Latest / Nebraska History Podcast / The Chadron-Chicago Race of 1893

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The Chadron-Chicago Race of 1893 · Nebraska History Podcast

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The following episode features a historic article from the
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Nebraska History magazine. This article may reflect the
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language and attitudes of its time, and while it offers
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valuable insight into the past, may content, expressions or
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viewpoints that are outdated or offensive by today's standards.
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Any outdated terms do not reflect the current views or
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perspectives of the Nebraska State Historical Society.
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Welcome to the Nebraska history podcast.
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I'm your host, Chris goforth. Each episode we explore articles
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written and published in Nebraska History magazine.
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Horse racing was a popular sport in the American West.
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As preparations for the 1893 Colombian Exposition in Chicago
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were being made, it was suggested that a grand horse
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race from the West to Chicago should take place.
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On today's episode we explored the planning, the promotion, the
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opposition, and the story of the actual race itself to the 1972
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Nebraska History Magazine article, The Shadrin Chicago
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1000 Mile Cowboy Race by William Deal Junior Racing ranked as an
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outstanding and popular sport of the American West, the most
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popular being the horse race. Horse racing established itself
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in the West with the mountain men as they assembled at a
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rendezvous and tested their skills against one another at
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various isolated military posts. Horse racing provided excitement
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and resulted in large amounts of money changing hands.
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Horse racing was found at county fairs, 4th of July celebrations
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and mining camps. Horse racing became a favorite
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form of diversion for the people of the Plains because, as
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historian Everett Dick puts it, a man's horse quote was a
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precious possession appreciated and admired by all.
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End Quote. A special race might be
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announced in newspapers and constituted an all absorbing
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topic for people days before the event and afterward.
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The sport occupied such a special place in the small early
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railroad less towns of the plains that no member of the
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male population ever missed such an event unless he was compelled
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to do so by illness. A horse race elicited even more
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attention from a cowboy because it was a superb test of
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endurance, both for himself and his horse, and an opportunity to
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display his skills before his peers.
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As preparations were made for the 1893 Colombian Exposition in
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Chicago, with its emphasis upon American accomplishments and
2:24
customs, it was not surprising that someone suggested a horse
2:28
race from the West to Chicago. Such a race, its promoters
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suggested, would reflect the passing age of expansion and
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conquest of the vast American West and thus dramatize the
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Colombian expositions central focus on America.
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The projected cowboy race from Shadrin, Nebraska to Chicago in
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June of 1893 was designed to pit skilled Western horsemen against
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each other over a 1000 mile route spanning 3 states,
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Nebraska, Iowa and Illinois, and thus call attention to the
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people and their way of life on the plains.
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And Shadrin was glad to have a place in the sun.
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On March 22nd, 1893, a group of shattering citizens held the
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first formal meeting with the planning of the Great World's
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Fair Cowboy Race and its objective.
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A committee which was given full authority in the proposed race
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was named with AC Putnam its president and NH Weir its
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corresponding secretary. The committee determined to make
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the undertaking a success with a big S and establish the
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following tentative rules. Quote.
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The race will be open to anyone riding western horses.
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Horses must be bred and raised West of the Mississippi River.
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Saddles to weigh not less than 35 lbs.
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Rider, saddle and blanket to weigh not less than 150 lbs.
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Two horses are allowed each rider.
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Writers must register at places on the route to be designated
4:04
later. Entries close on June 1st.
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Race to start from Blaine Hotel, Shadrin on June 13th.
4:11
Purse to be divided into 4 monies.
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The one for the winner will be not less than $1000.
4:17
End Quote. By May several other
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arrangements were concluded by the committee.
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The race was to finish at Buffalo Bill's Wild West, the
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prototype and the most famous of the Western type shows, which
4:31
occupied ground next to the Colombian Exposition in Chicago,
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and showman William F Cody, an adopted Nebraskan, added $500 to
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the original $1000 prize money. The Colt Firearms Company
4:45
offered another special prize, a revolver, one of its cowboy
4:49
companions, which would be used to fire the starting shot of the
4:53
race after the formal announcement of the impending
4:57
race. The magnitude of the horse race
4:59
from Shadrin to Chicago greatly distressed Eastern humane
5:03
societies, which went on record against it.
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The secretary of the Aurora, IL Humane Society wrote the Shadrin
5:11
Citizen quote. It would be better for the boys
5:15
to choose some other amusement in coming to the great fair,
5:18
something that does not have about it the elements of
5:21
cruelty. End Quote.
5:23
Meanwhile, in Boston, President George G Angeli of the
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Massachusetts Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals
5:31
worried about the anticipated 300 or more participants in the
5:35
race. Obviously an exaggeration, he
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made the following offer on behalf of the American Humane
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Society. Quote, $100 in money or a gold
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medal costing that amount to the man or woman who shall do most
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to prevent this terrible race, which, if accomplished, will be,
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in the view of all of the humane people of the world, both
5:56
Christian and heathen, a national disgrace.
6:00
End Quote. Harvey Weir, the secretary of
6:03
the race committee, received a letter from John G Shorthall,
6:07
president of the Illinois Humane Society, asking that all those
6:11
contemplating the long distance race be notified of the
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following Illinois law. Quote.
6:17
Whoever shall be guilty of cruelty to any animal in any of
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the ways mentioned in this section shall be fined not less
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than $3 nor more than $200. First, by overloading,
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overdriving, overworking, cruelly beating, torturing,
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tormenting, mutilating, or cruelly killing an animal or
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causing or knowingly allowing the same to be done.
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End Quote. The humane societies were unable
6:45
to gain support for their arguments in Shadrin, but in
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Illinois, where the race would end, their influence was felt.
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In the proclamation issued by Governor John P Altgeld on June
6:57
14th, 1893. It read quote to all officers of
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the law being reliably advised that a long distance horse race
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from Shadrin, Nebraska, to Chicago, a distance of over 700
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miles, is about to take place, and that a similar race in
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Europe a year ago for only half this distance resulted in the
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death of many of the horses used.
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Was a productive of such barbarous cruelty to animals as
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to shock humanity, And having reason to believe that this
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proposed race would be accompanied by equal or even
7:29
greater cruelty and barbarity, which will be in violation of
7:33
the laws of this State for the prevention of cruelty to
7:36
animals. I hereby call upon all officers
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upon whom devolve the execution of the laws, as well as the good
7:43
citizens, to see to it that no violation of our law takes
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place, and that anyone guilty of it shall be promptly brought to
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justice. We will welcome the so-called
7:53
Cowboys into our State and bid them come in all their glory and
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have thoroughly enjoyable time while among us, but we cannot
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permit the laws of Illinois to be trampled under foot as a
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matter of sport. End Quote.
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On the other hand, Nebraskans attitudes scoffed at the Eastern
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critics, as was reflected in a news item from the O'Neill
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editor. Quote.
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A gentleman from the East remarked to the writer the other
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day that everything possible should be done to prevent this
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terrible race. Just think, he says, of keeping
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a horse on a dead run to Chicago.
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Such a deluded tenderfoot should never cross the Missouri River.
