USA > Nebraska > Dixon County > History of Dixon County, Nebraska > Part 22
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Mr. Vance stated that during his travels in South Amer-
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ica and especially in Europe he had visited several volcanoes and had studied them considerably, and he was compelled to acknowlege that this, though on a small scale, bore a strik- resemblance to them. The discharges at regular intervals. the jarring of the earth and the dull sound which anticipat- ed the eruptions, were a counterpart of the phenomena he had witnessed at Vesuvius and Ætna.
For the purpose of more fully testing the question whether these eruptions were occasioned by volcanic action. the party now proposed to drill down through the earth and rock, which was an easy matter as the rock, owing to the extreme heat, seemed to be softened to the consistency of dry clay.
Taking their hollow diamond pointed iron rods, they selected a spot near to one of the largest jets of vapor, and were enabled to drill downward very rapidly. In the course of three hours they penetrated to a depth of about sixty feet. The drawing of the rods occupied some time as they were white hot, and it was near midnight when the last joint was taken out. Then a heavy explosion took place, accompanied by a tremendous discharge, not of luminous vapor alone. but of what appeared to be a stream of liquid fire, which thrown to a height of at least 75 feet, fell like a cataract of flame. The display lasted a little less than five minutes, then ceased, and after this first grand exhibition of earth's fire- works, the eruptions were merely of luminous vapor, the same as was emitted by the thousand little volcanic months around them.
This wonderful discharge of fire was accompanied by a number of red hot stones; some of them, indeed, were melted by the violent heat. It was afterwards ascertained that this brilliant display was witnessed by several persons about ten miles distant in Dakota, who supposed that an enormous meteor was rising above the horizon. Mr. Vance, by this experiment. was more than ever convinced that this was a veritable volcano, and he assured his companions that the great source or fountain of fire was but a little way beneath them.
It now being early morning, the party went back to their carriage and rested until daylight, when they again returned to the volcanic field. The displays of the night
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had passed with the darkness. and only a few spindles of vapor were visible, and a stranger might pass over without discerning anything unusual. He would find his mistake, however, if he attempted to walk with bare feet. The most sedate personage in such predicament, would undoubtedly perform a hornpipe in a very undignified manner. The morning light revealed several other interesting facts which had hitherto escaped attention. Though the weather was cold. and as a general thing vegetation had been dead for two months past, it was noticed that in several ravines adjacent to the volcanic field, the grass was green and luxuriant. Some of it was six inches high, and evidently growing in a good. healthy condition. Mr. Andrews clipped some to take east to show his friends what Nebraska could do in the winter time. Mr. Green also took occasion to cut off a quantity of it for his steeds, to whom it was a Inxurious repast.
The earthquake, which a few weeks before, had been severely felt in Dixon county, was referred to in the conver- sation respecting the volcano, and inquiry was made of Mr. Vance, who seemed to have a very complete knowledge of such matters, as to whether in his opinion such earthquake was in any manner connected with the phenomena they were witnessing. The reply of Mr. Vance gave a new and startling theory. "Here," said he, "is an undoubted volcano. Below the surface, (nor is it far below. as we saw last night). is a reservoir of fire, doubtless communicating with the in- ternal fire of the earth. Near by flows the Missouri. My opinion is that the earthquake was occasioned by the river breaking through into the fiery caldron beneath us. If, for example, you were to turn a stream of water into a crucible of melted iron or any other mineral substance. a violent commotion would immediately occur, and if the stream was large an explosion would take place. The first will illustrate an earthquake, the second a volcano."
To illustrate the truth of his theory. Mr. Vance poured some water into the hole that had been drilled the night before. Intantly they were saluted by an explosion and a shower of stones. "Had this," said he "instead of a quart of water. been one-tenth part of what flows by this point in an hour, we would have had an earthquake like the
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one occasioned a few weeks ago. Finally. as the river con- tinues to encroach, a great breach will be made in the divid- ing walls and an immense flood will rush in upon the molten mass below. Then the spot where we stand, and perhaps. some space around will be tossed toward the clouds, stones and lava hurled out, and a full-blown volcano inaugurated. When the overflow of lava into the river blocks up the un- derground channel and thus shuts off the irritating cause of the commotion, the volcano will die away to a mere smoke pot as it is called, until other changes cause the river to break through again. If it were possible to discover this underground channel. one might regulate the earthquake and volcanic display at pleasure. Such was Mr. Vance's theory.
