The Osceola times., 1884-09-06
Old jim BRlDGER.
Reminiscencss OF the Old Trapper-His
Peculiartties- Rema able stor,es.

"Reminiscences OF the Old Trapper-Hi,
Peouiiartties- Remarkable stories.
Jim Bridger was born in Illinois in
1895. He left there TO begin frontier
life when about Is years old. The coun.
try between the Missour; River and the
Pacific Ocean was then I'll rcqucnted by
white men, save few daril.. tlappers
Among the first who yertured into the
wide regions of the Rocky Mountains
drained by the Plates, the Yellowstone
Salmon River. and other streams, was a
noted trader, Gen. Ashley of Missouri
With Gen. Ashley, Bridger went on the
plains in 1898 or 1924. After the return
of Ashley, Jim was employed by the
Rocky Mountain Fur Company. His
knowledge of the country and trust.
worthiness secured him the command
of party of the company's employees,
and he was styled Bourgeoise, a de-
signation given by the old French trad
ers TO such men.
In 1884 the Rocky Mountain and
American Fur Companies we're con-
solidated. Bridger was retained as a
Bourgeoise in the new organization.
The number Of trappers increased so as
to make perceptibe decrease in the
number OF beavers. Furs deprecated
in value, because of the large supply
thrown on the market. Trapping on a
large scale became improbable, and in
1889 the consolidated fur company was
disbanded. Jim Bridger, however, pur-
sued his calling as a trapper and trader
with the Indians, associated with two
others who had been in the companv's
employ. Frappe and Vasquez. In ls4l
they established their headquarters
near where Fort Brideer nov stands.
To-day the remains of the chimneys of
their cabins may be seen on the first
bench oftable land south ofthe fort. That
year Frappe was killed by the Indians,
and the following Brigder and Vasquez
removed to the very spot on which the
fort now stands. Their cabins were af-
terward enclosed by tall cobblestone
wall, built by the Mormons. The wall
is still standing.
The feelings existing between Bridg-
er and the Latter Day Saints were not
friendly. Suapec;ing Bridgers animos-
ity, the Mormons resorted to displomacy
TO ascertain his rea. status. To draw
him out, one of their number pretended
to be his friend and ar enemy to the
Mormons. The old trapper, having as
sociated all his life with men whose
honor and integrity were above all price
suspected nothing. lie took men for
what they appeared TO be, and he was
not backward in denouncing the fana-
tics before the spy The Mormons then
put an "A,enging Angel on the track
. of Jim Bridcer. He got wind OF 1t, and
abandoned his house. He has cached
in the bushes along Smiths and Blacks
Fork for several weeks. Occasionally
friend visited him in his retreat. He
was ever on the alert. Uncle Jack
Robinson told me that he visited him
at this time, and was surprised to see
the old trapper advancing, with gum
coched, and in an alarming rage. I'm.
Gle Jack exclaimed: "My God Bridger
Do you intend TO shoot mel"
jim did not recognize his friend until
he spoke. lie then replied. mo Jack
but I've got a dose here for six of them
ID Mormons
Soon aiterward he LEFT the country
This was in 1858. His friend, managed
TO hold On TO his property, including
stock and some Indian trading cco,l,
! until he returned in '55, when he sold
Out to the Mormons.
Bridger claimed title to tie land in
the vicinity Of the fort by virtue OF
possession and Spanish grant. He
disposed of this interest to the Mormons
Subsequent investigations proved that
he had no lawful claim to the property
but at one time his claim was SO far rec
ognized by Gen. Johnston that hi,
Quartermaster entered into negotiation,
for its purchase by the Government
This was when it was decided to locat,
military post there.
After disposing of his estate, real
personal, and mixed, Bridger went to
Westport, No., and remained there un
I'll the expedition against the Mormon
In 1857. He served as. guide to tn,
army under Gen. Johnston, and remain
ed with it for two or three years a
Camp Floyd near Salt Like City. Agai,
he returned to Missouri. He RENAME,
'Nere until 1874, when he was again epl
pioyed as guide for the troops estah
iishlng posts on the Powder River route
and aftefward at Fort Phil Kearny an,
F. IN other sections of the country. Fo
MS services TO the Government he ba
collected little money-when last say
nm. He received vouchers for hi
pay lie said he had a bureau drawe
nearly full OF them at home. With a
confidence in the honesty of Uncle sar
ana hav'ng no u'a D.. the money he pre-
1erred to let the vouches remain in tb
Edrawer.
Many curious stories Az, Id of tn
old trapper. He wss D., g. for
'r'c' adherence to the truth when tall