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End Quote. While humane societies shouted
8:38
their war cry to stop the race, preparations for the race
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continued in Shadrin and riders were exercising their horses.
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The exercise consisted of 20 to 30 mile ride daily to keep the
8:51
horses trim. Shadrin citizens were
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speculative about a possible woman entrant into the race.
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Quote. What has become of the Denver
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woman is the interesting question In cowboy circles.
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No one seems to know whether she is on her way here or not.
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Something she is up the country somewhere and will show up all
9:11
right a day or two before the start.
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End Quote. A subscription paper was taken
9:16
around the city of Shadrin the 1st of June to collect the
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necessary $400.00 needed to complete the prize money, which
9:23
was raised without any trouble. On June 2nd.
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The race committee, hoping to attract more riders, decided to
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receive entries until the start of the race at 5:30 PM June
9:35
13th. On the day of the race, Paul
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Fontaine, President of the Minneapolis Humane Society, and
9:41
a veteran named Tatro arrived in Shadrin to remonstrate with the
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committee before the race started.
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Accompanied by David C Doc Middleton and members of the
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committee, Fontaine and Tatro inspected some of the horses and
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attended an open meeting of the committee in the parlors of the
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Hotel Blaine. At 11:00, the Humane Society
10:03
representatives presented their arguments and proponents were
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invited to reply. Finally, Jack Hale of Sturgis,
10:10
SD, suggested that Fontaine and Tatro travel by rail with the
10:15
committee on a course paralleling the race, stopping
10:18
at the registered points and inspecting the condition of the
10:21
horses. The suggestion met with
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approval, and Fontaine agreed to meet the riders at each
10:27
registering point. This way, he felt he could keep
10:30
a close check on the horses and also prevent riders from being
10:34
harassed by Overzelius backers. Since Fontaine represented the
10:38
Humane Society, the Omaha Daily Bee said his presence would put
10:43
an end to the possibility that the race might be stopped with a
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workable arrangement established with Humane Society
10:50
representatives. Final preparations for the race
10:53
took place during the afternoon. Each horse was marked with the
10:57
road brand for identification purposes, a figure 2 being
11:01
placed under the main just prior to the start of the race.
11:05
The knowledge that John Barry was to ride in the race drew
11:09
criticism from other riders. Barry had been invited by the
11:12
committee the week previously to help lay out the route.
11:16
Committee men at first had refused admission to the race to
11:19
any of those charting the course.
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Later, Jack Hale's rider fell ill and Barry became his
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substitute. Because of Barry's prior
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knowledge of the route, the committee voted to bar him from
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the competition for the prize money, but Barry was determined
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to ride in the race even if he didn't get a part of the $1000.
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The Shatrin Citizen speculated on Barry's persistent interest
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in participating in the race. Quote.
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It is said that big money, some $2500, is offered for the
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winning horses and John isn't going to Chicago for his health.
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End Quote. Around 4:00 a large crowd
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assembled in the vicinity of the Blaine Hotel, the starting
12:02
point. The Citizen described the scene.
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Quote. The streets were filled with a
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struggling mass of humanity, anxious to get a look at the
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horses and men who were to take part in the greatest race of the
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kind ever attempted, while the roofs, windows and other points
12:21
of advantage were pre empted long before the start.
12:24
End Quote. The crowd, estimated at 3000
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people, testified to the interest held in the race by the
12:31
people of Shadrin. The members of the race
12:34
committee, along with Fontaine and Tatro, were standing on the
12:38
hotel balcony. People gathered not only in
12:41
front of the hotel, but a line of expectant faces formed a line
12:46
for 1/2 mile east of the hotel. The scene was enlivened by a
12:51
cornet band, Jester's Freak Band, assembled in the shade of
12:56
the Telegraph office and playing rousing musical selections.
13:00
As each writer approached the starting line, he was loudly
13:04
cheered by his friends, but the greatest yell went up.
13:07
When Doc Middleton made his appearance.
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It was evident he was Shadrin's favorite.
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Once all the writers were present, a group picture was
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taken. 25 to 30 entries had been anticipated, though only 9
13:23
writers showed up. The limited entry list was
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attributed to quote the cry raised by the humane element and
13:31
the feeling outside of Shadrin that perhaps the race might not
13:35
start at all. End Quote the names of the entry
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men. The horses and their riders were
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Mike Elmore, Hemmingford, Nebraska, two horses Wide Awake,
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Bay gelding and Monte Cristo Brown stallion, Dave Douglas,
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rider, Doc Middleton, Shadrin, Nebraska, two horses, Geronimo
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Brown, gelding and Bay Jimmy Bay gelding.
13:58
Doc Middleton, rider Abe Jones, Whitewood, South Dakota, two
14:03
horses, Romeo Bay gelding, George Black, gelding.
14:07
Geo Jones, rider PG Cooper from Crawford, NE, two horses, Outlaw
14:13
Buckskin, gelding and Joe Bush, A Sorel gelding.
14:17
Emmett Albright, rider Joe B Gillispie, Coxville, Nebraska,
14:22
with two horses, Billy Mack, Chestnut, gelding and Billy
14:25
Schaefer, Gray gelding. Joe B Gillespie, the rider,
14:29
Jasper Stevens, Nest City, Kansas, two horses, General
14:33
Grant, Brown gelding and Nick A Brown, gelding.
14:36
Jasper Stevens, rider. Joe Campbell from Denver, Co, 1
14:40
horse boom DIA, Bay gelding, Joe Campbell, rider, Chase Smith,
14:45
Hot Springs, SD, two horses, Dynamite Sorell, gelding and Red
14:49
Wing A Bay gelding. Chase Smith, A rider, Jack Hale,
14:53
Sturgis, SD, two horses, Poison chestnut stallion, and Sandy of
14:58
Bay gelding. John Berry, rider.
15:01
The Cowboys were to check in at registering stations along the
15:05
route in Nebraska at Shadrin, Long Pine, O'Neill and Wausau,
15:10
in Iowa, Sioux City, Galva, Fort Dodge, Iowa Falls, Waterloo,
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Manchester and Dubuque, and in Illinois, Freeport, DeKalb and
15:20
Chicago. Secretary Weir provided each
15:23
rider with a route map. At 5:45, Sheriff James C Dahlman
15:28
reminded the riders of the rules relating to the contest.
15:33
Chief of the Fire Department Jo Hartzell then arose holding the
15:38
revolver presented by the Colt Firearms Company and said,
15:41
quote, gentlemen, the time for the cowboy race from Shadrin to
15:45
Chicago to start is upon us. Be kind to take good care of
15:50
your horses. I know you will conduct
15:53
yourselves as gentlemen and will, I trust, uphold the good
15:57
name of Shadrin and Nebraska. End Quote.
16:01
Hartsell fired the pistol and the most famous and interesting
16:05
race of modern times had started, according to the Omaha
16:08
News report. Actually, there was nothing
16:12
exciting about the start of the race.
16:15
A few of the riders trotted off about 5 miles an hour, while
16:19
others pace their horses at a walk.
16:21
A common remark heard by WL Bailey, editor of the Shadrin
16:25
Citizen, was that the walkers were the ones most likely to
16:29
win. Spectators followed the riders
16:32
out of town as Joe Gillespie took an early lead.
