Chariton courier. (Keytesville, Chariton County, Mo.) 1878-current, 1879-06-28
LOST ON THE PLAINS.
Two Young Men Separate From n Part.
and Perish.

| Two Young Men Separate From n PARTY
and Perish.
A party of 16 surveyors, in the en-
ploy of the Government, under COM
mand of Maj. Medary, left this city
short time ago, says the Trinidad Neeos,
| for tour eastward 10 the Indian Ter
ritory line. Nothing more would have
been thought of the party, but for the
arrival in this city yesterday of Mr..
Havenner and a companion, who be-
longed to the corps, who reported the
horrible fate of two of their companions
and the narrow escape of three others.
The circumstances of the case are about
as follows:
After leaving Trinidad the company
proceeded eastward, and were soon at
work locating townships. On the morn
ing of Thursday, the 9th inst, a squad
of five men was sent out from a point
on Willow Creek to run transit due
north 1S miles, with orders to join the
camp at nightfall. The men perform
ed the work assigned them and at dusk
set out for camp, which had also been
travelling northward during the day.
The surveyors started east from their
objective point and after walking six
miles, made camp. In going in this
direction they made a great
mistake; for they should have
gone due west after finishing their work
in order to find the camp wagons.
Comprehending their mistake, and be-
ing very thirsty and out of provisions,
it was proposed to travel south in hopes
of striking the creek. Two of the party
refused to do this, preferring to remain
where they were, hoping that the camp
ing outfit would come up to them in a
few hours. Friday morning the three,
headed by Mr.. Sheets, started for Cariso
Springs. They lost their way, and
would have perished but for the timely
arrival on Monday of men from the
camp, who were in search of them.
The search for the other two (whose
liam Johnson) was continued with an
interest bordering on frenzy. Not until
Monday, the 9th, did the searchers get
any clew of the missing men. About 2
O'Clock p. m. on that day they came up
on poor Winchester out upon the open
plaips; but he was too far gone to be
saved A few drops of water were given
him, but in five minutes he was corpse,
dying in the arms of companion, who
had arrived too late.
T EuTtucT scar was uu1uc iol CohuoOus
A large rock, which lowered up grand
ly on the bouhdless plains, was visited,
and there, in a ereyice, was found
note from Winchester, dated the 7th,
saying that johnson and be were lost,
but had made up their minds to go
south in the hope of striking the Will
low. The note was written in hrm
hand and showed that tho writer was in
his right mind. The diligent searchers
started south, ard after travelling six
miles were rewarded by finding can
teen belonging to johnson. For three
days more they secured the prairies on
horseback in every direction, and on
Thursday. the 18th, gave up the search,
unsuccessful In finding the unfortunate
man. The coyote has probably found
him, and ere this has devoured all that
remained of a once bright and promis-
ing young man. Winchester wastaken
up to camp and buried beside spring
of cool water and his grave marked.
He was from Baltimore, Maryland, was
! about 90 years old, and is said to have
been the son of wealthy parents. In
| two months he was to have become the
possessor Of $50, coo from an est1..5= tss
was Il very brilliant young man ard uni
yersafly beloved by his Iequaintances.
! Johnson was q years oi age, Il native
| of Baltimore, but has been in the West
some time. His fate Is a sad one, and
/ his loss is deeply regretted by every one
ls.,ssiliss- yzith the hardshIps OF Western
I f.sdE - =