Monte Vista journal and Monte Vista graphic-reporter., 1922-01-14
(By w. A. BRONAUGH)

Mr.. Editor:
Conforming with your request
that l give you an account of my
experience with VIM. Miller and
Stanton Jones while sheriff of Sagu-
ache county. it was practically as
follows: In the spring OF 1882,
received notice Of store being
broken into and goods taken. Also
a pony. saddle and bride at Par
tins in Gunnison county. Some
days later two horses were taken
from Mr.. Joe Wells ranch near
villa Grove. and also one from
"Uncle" Samuel Ashley. his driving
horse "old Charlie"
Though unwell at the time.
mounted my saddle horse and took
the trail. found this slow work
and came that day to the Rio
Grande. spending the night ON the
north side OF the river. east Of
Monte Vista. The next day rode
to Alamosa. where took the train
to Antonito. returning that night.
The third day l rode from Alamosa
to Del Norte, taking . lunch and
feeding my horse at Mrs. Fassett's
store whore Monte Vista Is now
located. reached Del Norte in
time to meet Mr.. Sam Goodacre.
who was also hunting some three
men who had gotten supper and fed
their horses at his place at Russell
Springs. and on leaving. had taken
his saddle.
Having gotten information that
three horsemen. answering to the
description of the thieves. had been
seen headed for upper Rio Grande.
Mr.. Goodacre and took the stage
for Antelope Park. at the head Of
the Rio Grande. We learned at
Wagon Wheel Gap. that the thieves
has passed thru there about mid
night. SO we went on to Antelope
Park. hired couple Of horses. and
circled the park, but found no
tracks indicating that any one had
been there. We returned to Por-
qan bridge. a few miles down the
river.
As felt that We very probably
we're elected to have shooting
match. l notified a lovely. cour-
aseous. little mother, fMrs. Fair
childs. I think of our business.
She replied. "Just let me get my
little ones in the cellar. and you
may shoot all the horse-thieves In
the country. II you want too
The sun was still about an hour
above the horizon. when We saw the
three men come riding leisureiy
along. They rode direct to the
bridge. The road made an abrupt
turn due south and Immediately
past the ranch cabin. In this we
awaited their coming. and no three
men were ever more surprised than
they. when Mr.. Goodacre with .
winchester in hand and with .
forty-five in each hand stepped out
In front Of them. Just before they
reached the cabin. We rushed up
within few feet Of them with the
command to "throw mp your hands"
All promptly obeyed. except Jones.
who Was furthsrest away. and I saw
him attempt to raiss his winches-
ter. when I rushed near him and
focused my two guns directly on his
vital organs. and gave him q fore
ibis expression that there would be
two punetures through his heart II
he did not drop the Winchester.
This he promptly did.
I do not remember the arms that
they carried. other than IN ivory
handled forty-five colts. . winches-
ter. and . large DIRK. The run had
been . herd ons-thrss days and
three niehts-Ths capture eomplst.
ed. and frankly must say that I
was intoxicated with the wine Of
success. We had Just gotten the
three men into . log cabin camp
house. when = frcishter came along
with and empty wagon. and en-.
RACED him 10 haul the prisoners 10
Wagon Wheel Gap that night. Il