davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Fergus County argus., 1901-08-21
Story Of "Flopping Bill" Cantrell and
His Band Of Cowboys on
the War Path.
MANY OLD TIMERS PARTICIPATED
Estimated That Thirty Bad Charac>
ters Met Their Fate That
Memorable Fall

The Anaconda Standard OF the 18th
inst. devoted page to the following
story, richly illustrated, which is
part OF the early history OF Fergus
county:
1t Is n story OF which little has been
told. Most of those who rode with
"Flopping Bill's" vigilantes have left
the state or crossed the Great Divide.
Those who have remained are reti-
cent. As to the thirty or more des-
perate horse thieves and cattle rust
lers who operated In northern Mon
tana in the early eighties-well,
bleaching bones on wind-swept prai-
ries tell no tales.
In 1885 the cattle and horse busi-
ness in northern Montana was be-
coming more and more Improbable,
for the reason that there were organ
ized bands OF horse thieves who had
stopping places from the Canadian
line to Mexico, and who made more
money In the business of stealing
horses and live stock than the real
owners could In raising them. OF
course more horses than cattle were
stolen, because they were easier to
get away with, and in those days
were worth great deal more money.
The stealing became SO serious that
the cattlemen OF northern Montana
were forced to do something, and in
the fall OF 1885 they did it. When the
cattlemen start to do anything they
do 1t up brown, and 1t was so in this
case.
The tale OF the hanging of the road
agents OF 1864 by the vigilantes of
Alder gulch has been told SO often
that 1t has become known from one
end Of the world to the other, and 1t
is looked upon as the biggest thing
of its kind which was ever pulled off
in Montana. This il a mistake, and
the cowboys OF northern Montana
during the year of 1885, from Septem-
Der to November, hanged and shot
more men than the vigilantes Of Al
der gulch ever dreamed Of. This may
seem like a fairy tale at this time,
but it Is fact, and there are men In
northern Montana at the present day
who have the papers to prove the as
sertion.
During the fall roundup OF the Ju-
dith in 1885 1t was decided to do Osome
hanging. Whoproposed the matter,
or by whom meetings were held. it IL
not necessary to state, as one of the
leaders Of the cowboy vigllantes is
now a prosperous stOckmen within a
few miles OF old Fort Maginnis, an
other is prosperous ussheepmen living
near Ubet, and another lives In Butte,
after having spent number OF years
abroad. And there are Others, but
the matter OF the real determination
Fergus County argus., 1901-08-21
Price S Cents.

likaboos, about as often as you can
turn out TO 'em; a couple were mar
ried In balloon last week, two prom
lnent preachers shot each other con-
siderably at the Sabbath school pic
mic day before yesterday, and thar
was "A cyclone less than month ago:
new buildin's are bein' erected right
along; we've got an enthuastic coun-
ty seat fight on hand all the time.
thar's show In the opry house once
In II while, the o. X. barber shop put
In a bath tub lately. the pOstoffice
was burglarized a spell ago-the
'front.' OF the bulldin' was flung half
way across the street. the snfe blown
wrong side out. and thechlldren have
been busy ever since pickin' postage
stamps off'n the gum weeds whur the
wind distributed 'em. You can git
any kind Of game you like at any
time or stur up any sort Of trouble in
minute by just lettin' your wants
be known. They call this yere town
the Paris Of Oaklahoma, and don't
you forget it!'-Life.
Fergus County argus., 1901-08-21

Pittsburg. Aug. 1.-THE United
States Steel corporation mndc SER
les n gains today In the restoration
OF properties crippled by the strike Of
the Amalgamated assocla ation aud its
sympaihlzcrs. The steel mills at Mo-
nessen after long period of lnactiv-
ity were purity put in motion by
strike breakers gathered ia some of
the southern states; two more mills
In the Painter plant were also started
up, and another large mill Mt the
Clark property was also operated for
the first time. There was some dis
order I'm the streets Of Moncssen dur
ing the day, but the local police never
lost control OF the demonstrative
crowds and there was no serious
trouble. The reopening of the Moncs-
sen mill IL believed to be the first of a
series Of aggressive moves ON thcpart
Of the steel corporation. Prepara-
tions are known to be in progress FOR
reopening the Star tin mills IN this
city and for increasing the force at
the Lindsay and McCutchcon mills,
and it IL thought to be only amuttcr
Of time before the strongholds OF the
strikers, like Newcastle, McKcesport.
Wheeling, Bellaire and Mingo June.
tion, will be invaded. The strikers
deny that any real progress has been
made either Mt Monessen or Painters
and say that they are not to be
frightened by the burning OF n lot OF
coal and the mere operation Of ma-
chinery. They say that skilled men
cannot be secured outside Of their
ranks and that none OF their men are
deserting, despite claims to the con
trary. The managers of the Painter
mills, which now have four mills on,
claim that part Of their two new
crews Is made up OF old employees
who have come back to work.
Fergus County argus., 1901-08-21

GA - sToREA.
Bear. the nIhs Kind You lIss lxaB Bought
Signature Il &12zzZw
Fergus County argus., 1901-08-21
RAILROADS CONSOLIDATE.


