The Helena independent. [volume] (Helena, Mont.) 1875-1943, 1892-07-03
THE SHADOWGRAPHER.

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The other evening several we'll known
memters of the Montana club were dis
cussing various mental phenomena when
the subject of mnemonics brought out sev-
eral illustrations which had come under per-
sonal observation. Each in turn brought
to nina instances OF memory more or less
remarkable. when James Gourley in his
quiet and unassuminR way told a story
that should be incorporated in future works
on this interesting study. During his long
| and romantic career in Montana MI. Gour-
ley has found mental recreation in pschyo-
logical investigation. and indeed. in the
early DAYS Montana was n resourceful field
for an amateur student of that mysterious
branch Of science. The mentality of the
Indian had never been changed from the
simple teachings Of nature, the early COM
era who to a considerable degree found
their companionship with the hills and
trees were naturally free in the expression
of their thoughts, and with them that
thread Of superstition that runs through US
all was perhaps strengthened by nature in
its various rugged inc inexplainable forms.
1t Is therefore not strange that Mr.. Gour-
ley's interest in the study of the human
miud grew in such a community and was
nurtured until in after years he purchased
and read ali works written by famous
savants. Tbs reference to unusual devel-
opments of the human memory, if we may
so term the illustration given, rather over
Swallowed other phenomena of like kind as
told by the several gentleman present.
1t appears that early in the summer of
1864 Mr.. Gourley was located at Bozeman,
then, as now, an important center, but at
that inc d favorite QUILTING point for
prospecting and hunting parties. The
population was interesting, because it was
made up OF adventurous spirits, enthusiast
tic over visions Of future wealth and quite
ready for any sort Of daring that would
lead to fnn Of u dangerous kind or gold, as
circumstance might dictate. 1t WAS the
unreal and intoxicating atmosphere of a
new placer camp without the placer ground.
Money was plentiful and generously cx-
changed 70 tins things that bring %conviv-
lality to friends. Bnt, withal, the popula-
ton differed from the usual gathering of
gold seekers in that there was an absence
of the dead tough criminal element and =
larger percentage Of bright, we'll educated
young men of good family blood. Nothing
gives Mr.. Goutley greater delight, nor,
indeed, ls more delightful to his friends.
young and old, than the recalling of those
early days. Aside from tho recital of stir
ring scenes. he il one of the rare raconteurs
who know by instinct how to talk interest,"
inp!y.
AT Bozeman at that time were four Young
man fhrpa rf mhrpn Inr. :.-
the unknown in an unknown way, OF the
1oufth more Will be said. The one who at
tracted MIR. Gourley's special Interest be-
cause Of his brilliant attalnments, was a
young attache of the smithsonian institute.
named George G.. Dobbs. His mission WAS
the gathering of Rocky mountain tiorn and
evidences Of tile natural phenomena for the
great national museum, then in its forma-
tive period. lho "professor,' while tho
ouGhly EQUIPPED forLls duties. was as genial
anu c"ompanlonaule Il fellow AS could be
found and made friends with all. Another
we'll known fellow and quite as popuIar
was Tommy ltObinson, n big, rawboned and
one-eyed Missourian, a great hunter and
expert woodsman who had come west for
no better reason than that he wanted to see
Ao "ob a QUICK anu sure shot.
always good natured, but ready to fight
under very slight provocation. and though
the facts were never established in Bozc.
man, 1t was rumoIed that his presence there
resulted from a shooting affni,
IN st. doe, in which a futhe,
and two sons were laid OH,
in the order named. Another interestino
character was a green prospector named
McRooerts or the welsh Mick" "A ths
boys called him.
THESE three men and Mr.. Gourley, al
about the same age, fell in with each othe,
because of a sympathetic spirit of compan,
ionshlp and met every night to discusl
matters. As none except the professor had
we'll defined plans at that time they ver,
situated very much like the unfortunat,
MI. Aioawber. Gourley was looking for 4