16:36
The last rider to leave Shadrin was Doc Middleton.
16:40
Hundreds of well wishers had surrounded him, an effort to
16:42
shake his hand and bid him godspeed.
16:45
His wife and two children pushed their way through the crowd and
16:48
Middleton picked up the children, kissed them, and then
16:51
kissed his wife. The scene reportedly quote,
16:54
brought tears to the eyes of many.
16:56
End Quote. As Middleton set out on his
16:59
journey, he remarked, Quote, boys, I'm last now, but I may be
17:04
first at Chicago. End Quote.
17:07
The Citizen also presented some interesting reflections on the
17:11
beginning of the race. Two days after the riders had
17:14
left, they wrote Quote. The much advertised cowboy race
17:19
to Chicago has started, and so far as this city is concerned,
17:24
its share is accomplished. The novelty of the race
17:27
attracted widespread attention and the newspaper correspondents
17:31
made the most of the chance in the extravagant burlesque style
17:35
well understood by Western people, but taken as gospel
17:39
truth by uninitiated Eastern ones.
17:42
On June 13th, at the crack of the pistol, the wild ride will
17:46
begin and continue day and night under whip and spur until a
17:50
winter reaches Chicago, said the correspondents, stripped of all
17:55
the sensational language. Nine men, 9 Western men, not 300
18:00
wild Cowboys, started for Chicago.
18:03
The men had good horses and better examples of their kind
18:07
would be hard to find elsewhere than West.
18:09
These horses, in plain simple language, were good types of
18:13
Western Plains horses capable of long continuous travel.
18:17
End Quote. The Saint Louis Post dispatches
18:21
coverage of the race contains several sensational charges.
18:25
The Missouri newspaper claimed a number of the riders had
18:28
criminal records. Doc Middleton was used as an
18:31
example and described as quote one of the boldest all around
18:35
bad men in the Black Hills District.
18:38
End Quote. It did, however, refer to
18:40
Middleton's reformed behavior, which allowed for an quote,
18:44
occasional little debate with Six Shooter in which he
18:47
invariably comes off a winner. End Quote.
18:50
The other contestants of the race were classified with 1
18:53
sweeping generalization. This group was quote, one of the
18:57
most daring and famous bands which ever threw the leather on
19:01
a Bronco for a jaunt together, and nearly everyone on the list
19:05
has a reputation all through the West in the line of rioting,
19:09
fighting, and general bravery. End Quote.
19:13
The Courier Journal of Louisville, KY, reflected a
19:16
positive attitude toward the race.
19:18
Quote. What has mistakenly been called
19:20
a cruel and brutal contest promises to develop into a
19:24
splendid test of Western horse flesh, free of inhumanity and
19:29
worthy of the Colombian year. End Quote.
19:33
Middleton, Gillespie and Stevens were the first riders to reach
19:37
Hay Springs, over 20 miles southeast of Shadrin.
19:41
The evening of June 13th found all of the men but one spending
19:44
the night farther E at Rushville.
19:47
George Jones had decided to spend the night in Hay Springs.
19:51
The riders kept a fairly close watch on Old Joe Gillespie when
19:55
they left shattering in order to use him as a guide through the
19:59
rugged Pine Ridge area. Gillespie, aware of their
20:03
intentions, rose early on June 14th to put some distance
20:06
between himself and the other contestants, according to
20:10
Nebraska Lands account quote. He ran smack into a reception
20:14
committee of Doc and some of the other boys who made it plain he
20:17
wasn't going anywhere without them.
20:20
Never a man could argue with Judge Colts equalizers.
20:23
Joe figured he could see his way clear to give his rivals the
20:27
guided tour treatment. End Quote. 6:00 Found a group of
20:32
6 riders, including Middleton, Gillespie, Stevens, Barry and
20:35
Douglas, watering their horses at a farmhouse 6 miles South of
20:39
Gordon. An hour later two more riders
20:41
passed the same point. Jones reached Gordon by noon and
20:46
after a 2 hour rest continued on his way.
20:49
The evening of June 14th found Jones spending the night at
20:52
Merriam, a station on the Fremont, Elkhorn and Missouri
20:55
Valley Railroad, while Middleton passed the night at the House of
20:59
a farmer directly South of Cody. The Cowboy riders progressed
21:02
through Valentine on June 15th and Jones, reaching the city in
21:06
time for 7:00 supper. Dave Douglas, who arrived at
21:09
9:00 in Jones, continued their way before midnight.
21:13
The majority of the riders pass South of Valentine.
21:16
The pace of the riders was reported to be 4 miles an hour
21:19
during the heat of the day and nearly 8 miles an hour at night.
21:24
Long Pine, NE, the 2nd registering point of the race,
21:27
was first reached at 4:36 PM on June 16th by Jim Stevens, Joe
21:32
Gillespie and Doc Middleton, who were riding together.
21:36
They crossed the Long Pine Chautauqua grounds, a former
21:39
rendezvous of Middleton and his gang, and registered at a
21:42
Duennell house at 4:45 PM. Their horses were inspected and
21:47
judged to be in excellent condition.
21:50
Stevens stopped only a few minutes in Long Pine.
21:53
Gillespie left at five O 7 and Middleton at 515.
21:57
Emmett Albright reached Long Pine at 5:30 and rested 30
22:00
minutes before going on. He had been with Stevens,
22:03
Gillespie and Middleton the night before.
22:06
They had slept in the Sandhills 12 miles West of Woodlake.
22:09
But Albright became quite sick at Ainsworth, supposedly the
22:13
reason he fell behind the advance guard of riders.
22:16
Charles Smith registered at Long Pine at nine O 5 and continued
22:19
eastward. John Berry, the Silent Man of
22:23
the West, spent the night of June 16th at Ainsworth getting a
22:27
good night's sleep. People in Long Pine speculated
22:31
Stevens, Gillespie, Middleton and Albright would reach
22:33
Atkinson before stopping for the night.
22:36
They also raised the question whether the men would be able to
22:38
stand the long ride to Chicago. As the participants made
22:42
progress along the route, the Cowboys gained press coverage
22:46
and were now pictured as heroes by newsmen.
22:49
The inhabitants of the village of Newport became anxious to
22:52
view the now famous men when it was reported they would reach
22:56
their town the evening of June 16th.
22:58
Night came as a throng of watchers dwindled away while
23:02
awaiting the riders. Finally, at 10:35 PM, Jim
23:07
Stevens rode into the village and was directed to the livery
23:10
barn of George Barber. News of the arrival of one of
23:14
the famous riders spread quickly and people reassemble to watch
23:18
Stevens carefully tend his horse by giving him feed and a drink
23:22
of oatmeal water. Stevens then lay down and slept
23:25
until Middleton and Gillespie arrived around 11:20.
23:29
They quickly tended their horses.
23:31
Then all three men went to the Lee Hotel, quote where they
23:34
found a bountiful supper prepared for that men quote.
23:37
Reporters noted Middleton's fatigue and were attracted by
23:41
Stevens unique attire. They wrote.
23:44
Quote He wears a white cowboy hat ornamented with a blue
23:48
ribbon band on which is a mosaic design of rattlesnake rattles.