The party deemed it now proper to further investigate the bluffs in the neighborhood. As they wandered along they noticed in the ledges of the rocks many curious forma- tions and petrifications. The whole day was thus occupied in viewing these interesting subjects of study. Evening came as they were resting at the foot of a rocky eminence. preparatory to returning to the volcano which was abont a mile away.
Suddenly to their unutterable amazement, they distinct- ly heard a distant musical sound, which continued a long time, then died away, and then commenced again. It was faint. and as they heard it, seemed unearthly. yet it was un- mistakeably military music. From whence it came they had not the slightest idea, but it seemed to issue from a crevice at the base of the rock. This astonishing phenom- enon was worthy of immediate investigation. The crevice which poured forth these sounds was about six inches in width. With pick and bar the party proposed to drift their way into the interior and discover if possible the cause of such a new and unheard of mystery.
The opening from which the sounds emanated, seemed to be an irregular fracture or break in the rocks, which ex- tended perpendicularly some distance and which near the base of the ledge was six or eight inches in width. A few blows of the pick upon the soft rock soon enlarged the crevice con- siderably, and it was seen that that the opening rapidly
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widened as it extended into the bluff. Having prepared their lamps, the party made their way into the interior, Mr. Vance taking the lead.
They found themselves in a ragged and rapidly widening seam, the direction of which from the entrance was south- easterly, and which was simply one of the innumerable net- work of fissures and seams which intersect the bluffs along the river.
The party scrambled along the rough pathway for 60 to 70 feet, when the passage, which had hitherto had been growing wider, suddenly contracted, so much so. indeed, that it was with the utmost difficulty that they were en- abled to preceed at all.
At intervals they heard the same musical sounds which had startled them at the outset.
About fifty feet farther on, the party found the fissure intersected nearly at right angles by a still narrower crevice. From this new break in the rock, which was not over two inches in width, they found proceeding the subterranean melody, which they now heard with much greater distinct- ness than before.
So distinct, indeed, were the sounds, that the tones of the different instruments were clearly distinguished. Mr. Green, on listening intently, stated that the different melodies were those usually played by the Ponca band.
Yet it could not be possible, the distance, 12 miles, utterly precluding such a conclusion. Mr. Green also now called to mind that this was the evening which had been selected by the band for practice.
"If such is the case." said Mr. Vance. "this musical phe- nomena can be explained. As in all volcanic countries, this region is permeated by an infinite number of breaks or fis- sures. These fissures are so many pneumatic tubes. through which, sounds may be conveyed to a great distance. Exper- iments have demonstrated that even so low a sound as a whisper may be heard miles away. If, therefore, this band is playing near some opening. as for instance a well, which is intersected by this natural system of pneumatic tubes un- derlying Dixon county, we need seek no further for the solu- tion of this apparent mystery."
The party listened for some time, and until the distant
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music died away and finally ceased altogether. Even though they could readily account for it, yet such sounds in that rocky retreat were peculiarly interesting. The explanation which Mr. Vance had given as to the canse, was now veri- fied by the sound of a distant bell, which was instantly recognized by Mr. Green as belonging to Ponca. and whose sounds, he stated. he could not mistake. This bell, evi- dently ringing for nine o'clock. reverberated through the rocky fissures in a weird and unearthly manner.
The party now proceeded on, intending to explore to the end of the passage, which by reason of the rapidly closing walls seemed not far off. As they moved forward they noted the different formations of the rocks, and perceived occasionally, thin veins of coal, from six to ten inches thick. embeded in layers of the finest slatestone. In one spot they saw a vast accumulation of copperas; at another place a species of yellow clay which Mr. Vance stated would. if properly mixed with oil, make a most valuable mineral paint. But what was still more wonderful, they found in many spots great numbers of shells, thus indicating that life had once existed where the solid rock now stood. Thus examining these interesting discoveries, the party slowly continued to advance until they had penetrated to the dis- tance of not less than 150 feet.
