The San Francisco call., 1910-05-01
By Erastus P. Rowe

were the two greatest men in the country He was
scout for Fremopt. He became a Sierra stage
driver in the late ftes and for several years drove
over the Siskiyou mountains. Among his innumerable
trophies a pair of gauntets given to him by
Joseph Lane, senator from Oregon; whip from
Senator Nesmith, and drinking flask and cup from
Colonel Z. D. Baker, After leaving the road he
drifted into Eureka. New, where he opened a cafe.
His health failing in few years he returned to Cali
fornia He died in Redding in 1905 aged 70 years
OVER THE DIVIDE
Cherokee Bill" drove between Oroville and
Quincy for many years. He was not an Indian but
a full booded Buckeye from the western reserve
He married Cherokee while driving in Indian
territory which was the reason for his patronymic
Dutch John" drove out of Strawberry for while,
and killed by Apaches Wickenburg, Arz., in
including Fred w. Lorng. poet, Of Boston.
One of the best story telers and the most re-
nowned of fiction spnners in the Sierra brotherhood
Smoky Bill who drove for the California
stage company between Marysville and Sacramento.
Smoky Bills" great rival in telling stories John
Roln Ridge At the old Haun hotel, Marysville,
they held many auditors spellbound for hours.
Between Marysville and Portland Ore, from the
fiftes until the completion OF the railroad In 1869
there were many excellent whips. There early
Californians still living who remember Uncle Billy"
Mayhem who was living at Red Bluff in 1898, and
James Haworth, who was once an empoye in the
San francisco mint.
Charles Mcconnell who also drove out of Marys-
vile 40 years ago. was at time employe of
the United States mint and who, that ever sat the
box with Handsome Charlie, as he was called, does
not recall his good looks and genial manner? He also
drove from Reddng to Soda Springs The last
heard of this sturdy fellow he was keeping saloon
in Redding III 1892
There were half dozen splendid drivers between
Carson and Glenbrook during the sixties, conspcu-
otsly John Spaulding William Terrll and Len Brett
all of whom were courageous In of accident
or holdup as any men could be. lerrill was fine
driver and meyer had serious accident. Not even
Hank Monk was more dashing more capable than
Len Brett, who for asdecade drove from Summit
ton to Strawberry.
Hank" Monk also drove between Summit station
and Strawberry 1t was on this drive that he had his
most terrific runaway ANDY thrown head first from
the box nearly into the river while his six horse
furiousy for three miles and stopped in front of
the door of the hotel at Strawberry.
Hank" the most celebrated of all the Sierra
drivers account of his having given Horace Greeley
such shakcup between Strawberry and Placervie
about SIS years ago. Greeley was sitting the box
next to Hank and was worrying lest he should
arrive late in Strawberry where he due address
political meeting Hank" was driving furiously to
make time the road rough, and Greeley was bob
bing up and down like cork i'll heavy sea. Hank"
while he ficked fly from his off leaders ear, re-
marked in his quaint manner, Keep your seat, boss;
I'll get you there Ill time.
Fifty years ago Sam Cooper known TO