23:52
Although a hideous looking ornament, it was presented, or
23:55
rather made for him, by a lady in Shadrin, and it gives point
23:59
to the name by which he is called out West.
24:01
Rattlesnake Pete. End Quote.
24:04
While these men were the attraction of the day in
24:06
Newport, the other six riders were supposedly lost in the
24:09
Sandhills or else laid up for repairs.
24:13
The morning of June 17th found the last of the riders
24:16
registering at Long Pine, Dave Douglas at 5:55 AM, Joe Campbell
24:21
at six O 5, and John Berry, 615. George Jones arrived at 7:15.
24:27
None remained long in the city. John Berry refused the night to
24:31
register since he was riding under protest, made out an
24:34
affidavit instead. Campbell and Douglas reached
24:37
Bassett by 7:35 AM, ate breakfast there.
24:41
Middleton, Gillespie and Stevens left Newport at 6:00 sharp, pass
24:45
through Stewart at 8 and reached Atkinson by 9.
24:49
Albright was roughly 10 miles behind them.
24:52
While the Cowboys were making their way toward the third
24:54
registering point at O'Neill on June 17th, the official party
24:58
arrived by rail at 10:00 to prepare for their reception.
25:02
Paul Fontaine of the Humane Society informed newspaper
25:05
correspondents that he was perfectly satisfied with the
25:08
race so far, and asked them to make public the following
25:12
information. Quote.
25:13
We desire to have the public understand that in so far as the
25:17
race committee made us a committee to judge any of the
25:20
overdriving or cruelty, and to lay off any horses that we may
25:25
determine, we request that the racers be allowed to go their
25:28
way unmolested between register stations.
25:31
All horses are examined at each station by us.
25:35
No overdriving or cruelty will be allowed.
25:39
The riders have thus far won the approval of all concerned, and
25:43
we trust no trouble will occur. The riders are expected to be
25:46
here at any moment. End Quote.
25:49
After dinner a large crowd assembled in O'Neill to await
25:52
the arrival of the cowboy riders.
25:54
Jim Stevens was the first to appear, reaching O'Neill at 1:30
25:58
PM, but was closely followed by Joe Gillespie and Doc Middleton.
26:03
They ate at the Hotel. Evans registered with Secretary
26:06
Weir of the Race committee and had their horses inspected by
26:09
the Humane Society. Middleton received a warm
26:12
reception from a number of his old acquaintances and their
26:15
encouragement for his success in the race.
26:18
The last four riders of the race made it to O'Neill late on June
26:22
17th or early the next morning. John Barry arrived and
26:26
registered at 11:00 PM on the 17th and departed for Wausau at
26:30
4:30 AM the next morning. After Barry's departure, George
26:34
Jones arrived to register at 6:00 AM and headed eastward at
26:37
8:00. Joe Campbell arrived at 9:15 AM
26:41
but remained an O'Neill long enough to register.
26:44
The last writer, Dave Douglas, made it in at 11:45 AM and
26:48
reported he was not feeling well and thinking of dropping out of
26:51
the race. The heightened public interest
26:55
in the race was reflected in the columns of the Omaha Daily Bee
26:58
as the riders arrived in Wausau, the 4th registering station,
27:02
it's headlines read causing much excitement and hundreds of
27:07
people gather at Wausau to welcome the cowboy races.
27:11
The Bee described the excitement in Wausau on June 18th.
27:14
Quote To such an extent is the excitement centered in the
27:18
cowboy race that large crowds of people from all neighboring
27:21
towns gathered here today to watch their arrival.
27:24
End Quote. During the afternoon, the
27:27
anticipation of the crowd was fulfilled.
27:29
As the Cowboys reached Wausau, cheers were raised when, amid a
27:34
cloud of dust, 3 riders, each leading a horse, trotted up to
27:38
the Saxton house, dismounted and registered in the following
27:42
order, Gillespie first, Stevens a close second, Middleton 3rd 5
27:47
minutes later. The men remained in town roughly
27:51
10 minutes to water their horses, which were still in good
27:54
condition. A crowd gathered around the men
27:57
and horses and people pulled hairs from the horse tails and
28:00
manes for souvenirs. The riders, Middleton leading
28:04
but followed closely by Gillespie and Stevens, left
28:07
Wausau on the Excellent Rd., reaching eastward.
28:11
The last riders reaching Wausau and registered at the following
28:15
times, Albright and Smith at 7:33 PM, Barry at 810, Jones at
28:21
7, and Campbell 745. Each of these riders claimed he
28:25
was still in the race and expressed confidence in reaching
28:28
Chicago first. Dave Douglas had dropped out of
28:32
the race. The advance guard of the racers
28:36
continued to consist of Middleton, Gillespie, and
28:39
Stevens. However, at Coldridge, Middleton
28:42
was forced to abandon his best horse, Romeo, which had gone
28:45
lame. The horse had been improperly
28:48
shot at Shadrin and was slightly lame before reaching O'Neill,
28:52
where it had been reshod under the supervision of the Humane
28:55
Society officers. But even this measure did not
28:59
help Middleton, Gillespie and Stevens Pass through the village
29:03
of Ponca around 2:30 PM on June 19th, the latter reportedly
29:08
walking half of the time in an effort to save his horses.
29:12
Rattlesnake Pete Stevens, Doc Middleton and Old Joe Gillespie
29:16
left the ferry on the Iowa shore of the Missouri River at 8 O
29:20
5:00 PM and arrived in Sioux City, IA, the 5th registering
29:24
station, in 7 minutes. A large crowd was awaiting the
29:27
riders as they crossed into Iowa.
29:29
The scene was described in the Nebraska State Journal as
29:32
follows. Quote.
29:33
Covington wagers have kept the people on this side of the river
29:37
in suspense all day. They would have a rider come up
29:40
to the landing leading a horse, then a shout would go up which
29:43
almost created a Stampede on the prohibition side.
29:47
When the genuine race's arrival was made, a crowd had collected
29:51
through which the riders had to press their way that was fairly
29:55
frantic in order to break away. The boys pushed ahead and a
29:58
Stampede was caused which was taken part in by everyone
30:02
present. The citizens had to run or climb
30:04
a Telegraph pole to escape the rush.
30:07
The horses are in good shape and the riders are all confident of
30:10
getting through, having passed the scrutiny of the
30:13
humanitarians without trouble. End Quote.
30:16
On June 20th, Sioux City, IA was the focus of activities of the
30:20
Shadrin Chicago Cowboy Race. The riders trailing the front
30:24
runners were closing the gap between themselves and the
30:26
leaders of the race. Emmett Albright, Charles Smith
30:29
and John Berry arrived together at 10 O 4:00 AM.
30:33
Berry registered by affidavit. Once again the riders found
30:37
Middleton at the hotel, but we're informed that Stevens and
30:40
Gillespie had left the city at 6:00.
30:43
George Jones and Joe Campbell the last riders to reach Sioux
30:46
City. We're now only four to six hours
30:48
behind the leaders. At the time of the riders
30:51
arrival in Sioux City, the cowboy race had been in progress
30:55
for seven days. The riders had crossed the state
30:59
of Nebraska and covered over 400 miles.