Chicago, Aug. lS.-Not only will all
the important traffic agencies of the
Burlington, Northern Pacific and
Great Northern railroads be consoli-
dated and the traffic affairs Of three
roads placed In charge Of a traffic d.
rector, but the Hill syndicate has en-
gagged experts to make an exhaustive
examination Of the BurliDgton's NJ.
fairs.
The object IL To learn any Opportu-
nifty for further retreDchment In ope-
rating expenses and fixed charges.
The preliminary statement Of the
earnings ui the Burlington for the fs-
cal year ended June 30. showed that
the rOad iniIcd To earn the $ per cent
ncscssary to meet the new bond
issues.
1t Is the desire Of the Hill syndicate
that the deficit be mndc up by the In
stitutiOn OF economy Of n far-rrnch-
Ing mature in both operating cxpcn-
scs aud charges.
While no official announcement has
yet been made ~ regards the traffic
director for the three roads. IL IL gen.
orally understood that Darius Miller,
vice president of the Great Northern,
has been selected for the place. Ii
also IL understood that Mr.. Miller
will be elected second vice president
of the Burlington and Will move to
Chicago.
Fergus County argus., 1901-08-21
A MftIING WILL De HtID IN ST. PAUL.
After Which Official Announcement Will be
Made in Regard 10 the Burlington.
tGrea, Falls Tribune.


There Will be held in st. Paul some
time during the present month an
important meeting of high officials
OF the Burlington, Great Northern
and Northern Pacific railroads, when
one Of the matters to be taken up
VIII be the extension OF the former
system westward under the recently
organized community oflnterest plan.
Tlils IL the statement OF Franklin g.
Ryder of st. Paul. representative of
n wholesale firm Of that city, who
has just come from the Twin Cities.
lels on his way To Lewistown, where
he IL Interested IN mining properties
and where he expects to be for some
time.
There Is n great denl of talk In the
Twin Cities" he said in anintervicw
regarding what the new comblna-
tlon of railroads Is To do for this part
OF the country. 1t II u well known
fact that the development Of railroad
lines will be in this state and west
ward. Under the community Of in
terest plan there are many changes
that will be wrought for the good of
Montana and there IL n feeling In the
best Informed circles that the north
ern part OF the state In to come in for
large share of the new traffic.
There Is this to be considered,
that under the community Of interest
policy OF the northern truns.conti-
mental lines the Great Northern IL to
have an equal share Of the business
handled westward by the Burlington
from the Missouri river and southern
points. This IL the main reason why
the Great Northern went into the
deal. Now, with the Burlington
stopping at Billings, where the Great
Northern has no connection and the
Northern Pacific has, there il a de-
cided advantage In favor OF the Int
| ter.
"The general opinion among the
best posted men In the Twin Cities
Is that before very long the Burling-
ton VIII have IA connection with the
Great Northern, and since the Great
Northern has taken possession Of the
Great Falls aud Canada there IL n
stronger feeling than ever that the
new extension will have for It's term
mus Gr'at Falls. This would give
that great southern line direct con-
nection with the Canadian Pacific
and Tint il one of the things that
would result To the good Of the road
and the whole Of this part of the
country.
"There IL to be a meeting Of the
officials of the three lines In st. Paul
this month and at thnt time there
Will In all probability be something
official announced.
at Is the belief In the east that the
work Of construction will be started
50 rs To be done about the time the
Great Northern gets through with
Its work In northern Montana. This
viii he some time next year"
Fergus County argus., 1901-08-21
CITY TtkpAYLRS IAIMpI.
Attorney General Says Two Mill County
Road Law Does Not Effect Them.


