Deadwood Free Press Vol.

2 Issue 19 July 3, 1878

Vol. 2 Issue 19 July 3, 1878

BLOODCRAZED GUNMAN SEEKS TO

MASSACRE COUNCIL
New Businessman Guns Him Down
Famed Chicago businessman Daniel and be pro-
Densmith celebrated his first hours in tected.”
Deadwood by gunning down a man who No women
tried to shoot the Deadwood Town Coun- were forth-
cil. co ming of
“We owe our lives to this hero,” said Neil that status.
Streeter, editor of this paper and a member “Hmmm,
of the council. my kind of
Little was known of the man, including town,” Den-
his name. He rode in with Densmith on the smith com-
stage. Densmith said the youth appeared mented.
despondent. T o w n
“He did say something about having a Li b r a r i a n
warrant out on him, but I was discrete David McGil-
and did not question him. I certainly had licuddy said
no clue he was going to draw down on an he was watch-
entire room of people. That was a unpre- ing from the window behind town hall, will,” Densmith said.
dictable act of the sadly insane.” finishing a cigar, and saw the man draw Densmith is well known as a business-
The villain shouted “Death to Tyrants” before Densmith. man who made his money during the Cali-
as he drew his gun, the shrill screams of “That Densmith is fast. I had barely fornia Gold Rush, providing protection to
women echoing through the building. cleared my holster,” McGillicuddy com- miners and then businesspeople from fire
Densmith, behind the man, shot him down mented. and accidents. While he has been charged
before he could cock his gun. It is assumed the man is syphilitic. with extortion and other crimes, he has
“Have no fear,” Densmith shouted, his Densmith was in town to announce to never been convicted, and is best known
blood enraged by this foul act. “Let all the council that he is now president of the as a distinguished banker and citizens of
the Virgins of the town gather behind me First National Bank of Deadwood, and Chicago.
said he would The crime naturally shocked the town
not be scared hall crowd, though it was also noted this
out of town was one of the shorter town council meet-
by the act ings on record.
of a clearly “I guess that ends the meeting,” declared
syphilitic indi- Mayor Clay Kungler.
vidual.
“I am Editor’s Note: We learn late from a San
here to give Francisco journal may be one Darrel Jubi-
business to
D e a d wo o d ,
and give the
lee, also known as the Fresno Kid. There are
reports that the Kid, tried but acquitted on
charges of bank robbery, had left California
Deadline looms
business to
the people of
Deadwood I
because of controversial activities with the
Pinkertons.
to run for
council
Businesswoman Mourned; Sal Wilder reportedly The filing deadline to seek election to the

dead Deadwood Town Council has been extend-

First National Bank of Deadwood Presi-
dent Daniel Densmith has vowed to protect
the jobs and social activities of the Bella
Union Theater and Saloon after sad word
reaches us that its owner, Sal Wilder, is
dead.
Miss Wilder had gone east as the snows
began to seek treatment for consumption.
Reports of her death began surfacing when
a trunk of her belongings, including all of
the clothing she took with her, arrived
back at the Bella without explanation from
St. Louis. The trunk had been shipped
from the home of a man.
Bella employee Miss Mollie Nootan con-
firms that all of Miss Wilder’s clothing,
including all undergarments including
the one she wore upon her departure, was
returned.
It is thus reported that she may have
been buried only in the grab granted her
upon birth by the Lord, with a few extra
inches and even more curves granted since.
Editor and a friend of hers, Neil Streeter,
vowed to commission a drawing or paint-
ing of this sad event to be made available as
a commemorative to her many friends.
“Sal was one of Deadwood’s first busi-
nesspeople to distinguish themselves as
a leading citizen, and was a thorough
treasurer to our Town Council. We have
lost a brilliant businessperson and a great
friend,” Streeter said.
Miss Wilder left a will ordering that
the town administer her Bella for the
benefit of the town’s orphans, specifically
the John Tanner Fund for Orphans and
Young Women In Need of Useful Work
(which has had a variety of names includ-
ing the John Tanner Fund for Orphans
and Women Whose Hands Must be Kept
Busy) which is held in trust by the bank.
Court proceedings have begun to settle
matters in probate. Densmith said while
he never met the woman, he has heard so
many great things about her that he will
personally donate legal services needed
for probate.
ed to Tuesday, July 7. Potential candidates
should apply to the editor of this paper,
Neil Streeter ((Poohneil Streeter)) and to
Mayor Kungler by such date to be consid-
ered for election later this month.
The seats presently under election are
those held by Grey Bedlam, Clay Kungler,
Neil Streeter and Coodnank Thibedeau.
Of them, only the latter, Miss Thibedeau
of the Grand Central Hotel, has announced
plans to stand again.
The Town Council has not met much and
done little in recent months, and presum-
ably that meets the citizens’ needs of little
government in a bustling town where most
of us take care of ourselves just fine, thank
you. Citizens who feel government should
do therwise should best get off their soft
bottoms and do something about it.

