Episode 06: The Hamilton Story

by Jerry Kerr

In Lanarkshire, Scotland in the year of our Lord 1834, Archibald Hamilton was born to John and Agnes Hamilton. True to the Hamilton legacy John was a Stone Mason. Lanarkshire's finest buildings were constructed by Hamilton construction using stone and Granite from the Hamilton Quarry about 5 kilometers north of town. As Archibald grew he too was brought into the family business. By the time he was 12 years old he was working along side men twice his age. Learning every aspect of the business. He would listen to the men talking about this place called America. Their stories of Wild Indians and Cowboys out in the open plains appealed to Archie, as he was now being called, like the adventures in his school books.

Apprentice Jackson Harvey was also Archie's age and friend. They both took in all these stories about the riches that America had to offer to men willing to work hard. By the time they were 15 years old they had decided to go to America and seek their fortunes. Steerage passage at the time was almost a full years pay but they were determined. As they approached their 16th birthday they boarded the 402 foot Ethiopia Steamship in Glascow bound for New York. This ship could handle 180 Saloon passengers, 90 2nd class passengers and 700 Steerage passengers. It was one of five ships built within a 10 year period. They were all know for their rather quick trips across the Atlantic. 6 days was normal with the occasional 5 day trip in good weather. A sister ship, the Devonia would become a part of Archies future as it carried his future wife Isabella to New York in a few years.

Jack Harvey found work as a Cooper with the Scotch Whiskey company Finlaggan in Philadelphia. Archie stayed true to his roots and joined the construction firm of JD Gillespie. His work as a stone cutter would eventually develop into his Master Stone Mason position. However, for now these two men Jack and Archie had their sights set on going West. Just like back home, their co-workers talked about the development of the Western states. By 1860 Archie was ready to bring his fiance Isabella to New York and get married. He booked passage for her on the Devonia and soon had his bride in hand as they set off to Chicago. Jack Harvey was about a week ahead on a train bound for Denver, Colorado. He was ecstatic upon arrival with the opportunities in this growing robust of a town. Gold money from the nearby towns of Cripple Creek and Blackhawk had Denver busting at her seems. He secured lodging and set out to find work.

Isabella and Archie arrived in the historic winter of 1861. The Denver area was -20 degrees on a daily basis the last 2 weeks of January. Word was that the Chama Railroad was frozen out coming over the Sangre de Cristo mountain pass. The first time this has ever happened. That meant Gold shipments were delayed causing a slow down of Denvers commerce. On the north side of town along the rail line off of Santa Fe road there was a small lumber yard that had the misfortune of falling to the winter shutdown. The property was available for the more than reasonable price of $400.00. Of course Archie and Jack did not have that kind of money but they were determined. Archie wired his Philadelphia boss Mr. Gillespie and offered to make him a partner in the construction business for the sum of $500. And that is how the Hamilton and Gillespie contractors began.

By now you are wondering about Jack Harvey. Well, he did not want to partner with someone who was not a working partner. His work at the Palace cafe as a cook brought him much happiness. Especially during the historic winter. By 1864 Jack had saved enough money to start his own restaurant down by the Chama Railroad depot. The Harvey House cafe was born.

JD Gillespie was concerned with the shrinking income from his investment in Archie Hamilton. It had been 5 years and the steady decline had to be stopped. So he sent his youngest son William to fix the struggling company. This move sent Archie into a fit. How dare he send this young whipper snapper to tell me how to do things. It was the last straw. Archie set his sites on moving to the newly created town of Croaker Diggs. With all the building activity he was sure to prosper in the construction business. He was having dinner at the Buckhorn Exchange Steakhouse when his friend Larry Kerr walked in and took over the room with his larger than normal presence. Larry had a Blacksmith shop down the road from Archies place. He was also know for his shrewd horse trading. Archie invited Larry to sit and the two talked at length about Archies plan to move to Croaker Diggs. Larry was skeptical due to the rumors he had heard about some rail road guy named Charlie Shuey. They said that he ruled the town with an iron fist. But that just raised the scott in Archie who like before was determined.
Larry knew that the town was in need of a Blacksmith Shop. They loaded their business tools on a flat bed rail car and with their families in tow headed to Croaker Diggs on the Chama Rail Road.
Jerry Kerr
 

Ep07  Archie

by Jerry Kerr

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Arriving at Croaker Diggs in the Spring of 1866 Archie and Isabella and their three kids found the town had lots of friendly folks. The first thing was contacting the provisional Governor Charles Shuey who like all Rail Road entrepreneurs had bought up all the land around his rail line. Land surveyed and divided into plots he set our to make his fortune in land not gold. Archie and Archie Jr. who is now 5 years old set out to find a supply of Marble or Granite for the newly created A&I construction company. Hurricane Nevada is full of lots of stuff, but Marble and Granite it ain't. They did find a promising spot about 3 miles up river from the Williams Water Falls. While not the hard strata that Archie preferred, it had some major deposits of limestone and the potential of a few major veins of dense Rose Quartz.

Now the negotiations begin. The town council voted against any quarry up river from the falls in fear of contamination of the towns water source. Plus the town was in need of a Grist Mill to grind the corn and wheat now beginning to grow on the farms around Croaker Diggs. The area Archie is interested in was the planned site for the Grist Mill. The heavy stones used for the grinding and the construction needed to hold that weight were best suited on firm ground like that of the Limestone bed rock. Archie enlisted the help of the towns Geologist Walter Jukes to assist in finding another location. As any geologist knows there are ancient river beds strewn all over the Desert area around Hurricane. Walter soon put Archie in touch with the Land office manager and together they looked at a couple of mining claims that were within Walter's chosen area. One of the claims was available due to the untimely passing of its owner in a gun fight at a Rusty Spur card game.

