American Falls press. [volume] (American Falls, Idaho) 1907-1937, 1915-05-13
BARBER & JONES', Publishers
INCIDENTS OF 1881.

There were rs cowboys camped for
the winter around this vicinity who
rode the range from Washington to
Wyoming and from Texas to Chicago.
Some highly educated men were am
ong them and others who had been
raised on the frontier and had lew
advantages, but none that would
smoke In the presence of a woman or
that was eve anything but a true
knight In manners.
There were five women, Grandma
West, Mrs. Driscoll. Mrs. Dover, Mrs.
Cook and Mrs. Mower; and five girls,
Miss Rosetta Hatch. Miss Sarah Ann
Mower. Miss Susan Mower, Miss An
ME West and myself. all are grand
mothers now. Every Sunday the
young people went horseback riding
aud met at one of the homes where
they enjoyed a good gocIablG time.
One Sunday they rode TO American
Falls TO view the sights. a huge
eagles nest was perched on one of the
highest cliffs on electric island where
the first power house was after ward
built. The eagles scared around and
while we viewed the sublime scene,
little dreaming what great forces It
had In store for the future our escorts
told us the story OF how the name,
American Falls had originated.
The first adventureres along the
river had been NANNY Spaniards and
Mexicans searching for gold. trapping
or trading with the Indians. Chen
came an American who viewed the
falls and decided to take a ride over
them. He had n large umbrella which
he hoped wiuld help him to make an
easy descent. but It was not braced
firm enough and turned inside out.
He was never seen again. bet his name
or the name of his country has ever
since remained-American Falls.
Another Sunday We crossed the riy-
err to Horse Island. | dill net know the
ford. My horse lageu behind and was
soon swimming IN deep water. | did
not realize the danger and thought I
was having "A great lark. Just as my
horse found solid footin my partner
was taking off his coat. He appolo-
eized saying II would have bumped I'm
for you sooner but I did not want to
spoil my new $50 suit unnecessarily"
We had several dances which we're
great affairs for the time. A team
was sent to Ross Fork for the best
that could be had and thoro we're some
excellent cooks there who prepared the
supper which cost $500.
The leading Young men we're wm.
Rickits. James Hibbs. Hlrvey Walker
aud w. 7. Oliver, who was n widower
at the time.
VIM. Dover, Geo. Mower. Sr., and
George, Jr., came to the bottoms the
year after Mr.. Driscoll. with cattle.
In the spring ! went to Blackfoot
and attended school for n short time.
The public school system had not then
been organized. 4 private school had
been considered but there we're two
factions. Mrs. Major Danielson and
her friends engaged the Methodist
minister, u highly educated man to
teach tho school. but the house chosen
had previously been occupied by some
sporting women.
Mrs, Ferris and the ladies OF the
Episcopal church withdrew and hired
another teacher and another building.
Mrs. Danilson contended they should
be glad to have the house put to a bet
ter use aud so between the two fac
lions the school was of short duration
as there were neither means or pupils
enough To keep up two schools.
My mother soon after. accepted a
position from w. N. Shilling as house.
keeper at the Ross Fork Indian trading
post, Mr.. Shilling's family had moved
to Blackfoot. where In spite OF the
dust, a thriving little town had been
started.
was soon taken down with inflam-
atory rheumatism and was waited up
on by Doctor Dubois. brother OF Fred
I. Dubois. who was then assistant
boss farmer at Ross Fork.
My mother promised me II got
we'll. l might have my hearts desire
n go to the Sisters school, the Sac.
red Heart Academy Of Ogden. This
hope did me more good han the doc
tors medicine. Just as l was able to
sit up. an English doctor. a Mrs. Ham
mond, who had come from Salt Lake
City and taken Mrs. Suisted through
a case of confinement. stopped over
night on her return and persuaded my
mother to send me TO warm springs
TO battle for my health. Mir. and Mrs.
Suisted were then living In a large log
cabin at Warm Springs. five miles
south of American Falls and had a
large tent stretched over the warm
water. MIR. Carl Suisted. who was later
burned to death with one OF his chill
dren, was taking care of a large herd
OF sheep for a Salt Lake firm.
Although could hardly walk when
arrived. after bathing every day for
three weeks | could run over the hills
Iika n daar