1
Deadwood Free Press Vol. 2 Issue 19
News Briefs
From the ((RL)) New York Times, an
interesting view into our world
DEADWOOD At about 11 o’clock yes-
terday morning a mass of rock, nearly 100
tons in weight fell from the room of the
tunnel in the Pecacho Mine, burying and
instantly killing James DeLong, a miner.
His fellow workingmen, after two hours’
hard work, recovered the remains, crushed
and mangled beyond recognition.
A company of prospectors, about 200
strong, well armed and provisioned for
a two month’s trip, will start from this
vicinity tomorrow or Sunday for the Little
Missouri River, where it has been reported
for some time that a rich mining country
exists.
DEADWOOD MURDER TRIAL: The
court this morning sentenced Edgerton
Dunham to 21 years at hard labor in the
Detroit Penitentiary. Dunham was con-
victed last Friday of manslaughter in the
first degree for killing Christ Hoffman on
April 28 last. The murder was unprovoked,
and grew out of a dispute about a business
transaction between the two men. There
was a strong feeling against Dunham at
the time the crime was committed, and he
narrowly escaped being lynched.
The trial of Echapsenta, a Sioux chief,
for the murder of Francis A. Haines, a
private soldier, in 1872, will commence at
Rapid City tomorrow. The prisoner says
the Great Spirit commanded him to kill
the soldier on account of the death of the
Indian chief’s little papoose.
Col. MV Sheridan, of Gen. Phil Sheri-
dan’s staff, arrived in Deadwood last
evening. He comes for the purpose of
selecting suitable locations for encamp-
ments for the soldiers now en route to the
Hills. Three camps will be established:
one in the vicinity of Bear buttes, 10 miles
from Deadwood; another in the vicinity of
Letters to the Editor
Editor,
I must speak out against all the gam-
bling that goes on in our Town. Wherever
you go in Deadwood, there are cardsharps
and tin horns looking to separate our hard-
working citizens from their money.
In actual fact there is no such thing as a
game of chance. The professional gamblers
do not take chances. They use sleight of
Editor and Publisher
Neil Streeter
Associate Publisher
Lola Kanto
Reporters
Addison Leigh
Contributing Writers
Laurel Blackheart
Mrs. Fine Lady
Typesetter
S. Morigi
2
July 3, 1878
EDITORIAL
Congress fritters
Rapids City, 40 miles distant; and a third
its time as country
on the Little Missouri River 80 or 90 miles
distant. It is thought these encampments, plunges into debt
in connection with the troops at Fort McK-
inney, will afford sufficient protection from
the Indians in the Black Hills towns and It is a constant frustration to read about to the hot springs, and it is more likely
routes during the summer. politics in Washington D.C.. It is as Amer- Congress will seek competitive pricing for
ican as freedom to fume over the abuses this land.
AND FINALLY A NY PERSPECTIVE of power. Our Congress has willingly and Oh, and were that not all important
ON A LOCAL EVENT, AN EDITORI- knowingly passed a budget that may well enough, a Senator Kernan introduced a
AL BY THE NEW YORK TIMES: The put our country at an $8 million budget bill that would have prohibited Army bands
metropolis of the Black Hills, notorious as deficit, an obscene number beyond the ken from playing at private parties. Their
Deadwood, is obviously a charming place of any normal person. musicianship has been much requested by
to live, although the prospect of living is The Congress did this in two ways, first society ladies in New York. Gen Burnside
not so brilliant there as at other points giving in to lobbyists and reducing the apparently defended their performances
of civilization. All sorts of crimes, from tobacco tax by an amount expected to cost so seriously and earnestly that amused
the least to the greatest, are so common $10 million, and the tax on matches will members of Congress gave him the day.
there as to have given the town a national be reduced meaning another $2 million in The band can play on.
infamy. reduced revenues. We propose it play a dirge for democ-
The laws have been so constantly vio- At the same time there are these large racy. There are more important things
lated with impunity for two or three years issues facing the nation, and entire Con- to discuss for Congress, like how to avoid
that law has virtually ceased to be opera- gress is caught in the squabbling of small- putting future generations in debt with
tive. Consequently, Rev. N.L. Norcross, a er, petty issue. For example, the owners of an $8 million deficit. We are not being
Congregational Clergyman, referred on a the Congressional Globe, the now defunct responsible to our children.
recent Sunday to the deplorable condition printer of the Congressional record, have On the plus side, Congress did adjourn
of the community, and urged the pros- been demanding money for years for pur- without passing nonsense at the last