While not as promising as the northern site Archie took control of the claim and decided to make it his home as well as the quarry of building materials. In Scotland Isabella was a renowned water Dowser. Of course the preferred tools of the dowser or water witch is a willow branch shaped like a large wish bone from a Turkey. And like many things in Hurricane, Willow trees are not to be found. Isabella was a frequent visitor to the Williams pond formed at the base of the falls. While trees were not Willow as she had known in Scotland she did see a group of trees down stream that might provide the dowsing tools she needed to find a spot to dig the well on their new claim. It turned out to be a group of Honeylocust trees. Less flexible than the willow it served its purpose and Isabella soon marked the spot and Archie set to digg'n. 35 feet down and Archie hit some wetness which turned to water after another 3 foot of digging. Lined with the bricks from the dismantled Thompson brewery building the family now had a fresh supply of water.

Little Rose Marie was now 1 year old and watched over by her big brother William who is all grown up at 3. Junior makes sure that both are careful as they help with the constant work of a new home. The old mining shack was their current home with plans to build as time would allow. While digging the well Archie had to dig thru a 8 foot thick vein of clay. It was less than 3 foot from the top soil and had the consistency that would be perfect for making clay and straw bricks. Some of the Indian houses they saw as the train passed the reservation looked like huge brown bricks. Upon inquiring of the locals Archie learned the bricks were called adobe. With Archie mixing the clay and straw and Junior putting the mix into the wooden forms the 16x12x4 adobe bricks were formed and left to dry in the summer sun. After a few weeks they had enough bricks to start their home construction.

The A&I Construction Co. was on its way to success. A recent contract to renovate the towns oldest hotel would get them off to a good start. As the years went by Archie's business success was matched by his good friend Larry The Blacksmith Kerr. Now a power broker on the town council and obviously highly respected by 'ol Iron Fist Shuey the territories provisional Governor.

 

Episode 08: Isabella's Story
Not much is known about her early childhood other than she lived near the Hamiltons. Her parents James and Mary Scott were farmers. Her Great Grandmother Isabel was convicted and burned at the stake for practacing witchcraft. She had taught her daughters the craft of Dowsing prior to her death. And that was passed on to Isabella. Her mother Mary tried for years to find water and just seemed to not have the ability. Isabella on the other hand was just connected to the land and was extremely successful at finding places to dig wells. While this knowledge was useful, it certainly did not define who she was. A participating partner in the construction businesses from the beginning of their marriage. A Christian woman who raised her family with love and devotion.
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Episode 8-5   The News as of Today
A poke in the ribs woke him from his thoughts as Isabella wanted to tell him some news.   In all the excitement of the past week she had not been sure about her condition, but it was time to tell Archie that she is pregnant.  Archie was over whelmed with happiness at this news.  Another boy would be a great addition to the family.   The children were also looking forward to a new baby brother or sister.

Every able bodied body that could work had set out to rebuild the town.  Under the guidance of Mr. Shuey the new buildings began to take shape.  As provisional Governor he did have the combination to the Land Office safe and the mining claims and lot plans survived the fire.  Hopefully when the printing press arrives for the Pioneer Times they will be able to print a copy of the lot plans so folks can find other folks.  The A&I Construction Co. have all the Bank walls finished and they have begun to get a metal roof installed to slow down the spread of fire in the future.

Doc Hudson has his hands full treating the injuries suffered in the fighting of the fire.  That and the constant care required by the ladies at the Pleasure Palace and Smooth Bore Gentlemans Club with all the construction laborers in town.  If you ever met the two Madams then you know that Margie and Lily are sticklers for a clean operation.

All of this information was passed on to Archie by Isabella as he has been at the quarry all week cutting stone for the buildings and Junior would haul them into town on their wagon pulled by Moscow the Mule. 'Ol Moscow loved Junior and would do anything he asked.  Now senior was another story.  Once Moscow just plan set down and would not move when Archie was trying to pull a big old stump out of the ground.  He finally had set a little blasting powder under the stump and blew that thing out of the ground along with getting Moscow up and out of there with the stump pieces flying around behind him on the rope still tied to both.  It was just about the funniest thing old Archie had ever seen.

The summer was so busy trying to get as much construction done before Winter arrived on top of Croaker Diggs.  Many of the buildings had new roof coverings that were a bit more fire proof than prior to the fire.  Terry Kerr, the Manager/Owner of the Excelsior Hotel arrived and was pleased with the progress to the Hotel.  He should be ready to open for business in about 10 days – give or take.

We have moved into late October and Isabella has gone into labor.  She was at the A&I office in town and Doc Hudson had to get Sheriff Fox to ride out to the quarry and get Archie.  By the time Archie arrived so had little Sarah Jane.  Healthy and ready to meet her daddy.  Life is good in Croaker Diggs. 

 

