Browning chief. [volume] (Browning, Mont.) 1941-1953, 1941-01-24
BY E. NJ. CLIPMAN

The brotherhood Of free trap
FRS Of the Rocky mountains,
kbich came into existence q CEN
ury ago and flourishcd until about
"a. when II began 10 decline,
kas made up Of the boldest, most
Sckless adventurers that ever
HANGED down the sights of . rifle
challenged death each day the
nm rose. No man could face the
3ntold perils Of the wilderness as
nd they unless his eye and hand
here ever ready and lightning
SIick TO act; unless his heart was
(eeled against fear, and unless he
buld walk alone in q wild and
krrible land and ignore that grim
badow that stalked ever 1t his
blow.
fhese free trappers were men OF
courage, with the cunning Of the
tk fox. Willy as were the plains
hans. the free trappers were even
fe crafty. Many Of them used to
Ia that the scalps Of a hundred
we're worn at the belts Of the
'ppers for every trapper'S scalp that
used TO trim the war leggings OF
| Indians.
IND, trained in the brutal school OF
kns and mountain warfare, these
lie pathfinders reverted in some
bectS toward the status OF the
Sages, although 1t would be unjust
rate them with mere renegades
! desperadoes. The trapper. what
d his faults, was yet every inch
han Bravest Of the brave. cool and
Sacious in the strategy Of border
!. capable in any emergency. faith
| 10 his own code OF honor. generous
bout limit to all but his foes. there
something heroic In this fierce
uncouth figure who dominated
a time the vast area that today
bprises Montana and its neighbor-
states along the eastern and west
slopes Of the Rockies.
hged Over Vast Areas
these free hunters Of the far west
fe great rangers. Men Of the type
bill williams, Killbuck, La Bonte,
|Eger and Walker. whose names are
hid In the pages OF every story
tten about early western fur trap
4 and trading, knew not only the
Jews and mountain defiles Of our
Htana, but had travelled as well
Ey hunting ground as far south
lhe Mexican line. Many had pushed
|pugh the Great Salt lake across
desert to the southern California
ksions. whittier they rode In small
Ids on horse stealing exhibitions.
Two of the most famous Of the free
bpers we're Killbuck and La Bonte,
6tioned above. whose adventures
the Yellowstone were recounted by
i unfortunate young English ex-
Ter and hunter, George Frederick
Eton, who died at st. Louis in 1913
pr spending a couple OF years with
free trappers in the Rocky noun
ts. Ruxton. in his story OF the
bperS, gives O graphic account Of
Bonte and Killbuck were members.
lch rode on foray after horses
the way to southern California
returned the same year with 200
ID OF fine Spanish mares and stall
ns, which they sold at Bent's fort
Colorado at big profit. They were
ncked many times by Indians and
200 horses, or half Of the number
y stole from the Spaniards at the
Isions on the way back. They also
two Of their party. one in the
tie with the Spaniards which they
ght and won before they were able
round up the horses and drive them
BY. The other was killed in fight
h Indians.
here are doubtless ranging the
ntana prairies today many descend
S OF these mares and stations that
'e brought back on that and other
is made from this side Of the main
lge into Spanish settlements. In
" OF this, brief summary Of the
is of interest to Montana readers.
e Trappers Raid California
,lllbuck and La Bonte, after an
ting episode with the Blackfeet
the Yellowstone. headed south and
cnance met the party of II sea-
co trappers. whom they joined,
ling the number of the band to
as mentioned above Although not
ifge party, 1t was a formidable one
I pushed down toward Salt Lake
the trail to southern California.
lrteen good rifles in the hands of
men. well mounted and
lpped, spelled trouble in plenty for
foe that might bar their way.
ore. them stretched a thousand
eS of dreary desert, infested with
Tile savages. Famine and drouth
eatened them. Beyond these dan
lay the civilized settlements Of
Spanlards the least Of which con-
led 10 times their number of armed
bitter enemies. When they reached
Sc there must follow their sudden
op upon their countless herds Of
res and horSes-the fierce attack
, oioody battle. Then. If success at
leo their adventure, there still
ited the perils Of the return four
. for all along their dangerous
! would await war parties Of In
rs determined to slay the whites
capture their horses.
W the cavalcade rode merrily
g without thought of what might
ahead. Never n more DARING hand