ecution of all malefactors. He also made chase of their buildings, past volumes, and minute, as it so often does. It is previously
an appeal through the newspapers to the plates. At last report, Congress was consid- reported that adjournment was after an
public to see that the outraged laws were ering paying $100,000 for purchase of the overnight session concluding at 7 a.m. in
enforced, and that, as a means to such end, building and all assorted items. the morning. The story behind the matter
jurymen should be chosen who would not Similarly trivial is the location of the is that apparently the lawmakers associ-
hesitate to convict on proof of guilt. Congressional library, as open war broke ated with the last budget bills were too ine-
The sheriff, who is responsible for the out among those who want it in judiciary briated to proceed until the early hours of
selection of jurymen, took umbrage at the square and those who want to study the the morning, when they could be sobered.
clergyman’s audacity, went to his house, location endlessly. We suspect the study Presumably they were sobered, but not
took him into custody without any assump- will win, as the actual construction cost particularly fast thinking or well, and so
tion of legal justice, and was lugging him would begin at $150,000 and money is in their actions were limited to the formality
off to jail. But then a number of citizens short supply as previously stated. of final budget matters.
interfered and prevented the consumma- Both trivial and corrupt were proposals This approach is not such a bad idea if
tion of the outrage. While Deadwood to benefit the owners of the Arkansas Hot it keeps the Congress from passing non-
endures a sheriff of this kind, it is not sin- Springs building by leasing to them the sense; perhaps Congress should be ordered
gular that ruffians and desperadoes should federally owned grounds of the property at gunpoint to drink at the conclusion of
have things pretty much their own way. for the ludicrous sum of $1,000 a year. every session.
This measure drowned before it even got
hand, marked decks, and conspirators to
ensure that the only chance the gambler
takes is the amount of money they can take
from the poor soul who was foolish enough
to lay their money down.
It is very sad to see the devastation that
is wrought upon our families by the sin
of greed. Children going hungry because
their father lost his hard earned winnings
at the faro table, or the mother forced
into prostitution because her husband was
killed after challenging a cardsharps cheat-
ing ways.
If a human being caused this kind of suf-
fering and devastation, he would be hunted
down and hung at the nearest tree. Yet, we
allow this evil to grow and spread within
our community.
I ask that the Free Press join with the
churches of Deadwood and help close down
the halls of sin, and run the professional
gamblers out of town on a rail after first
being baptized in tar and feathers.
Being a man of the cloth I do not con-
done violence except where it is necessary
to protect oneself. This, in my most humble
opinion is such an instance. The gambling
houses and the gamblers are a threat to
our very survival as a society. Let us come
together and drive the heathens from our
fair city.
The Rev. J. Smith
Deadwood
Deadwood Free Press Vol. 2 Issue 19
WOMAN MAKES
SOMETHING APPEAR
A world famous spirit
medium has recently arrived in
Deadwood to help the unsettled
spirits of dead residents commu-
nicate with the loved ones they
left behind.
Mrs Wilhelmina Applewhyte
said she was called to Deadwood
by a chorus of the spirit voices
of departed residents. These suf-
fering souls have not been able
to fully pass into the Afterlife,
due to unfinished business with
the living.
“The spirit energy is strong
in Deadwood,” said Mrs Apple-
whyte. “You have many spirits
that have met violent or prema-
ture deaths here, and who are
desperate to deliver messages to
their loved ones.”
Mrs Applewhyte estimates
there are hundreds of lost souls
still lingering in our town, many haunting
local businesses and homes. While she said
most are harmless, there are malevolent
spectres which will often actively interfere
in the business of the living, often causing
harm to local commerce.
She expects to remain in Deadwood
until she is able to reach each and every
one of these apparitions.
Accompanied by her late husband,
Frederick, who acts as her “spirit guide,”
Mrs Applewhyte is able to communicate
with the dearly departed through such
means as automatic writing, Tarot cards,
trance mediumship and other channeling
devices.
According to Mrs Applewhyte, she first
discovered her sensitivity to the spirit world
following the death of her husband nearly
a decade ago while they were traveling
Miss Prim
and Proper
abroad. Since then she has come to be
known as “Europe’s Celebrated Spirit Con-
jurer, Mystic and Divinator,” for her work
with members of various European royal
