USA > Nebraska > Dixon County > History of Dixon County, Nebraska > Part 20
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Near the river and far away from neighbors. Indians might. if they saw fit. come at any time and perpetrate barbarity or murder. Unconscious of this danger the Wiseman family had no thought of leaving their claim. and indeed they were not molested for sometime after Wiseman went away. This security. unfortunately. was not lasting.
One day in the summer of '63. Mrs. Wiseman went to the village of St. James to buy groceries, leaving the children at home. She started on horseback in the middle of the after- noon and expected to return before dark. But when at St. James a rain came up and she was delayed on account of it. and did not reach home until nearly nine o'clock in the evening. Supposing everything as safe as usual, she placed her horse in the stable and started toward the house. A few feet from the door she stumbled over the body of one of her sons. Frightened but not yet realizing that a terrible tragedy had taken place. and thinking that her son had met with an accident. she rushed to the door to call for help. As she opened it she heard groaning within and other sounds which she thought were from Indians, whom she then imag- ined were in the room concealed by the darkness. and wait- ing after killing the children. for her to enter and meet the same fate. Terror-stricken and hardly knowing what she did she turned and ran to the road and thence toward St. James. The few miles were quickly passed, yet the time seemed an age. There she reported what she had seen and heard and implored immediate help. The people in St. James were frightened and slow in responding. In the ex- citement which ensued they believed the timber along the river contained a horde of savages who. in number. equalled the trees which concealed them. The news that Mrs. Wise- man had found her children murdered, traveled quickly. as evil tidings always do.
Mr. Ames. the neighbor who lived three miles from Wise- man. was then at St. James and heard the story, and rushed home and taking his family into his wagon drove all night towards Ponca, reaching there before sunrise the next morn- ing. There he reported the massacre. and immediately. N. S. Porter and three others returned with Ames to the scene of it. When they arrived at Wiseman's they found the
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people of St. James had come and taken the children to that place. Of the five children, everyone was killed or fatally wounded.
The following is the story of the murder as near as could be ascertained:
It took place only a few minutes before Mrs. Wise- man arrived home that fatal evening. but when she opened the door, she heard no Indians in the house. They were gone, and what she heard were the struggles and groans of her dying children. Had it not been for the rain she would have been at home when the Indians came. Possibly that would have saved them, but probably she would have added one to the number of the slain. As was learned by the tracks in the mud, there were four Indians who participated in the massacre. When they entered the house, the oldest girl was churning, and they asked her for a drink of butter- milk. She handed them a dipper of it, when they struck her over the head, knocking her down. and it is to be merci- fully hoped. senseless. At about this time the oldest son. who had been hunting, returned and opened the door. Instantly he realized the situation and madea gallant defense of his sisters and younger brothers. He died fighting and his was the body which Mrs. Wiseman stumbled over in the yard on her return from St. James. The barrel of his gun was bent by the blows he had given his assailants. The eldest girl lived five days but never spoke after she was found by her friends. Her person had been brutally outraged and mutilated, the back of her head crushed, a cartridge had been exploded in her month and an arrow pierced the lower part of her body. passing ont above the hips. Though she lived five days she was unconscious. The youngest child. a boy of five years, lived three days. The other three were dead when found.
The four Indians who committed this terrible crime were supposed to be Yankton or Santee Sionx. They came across from Dakota in a canoe, and after the murder they robbed the house and took a horse on which they loaded the plunder and swam it over the river. News of the murder was im- mediately sent to Sioux City and a company which had recently been recruited there started out to capture the murderers if possible. They took their trail at the crossing
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at Wiseman's and followed it north until near Sioux Falls and there they lost it. The wretches who committed the deed were never caught. For anything known to the con- trary they may be at this moment posing as "good Indians" on some reservation.
In a few weeks after the murder the news of it reached Wiseman at Fort Berthold. As soon as he heard it he went to Gen. Sully and told him what had occurred and asked for a furlough, and was humanely granted an indefinite leave of absence. He immediately started on horsehack for home where in about ten days he arrived. It is said that on fully learning the fate of his children, he swore that he would kill every Indian who crossed his path. No one can blame him for the oath or for his justifiable vengeance during the thirty-three years that have passed since then. He has killed many and his name is a terror to them. But the four he has most wished to find he has never knowingly met. He and his wife still live where the tragedy occurred.