Ep 09  The Fire

10 year old Archie Jr. was now working as an apprentice for his father and 8 year old brother William P took over Juniors previous duties around the quarry. They consisted of cleanup after the workers had finished their day. Tools, rock dust, stacking form lumber and the occasional stacking of bricks from the newly constructed Kiln. Isabella had taken up teaching not only her children, but several of their closest neighbors in the old mine shack that was their first home. Being so far from town it was just not possible to have the children attend the town school if they ever find a teacher. Rose Marie, or Rosie to Dad, was learning the ways of homemaking from Mom. She was excellent in the vegetable garden and seemed to have a green thumb. Archie was getting ready to blast a chunk of limestone out of it's place in the earth when he heard the scream of the town siren as the sound passed down the river canyon. That could only mean one thing. The town was burning. He hopped on his Mule Moscow and headed to town. On the way he thought gosh darn 1871 is going to be a bad year for Croacker Diggs. By the time he arrived the men working the hand pump were exhausted to he stepped in with another fresh body and kept pumping water. It was a long after noon and night before they finally quit. Almost the entire town had suffered damage of some sort. Some burned to the ground and others suffered scorched walls and severe roof damage. It will take some time for the town council to assess the full magnitude of the damage. Of note was the pristine condition of the Mayor's house and the Blacksmiths shop and Livery. Unfortunately the Land office is left with only it's safe standing tall among the ruins. Here's hoping the provisional Governor has the combination to see if the towns plot plan and lot ownership records are intact. A plot plan is very important to the town's future development. A week later and the town council was holding their meeting at the mayor's house as cleanup of the Rusty Spur continues. This was a How to rebuild meeting. It was suggested that each lot owner was responsible for rebuilding there own store front or home. The rail road had not suffered any damage, so building materials and laborers could get to town easily. While the depot had some slight damage it has already been repaired. The miners had returned to their claims and sleeping tents popped up all over town as those who lost everything moved on with survival. Sunday's church service was held right down on Main Street and everyone attended with hope in their hearts for the future. After church service, Archie Hamilton had his picture took by the newspaper photographer who has been documenting the residents of Croaker Diggs. His wife Isabella is camera shy. Of course on the wagon ride home she had second thoughts and wished that she had posed with her children. Maybe next week she thought to herself. All this time Archie is making plans to help with the rebuilding of the town. He needs to pull more stones and bed rock to have plenty on hand for those businesses that want to build with something a bit more fire proof than lumber. He needs to order some sheets of tin to use for roofing on any brick structure. That along with the lumber should be enough to get things started. A poke in the ribs woke him from his thoughts as Isabella wanted to tell him some news.
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Ep10  Rector Cole
There have been many travelers passing through our town with the lure of Gold or construction labor. The Saloons and Bordellos were up and running first thing so these fellas had a place to blow off some much earned steam. Today a strange contraption rolled into town behind two huge Oxen. It was painted bright red with yellow accents like you might see from a circus wagon. Larger than a Conestoga wagon it was made of wood and seemed to waddle around in the dirt ruts. It is so wide that it's wheels do not fit in the ruts of the trail made by all the other wagons. A rather small looking horse trailed behind tethered by a rope. It was a normal sized horse of about 15 and 1/2 hands but next to the wagon he looked like a big Pony. Sitting atop the wagon was a Squaw dressed in buckskin with long black hair flowing in the wind. Wind not from the speed of the Oxen, but from the constant wind that blows down Main Street. She was squatted down with her legs crossed and just looked like she was ready to take on anyone at any time. Driving the wagon was an average looking man if the rough and weathered look of a Mountain man was your average. He was also dressed in buckskin from Hat to moccasins. He stopped in to see Sheriff Miller with some disturbing news. He had been in Holden, Utah trading his furs when he got wind that one member of the Younger gang was headed to Virginia City. He brought a copy of the wanted poster for Cole Younger. These guys were not to be messed with as they are the hard core bad guys. Mountain man's name is Rector Cole and believes the call of Gold is stronger in the Youngers than that of Silver. Word has spread far and wide about the Williams claim and Croaker Diggs is ripe for pick'n. It may be our luck that Gen Custer is stopping in town for a few days with the likes of Younger coming to town. I'm sure that the axe handle our sheriff carries around will discourage any uprising by the visitors to our town. Mr. Cole and his squaw stopped in at the blacksmith shop to have his Oxen looked after. Never knew that Oxen wore shoes but there ya go. While there he had the Wheelwright look after a couple of loose spokes and to grease his wheel bearings. A couple of buffalo hides took care of the price of keeping his wagon going along. He has a long ride to Sacremento then up North into Oregon territory. He seemed get real nervious when he heard that Gen Custer was coming to town and high tailed it as soon as his wagon was ready. Maybe the General can shed some light on why Mr. Cole did not want to be around when the Army came to town.
 

Ep11  A Letter to the Mayor
To the Honorable Mayor of Croaker Diggs.

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Sir:

  Yesterday a young woman walked into our farm looking for some fresh water.  She is wore down to almost nothing and her clothes are torn and look as though she has walked in from Salt Lake City.  Isabella, my wife, took her in and fed her and got her washed up a bit so she could wear a some clean clothes.  She told us how her families wagon had been attacked just west of the big Salt Lake. It seemed there were 5 rough looking men who captured the whole family.  The men had plans to take them and their possessions to Montana.  Her father was tied to the wagon and had to walk or be dragged as they made their way on the trail.  She and her mother were not tied but had to walk. They came upon a small river and had some difficulty in crossing.  Just as their Mule touched the side of the river they were attacked by Indians and every one except the women and children were killed.  The Indians treated them well and allowed them to freely move around the camp.  

  By now the young woman had told us that her family name was Tawdrey and her name was Sukey.  this is the Tawdrey family from Circleville, Ohio.  They are cousins to the Nye family with whom they were in the Mercantile business with for many years.  Mr Tawdrey had plans to make it to Oregon and open his own business.  Sukey said that her mother was still at the Indian camp along with her younger sister and 2 brothers.  Before leaving the camp, Sukey was told by her mother to go and find her own way.  Mother and children would be just fine staying with the Indians.  The afternoon that she was out picking berries she had the chance to sneak away and with a pouch full of berries she had food for a few days.  She was very surprised that the Indians did not try to find her.  Sukey just took off walking and staying off regular trails until she stumbled into our place.  
I am writing to you to ask the procedure for my wife and I to take this youngster into our household and make her part of our family.  Isabella could certainly use the company and the eventual help around the office as our business continues to grow along with your fine town.
Sincerely,
Archibald Hamilton
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Ep12 - A Close call with the Shoshone and a dead rancher

Madame Konen

​Those heathens that tipped over the privy while you were in it were caught red handed today in the back side of the SmoothBore peeping into one of my girls rooms. I went out and grabbed those boys by their hair and dragged each one of home to their mommas and told each mother if she didn’t whip the sin out of em I would.

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Mayor Shuey: Thanks Margie

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Floozy Judy: I’d bet ya a dime those were the same boys that was hunkered under the porch of the Rusty Spur try’n to get a look up my petticoat.

 I hope their mommies smack ‘em good for me too!

Mayor Shuey: Well you ain’t lived ‘til your outhouse tips over. I’m just thankful it didn’t fall over on it’s door!!! I’d still be in there..

Furthermore Sheriff, I think some community service may be called for with these kids, just my opinion

 

Sheriff: Cleaning stalls at the town stables for about a week sounds good to me.

 

Mayor: Right Sheriff

 

Mayor: Starting tomorrow, the laborers will be building and erecting the trestle bents around town. There will be noise and dust, some dynamite explosions, cussin and yellin - the railroad is coming and this is a small part of that. Track layin crews will be right behind them. So lock up your daughters, smaller livestock and valuables. Just sayin..