families, aristocracy and statesmen.
Mrs Applewhyte has taken up residence
at the Phoenix Hotel, and is available for
private tarot card and spirit readings,
group seances and spirit exorcisms. Inquire
with a hotel concierge for an appointment.
Mrs Applewhyte will also be presenting a
series of “trance lectures” on the Phoenix’s
stage, dates as yet to be announced.
Editor’s Note: Editors also see Lost Souls,
and some of them owe us a lot of money for
advertising. The difference between us and
this delightful medium is that she sees their
fronts but we see their rapidly disappearing
backsides when we ask for payment.
Dear Miss Prim and Proper,
This writing finds my face aflame with
embarrassment due to recent circum-
stances upon an afternoon’s stroll. Two
ladies were encountered who seemed to be
of gentle nature, as they were admiring a
particular hat in a shop window.
As I tipped my own hat to the ladies,
one commented to her friend upon the size
of my hand, then the size of my foot as
indicated by the size of my boot, and also
went so far as to speculate upon the size
of other of my bodily parts and append-
ages! Imagine my embarrassment and
concern upon hearing such comments! I
am not only horrified, but concerned at
this instance, and am also worried that
Deadwood might not be a fit place to live,
accordingly.
Please give me your thoughts regarding
this instance.
SHOCKED Man with RED face
Dear Mr. Shocked,
This IS quite the pickle, sir. I find it
incredible that two ladies would have either
speculated or commented upon your physi-
cal person with no previous provocation.
The tipping of one’s hat is certainly cor-
rect, and a simple “Good afternoon” from
you with like replies from the ladies were
all that would have been necessary.
My opinion tends to lead me to the con-
clusion that the situation was not entirely
as described. Either you have mistaken
July 3, 1878
Celebrate the Fourth
in Style!
The Deadwood Town Council will sponsor a grand
Fourth of July event this year to celebrate the
birth of our nation. The schedule is:
10 a.m. Shooting competition,
to be organized by Mrs. Kuhr, at the range.
Noon, horse racing.
1 p.m. (or thereabouts,
depending if horses are still racing
through the picnic grounds):
Picnic and Orations.
3 p.m. Canoe races at the Phoenix
6 p.m. A dance or some other town social.
It is not yet determined at press time if there
will be fireworks, owing to fire danger.
common trollops for ladies, sir, or you were best left alone.
tipping a little more than your hat.
Not wanting to know either way,
Miss Prim and Proper
Then there are the married men who
seem to have forgotten they have wives
at all. Memory of life before Deadwood
Dear Miss Prim and Proper,
often is challenged by the high altitude,
evidently.
Gone are the days when a respectable
I am a respectable lady, recently come lady could but drop her reticule upon the
to Deadwood, hoping for the prospect of path, and have every man within range
marriage on the promise on one young rush to hand it back to her in a courtly
man. The young man, alas, has not been fashion, however. Men, in Deadwood gen-
found to be in residence at this time, and erally have lack of perfect vision where
I am quite stranded, having spent both ladies’ needs are concerned. While some
my inheritance and dowry to get here to gentlemen do inhabit our City, they are
join him. few and far.
I have found temporary work in a Gentlemen of purpose and respectability,
respectable trade, but pay is not such that should one not have the fortune to encoun-
I am able to support myself in the style to ter them through mutual acquaintances,
which I am accustomed. As I am not wish- usually can be found in a Church Service.
ing to lower my standards, or compromise In Deadwood, we have a fine Church, and
my reputation, I am at a lost as to how to services are held upon occasions when
keep body and soul together. Do you have it is befitting, and the Reverend feels so
any advice for me? inclined.
I remain, ladylike but fraying... (Signa- I would advise you to make friends with
ture Withheld) other ladies in the town and attend reli-
gious services. You should see gentlemen
there who might be marriage material,
My Dear Miss Fraying, and hearing the Word of the Lord may
I pray you do find marriage as would help you identify them. Keep a close eye
be benefiting a young female of your sta- out for scalawags who frequent the town’s
tion, though I will admit in Deadwood the saloons and houses of ill-repute, and then
challenges are vast. While there are any attend services in contrition. These are
number of single men in the City, most surely gentlemen who already have wives
are unwashed or uneducated, unsober or and should be avoided.
unrich – none of which makes for marriage Praying for you,
material, and taken together the whole is Miss Prim and Proper
3
Deadwood Free Press Vol. 2 Issue 19 July 3, 1878

COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES FOR JUNE 14

DEADWOOD CITY, DAKOTA TER- II. Approval of Minutes: Clay called for While N. Streeter lauded the good health VI. Old Business: Each and every one
RITORY the approval of minutes as the first order of that would be forthcoming for Ladies wish- of the Council was called upon to render
TOWN COUNCIL MEETING business, as they had been published locally ing to bathe in the river, in Bathing Cos- old business, and none were forthcoming,
June 14, 1878 under the auspices of the Council and the tumes, and thereby the overall sweet tem- though Mr. Streeter looked as if she wished
supervision of Mr. Neil Streeter. As no perament of said Ladies, an item often seen to say something, and one of the new local
MEMBERS PRESENT: Poohneil objections were noted, Streeter moved that to go lacking in our Fair City, according to citizenry was being introduced.
Streeter, Claytanic Kungler, Coodnank the minutes be approved. Motion was sec- Local Custom, and various other taxes and
Thibedeau, Astolat Dufax, with no onded by Miz A. Dufax, and agreement fees both past, present and future regard- VII. Adjournment:
remembrance of whosoever else due to the was reached in complete harmony. ing boats, trees and rivers were proposed Kungler called the meeting to an end at
dropping of a pencil, and lack of proper at some great length, causing the conster- 1:06 of the afternoon, immediately follow-
writing materials at the time III. Call for Business: Clay asked Coun- nation of Guests and others. ing an assassination attempt on the bodily
cil members to submit items for Business Miss Asto, as would be appropriate, person of the collective Town Council, foiled
Editor’s note: Mrs M, the woman was and Neil recalled that mention should be offered up the planting of a replacement explicitly and permanently in the form of
really ranting, kindly have Miss Leigh made of the turning over of Lawmen’s tree some other Town Property, should Death by Gunshot being administered to
rewrite this before it sees ink Hall. Notation was made that all had been the offending Tree prove to be not upon one of the other Citizens purely as of a
voted on properly at a previous meeting. the Phoenix property proper, the removal protective gesture of Goodwill toward the
CITIZENS AND GUESTS PRES- of the tree being of no cost to the Town Council, and with assistance by others,
ENT: Rod Eun, Cheyenne Wylder, Dieter IV. Seating of New Guests: As several Council. names not noted.
Vlodovic(Col., CSA), Dante Densmith, new faces had appeared upon the premises, Clay asked Miz Dufaux to put her pro-
Blitzer Renfold (outside only, though we Councilwoman, Coodnank welcomed some posal into the form of motion, which she Next regular Town Council Meeting to
have since heard the gent’s name may be Gentlemen to observe the intricate machi- did, and retired herself to the outhouse be announced
Israel Feutz), one Future Corpse (alleged nations of their own Government at work in order to restore herself to her familiar
to be one Tricky outlaw who probably had on their behalf. Various weapons and fire- disposition, and still was counted able to Coodnank Thibedeau, Clerk
wanted posters on him all the way from arms were displayed and surrendered much vote as she could hear the entire proceed- (Writing assistance provided by unknown
here to Mexico, though went somewhat to the dismay of both guests and Council ings through the outhouse door, and she personages)
unnoticed previously), a few passersby, members. The gentlemen were seated would come out and agree to any proposal
and an old yellow dog; fleas and other without serious incident, though Mister that she had come up with should it prove
varmints not without merit Blitzer Renfold was quite shaken. necessary. N. Streeter seconded.
Considerable more discussion was held
I. Call to Order: Council Chairman V. New Business: regarding same and Clay Kungler called
and erstwhile Mayor and mostly present as a. Phoenix Hotel Property - Miz Asto the vote on said motion. It did pass.
there shouldn’t a meeting unless he can be was called upon by Clay to speak her peace
there, Clay Kungler called the meeting to about her proposal for the pleasure and b. School Teacher – The hiring of a
order at 12:05 before the Council had time good health of all our local fine Ladies new School Teacher was brought up as the
to have their dinner at the Grand Central by the introduction at the Phoenix Hotel need had arisen, and School Teachers come
Hotel of larruping Seafood Gumbo, and of a recreational boat dock and bathing under the duly appointed duties of seeing to
after a good shot or two from the bar of his facility. by the Council. One application had been
own establishment, eschewing the Gentle- She asked that the Council remove quite received, from a Christian female, name
man’s Bar in The Grand. a large tree upon the Phoenix property and references were remembered. Discus-
in order to facilitate the building of the sion followed, with the Council thinking
(Many Thanks to Jonny the Bartender Dock. quite possibly the position might be posted
at Clay’s place, for free shots for Various Considerable discussion was enjoyed by to local news, as well as throughout the rest
and Sundry Councilmen in attendance. both the Council and Guests present as of the Territorial Boundaries.
Ladies and Darkies not counted herein.) to the feasibility of such an undertaking.