The passage had now become so extremely narrow that the explorers found very great difficulty in crowding them- selves forward. In addition to this inconvenience they found at this place. the way partially blocked up by a large rock which had fallen from overhead. Beyond they saw by throwing forward the light of their lamps, a much larger opening in the rocks. With the aid of a pick they set to work to break away a portion of the intervening rock. and with so much success that in a short time they were able to crawl past it. In their eagerness to get forward they did not notice as they loosened the boulder, that the rocky walls en- closing them trembled. nor did they realize their danger until it was too late. This keystone, as it may have been called, torn away. the walls closed with a crash, and only because they had hastily scrambled through into the wider passage beyond, were they saved from being crushed by the rocky jaws.
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One can hardly imagine a more unfortunate situation than that in which these adventurous gentlemen now found themselves. The seam or fissure thus far followed, had closed up behind them. and they were buried, as it appeared, beneath 150 feet of rock.
The passage. wherein they were so fatally imprisoned, was somewhat wider than the one they had traversed, but its length they found to be a few paces only. Thus trapped, they gloomily contemplated the dungeon surrounding them.
What was to be done? If anything could be accomplish- ed to escape from their rocky tomb, it must be done without delay. Even now, one of their lamps was going out and the other would last but a short time longer.
Mr. Andrews seized the pick and wildly endeavored to break his way back through the rock. A few blows showed how utterly foolish and unavailing was the attempt.
Mr. Green, whose presence of mind under these appalling circumstances was remarkable. suggested that probably they would be searched for, their place of entrance discover- ed, and if so, strenuous exertions would be made to break in. to their relief.
But such a cheerful termination to their adventure could not, on reflection, be entertained. Mr. Vance stated that from his examination of the slope of the rocks as they passed through, he felt sure that the closing of the crevice had ex- tended to the surface, and that the exterior opening as well, was so closed as to be visible only as a narrow seam. He reasoned that there was no ground to hope for a discovery of their situation by outside parties, and that even were it possible to break their way back to the pneumatic tube and through that give information to their friends of their whereabouts, several months of hard labor would necessarily be required to re-open the passage through the rock to them.
Mr. Green proposed as their retreat was cut off, they should examine and see if there were not some other outlet to the cavern.
Messrs. Green and Andrews went along the walls, exam- ining them critically. At the farthest extremity, blows on the rock revealed by the hollow sound an opening beyond.
It seemed that this part of the passage had been blocked up by some loose pieces of slate rock, the removal of which
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showed the continuation of the way into the bluff.
"Going in does not seem like getting out." said Mr. Vance grimly, "still we will move in that direction, rather than give up in despair."
The passage they continued to be the counterpart of that they had already traversed. But the rough walls, veined with irregular layers of coal. slate stone and an occa- sional deposit of clay and shells, no longer received the geological attention of Mr. Vance. He and his companions were too deeply engaged in meditating on the problem of escape to the outer world, to regard the surroundings with scientific interest. Had the rock inclosing them been pure gold they would gladly have exchanged it for a safe deliver- anee from their situation.
Thus, slowly and despairingly they moved forward, a hundred or more yards. The walls, hitherto nearly parallel. now contracted rapidly, and soon the fissure became so nar- row that they dragged themselves along with difficulty, and were in imminent danger of suffocation. The imprisoned gentlemen were about to abandon all further exertion, and vield themselves to the fate which seemed inevitable. when suddenly the walls expanded into a wide and magnifi- cent cavern. The roof was lofty. and from it, descending to the floor, were seen immense stalactites, whose covering of quartz blazed in the light of the lamp like mirrors of silver.
A grand sight, truly, and one which under other cireum- stances would have delighted the eye of the geologist. But in their unfortunate condition, the brilliant splendors which. surrounded them were scarcely noticed. and the sad pro- cession of adventurers pressed wearily forward.
