Plentywood herald. [volume] (Plentywood, Mont.) 1908-current, 1928-06-28
MOSQUITOES WE'RE WORSE
THAN INDIANS ON MISSOURI
RIVER BOAT TRIP uM 1873

ined, these woodhawks led precarious
lives, being constantly in danger from
attacks by Indians. This was particu-
larry the case of those h manned the
wood yards of the upper river.
They were lonely spots, those wood
yards. visited only by an occasional
steamer, and this but during the season
of high water. When the boat stopped,
about 8 p. m, the plank was put out to
connect with the shore. Over his plank
a long line Of r~oustabouts passed, empty
handed going, and coming bearing loads
Of wood, their steps expedited by the
shouted commands of the mate. This
was an interesting sight for the passen-
gers sitting idly on deck; but 1t had o
different aspect for the wood bearers.
SawmiIl on Boat
AS IN instance of the resourcefulness
of Captain LaBarge, it is related that he
Installed a sawmill on one of his boats,
and drew the logs on board with oxen,
where it was sawed.
Captain Joseph LaBarge became an
employe of the fur company in 1888, on
that first unfortunate journey to the
mouth of the Yellowstone and continued
in that capacity until 1910, when he left
the company to enter into competition
with 1t. 1t proved to be an unsuccessful
business venture. Not discouraged, how
ever. he became a chartered navigator of
the Missouri, and for many years took
boats to Fort Benton and other points
along that river.
/ do not know whether that of 1878
was his last trip; but l do know he ap-
peared then to be very tired. Perhaps
this was due to bis enforced delay at
Fort Benton and the uncertainty OF the
outcome of the suit brought against him.
1t was not a normal life that he led.
From boyhood he was exposed to danger.
All Missouri river captains were called
upon to face 1T. Sometimes 1t took UNI
expected forms. as when the boiler of
the Saluda exploded In 1852, killing Cap
tain Charles LaBarge, who was the
brother Of Joseph. The boat was carry
ing many Mormons. Over q hundred
bodies were recovered, and the boats bell
was later unearthed IN the river bank,
where 1T had been blown, or the chang
ing current left it. This bell was later
sold to the Christian church of Savan-
nah, Mo, the town where our family
took the train In 1865. this being then
the nearest railroad point to Nebraska
City, where our plains journey ended.
Boats went aground on n
much time was often required to set
them afioat again. Strong winds some
times drove the boats ashore and there
| was constant danger from snags Fire
destroyed some boats. and at least n
was wrecked by a whirlpool. Guerrillas
were an added danger during the Civil
war. 1t is not surprising hat river navi-
gators bowed the effects Of their strenu-
Gus life. Captain LaBarge, when l knew
him, was SO years of age, cut looked 10
years older. His appearance of added
years was not due to his gray hair and
beard. although the mosquitoes may have
served as a co~ntributory cause for his
attitude Of WEAKNESS and depression.
Captain LaBarge looked like a very tired
man. That l ever met him was due to
the fortunate train OF circumstance; I
have mentioned. / shall never cease re-
GREETING my failure to learn from him
more of his past experiences. These
would have been q priceless contribution
to Montana and Missouri river history