 

Mayor: So I was walking thru town this morning on my morning routine, stopped by Paulines produce and ‘borrowed’ an apple (like every other day), and then I realized that I never did build her a front porch for her produce shop like I promised. Just added it to my list - Thanks for the Apple!

 

Undertaker:  I noticed the construction on the rail line is progressing nicely.  The rail boss is driving his workers hard to get the track laid asap. 

 Young Hamilton came into town and told me that there was a dead body out on the North East corner of their homestead.  So I rode out with him and sure enough there is a body.  He looked like a pin cushion with so many arrows sticking every which way.  This of course gave me some concern so we rode a little more East and just over the first ridge there is a camp full of about a dozen Teepees.  So we hightailed it back and picked up the body and rode back to town to tell the Sheriff and Mayor.

 

Mayor: A member of the construction crew on the bridge said that you can see light smoke from campfires in that direction when looking from on top of the bridge tower and swears he heard drums and “screeching”.

Sheriff :   Anybody get a count of how many Indians are in the camp ?  Maybe we should gather the outlying citizens to town until we understand the full situation .  

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We should send a telegraph to the calvary and get them started this way. We should also call a town meeting to warn everyone .   Put up barricades on each road into town and post lookouts 24-7

 

Mayor: I will take care of the telegraph with Mr Kasten

 

Mayor to Kasten: Send a telegram right away to Corporal McAndrews at Fort Laramie as follows:

INDIAN CAMP SPOTTED - 50 STRONG - 6 MILES EAST OF CROAKER DIGGS - RANCHER MURDERED - SEND HELP ASAP - STOP

 

Mayor - Corporal McAndrews has been notified, and he advises that the Calvary is headed our way to help! I have also sent out a notice to all of the town folk that we are having a town meeting this evening just before sun down. 

 

Wheelwright to Mayor: I’ll whip up some barricades for the Sheriff.  Should be ready by sundown.  Does anyone in town speak Indian?  Maybe we could find out just what is happening by talking to them.  You said a rancher died.  Who was he?

Mayor:  The body you the Sheriff found - figured he was a rancher

Mayor: There is a young man who comes around - Full blood Injun. Trying to remember who he hangs with. - Oh Yah, Brad the Trapper knows him - they hunt together. I’ll run over and talk to Brad - 

 

Mayor: I left a note on his door - he must be out on a hunt - should be back soon

 

Undertaker: I have not determined who the dead man is yet.  Neither of us knew him on site.  He’s got the look of a cowboy but he was stripped of his chaps and hat.  No horse either.  Might be a case of the guy running into the indians and they liked his horse?

 

Mayor: Either way - There will be justice

 

Brad/Butcher: I just got back from hauling in meat and heard the word. Who was the rancher? The injun you are talking about is called Silent Wolf. We do a lot of trapping together. I will see if he has heard anything about the rancher. 

 

Mayor: Brad we are hoping that Silent Wolf can talk to the elders at the indian camp and see what their intentions are. Time is of the essence as Fort Laramie is sending soldiers to deal with them tomorrow. If the indians can explain the dead rancher and convey peace talks, we can stop the Calvary. Otherwise the camp will be destroyed.

 

Brad/Butcher: Silent Wolf is on his way to the camps to find out what happened. I am hoping he will be back by sunset. He does not believe his people could have done this. 

 

Mayor: The local Shoshone Indians have never caused us reason for alarm. They are peaceful, nomadic people and amazing artists. When I was a younger man, I had the opportunity to bear witness to a meeting between military leaders and Chief Washakie, leader to the Eastern Shoshone Indians, famous for his friendship and civility to white men. He spoke of peace and just wanted to be left alone to live in their ways and on their lands. He had a peaceful heart no doubt. But don’t let that fool you, if riled, they can be fierce fighters and unfortunately they are known for stealing horses from other tribes. The Calvary will not care, they will be sent to eradicate the entire camp unless we have good news from Silent Wolf.

Sheriff:   Are any cattle or horses missing.  I have heard of schemes where cattle are missing and fake arrows are used so blame is put on the Indians.  Have Silent wolf inspect the arrows to see if he can identify which tribe or if they are fake.

 

Mayor: Great idea Sheriff

Mayor: Well, Hell…\

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Trouble at the Gun Store
 

March 24, 1873
 

A carpenter was hired to ..repair/replace the front window frame at Tim’s Gun Store yesterday. Seems a 12 gauge with 00 buck  can do extensive damage to anything in it’s way when both barrels open up! That is what happened when a stranger walked into Tim’s shop and pointed his 6-shooter  at Tim in an ill-fated attempt to get access to the cash drawer. This proved to be a very bad decision for the stranger.  The same carpenter has also been consigned to throw together a box… a pine box for the newly ventilated stranger. .

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News Flash

 

  Bill Reid (Bartender at Lily’s) was found this morning near the shore of the pond, where he fishes near every night, with serious wounds about his head, shoulders and legs - apparently from a wolf attack. His canoe capsized late last night and he swam ashore. Apparently the commotion caught the attention of a pack of wolves 5 or 6 in numbers according to Bill. His firearm was at the bottom of the pond with all his gear so he had little defense against the beasts. After a short bit, the caretaker at the mine heard the attack and came to his rescue with a 10 ga shotgun. He shot two of the animals and the remainder retreated to the east. Doc Hudson is tending to Bill and will let us know the extent of the injuries. Bill wanted to say thanks to the good Samaritans that retrieved his belongings and boat from the pond.

Sheriff :  Sounds like it is time to put a bounty on wolves to scale down their population.   Some poisoned meat placed near the pond might help .

 

Mayor: Dammit! I’d say the fact that SIlent Wolf did not return indicated, at least to me, that he was not welcome in the indian camp and may have lost his scalp in the process. We should stay alert and prepare for the worst, maybe a second recon group to gather some facts before the Calvary gets here ?

Sheriff ;  I snuck out last night and took a look at their camp.  From the sounds of their drums and chanting , not to mention wearing war paint, I feel they are preparing for an all out attack.  Send out an alarm to everyone to get ready for imanate attack .

