Mineral Point tribune. (Mineral Point, Wis.) 1869-1938, 1901-08-01
OLD TAMMANY BOSS.
FORMER RULER OF WASHING
TON is IN MEXICO.
HIS Mines Have Made Him a Multi
millionaire--Many Exciting
Experiences.

the attack recently made on the life
of Alexander X. Shepherd by Mex
lean peon were considerably over
drawn" said Henry Madison, min
ing man of Guanacevi, Mex, who Is
here visiting relatives. Il was at
Batopilas at the time the incident oc-
CURED, and it was looked upon by Mr..
Shepherd as of such little consequence
that he doubtless forgot all about 1t in
few hours. 1t was very tame eX-
perience for Mr.. Shepherd compared
with some which he has gone through
since taking up his residence in that
distant and almost impenetrable re-
gion of Mexico many years ago.
When Boss Shepherd left his home
in Washington many years ago for
Mexico to recoup his fortunes that
country was not enjoying the peace
which it is today. The mountains
were the haunts of many bands of
brigands, who did not hesitate to at
tack and sack villages and mining
camps. When he located at Batopi-
las that place was of very little i'm
portance as a mining camp. Not only
did Mr.. Shepherd improve the mines
by putting in modern machinery, etc,
but he also improved and beautified
the town until it is one of the most
delightful and attractive places in
Mexico.
He exercised the same wise judg-
ment in improving this little mining
camp as he did in the great work of
laying off Washington into streets
and avenues, parks, etc. and the
stranger who visits the remote place
is astounded at the beauties of the
place Batopilas is situated about
250 miles from the city of Chihuahua,
vhich is the nearest railroad point.
The trip to and from the town is one
which few care to undertake. The
route is over high and steep noun
tains and through narrow gulches.
Mr.. Shepherd experiences during
the first few years of his residence at
Batopilas were full of excitement and
real danger He was surrounded by
a desperate set of Mexicans who
would not hesitate to take his life
for the value Of cigaret if a favor
able opportunity was offered. 1t was
a frequent occurrence for mule trains
going between Batopilas and Chihua-
hua to be held up by brigands. have
often heard Shepherd relate his first
experience with these outlaws.
He was going from Chihuahua to
Batopilas accompanied by two Next
can mozos. or Mexican servants. They
were riding those little mountain bur-
ros, which are used exclusively in
the rough travel of that part of Mex
leo. They had just entered a noun
tain pass when a shower of rocks
fell in front of the burros. Mr.. Shep-
herd and his moZos looked up and
saw about 80 feet above them on an
overnanging cliff the forms of five
Mexicans, all dressed in charro suits
and each with a rifle pointed directly
at Mr.. Shepherds head.
Mr.. Shepherd was SO terrified that
he almost fell off his burro. but he
had presence OF mind to throw up his
hands and keep them up until one of
the bandits leisurely made his way
down and politely told him that they
meant him no harm and that they
simply wanted what money and valu-
ables he had with him. Mr.. Shep-
herd complied with the demand very
readily and he and his mozos We're
then taken in charge by the brigands
and escorted through the mining pass
70 a nearby cave where the bandits
had store of good things. Mr.. Shop
herd accepted an invitation to remain
for dinner and a fine repast was set
and enjoyed by the visitor After
dinner an escort of two bandits was
detailed to accompany Mr.. Shepherd
to within few miles of Batopias.
Mr.. Shepherd was so well treated by
the bandits that he never reported
the robbery to the Mexican authori-
ties.
since the development of the
mines at Batopilas has become so
great the shipments of silver and bull
lion from the camp are very large.
About every two weeks a conducta,
as ii is called, leaves Batopilas for
Chihuahua loaded with silver bullion.
The average amol.t OF bullion in
each of these shipments is probably
$4,000. guard always accompa-
MES these shipments. although there
is little need for such precaution as
the day of the brigand has about
passed In Mexico.
Although Boss Shepherd is a multi
millionaire it is unlikely that he will
ever return TO the United States to
reside, He likes his distant Mexican
home and will probably pass the re-
mainder of his days in the heart of
the Sierra Madres. He takes a lively
interes, in the affairs of the thriving
mining camp. Through his efforts the
place has large public library. which
is freely patronized by men in his
employ.
''Mr. Shepherd has a beautiful home
there and his family is surrounded
with ali the comforts and luxures
that money can buy. II is related that
several years ago Mr.. Shepherd de-
cided 10 install a piano in his Bato.
pilas home. He bought fine instru-
ment in New York city and ordered
Il shipped 10 chihuahua, the nearest
railroad point. At Chihuahua Il Uas
taken apart and the pieces strapped
onto the backs of burrus and the long
trip over the mountains was begun.
The house which sold the piano
sent an expert man along with il to
take il apart and put it together
again when the destination was
reached. After many long DAYS the
train of pack mules reached Batopilas
and the instrument was set up in the
parlor OF Mr.. Shepherds home where
it still remains. Ii is said that the