Madison times. (Tallulah, Madison Parish, La.) 1884-1???, 1884-08-30
OLD jim BRDGER.

"Reminiscences OF the Old Trapper-His |
PecuIiarities Remarkable stories.
Jim Bridger was born in Illinois in |
1895. He left there to begin frontier
life when about Is wears old. The coun-
try between the Missouri River and the
Pacific Ocean was then unfrequented by |
white men, save few daring tIappers.
Among the first who yertured into the
wide regions of the Rocky Mountains
drained by the Plates, the Yellowstone,
Salmon River. ard other streams, was a
noted, trader, Gen. Ashley of Missouri
With Gen. Ashley, Bridger went on the
plains in 1923 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 a party of the company's employees,
and he was styled Bourgeoise, 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 perceptible 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 company's
employ. Frappe and Vasquez. In 1S4l
they established their headquarters
near where Fort Bridger now 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 a 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. Suspec;ing Bridger's animos
ity, the Mormons resorted to displomacy
to.ssoer.ain, his real status. To draw
him out, one of their number pretended
to be his friend and az enemy to the
Mormons. The old trapper, having as
ISOLATED all his life with men whose
honor and integrity were above all pric'
suspected nothing. He took men fo
what they appeared to be, and he wal
not backward in denouncing the fana
tics before the spy. The Mormons thel
put al "Avenging Angel" on the tract
of Jim Bridger. He got wind of it, ant
abandoned his house. He has caches
in the bushes along Smiths and Black
Fork for several weeks OCCASIONAL,
a friend visited him in his retreat. HI
was ever on the alert. Uncle Jacl
Robinson told me that he visited hir
at this time, and was surprised to Sc
the old trapper advancing, with CUR
coched, and in an alarming rage. Ur
Gle Jack exclaimed: my God Bridgel
Do you intend to shoot me?"
jim did not recognize his friend unit
he spoke. He then replied. mo JAG
but I've got dose here for six of ther
d-----d Mormons."
Soon alterward he left the countr
This was in 1858. His friends manage
to hold on to his property, includin
stock and some Indian trading goods
until herpturneddn IS. when he sol
out to the Mormons.
;Bridger claimed a title to. tie land i
the vicinity Of the fort by virtue c
possession and Spanish grant. Fl
disposed of this interest to the Mormon
Subsequent investigations proved this
he hadgno lawful claim to the pre2crt,
but at one time his claim was so far re
ognized by Gen. Johnston that b
Quartermaster entered into i egotiatior
for dts purchase by the Governmer
This. was when it was decided to loca
military post there.
After disposing of his estate, re.
personal, and mixed, Bridger went
Westport, Mo-, and remained there u
til the expedition against the Mormo
in 1857. He served as a guide to d
army under Gen. Johnston, and renal
ed with it for two or three years
Camp Floyd near Salt.Lake City. Aga
he returned to Missouri. He remains
there until 1874, when he was again G,
ployed ~ a. guide for the troops esta
hstnig tosts on the Powder River rou
and afterward at Fort Phil Kearny al
in other sections OF the country. F
his services to the Government he h
collected little money-when last sa
him. He received vouchers for b
pay. Hesald Ne mad bureau draw
nearly full OF them at horne. With 4
confidence in the honesty of Uncle Sa
and having no use for the money he Or
ferred to let the vouches remain in Il
drawer. .,a Br ~ tE.,..
n Ia ~ t...f,Ns Cd