 

Mayor: The Calvary has arrived. They want us to stay out of it. They have 90 men including 3 indian agents and scouts. They are investigating and plan on meeting with the camp elders in the morning, but their gut feeling is that the camp is not offensive and they are familiar with the Shoshone and know them to be peaceful in most respects. Relocation may be a possibility.

Sheriff :   Glad to hear the calvary has arrived .  We need to make them feel at home in our town.

 

Maj Gen Terry Walshaw - I just wanted to let all the citizens of Croaker Diggs know that the Indians that you were concerned with have moved on to the North and pose no threat. The matter of the unidentified dead man has been resolved also. The Chief received a confession from one of the braves who was defending himself from the man who ambushed 3 of the indians on a hunting party. The other two indians were interrogated by our agents from the Office of Indian Affairs and it was determined that the death was clearly a case of self defence. We agreed that the tribe can administer justice per their customs and traditions as necessary. We would like to thank your town for your vigilance and dedication to keeping the peace.
Mayor: Join us at The Buffalo Pub Sheriff - Standing room only. Margie sent over a few girls from the SmoothBore Club to entertain. Debbie from the Pleasure Palace is here too and brought dancing girls and a keg of bourbon. Looks like we might move this celebration over to the larger WheelWright shop. Brad’s got a pig over the fire, people are bringin in food and pies, oh brother, simply delightful I tell you.There’s a banjo and fiddle player and piano melodies fill the cool evening air with music and good cheer, people dancing and carrying on in the streets. Silent Wolf has returned as well with a young woman at his side. Apparently his visit with the Shoshone tribe was not near as perilous as we feared.  It’s a good thing to see people so happy. They deserve it.
Sheriff:   Happy times are here again .
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Ep 13: The Train is Coming
Ep13
The Train is Coming

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Mayor: The arrival of the railroad, while long overdue, is looked upon with great anticipation by the town and her citizenry. The mine’s transport of ore to the processing plants alone will increase efficiency of the mines net output 300% and the return trips will bring much needed timber, machinery and supplies for the lode mining operations. Merchants will no longer need to rely on the slow and inconsistent delivery of goods by horse and wagon and the families of Croaker Diggs will enjoy the mobility that few have experienced, to safely visit family and far away places across the country. The railroad promises to shrink this great land and what once took 2 months of perilous, uncomfortable travel will now be accomplished in 2 weeks, imagine that! The Overland Stage-coach, while still a necessary tool for shorter expeditions, will step aside and allow the iron horse of the prairie a wide berth on the road to a brighter future. Modern times are upon us and we are a better people for it. The distant lonesome cry of the locomotive whistle can be heard from only a few miles away now, delivering timber, rails and men to pave her own way through the desert mountains leading to Croaker Diggs and Thornbush. One day very soon, the whistle will signal the arrival of a new age directly to our door-step, delivered on the magical iron rails of tomorrow.

It’s been 4 short years since the completion of the Trans-Continental railroad in Utah in 1869 and we have certainly benefited by the influx of the skilled laborers, engineers, surveyors and railroad men, trained and ready to assist in our glorious endeavor. Trestle work is nearly done with only the eastern leg of the northern line needing completion. Don’t be surprised if one day, very soon, you are awakened by the locomotive’s lonely howl through the canyon beyond saying “we have arrived and by God’s grace, we are home”.

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Ep13-1  - Judge Ghent
Mayor: 3 large wolves were turned in this morning for the bounty of $7 each. This is the result of the attack on Bill Reid a few days ago. The Sheriff suggested a bounty on wolves would be a good idea. This makes 12 turned in so far.

 

Sheriff :  Bounty is working. I still have the guy that shot Jim in the saloon.  Do we have an ETA on judge arrival or do we ship him to the judge ?

 

Mayor: The Judge will be here tomorrow afternoon. I would not expect him to rule tomorrow and I wouldn’t push it. This is Judge Ghent. A short little German guy - the only thing shorter than his stature is his temper! Judge Billings took sick and couldn’t make it. The accused is not gonna have a good day - just sayin! 

I need a drink.

 

Sheriff :   I was around him once and he busted my lip just for fun.  Of course he was standing on a stool.

 

Mayor: I hear they tried to bring in the locomotive today but derailed on a sharp curve, it’s a minor derail and the loco has backed out to it’s barn. The Cornish will be repairing the track in a few days. I hear they may have to reroute a section which will take time. Best to get it done right.

 

Mayor: Hey Sheriff - Funny how you and I are the only ones in town. Where the hell did everyone go?

Sheriff :  Don`t know .  By the  way six more wolves were brought in last night . You owe me $48.00.  We should have the hides tanned and sell them.  

 

Mayor: And why would the town of Croaker Diggs pay YOU? Did you kill them? You’re a public servant - you should do it for free. Right?

 

Sheriff :  I paid the bounty for each wolf out of my own pocket to the individuals who brought them.  

 

Mayor: Oh - I see. Thanks for doing that Sheriff. Go see Mary in my office, she’ll give you the money. I don’t carry that kind of money on me.  The hides should go to Brad - His buddy Silent Wolf will get the hides tanned. There’s a small group of Shoshone indians just NE of town - they have been doing some trading with a few merchants in town. It might be a good move to give the hides to them as a friendly gesture, they’ve helped us in the past and frankly I’m glad they’re there.

Sheriff:  Sounds good to me .  Has the judge arrived yet ?

 

Mayor: ” Well, yes the Judge arrived but the girls tell me that he has been frequenting the Bordello’s in town and hasn’t been seen since yesterday. You are welcome to go knocking on doors but not me my friend! I’m for waiting him out. Better for us all if’n he’s in a good mood anyway.

 

Mayor: The Judge came by the office this afternoon and wanted info on the guy you have in custody. I gave him what I have but sent him your way.

Sheriff:   I am still here

Mayor: Me too

Wheelwright: Not me I’m working

Undertaker: I’m here now that I got those Chinese fella’s ready for shipment back to China.  

