Fergus County argus. [volume] (Lewistown, Mont.) 1886-1946, 1905-08-25

reason or other practically an entire
train would be tied up for days through
trouble of this kind. For example, at
the breaking out of the rebellion 1t
happened that a train under the COM
mand of Tommy Atkins was compos-
ed almost entirely Of sOutherners, who
were much inclined to stampede into
the rebel lines then offering some in
ducement in Texas. When this train
reached convenient point in New
Mexico one of these fire EATERS" one
evening just as the wagons were cor
rallied, informed Atkins that they had
concluded to take the train with all
it's SUPPLIES into Texas and turn it
over to the confederacy for an i'm.
portant consideration. Atkins said:
well, boys, that is mighty i'm.
portant scheme and one that we ought
to talk over carefully. After supper
get the boys all together and we will
talk it over and see what is best to
be done"
Atkins then quietly instructed his
assistant that when the men were
gathered around the camp fire he was
to collect their arms and stand guard
over them while the difficulty was be-
ing settled. After supper, when the
pipes were all lighted and the ring
leader had concluded, Tommy back
ed off and drew his two six-shoOters
on the crowd with the announcement
that he would kill the first man or any
number OF men who made a move.
The nearest fort happened to be with.
in less than nights ride and the
assistant, mounted on the fleetest
horse, rode thither and brought back
the cavalry and put the men in irons
By the assistance of hangers on
around the fort the train was moved
to its destination.
On reporting at LeavenwOrth some
hve or six months later with his
train Tommy was settling with Mr.
Caldwell in the office when a tough
looking individual entered the door
and Tommy, whipping out his revolv
er. told him to get out, as he pre-
ferred to have that trouble somewhere
outside. Upon being asked what was
the matter, Tommy told Mr. Caldwell
that this man was the mutinous ring
leader of his train and that doubt
less somebody would be killed SHOULD
they get together. This they lost nj
time in doing, and Tommy killed hi:
man, with the result that Mr.. Cold
well had no little trouble on his hand.
for some time to save a good wager
boss from going to Jail, which wa
worse than hanging to that kind of
man in those days.
Associated With Prominent Men.
Among Mr.. Caldwells associates
were Thomas A. Scott, afterward
president of the Pennsylvania railroa,
company. Simon Cameron, Andy Gun
tin and other great Pennsylvanians
AS may be surmised. Mr.. Caldwell
reaped the reward of his wonderful
business tact, tremendous energy an
untiring perseverance. When raj
way construction pushed this grea
scheme out of existence he was on
of the principal owners in it, Havin
had SO much to do with assemblin
wagons Mr.. Caldwell not unnatural
turned to their manufacture soon a
ter. and for some years his concer
made as high as 10000 wagons pc
annum.
In more recent years he has bee
engaged with Mr.. Strahorn in 1arg
development enterprises in differen
parts of the west. largely in the Coeu
d'Alenes. and is now actively enga,
ed in banking, being the principe
owner and president Of the First N;
tiOnal bank of LeavenwOrth,