's bat and the Indian fell dead with a bullet through his heart. Cocke cooly crawled over and pulled in the dead Indian for a breastwork. The losses of the Indians had been heavy and they must have thought that the medicine of the white men was too much for them, for in the afternoon the Sioux continued their still -hunting tactics, sniping from the brush but keeping out of sight of the whites. They appeared thoroughly discouraged. Before night the pros- pectors shot eight Indians who were foolhardy enough to show themselves —the last one being a war chief with gaudy war bonnet of eagle feathers. At nightfall the three whites, each packing a blanket and what food they could carry, crawled for miles through the brush. They hid through the next day and traveled again at night. For 100 miles they were con- stantly trailed by a party of the In- dians, but the latter kept at a res- pectful distance. After a journey of NO STRIKE AMONG MINERS OF BUTTE SOLDIERS IN BIG CAMP WERE READY TO INVOKE WORK OR FIGHT ORDER Demand Came Prom Campbell, Rep- resenting Possibly MO Men; Great Bulk of Miners Not Concerned; De- mand Timed With Due Regard to Dramatic Possibilities. Butte narrowly escaped being the scene of a labor sensation recently. Tom Campbell and his union made A demand for $6 per day in the mines, and threat- ened to close all properties, em- ploying in the aggregate 17,600 men. The major in charge of fed- eral troops stationed in Butte immediately made arrangements for the erection of a bull pen. He gave out the information that if Campbell and his men struck the work or fight order would be put into effect. There will be no strike in the Butte mines. That is the opinion of well informed men who are close to the labor situation, and familiar with the temper of the miners. They are just recovering from the financial effects of the shut down of a year ago, when the Industrial Workers of the World, through Campbell, shut down the mines for a short time. Re- cently, the mining companies volun- tarily raised the wages of the miners 60 cents a day. The lowest wage paid in the mines now is $5.75 per shift of eight hours, and the feel- ing among the miners is that the employing companies are endeavor- ing to do the right thing. Butte Miners Loyal Then, too, the spirit of the work- ers is better. They have been splen- didly affected by the wave of patriot- ism that has swept over the country and made patriots in every walk of life, even in places where commercial results stood first before. The min- ers, just like everyone else, are vi- tally interested in the war. Butte has sent 6,000 men to the colors, and of those 6,000 it is fair to assume that 5,000 are miners from \the Hill,\ as it is expressed locally. Their sons and brothers are in the trenches and their hearts are with them. The magnificent valor that the American troops have shown in recent fighting has imbued the men who have been left behind with the new American spirit, and there is jest as much loy- alty among the boys who carry their dinner , ..!Is up the Butte hill, as there ' , anywhere in America. All of th , makes it hard for the agita- tor, .he Industrial Worker of the Wc id, or the German propagandist. Timed Dramatically Campbell and his associates timed their demand with due regard for dramatic possibilities. Butte had turned out en masse to welcome John D. Ryan, the Montana citizen who has been selected by President Wil- son for the management of one of the most important of war activities— the building of the great airplane fleet. With Mr. Ryan came a major general of the United States army and other aviation officers. At a great gathering In honor of the aviation officials the Campbell ultimatum was presented to Con F. Kelley, vice president of the Anacon- da company. Mr. Kelley was sched- uled to make one ot the principal speeches. He prefaced his remarks by advising his hearers of the de- mands, and speaking for all the min- ing companies of Butte, the W. A. Clark interests. the East Butte, the Anaconda company, the Piedmont company, and the lesser concerns. said that the operators of Butte would never treat with th Industrial Workers of the World, and that the Campbell crowd, which threatened a strike if a favorable ntswer was not had within ri certain number of days. Could have their answer instanter. It DEFENSE COUNCIL BACK OF LEAGUE ALL LOYAL CITIZENS URGED TO JOIN NEW ORGANIZATION TO • FIGHT THE HUN Campaign for