 |
A COWBOYS FUNERAL 1891
Observations by Harve Kett 1954
Springfield, Colorado
|
This man’s name was George Brenton, who was drowned in the forks of West and East Carrizo Creeks in Baca County in August 1891. His home was at Las Animas, Colorado. He was working for the Reynolds Cattle Company under Walter Dunn. He was not known among the cowboys very well. Some think he took his own life as result of troubles with his wife. The grave is about 1 ½ miles east and ½ mile south of Carrizo Springs. This picture was taken right after the filling of the grave. A funeral without a women - one prayer.
Reading from left to right, each cowboy is named followed by the brand of the outfit he worked for with such other information of particular interest to the ‘Old Timers’.
Walter Dunn [Bar 7L] was range manager and wagon boss for the Reynolds Cattle Co., Southwest of Kim near Buttes; Walter is now deceased.
Tom Godwin [TH] two brands run both horses and cattle. Was commissioner for Baca County 8 years from 1892 to 1900: Ranch on Butte Creek about a mile from Las Animas County Line; Post Office address: Atlanta, Colorado: was always working. Born In Tenn. Died in Trinidad, Colorado.
Pete Beasley [Bar 4] once worked for the NXN Miser & Whitaker of Springfield. Stole a $65.00 saddle from Henry Labrier and horse from Frank Welch. The last seen was at Jake Likes. He traded horses with Jake and headed West when last seen.
Billy Wilson [J4] wagon boss for the JJ for 40 Years. His love for boys never grew old to him. When a boy came to his wagon he always got a full meal and If he was broke, some pocket money. He is buried in La Junta Cemetery – one fine man.
Ed Eddleman [WJ] was wagon boss for a lot of cattle companies. He was one of the best - his men loved him. He was a quiet man, his word as good as a Government Bond. He is buried in Kenton, Oklahoma, cemetery close to home he loved.
Hiram Palmer [JJ] born in Texas - was counted one of the best - worked for JJ and trail cutter for The Bent County Cattle growers Association cutting all trail herds from Lamar to Kansas line; Lived a hard life - died a hard death (cancer) buried in Las Animas Cemetery.
Kid Doss [JJ] cause of Bill Thompson’s death at JJ ranch in January 1892. Was killed the same year by John Howard a cowboy of the 101 ranch east of Kenton, Okla. Buried at Kenton.
Emmett Roberts [VOX] worked for the old Taylor outfit of Trinidad VOX; Jake Sayres was wagon boss for Taylors. Roberts still living in northwest Colorado.
Gus Thompson[VOX] worked for Taylors VOX: had a ranch In Las Animas County. May be living.