Western Kansas world. [volume] (WaKeeney, Kan.) 1885-current, 1889-07-13
OVERLAND srAaE-DR1vrRs.
interesting Characters No Longer
Found on the Plains.

eNuS characters NO Longer
Found on the Plains.
Ihere Is one class of men who are no
longer known to the frontiers. 1t is the
overland stage-driver as he existed in
the days before the whistle of locomo-
i've was heard on the western bank OF
the Missouri. Those who have come
mere on the railway and in the Pullman
car nave never seen him, for with the
railways their occupation was gone and
tney soon became scattered. The early
plainsmen knew them and entertained
Tor them hearty respect. They were
brave, hardy, rough, big-hearted class
OF fellows, with big virtues and big
faults. Many were unlettered and
brutal; some were natural gentlemen
and diamonds in the rough. As class
they were honest and possessed of a
steady nerve, a cool daring, sterling
integrity, which surpassed that of other
men: The instances where they gave
up the treasure box except under the
muzzle OF a road agents shotgun are
extremely rare-so rare, in fact, that
they can be counted on ones fingers,
while not few fell dead in the boot
rather than yield to that always startling
order, "Throw out the box"
1t was during the Cos that the over
land STAGE driver was in the full enjoy
ment of his power and his fame. Denver
was always one of the headquarters of
the line, the drivers, with their corduroy
or velvet suits, broad-brimmed hats,
bronzed faces and sturdy forms, being
familiar figures on our streets. It was
always real pleasure to see them han
die their splendid teams. Standing in
front of the old News Office on any
morning, one would hear the rattle of
the coach. Round the corner from the
old barn at the corner of Arapahoe and
Fifteenth, two prancing leaders would
come in sight on the gallop, then the
swings and wheelers, on a brisk trot,
the coach turning circle of almost
mathematical accuracy, while on the
box sat the driver, handling the reins
with an ease and grace and self-posses-
sion that showed himself the master of
the six-in-hand. The rounds of the
hotel were made, the stop at the Office
for the treasure box and way bill, and
then away at a gallop for the long jour-
ney across the plains, or over the noun
tains to Salt Lake.
Many columns might be written absut
the old stage-drivers, but there is one
only who can be mentioned at this time,
and one whose name is familiar to all
old-time citizens, and that is the name
of Billy Opdyke. Billy was the most
celebrated of the mountain drivers who
drove between Denver and Central, and
on this line he drove for many years.
He was fair representative of the class
as already described, but especially Gel
ebrated for his strength, skill, nerve
and integrity. The writer knew him
well and rode with him frequently, and
cannot now recall single accident
which ever happened to his coach. The
road was fair for a mountain highway,
but some parts of it were dangerous,
particularly Guy Hill and Smith Hill
in icy weather.. But over this steep and
winding way, through mountain storm,
and risking all the perils of snow and
ice, Billy Opdyke drove his coach for
years and never killed or injured pass
enger. The treasure-box was always
safe in his care. Frequently it contained
thousands both in bullion and currency,
but when intrusted to his care it always
reached its destination untouched and
unframed. He was frequently ap-
preached by road agents OF their con-
federates, but Bills integrity was as
sure as the strength of his arm. The
treasure box never could have left the
boot OF his coach without Bills life had
gone with it.
Bills favorite team was known as the
mountain maids" It was composed
of five handsome bay mares and one
bay horse, cold Joe," who was the
nigh leader. Six finer animals never
went in harness. They were fleet,
strong, spirited, well-trained, and recog-
nized their drivers voice on the instant.
There was not a horse in the team val
ued at less than $500, and the off leader,
a." Mollie," had been bought out of
buggy in Denver by Supt. Benham for
800. It was with this team that in
1868 Billy Opdyke drove Generals
Grant, Sheridan and Dent from the
summit of Guy Hill to Golden City
nine miles-in thirty six minutes. Grant
never forgot the ride, and Billy Opdyke
always recalled it as the proudest period
of his life when the great commander
sat on the box beside him and praised
the beauty and speed and spirit of his
Sc mountain maid" team.
After the stage line was withdrawn,
Opdyke lived for time at Idaho Springs
and finally removed to Poncha Springs,
where he died about five years ago. He |
was only stage-driver, but he had a
brave, generous heart, his integrity was
.ried and true, and he could handle six
horses as could few others of the over
and drivers Denver News.