Scenes About Town

Mrs. Morigi of this newspaper

has been leading Quaker services
of some sort except we are not to
call them services, but something
more spiritual. The effect is said
to be moving and profound.

A lunatic, likely syphillitic, appeared in the Bella

saying the mayor owned him several millions for assas-
sinating “the mayor of Kentucky,” or something like
that. The man the provoked fights and begged to be
shot. Though samaritans such as Miss McMillan and
Gus MacArthur attempted to help him in the jail, the
man was shot down and killed, seemingly repeatedly,
or so the preposterous stories go, by several people sev-
eral times including Town Librarian Zed Pfiefferman.
Distinguished local businessman Daniel Densmith was
noted to say that while we can ship criminal inmates to
Detroit, it is not so simple to ship lunactics elsewhere,
and the town is much, much in need of an asylum. A
proposal to the town council may be forthcoming.

4
Deadwood Free Press Vol. 2 Issue 19
MARKSMANSHIP IN AMERICA
Shooting contest in Deadwood on Saturday
Being a good shot with a firearm,
in most cases, is not something that
one is born with. Although there
are certain inherent qualities that
are certainly a factor, more often
than not, it takes extensive practice
to turn those qualities into the skill
of good marksmanship.
This is in fact one of the reasons
why most soldiers and Indians are
notoriously poor shots. They are not
given the opportunity to practice at
shooting to any great extent. For
the natives, this is because ammu-
nition is hard for them to come by,
and is a carefully managed resource
among those people.
For soldiers, the lack of target
practice is the outcome of overly
frugal policies that permit the allo-
cation of very little ammunition for
training and the improvement of
the mens’ shooting skills (although
the army, having realized this to be
a foolish economy, is beginning to
change it’s policy). During the War
of the Rebellion, officers were frus-
trated to find that many of their
citizen soldiers were dismal shots
and essentially useless for modern
combat. This sorry reality induced some
former military men to organize a national
rifle association to promote the develop-
ment of good shooting skills among the
population.
The Germans in America have long
promoted such skills through their
“Schuetzenverein,” organizations that
combine the Teutonic inclination to social-
ize with practice in the use of firearms.
Now, similar shooting competitions are
becoming more popular among the general
population, with organized teams compet-
ing in some high profile matches. Most
prominent among these in this country
is the shooting contest held on a regular
Baptism Announcement: Jade Juliet Kungler
Jade Juliet Kungler, the survivor of a hor- was baptized to the family of Our Lord
rible accident that just accidentally cleared this weekend by the Rev. Baird Bravin in
Chinatown for commercial development, the Deadwood Church.
basis at the Creedmoor rifle range near
New York City.
Only a year after the aforementioned
National Rifle Association was cre-
ated in 1871, the organization set up the
Creedmoor range and began encourag-
ing the art of shooting as a competition.
American teams have performed well
in contests against expert British and
Irish riflemen. In these competitions,
the shooters employ highly specialized
target shooting weapons, with each team
of 15 men taking turns firing at targets
that are set at distances of 800, 900 and
1,000 yards.
It is important to note that the growing
Her adopted parents,
Clay and Septemb er
Blaisdale Kungler, looked
beaming and proud.
The child, of about 18
months, was quiet and
uncomplaining as the
Methodist sprinkled her
thrice for the Father, Son
and Ghost.
The Reverend read from
the traditional spiritual
passage about children,
St. Mark Chapter 10:
“They brought young
children to Christ, that he
should teach them.
And his disciples rebuked
those that brought them-
selves
but when Jesus saw it, he
was much displeased, and
said until them,
‘Suffer the little chil-
dren to come unto me, and
July 3, 1878
level of target shooting activity in
our nation is not simply limited to
our men. A number of the eastern
and middle-western rifle clubs have
womens’ units and sponsor shoot-
ing contests for ladies as well as
the gentlemen. But then of course,