Helena, Aug. ll.-Attorney General
Donovan was called upon today to
give another opinion upon the road
law. This question was propounded
by the county commissioners Of this
county, who wanted to know II that
section OF the law which says that
the county commissioners must levy
tax for road purposes upon all
property IN the county applied to
that In incorporated cities.
Attorney General Donovan says
city property Is exempt from the op-
Grafton OF the law, and In concluding
his opinion, aftcr quoting the Sec
tions applicable, snys:
Under the law the money raised
for road purposes must be applied to
the maintenance of the roads In the
regularly organized road districts,
and cannot under any circumstances
be applied to the laying out or main-
tenance Of the streets and highways
within an Incorporated city or town.
So that, II the levy for road purposes
lnclunded city property. such city
property would have to be subject to
an additional levy by the municipal
authorities for the maintenance ofits
streets ana highways, which clearly
could not have been contemplated by
the legislature.
81 am, therefore, Of the opinion
that the levy provided for in section
- Of senate bill No. II is restricted to
property outside the limits OF incLr-
porated cities and towns"
Fergus County argus., 1901-08-21
lie Town was Az Riqht.

"What kind of n town have YOU
here?' inquired n recently arrived
tourist from New England.
"Li7ely" enthusiastically replied
the landlord of the Atlantic and Pa
ciiic hotel. at Boomopolis, Oklahoma.
Lively, stranger, thar's u lychin'
most ,vcry night, and balls, shoot.
in's, tar-and-feathcrn's, and otherral.
Fergus County argus., 1901-08-21
Cleveland and Return Sii.s2 Via the Mil
wdukee.

ON September sth, Sth and 9th the
Chicago, Milwaukee x ST. Paul Rail
way will sell round-trip tickets from
Twin Cities 10 Cleveland, ohio, for
National Encampment q. A. II. mt
Sli.N2. Good for returp until Sep
teinbcr 18th, and by deposit OF ticket
aud payment oI 80 cents, until De-
tober sth. These tickets good ON
celebrated Pioneer Limited.
For detniled information, train
schedules, etc. apply at Milwaukee"
Offices or write j. Il. Conley. Asst.
Gen. Pass. Agent, ST. Paul.
Fergus County argus., 1901-08-21
OF the rustlcr was carried on under
the direction OF "Flopplng Bill" Cant


the direction OF "Flopplng Bill" Cant
well.
"Flopping Blll' was a desperate
character himself and worked against
the rustlers because 1t paid better
than to work with them. From
September, 1885. until the weather
became too cold to ride, "Fl0pping
Bill" and his band Of cowboy ex-
terminators worked, and when they
had finished there was no count OF
the men whose candles had been
snuffed. but there are men In Great
Falls today who can name at least
twenty-six ofthem, and 1t has always
been estimated that about thirty
people were hanged or shot by
"Flopping Bill's" band during that
fall.
The first performer in the bloody
drama OF determination as carried
on by "Flopping Bill' was a half
breed near Fort Maginnis. Someone
believed that he had stolen a steer
and butchered 1t, and one night dur
ing August, 1885, he was taken near
the ranch OF Reese Anderson and
strung up to oacottonwood tree with
out a chance to say his prayers, II he
knew any.
That was the beginning, and short
ly after "Flopping Bill" called for
volunteers to search for horses which
had been stolen from the herds OF
several well known stockmen. The
requisition was made upon theround-
up, which was camped on the Mus
selshell about 60 miles above the
mouth, and reckless riders and des-
perate men only were chosen.
The posse made n hard ride that
day, and by night they came to the
cabin OF man named Downs, near
the mouth of the MusselshelI. Downs
kept sort OF trading post and was
suspected of being in league with the
thieves. 1t was early daylight when
the posse arrived and they at once
surrounded the cabin, end when
Downs came out it was "hands up"
A search OF the corral and vicinity
discovered 90 ID. II. s. horses, and
Downs was asked to explain. He
saw that he was up against it and
gave a full list Of all the men connect
ed with the "rustling" business, and
indicated where they had their rem
devious. The Missouri runs swift
and deep where the waters of the
Mussclshell enter it and the banks are
high and steep. A rope was placed
about the neck of Downs and a con-
venlent tree was looked for. Some
one spied a large grindstone which
stood alongside Of the cabin.
"Tie 1t to his neck and drop him In
the river" was the suggestion, and
it was carried out literally. Today
the big grindstone, with the hole in
the center, lies In the bottom of the
Missouri near the mouth Of the Mus
selshell, and II time and water have
not proven too much for the hempen
rope the neck bones, at least, Of Jim
Downs are the grindstone's compan-
ion.
Armed with the information de-
rived from Downs the posse rode
south to the mouth Of Lodge Pole
creek. where there were several
"rustlers" located, and In the early
morning light three OF them were
captured and strung up on some cot
tonwood trees which surrounded the
cabin where they had lived. One OF
the hempen ropes with which the
hanging was done swung In the
breeze for many years, and perhaps
is there yet-it was up to five years
ago.
Fergus County argus., 1901-08-21

how hard the blow dealt To them.
The feeling among the steel workers
In Wellsyille took on new life today
and the excitement among them isup
to fever heat"
Missouri Valley times. [volume] (Missouri Valley, Iowa) 1874-1931, 1901-01-24
Men Wanted!