Traversing the length of the dazzling subterranean hall. the party found and entered at its eastern extremity another crevice or irregular seam in the rocks, the course of which seemed to bear nearly to the northeast.
They now for the first time heard at regular intervals. the low. throbbing sound of the volcano, which. therefore they concluded was not far off. As they advanced the sounds became more and more distinct, and the poisonous fumes of sulphurous vapor, at first hardly discernable, soon by their growing intensity, warned them of their approach
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toward the abyss underlying the volcanic field. Ere long, far in the distance, through the dense vapors in front, they caught glimses of a lurid sea, a chaos of flame and smoke, the intense heat and suffocating fumes of which utterly pre- cluded further advance in that direction. There seemed, then, to be no other alternative but to retrace their way. Yet, where could they go? Was it possible to find an es- cape from these labyrinths? As they revolved in their minds these important questions, they saw in a little hollow in the rock a small quantity of water. Perishing with thirst this fortunate discovery was most welcome. Mr. Vance noticed that to the right of the pool. and running northerly, was a narrow opening, the sides and floor of which were smoothed as by the action of water. By his advice the party changed their course into this new passage, which, unlike the irregular fissures they had previously followed, was an easy pathway to their feet.
As they advanced they observed that pools of water in their path became more numerous and finally covered it altogether, thus presenting before them a channel, which, as they found, grew deeper at every step.
Hence it seemed that their retreat in this direction was also to be cut off. But the general despair at the new dan- ger which menaced them, was not shared by Mr. Vance. On the contrary, for the first time since their incarceration he seemed encouraged and hopeful.
"It appears evident," said he, "that we have struck the subterranean channel leading from the Missouri to the vol- canic matter. Through this channel, when the river is high, water will find its way to the abyss of fire, and other conditions being favorable, an earthquake, or even an erup- tive volcano will be the result. The surface of the water before us shows the height of the river. Hence, let us go forward. When we can walk no farther we will swim. It is our only hope."
With these words he took the lead along the fast deepen- ing channel. Soon the water came up to their necks, and the lamp becoming extinguished, they were left in impene- trable darkness. While in this fearful predicament, the par- ty ascertained that the roof of the cavern was gradually
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sloping downward as they proceeded, and was now within a short distance of the surface of the water, and must soon sink beneath it.
The danger which this new discovery foreshadowed, and which in their despair seemed the natural culmination of the night's disastrous experiences, was forgotten as a shout from Mr. Vance directed their attention to what appeared to be a faint point of light, some distance in front of them.
As they swam toward it they became conscious that the roof of the passage was descending more and more, until finally, between it and the surface of the water, intervened scarcely a hand's breadth of space, through which, however. the light now gleamed brilliantly like a star of hope. A moment more and they emerged from their watery prison which here opened into the river. Fortunately the ice had not yet formed at this point and they experienced no further trouble in this most remarkable escape. As they came out they found it was broad day -so they had been all night wandering in the subterranean solitudes.
The joy of the adventurers at once more standing on the upper earth, knew no bounds. Warming themselves by the heat of the volcano. they hastened to where the horses were tied and started for Ponca, where they arrived that evening. The next day Mr Vance and his friends departed for the east.
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INDIAN SCARE AND MASSACRE.
STORY OF THE PERILOUS DAYS WHEN DIXON COUNTY WAS ON THE FRONTIER.
[ The following story -- written by one of our family -- was published several years ago in an Omaha paper. The story is founded on the great scare of 1862. and the murder of the Wiseman family, both of which have already been described in these pages, and which took place about a year apart, but for the purposes of this story are represented as occurring at the same time. As to the flight of settlers from Niobrara and the expedition from Ponca to that place in search of Indi- ans, the story is nearly historically correct, and for that reason is here inserted, but the part relating to the murder of the Wiseman's is a long way off, and is not one-tenth as terrible as were the actual facts.]