in our Western frontier regions,
there have always been female
sharpshooters. In buffalo hunting,
a trade where marksmanship made
the difference between profit and
disappointment, there have been
women among those who did the
shooting, including your humble
correspondent and a Mrs. Ray-
mond, who was regarded as one of
the best shots among the hunters
working the Republican River herd
in Nebraska during the early part
of the decade.
In fact, Mrs. Raymond holds a
degree of fame for having instruct-
ed a young man, W.F. Carver in
the finer points of shooting buffalo.
This same gentleman to whom
she gave instruction is now the
well-known professional marks-
man, “Doc” Carver, who is widely
regarded as one of the best shots in
North America.
Deadwood City has long had spaces
that have been used for target practice
and contests of shooting skill have been a
prominent feature of many a civic celebra-
tion. At present, targets are set up on the
rise in between the Deadwood Street livery
stable and the Homestake Stamp Mill No.
1. All are welcome to avail themselves
of the range in order to hone their skills.
The next time the town shall be hosting
a shooting competition, with be this Sat-
urday, July 4, at 10 AM in the morning.
Both gents and ladies are welcome to par-
ticipate.
By D.A. Kuhr
forbid them not, for of such is the kingdom great treats and much socializing, as well
of God. as the announced engagement of Miss
Verily I say unto you, Whosoever shall Laurel BlackHeart, a town librarian, and
not receive the Kingdom of God as a little retired military man Sentenza Fallen, a
child, he shall not enter therein.’ veteran of the states war. Much celebration
And Jesus took them up in his arms, put and congratulation ensued.
his hands upon them, and blessed them.”
There followed a fine summer picnic of
5
Deadwood Free Press Vol. 2 Issue 19
A Serial Story Begins in these Pages...
The Perilous Journeys of
Mary Sue Sweetlyness
In the churchyard of a small town, June
roses planted to adorn the wedding trous-
seau of a young beauty bloomed instead
o’er the green grass of her beloved’s
tomb.
Young Mary Sue Sweetlyness wept
prodigiously over the grave of her dead
fiancé. Insensible to the riotous beauty
of the beautiful summer morn, she stood
alone, eyes lifted to heaven, whispering
silent promises to God as tear-soaked
lashes dripped jewels of sorrow upon her
perfect rose tinted alabaster complexion
veiled from the view of an unjust world.
All who saw Mary Sue declared it a
double tragedy and affront to God that such
perfect beauty be cruelly hidden
under the black veil of death.
But it could not be helped. Each
morning since that horrible day
when he that she adored breathed
his last, Mary Sue covered the
gentle flaxen curls forever and
took herself to the burial ground
where her beloved lay in repose
under ground since his untimely
and mysterious end in the waning
days of winter.
This warm summer day was
no different as Mary Sue per-
formed the only services still
possible to benefit her decaying
love. Hour after hour she stood
in remembrance of him, till the
sun crossed its zenith, and she
solemnly made ready to close her
reverie with a Latin recitation of
the first 63 psalms and both ver-
sions of the Lord’s Prayer. Gentle
breezes and bird song hummed
their accompaniment till at long
last, her tear flooded eyes opened
to the world and touching her
heart, she gave the bower-like grave one
last loving before turning towards home.
Lost in contemplation, she climbed back to
the road and was surprised by the sight of
a waiting carriage.
“Sister, Sister!” Dear Beth and Little
Nell cried out, “Come quick, quick!”
“Whatever is the matter!” Mary Sue
called, gently gliding towards her older
siblings, ever conscious of the solemn sur-
roundings of the nearby sleeping church-
yard.
“Poor Helen is ill again, and Mother
needs your assistance, for she does not
know what to do without you!” sighed
Little Nell, nobly clutching the reigns in
her tiny hands.
“I shall come at once, we must stop by
the doctors office for my medical bag, Doc
Wheeling is making a study of the red oak
Episode 1: The Capture
By Miss Adele Leeland
tonic I developed last fall.”
“I don’t know how you do it, Mary Sue,”
spoke Beth in quiet awe, “but 17 years in
this world and look at the lives you’ve
already saved.”