Mayor: Best get on with it - startin to smell

 

?Sheriff: I haven`t seen the judge yet.

Mayor: Sheriff, take the prisoner over to the Buffalo Pub tomorrow morning at 9:15 - Judge is gonna rule on him shooting Jimmy before lunch

 

Mayor: Damn wolves dug up a grave at the cemetery last night!. A horrible sight! I must meet with the undertaker and see who he commissioned to bury that poor fella. Name on the marker is Mr Ebert Jiles - died 2 months ago. Someone needs a lesson on how deep to dig the God Damn hole!

 

Undertaker: With all due respect Mr. Mayor two months ago I was in Denver at the U.E.U. updating my skills.  Archie Jr. told me that you commissioned some big fella that had just got to town to bury poor Jiles.  Funny the wolves dug up that grave and none of mine.  Did you guys even put the poor fella in a coffin?

As for the Chinese fella, ain’t the shipping the responsibility of the railroad? I took the boxes over to the freight station two days ago!  Just who is in charge of freight shipments?  

Mayor: Mr Eakins.. No one is blaming you. This is not a time for everyone to get defensive and start pointing fingers. This unfortunate incident must be dealt with by properly instructing individuals who have been given an important responsibility, such as internment of fellow human beings, so they can perform their task as assigned without fail. Since the boiler explosion at the lumber mill, dimensioned lumber is as scarce as hen’s teeth and I for one would not be surprised if Mr Jiles was laid to rest in a cold earthen hole in the ground. But even so - it should of been, as you know, the proper depth. Little can be done at this point to attach a name to the individual but the important issue is to prevent a recurrence of events in the future. I will appoint someone to confirm proper procedures are adhered to in the future, under penalty of law. In fact, at the next council meeting I will request a formal position be created concerning the health and safety of residents, living and dead! I expect your support.

 

(cont) As you well know, I am also the RailRoad Superintendent and yes, the RailRoad - CDCRR is responsible for returning the bodies to the port of San Francisco per contractual agreement. The deceased will be loaded on the train in the morning and packed in ice. Once in port, 4 days, a Chinese vessel will take it from there for their return to their homeland. There are shipping crates available at the freight station that can be reused as necessary in your business should the need arise. 2,000 board feet of lumber will be arriving in two weeks from the mill in Denver to hold us over. A new boiler has been requisitioned for the mill and will be delivered via rail soon at which time we can get this issue back on track and restore production in the carpenters shop, your office and the WheelWright to name a few who depend on cut lumber.

 

Mayor: Well, what a day! The Judge waited almost an hour for the Sheriff to show up with the prisoner - and they didn’t show. The Judge Deputized 2 gentlemen from the street and had them fetch the prisoner. The Judge was so pissed off because of the no-show, he released the prisoner and gave him passage on the funeral train carrying those two Chinamen. Yep, set him free as long as he left CD and didn’t come back. Judge said if he ever see’s him in court again - he will hang - regardless of his offense! As far as the Sheriff goes, God help him when the Judge finds him! Oh Boy.

​

Sheriff :  If I had a couple of deputies I could get to court on time.  I was investigating a missing horse from the livery stable.   It figured out how to open the gate and wound up in a neighbors garden.  
I don`t understand why the judge let off that asshole that shot Jim.  If that gets out everybody will think it is ok to shoot each other.
Mayor: Judge Ghent is a strange cookie - for sure
Mayor: Just spoke to the Treasurer - He says there’s sufficient funds for you to hire a Deputy - Start recruiting Jack
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Episode 13-3: The Petition
Ep 13-3

BlackSmith Move Order

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From the Mayors Office:
A petition has been surrendered to this office with over 200 signatures demanding that the BlackSmith Shop owned by Larry Kerr be moved from the business district and relocated to a commercial location, possible near the lumber mill. This is due to the noise and noxious smells emanating from the shop. Judge Watkins signed the order to schedule the move to be accomplished as soon as practical. The county will share the expense of the move and loss of business during the downtime with the town of Croaker Diggs. 
An out of town investor, Rose Underwood, has shown interest in leasing the old BlackSmith lot to possibly operate a Hotel and restaurant in that location. This will be discussed at the next town council meeting which will be held tomorrow at the normal location, the Rusty Spur Saloon. The public is not invited

Ep 14 Nurse Cherrell Arrives

Please Welcome Croaker Diggs newest resident, Ms Cherrell Hollebeke. Cherrell will be assisting Doc Hudson as Nurse during the day and will provide singing and dancing entertainment at night with the stage-name of Lacey Starr. She will be appearing at the Rusty Spur twice daily until further notice.  Please extend a Big Croaker Diggs Welcome!
Cherrell Hollebeke

Welcome Cherrell
·
Cherrell Hollebeke: Bert Wade Miller Thank you Bert. 😊

Mayor Shuey: Cherrell, Bert is the Sheriff and will assist in any way he can - but, don’t get in his way when he is grumpy!

Sherrif Jack - Cherrell My name in CD is Jack.
⁠

Ellen:Cherrell is a nice girl and she fixes up real nice for her shows.
She’ll make a great new neighbor and goodness knows Doc needs the help.
He never seems to be around town. 

Cherrell: Ellen Green Sowders Well aren’t you kind & thank you. I’m looking forward to being a helpful member of the community.😊

Lexi Shuey: Welcome!!!!!

Cherrell: Lexi Thank you Ms. Parker. Please let me know if I can be of any help down at the schoolyard.😊

Lexi: Cherrell I will! Thank you for the offer!

James Wachtel: Welcome!!!🍻

Cherrell: James  Well I want to thank you for the kind welcome Mr. JW.😊

Terry L. Kerr: Welcome Cherrell aka Lacey Starr

Cherrell Hollebeke

Thank you Mr.Terry I am looking forward to meeting all you nice folks of Croaker Diggs.😊

Mayor Shuey: Cherrell You need to know that Ms Ellen is the current manager of the Rusty Spur Saloon - she’s your contact for anything concerning your entertainment activities there. She’s a great lady - you’ll love her. Doc Hudson is also great but he likes the sauce. Haven’t heard from him for over a week. I can help with pretty much anything else - Mayor Shuey
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Uncle Bart
Ep 14-A  Uncle Bart

Mayor Shuey 
Ellen - I wanted to be first to congratulate you on the inheritance of the deed to the Rusty Spur. We are also sorry to hear of the passing of your Uncle Bart who built the Saloon near 30 years ago. The cash inheritance will allow you to do some much needed work to the Saloon as we discussed at the last town council meeting. We'll talk soon...