Dixon county was first settled about thirty-five years ago. previous to which time, with the exception of an occa- sional white man who ventured here to trade or hunt, the Indians were the sole occupants. The first white men who saw this country were Lewis and Clark, when they passed up the Missouri river in 1804 on their expedition to the Pacific coast.
Indian legends inform us that in very early days a large Indian village was located near where Ponca now stands, another one at Ionia, and still other important Indian towns at Martinsburg and Dailey. In these various villages resided portions of the Omahas, the Dakotas and the Poncas, the latter being the predominating tribe in this part of the country. These different bands were frequently engaged in quarrels with each other, which often led to bloody conflicts. One desperate battle which took place about a mile north of Ponca, near the river. between a large number of Omaha and Ponca warriors, resulted in a great slaughter of the former. The Omahas had come down from the Dailey country. where their town was located. on a raid, and were ambushed and nearly every one slain.
HISTORY OF DIXON COUNTY. NEBRASKA.
However. these desperate encounters between different. bands occurred many years before the country was inhabited by whites. It was in 1856 when the first adventurousspirits located here, at which period the Indians in the vicinity. in numbers or hostility. were not generally dangerous neigh- hors. They would steal horses, but unless they had increas- ed their courage and animosity by a supply of firewater. they never showed a desire to practice on the whites any of those hairlifting ceremonies which. among themselves. they had previously been accustomed to engage in. Still. for several years, it was not deemed entirely safe to be far away from home without a gun.
Although those few primitive settlers experienced many hardships and discouragements nothing of a startling charac- ter occurred until 1832. It was on October 14 of that year when Ponca. then a village of perhaps forty people. was sud- denly turned into a state of wild excitement and her usually quiet streets were filled with terrified men, women and children.
The country between Ponca and Niobrara in 1862 was very sparsely settled. Only at great distances apart could the homesteaders' cabins be seen. and only now and then could be found the soil turned over for cultivation. Those who had drifted from the east and located in this part of the country were forced to confront the usual disadvantages of pioneer existence. and many obstacles fell in their paths to thwart their hopes and intentions. This was the year in which the Indian outbreak took place in Minnesota and Dakota. thus creating general discontent among the Indian tribes. Each night during this threatening period the fami- lies in their lonely cabins knew it was possible that before the dawn of the following morning they would be toma- hawked and scalped and their homes reduced to ashes. Their fears increased as the days went by. but. unwilling to aban- don all their worldly possessions. they remained. only hoping for the arrival of the time when the savages would be quelled and peace and safety restored.
In October of the year in question. a friendly Winnebago half-breed Indian passed through the settlements between Ponca and Niobrara, scattering the report that an immense number of Sioux warriors were approaching. bringing
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great destruction to lives and property, burning houses and massacreing the inmates. So terrible a story of imminent danger carried dismay into every household and cansed the strongest hearts to quail. On receipt of this awe inspiring tale the question arose in the homesteader's mind as to what course should be pursued to best secure protection against the approaching danger.
In Ponca, on the October day above mentioned, about 5 o'clock in the afternoon, Mr. M. Q. DeAgley, the only mer- chant of the town, was in the act of closing his place of busi- ness for the day, when he heard the din of wagon wheels and the tramp of horses, and in the course of a few moments a long train of wagons, one after another, appeared, coming over the hills which skirt the town on the west. Mr. DeAgley, knowing of the Indian outbreak, although it was at a consider- able distance, was stricken by the fear that the moving wagons were those of the red men and that they were stored with the plunder reaped from the rural settlers, and that in am- buscade lay the warriors waiting for darkness to come, when Ponca should be spoliated, her inhabitants sealped and her few rude dwellings and business houses swept away in smoke. Mr. DeAgley went forthwith to state his fears to his neigh- bors, and to assist them in preparations for defense against the danger which seemed to be pending. But before he could make the rounds, the streets were thronged by wagons occupied, not by Indians, but by homesteaders who had been impelled to make an exodus for the east by the report that the Sioux savages were marching on Niobrara, and were designing to wipe out that place, as well as all the white set- tlements between there and Sioux City.
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