Men of Missouri Valley. 1t is
trite saying that the majority of the
men of this city take little or no inter
est IN church work And what is by
far a more serious charge, it is often
said that as a whole we do not care for
the church. This oft made statement
seconded by personal observations
have led me to the conclusion that ii
the men, many of whom are toiling
early and late for their daily bread,
quite few of whom are working
seven days every week, were only
given an opportunity at convenient
sour, that the men of this city would
demonstrate to the satisfaction of the
most skeptical, their love for and in
terest in the church.
l have at the urgent request of
number of men, many of whom are
not church members, announced q
MEMS MEETING for Sunday, Jan. 81,
1891, at 3 O'Clock p. m. Now, my dear
brothers and friends, our opportunity
for showing our appreciation of the
cause of christianity is at hand. As
one of you and as one deeply inter.
ested in you and yours, let us without
regard TO creed OF political faith, show
that we as husbands, fathers, and
brothers are not a whit behind the
chiefest in this good work. Let US as
men, placed upon our honor, make
this day red letter day for our cause.
Altogether brothers for day of tri-
umph. Your brother
| w. l.. DOUGLASS.
n. b. Men will be admitted by tic.
ket only. Each person receiving a
ticket being required to sign his name
to the same as q guarantee of good
faith, also to insure admission to the
Mems Meeting. Tickets may be Sc
cured at the following places or per-
sons:
G. w. Burbank
1 ii. b. Coe
Elliott & Harvey
| q. S. Hoar & Co
| w. NJ. Dickinson.
Missouri Valley times. [volume] (Missouri Valley, Iowa) 1874-1931, 1901-01-24
Meets Death in a Manner
Unknown

With his life's blood slowly ocz:ng
from an ugly cash in his fore head and
trickling down the face, forming
pool under the body, the llfeless re-
mains OF Chas Putnam, for years a
prominent farmer of Harrison County
were found early this morning in the
public road about five miles east of
this city by farm laborer employed
at the Gilmore farm which is near the
scene of tho supposed tragedy. At
the present writing the facts in the
case are rather hard to get at in as
much as the coronors jury which was
sent out from Logan early this fore
noon to investigate the case had not
returned at late hour this afternoon.
From the meagre facts obtainab!e
lit appears the deceased who had lived
in Harris Grove for several years past
came to this city yesterday to do some
trading. just what time he STATED
for home is not known but the last
seen of him was about 11:30 LAST night
when farmer met him on the public
road about two miles east of this CITY.
Atthat time he was going east and the
general superstition is the deceased had
proceeded on his journey as far as the
Gilmore farm when the team he was
driving became nnmanagable and run
ming away overturned the rig throwing
the occupant to the ground i'm such a
manner that he sustained injury which
soon resulted i'm his death. This is
only u matter of conj scture however
as but little is known of the case. The
wreckage of the buggy was found a
short distance farther east The fact
that when the body was found the ov-
ercoat Worn by the deceased was wrap
ped tightly about the head and the
lap robes and other contents of the
buggy we're scattered along the road
east of the body is sufficient evidence
to cause some of sensational turn of
mind to suspect foul play.
Mayor James of this City this morn
ing telephoned the county Attorney
and requested him to take the case in
charge and the latter is now conduc-
iting thorough investigation of the
case with the Coroner. The deceased
was ebout as years old and had resid-
ed in Harris Grove for about 8 years.
He leaves family mostly all grown.
Missouri Valley times. [volume] (Missouri Valley, Iowa) 1874-1931, 1901-01-24

The box supper held at the John
Earnest School house last Saturday
evening the proceeds of which are to
be devoted to the fund of the Logan
Christian Church was largely attend
ed and everybody had good time.
About SIS was realized from the
Affair.
Missouri Valley times. [volume] (Missouri Valley, Iowa) 1874-1931, 1901-01-24

