The river press. [volume] (Fort Benton, Mont.) 1880-current, 1885-09-23
THE MUDDY.
MUDDY CROSSING, Sept. 16, 1885.

for so clear and bright stream, rises in
the main range and is one OF the largest
tributaries of the Teton. From Choteau
it is twelve miles in a northerly direction !!
to the crossing of the Muddy, on the road |
to Dupuyer and the Blackfoot agency.
Old man Fargo, as he is called, was the
first settler on this stream, having located |
here some seven or eight years ago, about
seven miles above the crossing. The next
settler was Charley Cooper, who located
sheep ranch where o. G. Cooper now has
bis home ranch, two miles above the cross
ing. Charley did not know then that
Muddy dirt would be pretty valuable in
two or three years, and he did not even
take the trouble to file upon his land.
Two years ago last spring Mr.. Bynum, Sr.,
located at the Crossing and made the first
filing upon land on this stream, and as an
indication OF what has since been done in
the way Of settlement and Improvement |
can state upon good authority that be-
tween thirty and forty thousand acres OF
land in the valley OF the Muddy and
benches adjacent have been filed upon un-
der the several land acts, but mostly the
desert land law. A projected and partly
completed ditch from the Teton, passing
through what is known as the gap in the
divide between the Muddy and the Teton,
will put water on a vast extent of fine
bench lands in the vicinity of the Muddy,
and some day in the very near future
there will be large population in what is
now an unsettled region.
Mr.. Bynum and his sons have located
the land on both sides of the Muddy for a
distance of three miles along the creek,
and have one of the best ranches in the
territory. Bynum Bros. Charley and
Ed are engaged in wool growing and
will soon add largely to their present
f1ocks.
w. r. Ralston is located below the
crossing. He has recently purchased a
band of sheep from Hobbins &c Heffenan,
and in due time will become one Of the
most extensive sheep owners in the coun-
tY. We learn that he is now negotiating
for the purchase of another large band.
Above Bynum's S about two miles is the
home ranch of Mr.. 0. G. Cooper, who is
one Of the most successful wool growers
of the territory and pioneer in the busi
ness in the upper county, Mr.. Cooper
has an excellent ranch and range and is
fitting up a pleasant homein one Of the
most attractive spots in the valley of the
Muddy. At one time Mr.. Cooper was the
owner of over 900 head of sheep, bat
by sales he reduced the number to two
bands of $500 each, and is now able to
give personal attention to the manage
ment and handling of his f1ocks. He has
secured title to large block Of the Muddy
bottom, and by liberal use Of the fine
poles that grow near by can count upon a
good range and plenty of hay for many
years to come.
Next above Cooper's is the sheep ranch
of Austin & Black, in charge of that best
and most genial of wool growers, w. TT.
DldChs MIs Os pO1lIS With
pride to the fact that he only lost twenty
five sheep last winter out Of band of
5000, and not one Of these, even, gave up
the ghost on account of cold or poverty.
Among the things that attract attention
here is the finest spring In the upper
country, within few feet of the cabin
door, and stretch of fence, five miles in
/ length, enclosing the ranch, which was
evidently built to stay generation. Mr..
Black is finely fitted up for bis business,
and we are pleased to know is. prospering.
! Beyond Mr.. Blacks is the ranch of
! Walter B. Elliott and partners, whence
came what was regarded as the best clip
of wool brought to Fort Benton this sea-
son. Mr.. Elliott and his associates are
from ''bonny Scotland = and are thor
oughly conversant with the business of
wool growing. Their location is fine
one in every regard, and We learn that
they have just made arrangements to take
another band of 1000 sheep on shares
from one of our citizens.
The sheep ranch Of B. 5. Clark, on the
left fork of the Muddy, about six miles
above Bynum's, is something of marvel,
when we remember that It is only about a
year since Mr.. G. entered the lists as a
wool grower. Els improvements are on
an extensive scale and of the very best
character. We have no hesitancy in say
ing there is not a sheep ranch in Montana
with as extensive and expensive improve
ments as can be found here and where so
much regard il had for the future of the