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HISTORY OF DIXON COUNTY, NEBRASKA.
THE REALM OF FICTION,
WITH AN OCCASIONAL FACT THIROWN IN.
THE BRAZILIAN TRAVELER AND THE NARROW GAUGE RAILROAD.
A TWENTY YEAR OLD PARABLE CONCERNING DIXON COUNTY'S. NARROW GAUGE RAILROAD AT THAT TIME- ITS EXAM- INATION BY SENOR ALGAMONEZ AND HIS CONCLUSIONS. THEREUPON.
| Those who read this old parable should, in order to fully understand and appreciate it, first read the chapter in this. book entitled "Story of a Rascally Little Railroad." This parable, though now somewhat out of date, will, perhaps. be enjoyed by old settlers who remember the time and road referred to. |
In the summer of '77 Dixon county was visited by Senor R. de Algamonez. an illustrious savant, scholar and trav- eler from the ancient city of Penumblebuz, Brazil. Taking shipping at Rio Janeiro, on the twenty-fifth day of July, he journeyed in the Brazilian war brig Physsle. to New Orleans. where he arrived August 18th. From thence. in the stannch steamer Waterwitch. he ascended the Mississippi to St. Louis, from whence in a Missouri river boat. the "Riproarer." he came up the Big Muddy and disembarking at the land- ing. walked from there into Ponca.
The object of the visit of this distinguished Brazilian gentleman may be explained in a very few words. It appears that divers disputes and differences of opinion having arisen between the people of the counties of Dakota and Dixon on the one part, and the Covington, Columbus & Black Hills Railroad Company on the other, concerning the said road, its gauge. its management, etc .. and desiring to settle all
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these matters harmoniously. it had in the early part of the summer been determined by a committee of citizens duly selected from said counties. that some good and unbiased person be appointed to examine with a vigilant and impar- tial eye into all the disputed questions, and upon such arbitration make due decision as to which of the contend- ing parties was in the right, which decision it was determ- ined should be binding (all courts to the contrary notwith- standing), in order that law suits might be avoided and that peace and good will might prevail.
In looking around for such arbitrator it was found to be impossible to obtain him in Nebraska, as every man had formed an opinion, and hence could not act with the im- partiality which the importance and gravity of the case demanded. The committee then scoured other states for their arbitrator; they even went as far as California to hunt him. but there were none, not even the Chinese and Indians. but had heard about this railroad. and had made up their minds. In desperation the committee finally applied to the emperor of Brazil who at that time was traveling in the United States, and he after mediation, referred them to Senor Algamonez, and issued an order that said senor should im- mediately come and adjudicate in the matter. The order was forthwith transmitted to Brazil by steam balloon, and in obedience to such command. the senor started for this place at the time above stated.
Hence it came about that at three o'clock one afternoon, this well known scholar walked into town, and as he had no time to spare. he declined all receptions and other tokens of respect from the citizens, and immediately proceeded to the business on hand, viz: To interview the road, its officers, etc .. and we desire to say here that Senor A. was peculiarly well fitted to act in this matter impartially, as, although he had often read of railroads, he had never in his life before seen one. Thus at abont 4:30 p. m. he crossed the bridge near Bigley's and soon was seen pacing down the valley east of town. As he moved forward he beheld before and around him a landscape unsurpassed in the gardens of the gods. and he felt assurance that this was the choicest region under the sun. Everything seemed different from his native country. and the many improvements unfamiliar to him
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struck him with wonder and admiration, and he examined critically and carefully many things which a resident would have passed unoticed. As he walked along delighted with the pastoral beauty of the scene, he suddenly saw before him two tiny parallel strips of iron stretched along the valley, the sight of which filled him with amazement, as he could not comprehend for what purpose they had been placed there. "What these little rods were designed for." said the Senor. "I am at a loss to understand. Doubtless, however, some inexpensive yet pretty plaything, which perchance the in- habitants of this country have considerately and kindly provided for their children."