“I am grateful just to help,” answered
modest Mary, thinking sadly of the one
she could not help, as dear Beth and Little
Nell exchanged deeply sympathetic glances
above her bowed head.
Mary mounted the carriage as they made
haste to leave, when Little Nell suddenly
looked up at the sky and gasped at the
rising moon, “Oh No! We shall not make it
in time, It’s nearly dark and Helen’s lungs
were almost totally blocked with mucus
when we left!”
“Oh dear!” cried Mary Sue in anguish,
“I must suction her at once or she will suf-
focate. We must pass through the bad end
of the village to save time. Be brave, dear
sisters!”
“Oh no!” cried Little Nell and Dear Beth
with terror-rimmed eyes.
“Take the reigns Mary Sue,” urged Nell,
tossing her the leather straps, “Animals
don’t respond to anyone nearly as well as
they do to you!”
In a fearful hurry, the trio of maidens
sped down the well worn country road,
across railroad tracks to the the impover-
ished back streets where darkness seemed
to fall early. Pausing the horses, Mary Sue
studied the confused narrow catacombs
that zigged and zagged off in every direc-
tion, her gentle heart fluttering with pity
for the poor lost souls who must inhabit
this filthy quarter.
“That street looks wider” whispere
fearful little Nell from the back, pointing
towards one dim smoke-filled corridor.
“Then that road shall be our fate,”
nodded Mary Sue to the hopeful gaze of
her sister. Nobly, she raised her perfectly
shaped chin above the corrosive sight of a
brackish stream where slatterns dumped
their slop jars and urged the horses for-
ward.
All three held their breath, traveling at
first like unseen spirits among the corrupt,
God forsaken creatures certain to share
these fetid streets. Little Nell clutched
fearful Beth to her breast at the sound of
harsh voices echoing around them as Mary
Sue expertly whispered to the horses in
a language only they could understand,
hoping to calm them at the sight of ram-
shackle huts and exposed compost that
appeared around every corner. Almost
silently, they passed over the uneven stones
of a street lined with homes shuttered like
the sealed eyes and lips of an unwilling
corpse. Blocks passed like miles, but con-
fidence bolstered by each succeeding step
they remained un-accosted.
The sisters road on bravely, whence at
To be continued...
July 3, 1878
long last they spied the familiar spire of
dear old Westminster Church over the
greasy roof tops. Mary smiled beautifically
and breathed a sigh of relief, exchanging
exited glances of success with her sisters,
grateful that God alone had spared them
to be at the side of their ailing Helen.
Were fate kinder, indeed the trio would
have soon found themselves spooning
sugar into hot tea as Mary made ready to
extract the gelatinous phlegm that threat-
ened their sister. It was not to be. Turning
towards the church, one errant hoof on a
paving stone echoed loudly down the lane
and deliverance was snatched away.
The street came alive. Nell let out a
piercing wail as menacing shad-
ows darted up from a pile of oily
rags and startled the horses. The
normally noble steeds reared vio-
lently, rolling the carriage to one
side. Dear Beth and Mary Sue
looked on in horror as grinning
ugly forms took shape around
them, grasped little Nell upon
her neck and carried her away.
Mary Sue lunged in vain to grasp
her sister’s flailing hand, but no
sooner had she disappeared into
darkness, Dear Beth let out a
silent cry of agony behind her
as grimy hands locked upon her
wrists and dragged her from the
carriage.
Refusing to scream, Mary Sue
raised her whip to meet the cor-
rupted souls circling her like rabid
dingos. Well she knew she could
apply her weapon to the swift
horses instead, escape lay ahead
for more cowardly person. Alas
for Mary and her stout heart,
she could not leave her kin alone
to suffer. Crying out in vengeance, she
charged the clutch of evil as yet another
beast fell upon her from the rooftops and
clapped a chloroform soaked rag to her
lips. Struggling wildly, Mary Sue kicked
and beat her foes till the light left her
eyes and unconsciousness descended in a
flood.
Vanquished but valiant, brave Mary Sue
fell gracefully to the floor of the carriage,
happily insensible to cruel fiends covet-
ing her; Moonlit barrel torsoed men who
raised their filthy fists at the heavens and
laughed victoriously!