The Ely miner., 1932-06-03

left the business in the hands Of his brother and
started out to record what was happening.
IN those days. says Mr.. Jackson. ''photog-
raphy was different than it is today. The pioneer
photographer Of that time had TO be something Of
a chemist, artist and mechanic all put together.
When he wanted to take pictures On the road he
had to carry chemicals, trays glasses and what
not. for each plate had to be prepared on the
spot for every exposure. So when started
out from Omaha in 1868 was equipped with
complete portable outfit for developing pictures
en- route"
Dr. F. Y. Hayden head Of the United States
geological survey Of the territories, organized to
obtain definite information about those vast re-
gions opened to the settlers by the new railroad,
saw the pictures which Mr.. Jackson took on that
trip. He liked them much he decided he
must have Jackson along on his own surveying
trip which he was slated to take along the old
Oregon. Trail, across Wyoming and back by the
Overland Stage route. Thus it came about that
William 81. Jackson was the first man to make
photographs of the marvels of the old Oregon
Trail country.
Although he was appointed official photog-
rapher of the Hayden survey, he received no
salary, but his equipment was provided and he
was permitted to keep all negatives he made,
for his own use Most of his Photographic sup
plies he carried in the ambulance which accom-
with a little donkey which he named "Hypo."
"Hypo" carried his working kit
This survey of Doctor Hayden's started in Au-
gust, 1870, and from Independence Rock fol-
lowed the old Oregon Mormon trail along the
Sweetwater river. Returning it followed the old
Overland Stage route across southern Wyoming
and at Fort Saunders disbanded for the season.
So pleased were Washington officials with the
pictures taken on this first survey that they ap-
min %nl Toa
as photographer and for ten years he remained
with Doctor Hayden in this capacity. In 1871,
he took pictures of Yellowstone He was the
first TO make photographs of the marvels of this
country and his pictures, well as the discov-
cries of. and specimens collected by Doctor Hay
den and his party, played an important part in
the creation Of the Yellowstone National park
in 1872 The last expedition of the Hayden
Geological survey to the Rocky mountain region
was made in 1873. the present United States
geological survey then being Instituted Mr.
Jackson accompanied this final expedition
During all of these expeditions Mr. Jackson
not only took photographs of the scenic marvels
OF the west but he also snapped Indians whenever
he got the opportunity. Some Of the finest In
dian portraits the negatives of which are now
owned by the bureau of American ethnology in
Washington. were made by him and since they
are portraits Of Indian chiefs who became ia
AouS dS iSdOerS III lue wars on the plains the
historical value Of his work is inestimable The
making of these portraits was not always unat-
tended with danger, for some of the wild tribes
men had superstitious dread of the shadow
catcher and they protested that Indian no sabe
picture-make 'em all heap sick-all die-pony
die-papoose die" Especially was this true
OF the Ute chief, Peah, who threatened bodily
harm to the young photographer and tried to de
stroy Jackson's camera.
Having completed his work as a pioneer
photographer. Mr.. Jackson eventually settled In
Detroit and took up Photography as business
For 25 years he was connected with the De
froit Publishing company. retiring from that COM
pany few years ago. Since that time he has
been busy writing about his experiences in the
old days. making paintings from his notes and
sketches and promoting the work Of the Oregon
Trail Memorial association And this summer
he viii climax his career by one more trip over
that historic route where be was once a bull.
Whacker and the first and outstanding member
of his profession-that Of photographer Of the
Wild West.
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