Ellen: We need to find a carpenter. I’m ready to fix up the place!

Ellen: Uncle Bart already had made his final plans with the undertaker. The service is at the cemetery tomorrow at 2.
Uncle Bart always wanted the Spur to be nicer. He was just afraid to spend the money, thought he might need it for something before he left this world. Now that he’s gone he won’t need it and I’m gonna fix the place up in his memory.
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​
Ep15A - Miss Lacy Star

Miss Lacey Starr was traveling from Boston To San Francisco to join a community theater as the lead in a new play. The train she was on stopped overnight at Croaker Diggs.  At the suggestion of the train station agent Miss Lacey went to the  Rusty Spur saloon  for dinner and refreshment, while there her purse was stolen with all of her money and train ticket.

 

   In Boston, Miss Lacey had worked as a nurse in her father’s doctors office. She also joined the local community theater group where she was a singer, dancer and actress.

   When her purse was stolen a kindly rich miner who was smitten with her, took her under his wing and arranged a hotel room for Miss Lacey.

The rich miner, Rufus Bartholomew promised to love and take care of Miss Lacey, if she would marry him. He convinced her to stay at the hotel so he could court her. Miss Lacey was considering his proposal since she had lost all of her money and could no longer get to San Francisco. Unfortunately the next day Rufus Bartholomew was tragically killed in a mine explosion.  This left Miss Lacey stranded with only a few nights paid at the hotel. Miss Lacey was able to sell some of the costumes she had in her steamer trunks. The Escorts at the Smoothbore Gentleman’s club were more than willing to buy such finery from Boston.

 

   Miss Lacey spoke with Doc Hudson and found out he was looking for a nurse. Since Miss Lacey had not had formal nurse training Doc Hudson was willing to give Miss Lacey a job as his nurse on a trial basis.

The nurse job wasn’t certain, so Miss Lacey spoke with the owner of the Rusty Spur Saloon and secured a position as a singer and dancer to entertain the bar patrons.  

   Miss Lacey Starr became a hit at the saloon and Doc Hudson had never been so busy with miners and other men coming in for minor injuries and ailments just so they could be close to Miss Lacey.  

The blacksmith had burnt his hand in the forge and went to Doc Hudson but the Doc was away delivering a baby outside of town. Miss Lacey cleaned, applied a soothing ointment and bandaged the blacksmith’s hand. The blacksmith was taken by Miss Lacey’s beauty and kindness plus she smelled purrty like honeysuckle flowers. Miss Lacey told the blacksmith to come back everyday so she could check his burn and re-bandage it.  The blacksmith came back everyday just so he could see and talk to Miss Lacey.

   A month went by and one night the blacksmith decided to head over to the Rusty Spur to see Miss Lacey Starr’s show.

He sat as close to the stage as he could and was enchanted by her performance.   Some miners were getting rowdy during her performance. One jumped up on the stage and accosted Miss Lacey. She struggled to get away from him. She fainted and fell to the stage floor. The Blacksmith jumped the miner, picked him up and threw him off of the stage. The blacksmith picked up Miss Lacey in his arms and carried her to her hotel.

 

Stay tuned for the next installment of Miss Lacey Starr and the blacksmith.
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A Sad Day
Ep 15B -Chaos Delivered

Synopsis of the events of Auust 23, 1873
Doc Hudson
Aug 23, 1873
Mayor Shuey: Sad news - Late last night Doc Hudson was notified by an express messenger that a young lady was in difficult labor at a ranch about 15 miles SE of town. The Doctor  took his buggy and stopped at Nurse Cherrell's house to tell her what was happening at around 2AM. Nurse Cherrell said that the Doc was very concerned and hurried off at that time. Sherriff Jack dispatched a Deputy to follow around 330AM. The Deputy return at 5:15AM and said that the road was washed out at Cedar Springs with flash flooding in the area. He located the Doctors buggy on it's side in the middle of the wash with no sign of the Doc or his horse. We await further information but we fear the worst. A search party is being arranged at this time. Prayers for Doc's safe return.
 

Sheriff: The alarm bell was sounded and 10 people volunteered to help search for Dock . I positioned 5 men on each side of the river and we started searching down stream. There is so much mud and debris it will be almost impossible to find him.
Mayor:  Sheriff Any news about the Doc's disappearance?
Sheriff:  We are still searching. Not much hope.
Sheriff:  Holy crap...... We found Doc with his head just above the mud. He washed up against a down tree. We dug him out and headed back to town. He is awake and alert. Suspect some broken ribs and he is beat to hell but glad to be alive. No sign of his horse.

 