31:02
Only one rider, Dave Douglas, had dropped out of the race and
31:05
only one horse had been removed because of its physical
31:08
condition. Great interest in the contest
31:11
continued as crowds of people came out to cheer, greet and
31:15
encourage the riders on to Chicago.
31:17
The race was a happy diversion for these people of the plains.
31:21
Stevens and Gillespie continued in the lead.
31:24
However, things were not going so well for Rattlesnake Pete as
31:29
Tatro had predicted when he inspected the horses in Sioux
31:32
City. Stevens was obliged to abandon 1
31:35
Mount Nick, 20 miles east of that town, because of colic.
31:39
Stevens personal health was also being affected as he had been
31:43
suffering from the heat and his vision was becoming limited to
31:47
short distances. Despite this, Stevens and
31:50
Gillespie pressed on to Mobil Iowa where they were met at noon
31:54
June 20th by the Mobil Cornet Band and a large crowd of
31:58
citizens, all anxious to see both horses and riders.
32:02
The horses, stabled at delivery and judged in good condition,
32:06
eagerly ate the feed given them. Gillespie and Stevens, showered
32:10
by questions from local citizens, were escorted to the
32:13
Hotel Traver for dinner. They were in good spirits, but
32:16
Rattlesnake Pete was suffering from a slight hemorrhage of the
32:20
lungs caused by the constant jolt of riding in a slow trot.
32:24
Doctor Dewey, a local physician, attended Stevens, giving him
32:28
medicine and a prescription to be filled along the route.
32:31
Stevens and Gillespie started on their way.
32:34
At 1:30 PM John Berry passed by Mobil 1/2 mile South on the
32:39
Correctionville Rd. at Five O'clock, 3 1/2 hours behind the
32:43
leaders, 3 miles behind Barry, were Albright and Smith.
32:47
At 3:30 PM Jones and Campbell reached Mobile where Jones
32:51
stopped to feed his horse, but Campbell remained there only
32:54
long enough to water and bathe his horse before continuing.
32:58
The approach of the leaders of the cowboy race continue to
33:02
create a great deal of interest in towns along the route.
33:04
Travel at Galva, IA, the 6th registration point.
33:08
The Omaha Daily Bee described the mood caused by the race.
33:13
They wrote quote. The excitement here has been
33:16
intense all day. Yesterday people were driving in
33:20
from the surrounding country and neighborhood towns and the
33:23
streets presented an animated scene.
33:26
There were people here who came from places 35 miles away to see
33:30
the arrival of the cowboy racers.
33:33
Flags were flying and night was made hideous by firing of
33:37
anvils. People walk the streets until a
33:40
late hour and then had to give it up for the night.
33:43
End Quote. The leaders of the race were not
33:47
to reach Galva until the morning of June 21st.
33:50
Gillespie and Stevens has spent the night in Holstein and
33:53
registered at 6:45 AM in Galva after their vigil the night
33:57
before. Most Galvins had retired, but a
34:00
few were on the streets to cheer the two Cowboys as a rival.
34:04
The men had their horses fed at the livery and then found time
34:08
to have breakfast themselves. Riding from Correctionville,
34:11
John Berry reached Galva by 7:45 AM and left at 1020, followed by
34:17
Stevens and Gillespie. Jones, Albright and Smith were
34:21
expected in Galva before noon of the 21st.
34:24
The leaders had hoped to reach Fort Dodge around 7:00 that
34:27
evening, but heavy rains forced them to stop at Pomeroy, 25
34:31
miles short of their goal for the night.
34:34
Fort Dodge, IA was the 7th registering Station and the
34:38
three leaders advanced on it post haste.
34:41
Stevens, the first rider to reach Fort Dodge, arrived at
34:44
8:15 AM on June 22nd. Less than 1/2 hour behind him
34:50
was the still silent John Berry, who registered at 7:40 AM.
34:55
Stevens's horse was judged to be a little tired and sleepy, while
34:59
Barry's horses were in fine fettle.
35:03
Barry left Fort Dodge at noon, just before the arrival of
35:05
Gillespie. At 12:26 PM.
35:09
Stevens and Gillespie rode out of the city together, heading
35:11
east at 2:00. The condition of the riders was
35:14
noted by reporters at this stop. Gillespie had lost 20 lbs of
35:19
flesh since leaving Sioux City, IA, while Barry was troubled
35:23
with a sprained ankle which was getting better but still caused
35:26
him trouble. George Jones registered at Fort
35:29
Dodge at 6:00 and Joe Campbell made it to the city by 7:20 PM.
35:34
Albright and Smith finally arrived at Fort Dodge during the
35:37
evening of June 22nd. Smith did not stop, but Albright
35:41
rested until 8:40 PM before heading eastward.
35:45
While these men were registering at Fort Dodge, the leaders of
35:48
the race, Stevens, Barry and Gillespie, had already clocked
35:51
in and were resting at the eighth stop, Iowa Falls.
35:55
Stevens and Gillespie had arrived at 8:20 PM, followed in
36:00
30 minutes by Barry. The morning of June 23rd saw
36:03
Campbell leaving Fort Dodge at 6:30 AM.
36:06
At Iowa Falls, Barry left at 8:15 AM with Gillespie and
36:10
Stevens taking the road at 10:40 far to the rear.
36:14
Doc Middleton finally reached Fort Dodge at noon June 23rd,
36:18
the last to register there, and continued on in an hour.
36:23
George Jones reached Iowa Falls at 8:40 PM while Barry led the
36:27
way into Waterloo, IA registration station #9 at 9:40
36:31
PM. There he was greeted by
36:34
Inspector Tatro Harvey Weir and Major John Burke, general
36:37
manager of Buffalo Bill's Wild West.
36:41
A humorous incident took place in Waterloo just before Barry's
36:45
arrival. The people of the town were
36:47
expecting Barry when a lone horseman rode in.
36:50
Quote plodding through the mud and rain and was instantly taken
36:55
for Barry. End Quote.
36:56
The man was cornered by a Chicago intern Ocean reporter,
37:00
who rushed him to the hotel for an exclusive interview.
37:04
The man stowed away a good supper at the reporter's expense
37:08
while providing news of the race.
37:12
The imposter was suddenly unmasked with the arrival at the
37:15
hotel of Major John Burke and George Berry.
37:18
John's brother George announced that the man was no brother of
37:22
his, and the reporter shamefacedly left.
37:26
Gillespie and Stevens arrival in Waterloo was delayed by a stop
37:30
in Cedar Falls to make $10 by riding around the ring in a
37:34
circus. Barry continued to maintain his
37:39
lead, arriving in Manchester the 10th registering point at 7:00
37:43
PM on June 24th. He pushed on to Earlville, 12
37:47
miles from Manchester, reaching that town by 9:00 and departing
37:51
for Dubuque at 9:45. George Jones caught up with
37:55
Stevens and Gillespie in Winthrop, IA, and the three rode
37:59
together for a while toward Manchester.
38:02
Gillespie and Stevens pushed ahead of Jones and entered
38:04
Manchester sometime between 8:30 and 9:30.