As he thus meditated. he suddenly heard from the east a feeble squeak, and saw a small cloud of white vapor which seemed to be rolling slowly toward him. On closer inspec- tion he saw through the smoke. what appeared to his unso- phisticated gaze. to be a gaily decorated. four wheeled boiler or wash pot. from whenee came the smoke, and to which were attached several small covered carts. Such a singular scene, so different from anything he had ever heard of, in- duced him to postpone all further search for the railroad until he had investigated this gay and gallant little string of vehicles. He was touched also at the sight. and was almost moved to tears, for it reminded him of his home in distant Penumblebnz, and of his children who in their play made wagons out of strings and spools.
"If I ever get home." said he as he wiped his eyes. "I will take to my infants a whole box of just such nice little toys as these."
Pausing in his walk, he waited until the phenomena approached, then turning and walking leisurely along by the side of the gay train of wagons as they advanced at full steam up the valley, he found much pleasure in critically examining them. walking around them and stepping over them, to determine their magnitude, kneeling down and looking under them to see the wheels revolve, leaning over them in order to see both sides at once, and feeling of them tenderly with his hands lest something be dissarranged.
It was in fact with great curiosity and satisfaction that he viewed the cavalcade rolling along, and in his ecstacy he ex- claimed in his native Brazilian Spanish. as was his custom
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when excited: "Wha tan infer na l'umb ug!" (Which being interpreted signified, "What a wonderful invention!")
"These carriages." said he to himself. "must indeed afford infinite amusement to those who see them. And so inexpen- sive, too." and he laid his hand caressingly upon them.
Then a fearfully heavy voice issued from the smoke, and was heard saying:
"Sir, you mistake: this is not an inexpensive child's toy, but one which has cost Dixon county $87,000. It is the lightning express train on the C., C. & B. H. Narrow Gauge Railroad and I am the general manager thereof, and I will thank you to take your hand off the engine so that we can get along."
"Ho le Mozees!" ejaculated the senor in astonishment. "And so it cost $87,000! Well, well! But even that is in- expensive if the dollars are as lilliputian as the railroad."
"No." replied the gruff voice. "the dollars are of the standard gauge and are secured by bonds, which operate as a mortgage on all this fair county. Then we get $95,000 more out of Dakota county. Then we have mortgaged the road tor $90,000 more. the whole amounting to $272,000 for building the road twenty-seven miles. Could you do better than that in Brazil? And it is a great thing for Dakota and Dixon counties. We carry their freight nearly as cheap as they used to haul it in common wagons, and passengers are conveyed at but a trifle in advance of the old fashioned price. People also have the fun of seeing this train run every day up and down the valley, and for the sight, in con- sideration of the $272,000, we don't at present make extra charge. Nor have we made so much as you might think in this enterprise. We have not saved to exceed $70,000 out of the $272.000 after building and equipping the road."
"Verily." quoth the senor. "all this is wonderful to me. Ab igg rabb!" which, being interpreted, means that it "shows remarkable financiering."
"But will you build it further this year?" continued the senor.
"Yes," replied the voice. "we have the iron for eighty miles more: we also have the ties, and we are having our work done cheap. very cheap indeed."
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HISTORY OF DIXON COUNTY, NEBRASKA.
"Where is this vast amount of iron and ties?" inquired the senor.
"They will be found in the affidavit lately made before Judge Dillon in the case of Hubbell vs. The Company. But I must hurry along: good bye."
As Senor Algamonez was returning toward Ponca after thus interviewing the railroad train and the general man- ager, he was so stricken with amazement at what he had seen and heard that he could not but reflect that it might be most expedient for him to throw up the commission which brought him here, and retire by the shortest route from the country.
