Pioneer Days in the Black Hills; Accurate History and Facts Related By One of the Early Day Pioneers
Deadwood, S.D.; (1939): John S. McClintock. First Edition. Octavo. Item #032625
x, 336 pages, biographical sketches of the living and deceased. This book was the copy of Deadwood's Sheriff John Krambach signed with his name and address, who served in the 1920's. Even the first cook (colored) of the first hotel in Deadwood is mentioned by name, as also whether she moved after abandoning the one-dollar dinner production; and all the business establishments of the town as of the 1878 Directory are listed. Calamity Jane came to Deadwood as did Wild Bill Hickock, along with the spurious claims of four rival Deadwood Dicks. It shows that shy Deadwood was known for lawlessness. Twenty-two chapters of this book are devoted to murders and robberies, and an incomplete "Summary of Early-Day Fatalities" lists seventy-six demises, from the 1876 killing of Stuttering Brown by Persimmons Bill to a tame "justifiable homicide" 1895. McClintock's description of the Main Street attractions wherein " persuasive eloquence, intoxicating liquors, enameled beauties, and stupefying concoctions were freely used as a means to separate inexperienced individuals from their money" --a remarkable social commentary of lawlessness and those trying to settle the wild West, includes short biographies of several of the people of Deadwood. A very good copy bound in red pebble. A very interesting work. [Howes M-42; 6-Guns 1341].
Price: $250.00