38:07
Gillespie's horse, Billy Schaefer, became ill and the two
38:11
men stayed in Manchester for the evening.
38:14
Doc Middleton finally reached Waterloo at 9:40 PM and left
38:18
immediately for Independence, located about halfway to
38:21
Manchester. Dyersville was Barry's stopping
38:25
place the night of June 24th, but early the next morning he
38:28
left for Dubuque, the 11th official stop, reaching the town
38:31
at 9:30 AM. Stevens, passing Farley at 8 O
38:35
5:00 AM, became at 12:30 PM on June 25th the second rider to
38:40
arrive in Dubuque, just as Barry was crossing the bridge into
38:44
Illinois with horses which were described as fresh and in
38:48
excellent condition. Rattlesnake Pete Stevens was
38:51
resting for two hours in Dubuque before heading into Illinois
38:55
when Old Joe Gillespie arrived at 1:15 PM.
38:59
His chestnut gelding, Billy Mack, was described as lame,
39:02
while his second mount, Billy Schaefer, which had been ill in
39:05
Manchester, was now in prime condition.
39:09
Gillespie himself was extremely tired but in high spirits as he
39:12
entered Illinois at 3:10 PM. Stevens crossed the Mississippi
39:16
River at 2:25 PM, after which his horses were examined and
39:20
found to be in good condition. Jones reached Dubuque at 5:55 PM
39:25
and rode toward the Mississippi at 7:15.
39:28
Smith arrived at 6:30 PM and departed for Illinois at 7:15
39:33
with one of his horses slightly lame.
39:36
Meanwhile, back in Iowa, Doc Middleton and Emmett Albright,
39:39
traveling together, left Manchester at 2:00 PM on June
39:43
25th and were not expected in Dubuque until June 26th.
39:47
The Cowboy race had been in progress for 12 days.
39:51
It had taken the riders five days to cross Iowa and they had
39:55
traveled over 800 miles of the route to Chicago.
39:58
One more horse had been removed from the race because of its
40:01
physical condition. Only 7 riders continue to
40:05
Illinois from Dubuque. Since Doc Middleton became the
40:08
second man to drop out, the race continued to attract a great
40:12
deal of excitement in towns along the route in Iowa. 3 1/2
40:15
hours after leaving Dubuque on the 25th, John Berry passed
40:19
north of Galena, IL, heading towards Council Hill and the
40:24
Apple River before stopping for the night.
40:26
By 10:00 PM, Jones and Smith passed Galena, but the
40:30
whereabouts of Gillespie and Stevens were not certain.
40:34
Berry maintained his lead into Freeport, IL, the 12th
40:37
registration point at 9:30 AM on June 26th, and at DeKalb, the
40:42
13th stop and final checkpoint before Chicago at 11:00 PM.
40:47
Berry left his gelding, Sandy at DeKalb and continued on to
40:51
Chicago at 11 O 5, riding his stallion Poison.
40:56
On June 27th, John Berry was the first rider of the Shadrin
40:59
Chicago Cowboy race to reach the grounds of Buffalo Bill's Wild
41:03
West. The arrival time was 9:30 AM.
41:07
Thirteen days and 16 hours since the departure from Shadrin.
41:12
Berry gave this account of the last segment of the race.
41:16
He said, quote, I left DeKalb at 11 O 5:00 PM on Poison and I
41:21
kept pounding along as fast as I could without hurting the horse.
41:26
When we reached Turner we got a telegram from DeKalb stating
41:29
that Smith and Gillespie were just two hours and 30 minutes
41:32
behind, so I knew I had the race.
41:35
Sure, I fed and watered between Elburn and Lodi.
41:39
We took the straight Saint Charles Road and struck Maywood
41:43
about 7:00 this morning and I was afraid for the horse when we
41:47
struck the pavement for fear he would break down.
41:50
He ain't used to pavements, you know.
41:52
I rode the last 150 miles in 24 hours.
41:56
End Quote Only a small crowd was at the gates of Cody's show to
42:01
greet Barry. The onlookers were astonished at
42:04
his physical size 1 remarking quote, why he's only a little
42:08
bit of a man End Quote. Barry rode to Buffalo Bill's
42:12
tent and dismounted. Cody stepped forward to greet
42:15
him, saying as he shook his hand.
42:17
Quote You are the first man in You are all right, John, you are
42:22
all right. End Quote A gleam of pleasure
42:26
spread over Barry's bronzed and bearded features.
42:30
A reporter for the Chicago Evening Journal characterized
42:33
Barry as a picturesque figure not attired in the typical dress
42:37
of the cowboy. He wore a pair of much used
42:40
brown trousers, a blue shirt and a cloth cap with the brim turned
42:45
down around his head. His face was brown and showed a
42:48
three days growth of beard. After Cody's initial greeting,
42:53
members of the press and performers of the Wild West Show
42:56
pressed around Barry to offer congratulations.
43:00
Sharing the center of attention with Barry was his horse Poison.
43:04
A comparison was made between the rider and the horse.
43:07
Barry was rated the sorriest, sleepiest and most tired, while
43:13
Poison was evaluated as showing no signs of being sleepy, tired
43:16
and sore. The horse seemed to be in good
43:19
enough condition to travel another 100 miles.
43:23
With assurances that Poison would be well cared for, Barry,
43:27
after cleaning up a bit, allowed himself to be conducted to the
43:30
dining hall of the Wild West Show for breakfast.
43:34
His meal of chicken, biscuits and coffee he ate quote with
43:37
gusto. Born of 1040 miles of hard
43:40
riding. End Quote.
43:42
Barry evaluated his own condition as follows.
43:45
Quote Sore. Well, I should say I was.
43:49
I did not feel much like sitting down, but I am so sleepy I can't
43:53
talk. I have had no sleep for 10 days
43:57
to amount to anything, but I feel in fairly good shape except
44:01
for being sleepy. End Quote.
44:03
Barry interrupted his comments to ask Major Burke if he had
44:06
found any spur marks on Poison, then continued his interview
44:11
saying quote, some of the riders say I rode in a wagon, but they
44:15
are liars. I have ridden on my two horses,
44:18
Sandy and Poison all the way. By the way, this first horse
44:23
carried me 90 miles yesterday. There was a combination put up
44:28
to beat me. The rest of the riders got out
44:30
in front of me at the start, but when Cedar Falls was reached I
44:34
was in the lead and they had to follow me and they had not
44:38
caught up with me. Yes, I am glad to win, for it is
44:42
an honor. Of course I am glad it's over,
44:44
but I am able to go on and do some more riding if necessary.
44:48
End Quote. Barry left the dining hall to
44:51
check on the condition of poison and to find a place to sleep.
44:55
The second Cowboys arrival created greater excitement than
44:58
had that of Barry two hours earlier.
45:01
Just before 11:30 AM, Emmett Albright, who had originated the
45:05
idea of the contest, approached the finish line, his arrival
45:09
being a surprise because he was thought to be near the rear of
45:12
the race. Mounted on outlaw, Albright made
45:15
a dramatic entrance which contrasted with Barry's subdued
45:19
one quote. He dashed up at a smart gallop
45:22
and dismounted at the sidewalk, leading his faithful animal.