"And especially," said he. "do I desire once more to see my native land. for I have caught an idea that will make me rival the imperial Dom Pedro in riches. As soon as I get there I will set forth with my children and we will dig a furrow across the plain which lies between the cities of Penumblebuz and Baradocia, and along the apex of the welt then made, we will stretch two slim spindles of iron, and thus we too will have a railroad. Allured by the wonderful invention which I will bring from Dixon and Dakota counties. Penumblebuz and Baradocia will hasten to vote me bonds for $182.000, and I will mortgage the road for $90,000 more. Thus with my money and my road I will be rich. My brother Azbigasell shall be master mechanic, and he shall build and guide the little wagons whose wheels, like revoly- ing fly specks, shall bowl along. My cronies, Toda and Lick- mishoe, and also my progeny, shall stand around and see that the peons build the track and bridges, and shall also see that they do the work for nothing, for I cannot afford to pay ont the money I shall earn with such hard thought. As for me. I will be the General Manager." Thus meditating, he noticed a heavily laden freight car standing on the switch at Ponca depot and stopped to examine it.
"This tiny and fragile shell." said the senor, "is neverthe- less as neat and commodions as the hollow of my hand. My brother Azbigasell shall build me several of these. The temptation comes strong upon me, born doubtless of my new views of life since my interview with the General Manager. to appropriate and carry off this little box. Yet greatly as I desire to pocket it, I will resist the thought. I might have
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to throw out its load of grain, and God forbid that I should waste even a kernel of corn, much less these several quarts of good wheat, and thereby deprive some poor fellow of a meal."
As he turned regretfully away from the temptation, he again heard in the distance the shrieks of the little train, whose quivering squeals pathetically reminded him of the little pigs that played about the streets of Penumblebuz.
On his return to Brazil a few weeks after. Senor Algamo- nez went into the business of railroad building, taking as a pattern the road he had seen.
It may be of interest if we relate how the senor succeeded in his undertaking.
Penumblebuz and Baradocia are, as is well known, situated in a remote part of Brazil, wherein, hitherto, no railroad had been built. Hence. when the senor after his return home. suggested such an enterprise, the citizens of that country were greatly delighted. and especially were they pleased to think that the road would be continued to the rich mining and lumber region of Terra Del Fuego. thereby opening an avenue of trade and commerce. establishing markets for produce. etc.
Baradocia immediately voted $87,000 in bonds and Penumblebuz voted $90,000. to be paid when the road was completed between those places. As the distance across the plains between the two towns was not great. (about twenty miles.) this large amount in bonds was encouraging, as it was more than sufficient to complete the work. Yet to make the road surely successful in a financial point of view. the senor before commencing work. mortgaged it for $4,500 per mile. Thus he had an abundance of means wherewith to triumphantly carry out this great project of internal improvement. and hence set to work with a cheerful heart. He employed all the men and teams within a two day's journey to come and work. and they shoveled and dug. and with so much industry and diligence that in a short time a ridge of dirt was developed across the plain. Then a vast number of little sticks were hauled in and laid upon the apex of the ridge. Then many pounds of iron in long strips were nailed upon the sticks in two parallel lines some three feet apart. thus forming the track. Then a whole wagon
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load of engines and cars were brought and planted on the track. Then the whistles of the engines tooted, the bells rang and the people shouted for joy, and they said: "Behold the Narrow Gange! Lo, the Penumblebuz. Baradocia & Terra Del Fuego Railroad is a success."
In his business excitement the senor omitted (uninten- tionally) to pay those who had dug up the ground for him. who had hauled dirt in wagons, who had brought in and laid down the little sticks and who had furnished the iron. the engines and cars. But he was reminded of these slight omissions when the bills were presented. From the bills it appeared that the entire charges for all these matters amounted to about $75.000. The senor could, of course, have paid that amount readily, for the bonds from the towns and the mortgage on the road, had realized $274,500. Hence after paying the $75,000, he would have nearly $200,000 left, and he would also have the road, which he very properly estimated to be worth something. At least the track had some market value, even if he considered it as no more than old iron.
But the senor wisely concluded that even if he were making a good thing ont of the enterprise. it was no sign that those who furnished the iron, ties and labor should charge the exorbitant sum of $75.000 therefor, consequently he very properly refused to pay a cent of it.
When the ungrateful people who had been blessed with a. railroad, tried to force him to pay, he put all his property into the hands of his brother Asbigasell, rather than submit to extortion. Thus we perceive that virtue triumphs in Brazil as well as in this country!