Mayor: Nurse Cherrell Please prepare to receive 2 serious patients - Doc Hudson and a newborn. The Sheriff's posse found him in the flash flood mud, up to his neck. He's having difficulty breathing and LOTS of back pain. He is enroute in a wagon supplied by the Wells Fargo freight but they are really taking it slow. He is probably about 45 minutes out yet. Something to think about, until Doc recovers or a replacement can be found, YOU are the medical authority in the town. Your arrival at this time was a blessing.
Also, the young lady in labor that Doc was responding to at the time of the accident did not survive but her child, a little girl delivered prior to her mother's passing and is also en-route to you for evaluation.
A few ladies from around town are coming over to assist you with Doc and the child. Ms Brenda Lyons from the vets office is as well. Let us know as soon as possible the outcome
Nurse Cherrell:I was in the middle of gathering ingredients to make biscuits when she got word that Doc Hudson had been found. She dropped everything like a hot tater and ran lickety-split to Doc Hudson’s office. Thankful that the new footbridge was over the creek. Nurse Cherrell arrived just as Doc was being carried from the buckboard into the office.
Nurse Cherrell examined Doc looking for wounds or broken bones. There were few scrapes and a cut on his right knee. But nothing too serious that time won’t mend. Doc said he thought he had a couple of broken ribs and a sprained ankle is all. She carefully cleaned all the mud from Doc’s chest and back. Doc was exhausted and had trouble breathing. He told Nurse Cherrell to check each rib on his right side to locate the broken ones.
She checked and found two of his ribs were broken. She also looked for any signs of internal bleeding but didn’t find any. She wrapped bandages tightly around Doc’s chest as he instructed. She also wrapped his ankle. Doc asked her to fix some laudanum to help ease the pain. Doc drank the concoction and fell quickly asleep. Nurse Cherrell finished cleaning up the Doc and examining table then covered the Doc with a blanket.
Just as she was finishing up a messenger arrived with news that the baby would be arriving soon to be examined. Unfortunately the mother had not survived the child birth.
When the baby arrived and was given a clear bill of health although it had a traumatic entry into this world. Cherrell assured the heart broken father the baby’s pointed head would round out with a little bit of time. She asked him to bring the baby back in a few days so Doc could look over the little girl.
Nurse Cherrell sat with Doc through the day and overnight while he slept just to make sure he was ok. Doc didn’t wake up until noon the next day. He was hungry which is a good sign. She fixed him some eggs and ham he ate two helpings along with several cups of coffee the last one laced with laudanum for the pain.
Cherrell was thankful several of ladies in town stopped by with food and offered to help out with Doc.
Nurse Cherrell finally had a chance to go back home while Ellen Sowders took a turn at watching over Doc. Upon arriving home Cherrell saw the biscuit ingredients and had to throw out the eggs she had cracked open. She got everything cleaned up. She took a short nap. Changed her dress and headed back over to the Doctor Office. On the way she stopped by the Blacksmith shop to say hello to Larry.
Once at the Doctors office she told Ellen that she would like to cancel Miss Lacey’s show for a few days while she cared for Doc, miners and other townsfolk while Doc got better. Ellen understood and when she got back to the Rusty Spur had Rusty add “No Shows Temporarily Due to Doc’s injuries” to the Marquee next to Miss Lacey’s name.
Mayor: I was also at the Doc's Office when the injured arrived. I must say, I am indeed impressed with Nurse Cherrell and the way she handled the Doc and child. On another note.. As I sat there talking to Doc, he began coughing violently and spat a bunch of blood. He continued coughing and choking uncontrolably. Nurse Cherrell was right there and did everything she could for him but Doc Hudson fell unconscious and lied there on the table motionless and in a terrible way. Nurse Cherrell said she was afraid that his broken rib had punctured a lung but saw no signs of it with all the commotion and all. Sadly, Doc Hudson expired moments later with his friends at his side. Doc Hudson has been with this town since it was nothing more than a filthy railroad camp. He saved countless lives, brought over 50 children into this world, cured the sick and patched many many gunshot wounds during his time. He will be surely missed. Funeral arrangements will be made and announced at a later time. Mayor Shuey

Mayor Shuey: Welcome to our newest member/resident Cassi Dickey
⁠

Mayor Shuey: 
Quite a ruckus was heard coming from the BlackSmith shop. Apparently Larry the owner was saying that some SOB stole one of his tooling irons. He blames the crew that moved his shop and everyone associated with it. I was visiting over at the Miller cattle ranch and ducked in behind the fence to snap this photo. He can switch from a teddy bear to a grizzly in seconds!!

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Ep15C  - Doc's Funeral 

A small crowd descended on Boot Hill today to pay their final respects to Doctor James Hudson. Doc Hudson died while doing what he loved, rushing to help someone who was in distress. There is not one person in this town who didn't know and respect this man. Doc Hudson was an intelligent and honorable man and Croaker Diggs was lucky to have him. The debt we owe this man can never be repaid, but only by our respect for others and love for this weathered community in the desert - Croaker Diggs. 
Rest in Peace Doc

Linda Zoo Adams: R I P Doc.

Cherrell: I only knew Doc a short while but I will miss him terribly. He was such a wonderful doctor and friend. He took a chance on me hiring me to be his nurse without me having any of my certificates of completion for any of my nurses schoolin.
Rest in peace Doc.

Mayor Shuey: Nurse Cherrell -   I think you mean - I wonder what he did with all my nursing credentials I gave him (wink) I think they were in his saddlebag when he rode off the other morning…
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Ep16  - Doc Stanford Accepts offer

Telegram from Dr Hart
General Announcement - URGENT

We just received a telegram from Doctor Dennis Stanford MD of St Louis City Hospital with exciting news

Telegram
24 Aug, 1873
07:16PM

To Mayor Shuey - Croaker Diggs, NV
From: Dr G Hart - St Louis City Hospital - St. Louis MO

Message: 
Congratulations -- Dr Stanford has accepted --
your invitation to reside -- and practice in your -- 
fair city of Croaker Diggs and will also practice in the local town of Thornbush -- He Should arrive 25 August Via Rail --
awaiting your reply - Dr Benjamin Hart
 
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Dr Dennis Stanford is a well educated MD and General Surgeon
Experience
General Surgeon (Certified by the American Board of Surgery), 1885-Present
Mount Sinai Medical Center, New York, NY

Experience
Board Certified General Surgeon, 1870-1873
Presbyterian Hospital, Dr. Lewis Stimson
New York State Lunatic Asylum at Utica’ 1864-1870

Duties and Responsibilities

Performed general surgical procedures such as Cholecystectomy, Appendectomy, 
Exploratory Laparotomy, Thyroidectomy, Tonsillectomy, etc.
Operated on emergency (trauma) surgical procedures
Diagnosed medical conditions that warranted general surgery and other related treatments
Oversaw the performance of new general surgeons in the hospital
Acted as an adviser and consultant for journal-published researches on general surgery
Board Certified General Surgeon, 1870-1873
Presbyterian Hospital, Dr. Lewis Stimson
New York State Lunatic Asylum at Utica’ 1864-1870