45:26
Albright walked through the gates to the tents and was
45:30
informed that the entrance on foot would not do.
45:33
He must finish on horseback, so remounting when every movement
45:38
gave the most exquisite pain, he faced about, returned to the
45:42
sidewalk, then rode through at the same fast gallop, raining up
45:46
his horse sharply in the most approved cowboy style.
45:49
End Quote. He arrived with both horses and
45:52
was accompanied by his brother-in-law, EW Wisehart, who
45:56
had joined him at Fort Dodge, Iowa.
45:58
The horses Outlaw and Joe Bush were in prime shape.
46:02
An Outlaw was reported by Major Burke as, quote, endeavoring to
46:06
kick everything within reach after he arrived at the stable,
46:09
End Quote. Albright volunteered to
46:11
reporters the rumors that he had heard on the road, quote.
46:15
I heard that I had no horses, I was dead and everything else.
46:20
I could have beaten Barry, but I knew he was riding under
46:23
protest, so I did not try. I think I got the first money,
46:28
End Quote. A United Press reporter got
46:30
Albright to review his last day on the road.
46:33
He said quote I've been able to keep only 7 meals on my stomach
46:37
since starting and since reaching the grounds I've been
46:41
vomiting for five nights. I have not slept except as I
46:44
nodded while on horseback, but I feel pretty well now and think
46:49
after eating something I shall be able to sleep.
46:52
I left DeKalb at 2:00 this morning, two hours after Smith
46:56
and Gillespie. I don't know what's become of
46:58
them. I did not see them anytime on
47:01
the way but they have taken another route.
47:05
I came by another Rd. End Quote.
47:07
The other Rd. traveled by Albright was a very interesting
47:11
Rd. indeed. A railroad.
47:14
It developed that after registering at DeKalb Albright
47:18
Rd. over to Dixon, obtained A boxcar and shipped his horses to
47:22
Chicago under the name of Jay Johnson.
47:26
After the arrival of Barry and Albright, the people of the Wild
47:30
West Show settled down to await the arrival of the other riders.
47:34
Reporters sought to question Major Burke concerning Berry's
47:37
riding under protest. Burke outlined the committee's
47:41
desire to keep location of the route from the riders, Berry's
47:44
help with laying out the route and then his decision to ride,
47:48
which brought out protests from the other riders.
47:51
Burke declared it a question for decision in the future.
47:54
Quote. The principal thing is that
47:56
their horses should come in in good shape and that the race be
48:00
one of honest endurance and skill.
48:02
End Quote. A great crowd gathered around
48:05
the entrance to the show grounds.
48:06
Afterward was passed around that Gillespie and Smith were only a
48:10
few hours behind Barry. The size of the crowd was
48:14
described as the largest since the Infanta of the Wild West
48:18
show. Noon arrived and despite A rumor
48:21
that the two riders had lost their way, more and more people
48:25
gathered. Just after 1:00, a boy on a
48:28
Telegraph pole shouted. Here they come.
48:31
The crowd began cheering in a few minutes.
48:34
Old Joe Gillespie on Billy Shaffer came down the street
48:37
with the horse at a trot and waving his sombrero to the
48:41
cheering spectators. At 1:31 PM, as Gillespie jumped
48:45
from his horse and shook Buffalo Bill's hand, the crowd surged in
48:50
to congratulate him. But he was tired and hungry and
48:53
got away as quickly as he could. Shortly behind Gillespie was
48:58
Charles Smith, who registered at 1:47 PM.
49:01
The crowd extended to Smith the same greeting it had given
49:04
Gillespie, both of whom had been traveling together since
49:07
Freeport. At Malta, Smith had left his
49:11
horse, Red Wing, and continued to Chicago on dynamite.
49:15
At Mayfield the two riders had been joined by two boys on
49:18
bicycles who decided to ride part way with the horsemen.
49:22
Gillespie and Smith remained together until about two miles
49:25
from the show grounds when Gillespie had urged his horse on
49:28
and pulled away. Smith was described as looking
49:31
every bit the cowboy. Quote.
49:33
He wore a wide brimmed white hat and at his heels were a pair of
49:37
enormous spurs, but his horse showed no signs of their use.
49:41
End Quote. While all the excitement
49:43
centered in Chicago, Stevens had reached DeKalb at 11:45 AM on
49:48
July 27th, followed by George Jones at 12:30.
49:51
The report came from DeKalb that Stevens's horse was, quote, so
49:55
badly used up that he may not be allowed to proceed.
49:58
End Quote. Stevens himself sent a telegram
50:01
from DeKalb claiming Gillespie Smith and Emmett Albright had
50:04
not been riding square. Once the riders were inside the
50:09
grounds, the horses were the focus of attention.
50:12
John G Shortall, president of the Illinois Humane Society, had
50:16
eight assistants on the ground to ensure the horses against
50:20
I'll treatment. Shortall, accompanied by two
50:23
veterinary surgeons, conducted an inspection during which one
50:27
of the horses tried to bite Shortall, commenting that there
50:31
was plenty of animation left in the steeds.
50:33
He quote, pronounced the horses all right and said there was no
50:37
justification for the least interference on his part as
50:41
agent of the Humane Society. End Quote.
50:44
Buffalo Bill announced that he was pleased with the race and
50:47
its results. Reporters were given his account
50:50
on the value of the race writing quote.
50:53
There was a great deal more to the race than the mere first
50:56
prize. It will show the world what the
50:58
Native American horse is worth. European nations are watching
51:03
the results of this race with interest.
51:05
It is a test of the hardiness of the Bronco, and after the
51:09
wonderful result of 150 miles in 24 hours, 1040 miles in 13 days
51:16
in 16 hours, there will be a rush for the American animal.
51:20
European nations will want the American bred horses for their
51:24
Calvary. Of course, on the entanglements
51:27
of the riders and protests I am not in position to decide, but I
51:31
do say that the horses are in splendid condition.
51:35
I was not surprised at that earlier, for it is just as I
51:38
said a few days ago. The Cowboys know that the horse
51:42
is their best friend and that it's best endeavors can be
51:45
brought out by kindness and care.
51:47
The virtues of value of the shattering Chicago Cowboy race
51:50
expounded by Colonel Cody were not shared by the Chicago Intern
51:54
Ocean. It saw the race proving little
51:56
beyond the known fact that he who nurses the strength of his
52:00
horse in a long race is likely to win over the rider who rushes
52:03
his horse in the early part of the race.
52:06
Since this fact was self-evident, the Inter Ocean
52:09
viewed the race as senseless and no test of the racing skill of
52:13
the riders or of the speed of the horses.
52:15
The race, it explained, could be viewed only as, quote, a trial
52:19
of the relative power of horses to resist pain and weariness,
52:23
and of the ability on the part of the riders to so distribute
52:27
the amount of torture as to prevent it from breaking down
52:30
before the goal is reached. End Quote.
52:33
It had nothing in common with legitimate racing, the newspaper
52:36
concluded. On the humorous side of the
52:39
race, Major Burke, in adding his enthusiastic summary of the
52:43
race, disclosed his discovery that the writers constituted a
52:47
lemonade brigade as he met them at the various registration
52:51
points in Iowa and Illinois. Burke remarked.
