The Bozeman weekly chronicle. (Bozeman, Mont.) 1883-1889, 1885-05-13
BIG NOSE GEORGE.
THE STORY OF HIS CHIMES AND
CAPTURE.
And Those who Participated In the
Daring Feat.

tains stealing horses and cattle, Waylay-
ing travellers and often perpetrating
atrocious crimes.
Many murders had been traced to his
bloody hands, and at last the territories
of w yoming and Idaho placed reward
on his body either dead or alive.
One morning in the spring of 1881 Tom
Irwin, the sheriff, man famous for his
daring courage, his fine physique and
unerring aim, received word from a de-
tective that "Big Nose George" was on
his way to Miles City. Irwin kept the
information to himself and prepared for
bloody work. He had but few days to
wait. Living at the edge of the town
was desperate man name John Chin
nick. but like all of his ilk, rejoicing in
sobliquet, which identified him as
"Curley." Chinnick had few years
before fled from justice in the states,
found the outlawry and daredevil ex-
istence of Georges band to be suit
ed to his tastes and lost no time
in enlisting with that worthy. Cnrley
however, soon became aware of the fact
that law and order would soon supplant
vice and crimes, and when an opportun'
tnnity presented itself deserted the band,
and settled in Miles City, living with a
woman of moral destitution, who had
long known of his exploits, and kept
him at her side by threats of exposure.
And in this connection it is opportune
for me to say that they lived together
for several years, when in a fit of drunk
en- frenzy and ungovernable jealouslly
she shot him while in bed, inficting a
fatal wound. His time had come, how
ever, for while he lay in bed, reeking
with blood and cursing his luck, a band
of determined citizens with a rope
knocked at his door, intending to hang
him to the nearest tree for melting his
followers to deeds of violence, which re-
suited in the destruction of large part
of the town by fire. Seeing his helpless
condition they left him with the Inten-
ton of fulfilling his threats as soon as
he should be able to walk; but were
saved the trouble.
But let me return to the man with the
big nose, who had arrived in Miles City
in the night and repaired at once to the
domicile of his former ally. Accom-
panying George was one man only, both
were well mounted, well armed and had
several pack and unencumbered horses
with them. They had evidently travel
ed fast and would now enjoy an undis-
| turbed rest and depart unrecognized to
another country. Georges companion,
like himself, was powerful man, sharp
eyed and somewhat attractive. He was
admonlshed by his captain to remain in
doors during their visit; Curley, he said,
would procure for them everything
needed and ascertain if their visit had
been anticipated. The young man was
soon inclined to disobey these orders.
Mrs. "Curley" was daily visited by a
/ a number of her loose associates, COM
prising at that time major portion of the
population, and on one ofthese occasions
the young man became enamored and
followed one of the women to her abode,
purchased new suit OF clothes and for
a short time acted the part Of gay
Lothario. This was part Of the Sheriff's
programme, he had scented the game
and knew that separation would greatly
aid his ends. The susceptible lover had
no sooner clothed himself in his fine
raiment than he made straight for the
dance house and entered into the gay
festivities with hearty zeal. As he lean
ed against the bar during the short time
allotted for stimulants at these haunts
the agile sheriff entered the door with (
cooked revolver, and before the drinkel
had time to take the glass from hi
mouth, had placed the muzzle to his eal
and ordered him to "hold up his hands,
This he did, but not not before he haC
made movement toward his pocket
evidently concluding, however, that th'
stranger had the "drop on him."
| While this was taking place let us re
pair to the log house of Curley. first in
| PRODUCING another character into tht
scene. This man, Fred Schmalsle, Irvir
had taken into his confidence and ask
ed to aid in the capture of the renegade
Schmalsle, delighted at the prospect 0
showing his valor, gladly acquiesced, no
without making the proviso, however
that he should be allowed to captur
George assisted by man be shoulc
name. BY this means, he argued, tn
sheriff, who was known to the outlaw
would not be shot at on sight and hi
visit in the vicinity of Curley's abode b
the means Of a warning and suddel
fight. The sheriff soon saw the GOO
sense Of the suggestion, and with the ali
Of woman determined to capture tn
lesser prize.
AS soon as the young man had entere
the saloon the sherihss assistant an
companion moved leisurely toward Cul
ley's house. Arriving there they bega
to infinitely inspect some horses tied
q post in the yard. This stragetic NOV
brought George to the door, rubbing hi
ewes. evidently Just awakened from
profound slumber. Accosting him OF
man enquirsd if the horses we're fc
sale. George replied that they were an
/. seated himself in the door step. Th
ostensibIe purchasers. all the time tall
ing about the horses, moved to where
sat, and by . preconcerted plan eaC
pulled out his revolver, pointed them
: his head and ordered him to ethro
up" The hands slowly went to the r