Membership Will Be Put on During the State Fair When the First Meeting Will Be Held; Idea Is to Build Up a War Winning Machine. Headquarters of the Montana Loy- alty league were opened in Helena a few days ago, and preliminary work looking to the inauguration of a membership campaign, is under way. It is intended to bring into the league all the loyal citizens of Montana, both men and women. It is not the purpose to limit the membership to the next -of -kin of men serving in the armed forces of the nation, although such an impres- sion might have been gained from the earlier announcements of the organi- zation of the league. Only one quali- fication is necessary for membership —pure, unadulterated Americanism without reservation, mental or other- wise. An Invitation to the Loyal The cooperation of all the people of Montana who are heart and soul' with the cause of America and her, allies in the war is to be sought. The , next -of -kin of soldiers and sailors will form the nucleus of the organi- zation, but it is not to be understood that the membership is to be limit- ed in any manner, except as stated. Lukewarm Americans, or those with a sneaking affection for -Germany, need not apply. Those who want to help lick the kaiser to a finish and Whose motto is \Unconditional Sur- render\ are solicited. President Peck of the league and his associates are well along with the preliminary work. It is expected that thousands of members will have been procured before the first meet- ing in Helena during the state fair. To Back the Government The league will cooperate with the state and federal governments and councils of defense in every war activity. Its services will at all times be at the disposal of every govern- mental agency. It confidently is ex- pected that the loyal citizenship of Montana will be co-ordinated into a highly effective war -winning machine before 60 days have elapsed. The league has the endorsement of the Montana state council of defense, given prior to the organization of the movement. Ecorse, Mich.—All records in ship- building were smashed here when a 3,500 ton ship was built and launch,- ed within 14 days. was to the effect that no attention would be paid to the demand. Strike Called Off Half the gathering were miners. The great throng arose and cheered Mr. Kelley, indicating the temper of Butte with regard to a strike. The Campbell union then issued a statement ad-ising men in the mines to \stay on their jobs\ and stating that later the union would deal with the situation. While Butte is interested because of the paralysis of trade that would follow a strike, the government is even more vitally concerned. Every pound of coppepr that is produced in the camp is being taken by the gov- ernment for the manufacture of mu- nitions of war, and it is very prob- able that when the commander of the troops made arrangement for the building of the bull pen that he had instructions from the war depart- ment to do so. Even had the strike been called, it is improbable that any miners other than the 350 who follow • Campbell, representing possibly two per cent of all the miner employed in Butte, would have gone out. The great bulk of the 'Moore would have remained on the job. terrible hardship they reached the Old Mission again. The story of this fight used to be told by old Uncle John Yancey, who kept a small hotel near Gardner. He happened to be at the Mission when the three prospectors returned from their fight. The story was later con- firmed by Crow Indians, who report- ed counting more than 40 bodies of Sioux on Beauvalx creek. They also reported seeing an eight -inch box elder tree that had been literally cut in two by the fire of the Sioux against the nchk ietefimnaelnly. co went down before a rifle in the hands of a Sioux. It was in 1876, during the Black Hills ex- citement that he and Hubbell had again set out for Pryor creek in search of beaver. Reaching there they set some traps and killed a buf- falo. Next morning they separated to visit their traps. Soon Hubbell heard firing and hurried back toward camp. Twelve Sioux rushed out of cover and fired at him, but, strange- ly enough, without touching him. He ran 60 yards to cover and shot the chief of the party. He lay in hiding all that day and at night struck out for the nearest settlement, Cocke's body was found by Crow Indians. It was leaning against a tree and it was plain that he had been placing a cartridge in his