The Ketchum keystone. [volume] (Ketchum, Idaho) 1885-1899, 1890-07-12
Lost River and Muldoon---Lossea
and the Assessment of 1890.

Lost River and Muldoon---Lossea
and the Assessment of 1890.
Frank Peed, deputy assessor, hav-
ing explored the eastern portion OF
Alturas. county during the past
three weeks, a KEYSTONE cores
pendent took occasion to interview
him relative to the amount of the
loss and depreciation of property,
and the probable revenue from that
section, this fiscal year. He had
just returned from Lost River and
Little Wood and the country about
Muldoon.
The boundary line between Altu-
ras and Custer couties crosses Lost
river about eight miles below Hous-
ton, following Antelope and Pass
creeks. From that point down the
river to Arco and thence southerly
there is line of settlements, farms
and families, distance of IS miles,
and stock men with horses and cat
tie cover the hillsides. Here was
the locality of much of the loss by
deep SHOWS last winter, though most
of it was among the great proprie.
tors, the smaller owners having had
some hay to keep alive the small
bands belonging to them. These
smaller owners lost on an average
about the annual increase only, and
were therefore in a shape to go
ahead this spring in very good form.
Some of them accepted assistance
for seed grain, which was freely sup
piled to the destitute by men who
have confidence in that country.
One of the heaviest losers of
horses in that portion Of the county
was ex-Sheriff Charles Furey. He
lost so head of horses in one bunch,
mares and colts, and about 100
head in all. A. w. Anderson lost
about 100 head of cattle. Matthew
Boyle about 100 head of cattle;
Mr.. Tarbett between 80 and 60 head
of cattle; Hull & Green about so
head; Hamlin lost from SO to 60
horses, and Hanna about the same
number of cattle. These are among
the largest owners of cattle in that
district. All lost some, but the
deep snow did not affect others in
the like proportion. McKim had
about 5000 head of cattle above
Houston in Custer county, and out
of that number he saved about 1900
head.
Notwithstanding these drawbacks
and disadvantages of the last win
ter, Mr.. Peed says the Lost River
people are gritty. All the old
ground is again under cultivation,
and in most cases each settler has
from 40 to so acres growing in grain
where there was only sagebrush be-
fore this season; and they are build
ing, fencing and ditching. The
community is a live one. The as
sessment of property there will
probably decrease about % per cent
from last year, mainly in stock
ranches hold their own in value,
and in many instances will add to
the roll.
Antelope Greek is improving.
Some stock were lost there, but no
large bands.
At Lava Greek, Vance Brothers
suffered considerably, but they are
getting even again, and in the hay
line propose to be away ahead of
cattle losses. Last year they put
up about so tons-this year over
800 tons. If they don't find any
use for it they propose to save it
for another hard winter. They will
not be caught out another time.
On Fish creek there are three
stock men. The loss there was less
than at most localities.
Mr.. Peed was delighted with the
Muldoon country. He grew elo-
quent over the description of the
grassy hills, and the cattle on their
sides. The losses there last winter
were about the amount of the an
nual increase, and hence the settlers
are not unhappy. There are about
sixteen ranches thereabouts, and
most of them are improved, with
buildings and fences. There are
7 900 acres of land there in solid
body, on branches of Little Wood
river, all surveyed, and every inch
of it could be brought under cult
walton if they had constant water.
This year they have all they need,
and more. The tall grass covers all
the hills-not many cattle in that
vicinity. The Little Wood river
is favored by it's position
and surroundings. The hills shell
ter it from the winds. Cattle have
no reason to go hungry and stray
away from the isolated valley, pre-
ferring the abundant bunch grass
near at home.