The Kevin review., 1926-09-02
George A. Bruffey, Pioneer, Tells of
I'm Plains Journey to Montana IN 1868


ten that he was crippled for life
Until another mail carrier could h,
secured, AL continued doubling n,
his own and Curley's route for sew
eral days, snatching an hour or twr
of sleep as the chance appeared. anf
all in about the coldest weather ~
an unusually hard winter. One hun.
dred and twenty miles a day horse.
back is some stunt in any weather
if my opinion is worth considering
''How under the sun could Won
stand it?" I asked.
''Well, I guess was tough in those
days. 1 was only twenty then, and
besides, Uncle Bill was down to the
stable to see that l got in on time
and also to see I started OUT
The late William Rowe, AI's uncle
was the mail contractor.
''How did it happen that Curley
got lost while you made the trips
all right?"
81 left it to the horses mostly.
Often there wasn't a track or the
slightest indications of any road, but
the horses knew where the next sta
tion was located, and also that there
was shelter and a feed for them
when they got there. They never
failed me-"
About the last of the longer dis
tance stage lines to operate in Mon
tana was the Great Falls-Lewistown
line, discontinued in 1910 upon the
completion of the Billings Northern
railroad. During it's later years it was
under the ownership and manage
ment of John L. Mears, who was
later elected state senator from Jud-
ith Basin county. My last stage coach
trip was made on this line and was
not altogether devoid of incident.
There were nine passengers out of
Great Falls, seven of whom found
seats inside the coach. Zeno Balm
captured the coveted seat on the boot
with the driver while I roasted on
the top together with a variety of
baggage which had overflowed from
The big carrier in the rear. All went
we'll with the four horses and the
heavy load until we arrived at the
.op of the long hill descending into
Belt.
Johnny Campbell, the driver, took
he crest of the hill with a flourish |
If his whip which started the team
nto a fast clip, and then discovered |
he heavy load was gaining momen-
um while his brake refused to op- |
rate. He wasted no time with the |
rake lever, but gave all his attention |
o guiding the horses that were now
n gallop and brought them around |
he many curves nearly to the bot
ON of the hill in mastery man
er, and would have undoubtedly
lade the whole trip safely if the rig
ad held together. However, nearing
he foot of the grade at a terrific
ace, rough spot was encountered
nd one front wheel exploded, the
bach careened and crashed against
he bank, while the horses and what
as left of the front running gear
isappeared in cloud of dust.
Strange to say, no one was serious
? hurt, the only casualties being
ew minor cuts and bruises. The
assengers inside even did not know
lere was anything unusual happen
lg until the final surprising finish.
ne bewildered individual stuck his !
nd upon the completion of the Utah 4
nd wanted to know "what tn hell 9
e stoppn' here for?"
When the railroads had penetrated
lie great expanses of the west the y
age driver saw his occupation van
hing. Very rarely did he join the v
of the newer transporta-
On system, for his life was with
)rses and he did not take kindly :,
the rails. He was forced to des- :,
nd to the shorter lines operated in il
ost instances with two horses and is
mud wagon" and carrying little
remind him of the romance and j.
lendor of the SKIES and fours with II u
e glittering Concord stage of al
lighter days. Many drifted to en- es
oyment in the National Parks
here stimulation of former glories ii
listed in the splendid horse and e.
ach equipment of the transporta- ~ +
IN companies catering to the rap W
Iy growing tourist travel. Among ds
ose of my acquaintance who at
med a reputation in Park travel in
're Cal Brown, Jim Mitchell, Harry ny ny
welt, Billy Menefee and Charlie It
'ttomly, as 1 will term the latter, 1t
: alas, I regret to relate Charlie co
j from grace, and l hesitate to
re the real name of one who cast a.
blot upon the fine record of the ST, ST
stern stage driver. wi
Charlie had driven in early days To-
er the Corrine to the Helena line IT,, to-
on the completion of the Utah
rthern railroad found himself a oo
}. He tried ore hauling in Butte an
time, and then when the rap pr
y growing tourist travel called for co.. co..
vers, secured job in Yellowstone tn.
tional Park, and in Difference to COZ
skill was given one of the big ,
horse coaches operated by the teo
comnanv He was q the
endid driver and by his gentle ~
My attributes, became a favorite De
h the passengers and trusted by SIN
employers. ION ION
But Charlie listened to the cajoI- 10
voice of "easy money, and one
when his stage was held up by