rifle when he was shot through the head. Woody was the last survivor of the trio. He died some years ago in Mis- souri. Just prior to leaving Montana he took his last trip into the moun- tains SS guide for Theodore Roose- velt. Opportunity for Women The federal government is desirous of enrolling 25,000 women, between the ages of 19 and 35 in the United States student nurse reserve. Appli- cants who are accepted will be sent to one of the 1,000 training schools for nurses that are being organized. The course lasts from two to three years, depending upon the adaptabil- ity of the student. All living expen- ses, including clothing and a small remuneration, are furnished students during the period of training. On graduation the student will be quali- fied to serve as a trained nurse, the compensation of which is high. Women desirous of taking advan- tage of this opportunity of serving a patriotic purpose and equipping themselves in a useful vocation may make application to Mrs. Henry L. Sherlock of Helena, Mrs. Harry Mit- chell of Great Falls, or the nurse re- serve chairman in each county. PILEMANSINT CAMPS thl YELLOWSTONE PAWL Elemon, Jane 1111 to September II Fer Wormed*. and rates address, YELLOWSTONE PARK CAMPINE COMPANY LiVirkroton, Montane • ,,,,H Sash, Doors, Millwork, Roofing, .! 0 • . Le; the Builder,' Baretr. 1:?' Haruware, 1 - am k:s. Louse save you Money on, /4'.. oil . . all build ,g lititteilialS: , SV11.1 )0..1 .... . , . ,,,,,, A ti a ...... A , . blinding hat for Boyd's Icrweatttnateor wtit, ( - A b„' -it ,-, • foi our free.caditor of' a titottand kltiii01,, •,,:,....7. ''',, -4 ',,,,,.......•''' .117 ' W .: t ).•`• baigk .ins. . ' . ' e. . . :\\ ., ' ,WestleSe A Seattle \ • EARN TELEGRAPH HARD WORK vs HEAD WORK What a contrast between the pay of the HARDWORKER and that of the HEADWORKER. Four months makes the change at this school. Wake up, young men and young women, to the wonderful opportunities we offer; classes to accommodate you regardless of the hours you Easy monthly work. pay- ments. We train con- scripted men for the government FREE. We have never failed to place a graduate Is high *alerted poeltion. Butte College of Telegraphy, Butte, Montana SEMI-ANNUAL STATEMENT Rocky Mountain Fire Insurance Co. \A STRONG WESTERN COMPANY FOR WESTERN PEOPLE\ Great Falls, Mont., June 30th, 1918 ASSETS Home Office Property 179,122.06 Mortgage Loans 249,455.46 Liberty Bonds 24,550.00 War Savings Stamps 834.00 County General Fund Warrants 356.15 Cash in Montana Banks (on interest) 139,592.56 Cash in Montana Banks (not on interest) 22,372.02 Agents' Balances 15,535.56 Balances Due from Other Companies 45,952.40 Due from Re -Insurance Companies on Account of Losses _ 4,009.28 Unexpired Insurance 1,810.01, ACCRUED INCOME Accrued Interest on Mortgages, Bonds and Bank Deposits $ 10,635.83 Hail Brokerage 7,028.02 Total Net Assets $ 701,253.29 LIABILITIES Capital Stock Paid -up $ 279,56736 Due Re -Insurance Companies 8,066.37 Sundry Liabilities _ 201.60 RESERVES Unearned Premium Reserve $ 162,532.60 Reserve For Losses in Process of 27,172.04 Reserve For Accrued Expenses 2,250.00 Reserve For Contingent Commission. 4,754.61 Reserve For Taxes 6,500.00 210,208.51 NET SURPLUS OVER ALL LIABILITIES Net Surplus as to Policy Holders . . . I Sam Stephenson, President. W. A. Brown J. B. Taylor W. N. Smith OFFICERS AND DIRECTORS John E. Dawson Vice -President and Manager Geo. H. Shanley, Vice-Pres. Alfred Malmberg, Vice-Pres. RECORD OF GROWTH $ 701,253.29 $489,776.07 4. Leo P. Mcileel, Sec'y-Treas. A. H. Gray C. H. Williams T. J. Walsh The following Comparative Statement will illustrate the splendid steady growth of this Company from commencement of business, to June 30, 1918, and is significant of the benefit to the entire State of keeping Montana insurance money at home. Date Admitted Assets Jen. 6, 1913 $233,373.45 Dec. 31, 1913 $325,243•13 Dec. 31, 1914 $406,931.11 Dec. 31, 1915 $475,954.69 Dec. 31, 1916 $509,210.31 Dec.31,1917 $576,814.10 $195,507.81 $11,570,368 June 30,1918 $701,253.29 $210,208.51 $24,763,023 Business in Force Net Surplus $33,373.45 $45,790.09 $137,877.34 $177,793.25 $180,261.55 $1,138,250 $1,912,050 $3,621,143 $5,618,443 WE WRITE FIRE, TORNADO, HAIL AND AUTOMOBILE INSURANCE AND HAVE AGENTS IN ALL THE PRINCIPAL CITIES AND TOWNS IN MONTANA. INSIST ON PLACING YOUR INSURANCE WITH A HOME COMPANY, AND KEEP THE MONEY AT HOME TO HELP DEVELOP YOUR OWN STATE AND COMMUNITY. •••••