52:54
Quote, they don't drink anything but lemonade, while I've brought
52:58
a string of lemonade from Iowa to Chicago and the boys almost
53:01
broke me. End Quote.
53:03
But Burke's comments on the drinking habits of the
53:06
participants differed sharply from the account provided in
53:09
Independence, IA, of the dietary proclivities of Rattlesnake Pete
53:13
Stevens. The front page of the Chicago
53:16
Tribune on July 2nd, 1893, reflected public interest in the
53:20
Shadrin Chicago race, according it a place among the leading
53:24
events of the preceding week. The Cowboy race gained space
53:28
besides such national events as Governor Altgeld's pardon of
53:31
anarchists, Congress being called into extra session, and
53:35
the depression of the Silver Dollar.
53:38
In addition, the Tribune carried information concerning the
53:41
awarding of the prize money for the race on July 1st, 1893.
53:45
The award given setting was the dining tent of Buffalo Bills
53:49
Wild West. Present were the contestants and
53:52
the people interested in the race.
53:55
A discussion took place on the circumstances relating to the
53:58
race, and Paul Fontaine of the Humane Society was empowered to
54:02
make the awards, all contestants agreeing to abide by his
54:05
decisions. Fontaine based his awards on the
54:09
facts presented at the meeting and of his own personal
54:12
knowledge and observation of the race itself.
54:15
The technical objection to John Barry's participation was
54:18
upheld. However, other writers recognize
54:21
that he rode a fair race and allowed Barry to receive $175
54:27
out of the Buffalo Bill purse as well as the saddle given by
54:31
Montgomery Ward and Company for the first man into Chicago.
54:36
Old Joe Gillespie, who was declared winner of the race,
54:38
received $50 from the Buffalo Bill purse and $200.00 from the
54:43
Shadrin purse. Gillespie also received the Colt
54:46
revolver. The complete distribution of
54:49
prize money was made by Fontaine in the following manner from
54:52
Buffalo Bill's Wild West. Purse of $500, John Berry $175,
54:58
Joe Gillespie $50, Charles Smith 75, George Jones 75, James
55:03
Stevens 50, Doc Middleton 25, Emmett Albright 25, Joe Campbell
55:08
25. From the shattering committee.
55:11
Purse of $1000, Gillespie $200, Smith 200, Jones $187.50,
55:19
Stevens $187.50, Middleton $75, Albright 75, and Campbell 75.
55:28
The only writer not to receive a share of the purses was Dave
55:31
Douglas, who dropped out of the race in its early stages.
55:35
A biographer of Doc Middleton credits him with receiving, in
55:39
addition to his money quote, a gaudy velvet saddle blanket
55:42
containing the wording Shadrin to Chicago, End Quote, which he
55:46
is reported to have used for years.
55:49
Those in Shadrin responded to the end of the race by
55:51
vocalizing feelings that they were glad it was over.
55:55
The Shadrin citizen commented. Quote Some of us may feel the
55:59
touch of disappointment because our man Doc Middleton failed to
56:02
win, but we can all feel satisfied in that the race went
56:07
off as satisfactory as it did from a humane standpoint and
56:11
brought us none of the disgrace that we have had preached to us.
56:15
End Quote. A citizen questioned in Lincoln,
56:18
NE hoped Shadrin was receiving its desired amount of free
56:23
advertising. The Lincoln Journal said
56:25
editorially the race should serve as a good form of
56:28
advertising for the Western Bronco.
56:31
Quote a tough specimen of horse flesh.
56:33
End Quote. The Omaha World Herald, however,
56:36
voiced its deep sense of humiliation because some rugged
56:40
cowboy, one of the wild men of the range who wear leather
56:43
clothes and drink petrified whiskey, had not won.
56:47
Instead, it admitted the winner was a railroad man with a tender
56:50
fool name instead of a cowboy whose name suggested the
56:54
wildlife of the roundup, such as Rattlesnake Pete.
56:58
The Shadrin Citizen reprinted a poem on the Shadrin Chicago
57:01
Cowboy race, which first appeared in the Republican of
57:04
Rapid City, SD, under the byline of Alan Penfield.
57:08
The poem read quote out of Shadrin at the close of day, out
57:12
to the Sandhills. Lone and Gray cantered fleetly.
57:15
10 horsemen bold cantered like nights in days of old.
57:19
Sleek were their steeds, neat the saddles high, bright were
57:23
the barrels at hip and thigh, broad were the brims of their
57:27
sombreros. Brave the mind of these range
57:31
heroes, each man grasp at his good right hand haltered and LED
57:36
horse lone 2 brand back of each saddle closely lay fastened by
57:42
thongs. The slicker gay out of the crack
57:45
of pistol shot out from the throngs that crowd the spot,
57:49
canter these cattle Cavaliers, their hoof beats drowned by
57:53
deafening cheers. Full 300 leagues or more stretch
57:58
twix shattering in Michigan's shore.
58:00
There on the Strand a city white gleams by day and glows by
58:05
night. There is a goal of this famous
58:08
race. There shall end the Cowboys
58:10
chase up to the gates of that city.
58:12
Strange shall ride a night of the Western range.
58:16
Then to the herald upon the wall this son of the saddle shall
58:20
loudly call. Say, young feller, produce the
58:23
bun. I'm the winner of this cowboy
58:26
run. Turn out my Bronco on Colombian
58:29
grass and let him graze while the nabobs pass.
58:33
Say to all sovereigns here on tap that the king of the range
58:38
is taking his nap. The 1000 mile Cowboy race was
58:41
over. The Knights of the West had
58:44
completed their tiring but celebrated contest and had
58:47
received their various prizes. Although the people of the
58:50
states of Nebraska, Iowa and Illinois, who had turned out in
58:54
great numbers to greet the writers at the various towns and
58:57
villages along the route of the race, would soon turn their
58:59
attention to more immediate events, the cowboy writers have
59:03
been at least momentary heroes, representing a group of men who
59:07
are romanticized in American history and folklore up to the
59:10
present day. The Cowboys of the West.
59:14
The race of 1893 in no way was an example of a conventional
59:18
thoroughbred race, but it was a testimony to the reliance of the
59:23
frontier man on his horse. In contrast to the Eastern
59:27
Humane Society's fears that the race would lead to the abuse or
59:30
death of the horses, the riders safeguarded the well-being of
59:34
their steeds more than their own.
59:37
Representing more than a mere sports event, the Cowboy race
59:41
was an appropriate adjunct to the Colombian Exposition of 1893
59:46
and served as a fitting contribution to the America's
59:49
celebration of its past. Thank you for listening to the
59:53
Nebraska History Podcast, to learn more about Nebraska
59:56
History Magazine, to listen to more podcasts, or to support our
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podcast by becoming a member of the Nebraska State Historical
1:00:03
Society. Go to
1:00:04
history.nebraska.gov/podcast and don't forget to subscribe to the
1:00:09
podcast and get notified when we release a new episode on your
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favorite podcast platform. Until next time, I'm Chris
1:00:16
Goforth.