Entire Train Wanders Onto
Another Railroad System.
The topic of conversation which |!
is engrossing the entire attention
of the employees of the Western
Iowa division oil the North West
ern railroad system just at present
writing, is the enigma of how it
would be possible for an entire
train, engine and all, TO wander
from one railroad system to anoth-
er and proceed on the latter for a
distance of several miles before
the engineer in charge noticed the
condition of affairs, but this is eN-
actly what happened on the NV.
system at Ames, Iowa, Tuesday OF
this week, if the statements of the
railroad employees in general are
to be believed. A sleepy switch
tender, it appears, was the chief
cause of the rather peculiar mis-
take. When the train reached
the switch shanty in the western
portion of the Ames yards, the
switch tender "threw" the switch
In such manner that the train
was "headed in" onto the main
line of the Northern Iowa division
instead of continuing on the main
line Of the North Western. Think
ing he was yet on the main line
the engineer in charge, after clear
ing the switch, opened up his en-
CINE and pulled out as he sup
posed for the west. He had pro-
ceeded for a distance Of about
three miles when, imagine his sur
prise, he found he was entirely off
tho main line and approaching
some country town he never heard
of. The train was brought to a
standstill and after n hurried con-
sultation between the train crew a
tiagman was sent back and the lost
train slowly backed into Ames
again, and after a short time was
speeding towards Council Bluffs.
Among some, of a skeptical frame
of mind, the story is taken with
considerable saline matter, but it's
|truthfulness is vouched for by the
entire crew, porter and all.
Remember the lecture at the theatre
Thursday evening by John Temple
Graves, under auspices of the Philc
nathan club.
See "a Women in the Case at the
| local theatre Monday evening, .Janu-
Missouri Valley times. [volume] (Missouri Valley, Iowa) 1874-1931, 1901-01-24
Mrs N Q Creagor is paying
Omaha friends short visit.
Pneumonia Proves Fatal.

A H Davenport, we'll known
farmer who has for the past year
resided short distance southeast
OF this city on the Colver farm,
died at his late home Wednesday
evening, January %. at 9:l5, after
an illness of only a few days.
Deceased leaves wife and family
of nine children to mourn his
death.
The funeral services will be held
from the late home of the deceased
tomorrow at 10 a. m. Burial in
Frazier cemetery.
Louis James best SC. cigar
in Missouri Valley. Best
selling cigar in Harrison
county.
Missouri Valley times. [volume] (Missouri Valley, Iowa) 1874-1931, 1901-01-24

Mr.. and Mrs. Francis Varnes
are rejoicing over the birth Of a
daughter at their home this MORN
ing.
Missouri Valley times. [volume] (Missouri Valley, Iowa) 1874-1931, 1901-01-24
California for twenty-five
Dollars.

In conjunction with the Union Paci-
tic railroad company, the Chicago and
North Western railroad company. on
Tuesday February 18th, will sell tic
kets to different coast points in Cali
fornia for s25 one way. This special
rate will continue in effect until the
last of April.
Missouri Valley times. [volume] (Missouri Valley, Iowa) 1874-1931, 1901-01-24

Miss Blanche Warner departed
this morning for ct. Dodge in
which city she will spend several
weeks.
Missouri Valley times. [volume] (Missouri Valley, Iowa) 1874-1931, 1901-01-24

Mr.. and Mrs. Ed. Barrows. of South
Dakota, are in the Valley, paying Mrs.
Sarah Kitteringham short visit.
Missouri Valley times. [volume] (Missouri Valley, Iowa) 1874-1931, 1901-01-24

Mrs. Daniel Kennedy and Miss
Ida Lampe arrived from Fremont
today and will visit here for q
short time with Mrs. D. Finley
and Miss May Finley.
Missouri Valley times. [volume] (Missouri Valley, Iowa) 1874-1931, 1901-01-24
Social.

The Y PS G e of the Christian
Church will give social Friday
evening, January 25, 1901, at the
home of MIR and Mrs Roger on
Sixth street formerly occupied
by DR.. Mason. Come and have
good time. Admission 10 cents.
Missouri Valley times. [volume] (Missouri Valley, Iowa) 1874-1931, 1901-01-24
Meeting of the Gun Club

Meeting of the Gun Club
There will be meeting of the Mis-
souri, Valley Gun Club in Hoyer's gal.
lery next Monday evening January %.
All club members are requested to be
in attendance.
Clean comedy will clear the cobwebs
from the human attic. "a Women
in the Case" is the best exponent of
clean comedy before the public.
Missouri Valley times. [volume] (Missouri Valley, Iowa) 1874-1931, 1901-01-24

Vick's today received their spring
line of Topsy hose, the very best on
the market.