Then those who held the mortgage foreclosed the same. a receiver was appointed to take the road, and the senor went into bankruptey. broke down and with the money safely buttoned in his pockets, retired like a persecuted martyr from a remorseless country! Such is the brief history of the P., B. & T. D. F. R. R.
After these vicissitudes the senor again came to this country where thereafter he proposed to reside and en- gage in the construction of railroads. He contemplated locating at some center of vast enterprises of that kind and join in the work with other capitalists of like ambition.
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"We will." said the senor, "combine our intelligence and capital, and will build (or at least we will promise to build) railroads for those localities which will vote bonds to us. We will, perchance, form a society, which for its great use- fulness and beneficence, will be handed down to posterity under the distinguished name of .Unh ung swind lers,' (which being interpreted from the Brazilian signifies. 'A confederation of narrow gauge magnates.') Thus honored and prosperous in this world, we shall in the next be entitled to fill comfortable stations in that radiant clime where cold weather never penetrates."
DIXON COUNTY'S CAVES.
AND PROFESSOR PERRIGOUE'S REMARKABLE DISCOVERIES OF PRE- HISTORIC VEGETATION AND ANIMALS THEREIN.
The story of Dixon County's alleged great caves and the marvellous discoveries there about twenty years ago by Pro- fessor Jeremiah Perrigoue, will to most readers be found more interesting than an unromantic journey through a dry and nnembellished routine of facts and figures.
Jeremiah Perrigoue came to Ponca in '75, and for several years dng wells and ditches, and when he had leisure hunted in the rocks and bluffs along the river for minerals and fos- sils, desiring to find gold, silver or coal; or if he could not strike a deposit of such valuable minerals he hoped at least to unearth a plesiosaurus as Mr. Brewer had done some years before. By the aid of an old book on geological formations and the ancient gigantic vegetation and animals that once were on the earth, he accumulated a long list of jaw- breaking names like Thascolotherium, Ichthyosaurus. Pterodactyl. Lepidodendron. Dinotherinm, Giganteum and others, and though he could not talk very learnedly about those ancient vegetable and animal productions he certainly could discourse glibly concerning them, (and probably with as much knowledge of what he was talking about as the ma- jority of mankind) and about the cretaceous and carboni- ferous ages and the old red sandstone and Potsdam periods, as familiarly as though he had been well acquainted with them all his life.
During the summer of '76, some parties dug a large hole
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near Ponca landing for the purpose of finding coal. The shaft was four feet in diameter and was sunk to a depth of eighty-five feet. when becoming discouraged and out of money to continue the work, the parties abandoned the enter- prise. Mr. Perrigoue, whose geological researches along the bluffs had given him the name of "professor." was one of the workmen, and when the shaft was abandoned he assumed pos- session of it and proposed to make further investigations on his own hook.
A few days after, he appeared in town and announced that he had made some marvellous discoveries, and had passed through experiences so incredible and astonishing that he hesitated about telling them. He said that during the greater part of two days, he had been at least a thousand feet under ground and had traveled miles and miles through a great net work of lofty caverns. If his story were true, one would be led to believe that Dixon County was above an immense, petrified, primeval forest of the carboniferous age. in which were trees fifteen to forty feet in diameter. and the fossil remains of many of the ancient organic beings of that period. Animals which, in everything excepting life. appeared as natural as when they were on earth a million or more years ago.
The story of his subterranean travels and discoveries as he related it. was indeed wonderful. If he did not actually see what he claimed, he might have dreamed it, or if he did not dream he may have been overcome by an unharnessed imag- ination run wild. But here it is, substantially:
While the shaft above referred to was being dug. Prof. Perrigone said he noticed that the workmen were greatly troubled in their digging by water. yet when they had pene- trated to a depth of about 60 feet the water suddenly disap- peared. This phenomenon was precisely what happened in that vicinity a few years before when Mr. Wernimont was boring for coal. Reflecting on this. Prof. Perrigone came to the conclusion that the leakage was caused by a fissure in the rock communicating with some opening beneath and possibly with a cavern of greater or less dimensions.
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