Buffalo Bill Letters to George T. Beck, 1895-1910
Table of Contents
Overview of the Collection
- Creator
- Buffalo Bill, 1846-1917
- Title
- Buffalo Bill Letters to George T. Beck
- Dates
- 1895-1910 (inclusive)Date of CollectionDate of Collection
- Quantity
- 132 items
- Collection Number
- 09972
- Summary
- Collection contains letters written by William F. Cody (Buffalo Bill) to George T. Beck between 1895 and 1910 (bulk 1896) regarding the operation and financing of the Shoshone Irrigation Company and progress on the canal project. The letters contain personal observations by Cody on the establishment of the city of Cody, Wyoming, and on Cody's Wild West Show.
- Repository
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American Heritage Center, University of Wyoming
American Heritage Center
University of Wyoming
1000 E. University Ave.
Dept. 3924
Laramie, WY
82071
Telephone: 3077663756
ahcref@uwyo.edu - Access Restrictions
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Access to original letters is restricted. Photocopies are available for research use.
- Languages
- English
Historical Note
William F. "Buffalo Bill" Cody participated in the westward expansion of the United States and helped shape the world's romantic image of the American frontier.
Born February 26, 1846 in LeClair, Iowa, he moved with his family to Kansas and later rode for the Pony Express (1860-1861). He served briefly in the American Civil War and was given the nickname "Buffalo Bill" when he supplied buffalo meat for workers on the Kansas Pacific Railroad in 1867-1868. As chief of scouts for the Fifth U.S. Cavalry he participated in several Indian fights between 1868 and 1872.
In 1869 his career took a new turn when he became the subject of a dime novel; he subsequently appeared in theatrical melodramas, touring successfully for 11 years. In 1883 he organized a Wild West show that staged Indian fights, roundups, stage robberies, and buffalo hunts and introduced such stars as Buck Taylor and Annie Oakley to the public. Cody maintained several business interests one of which was the Shoshone Irrigation Company, which began in 1895, in partnership with George Washington Thornton Beck. His Wild West Show toured Europe and the United States until 1913, after which Cody retired to the West until his death on Jan. 10, 1917.
George Washington Thornton Beck was a Wyoming sheep rancher, oil land developer and last president of the Council of the Territory of Wyoming before it became a State in 1890.
Born near Lexington, Kentucky he studied civil engineering at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. In 1877, at age 21, Beck moved West and prospected in Colorado for several years. He then settled on a homestead on the present site of Sheridan, Wyoming. He acquired large herds of sheep and at the same time was engaged as a mining engineer. Beck established and operated the first flour mill in Wyoming at the town of Beckton, which he had established. He also built an electric light plant, water works, and flour mill in Buffalo, Wyoming, and an electric light and power plant in Cody, Wyoming. In addition to his other business interests he was manager of the Shoshone Irrigation Company, of which William F. Cody was president.
The Shoshone Irrigation Company was founded in 1895 for the purpose of bringing water into the arid region surrounding what is now the site of Cody, Wyoming. During the course of the project the town of Cody was established in 1896. The Bureau of Reclamation eventually took over the project to establish a dam on the Shoshone River.
Content Description
The Buffalo Bill letters consist of personal correspondence to George Washington Thornton Beck from William F. "Buffalo Bill" Cody concerning the operation of the Shoshone Irrigation Company and its water project.
The letters range from 1895, when the company was first established, to 1910 with the majority being written in 1896. The majority of the letters concern the canal being built during this period, however, there are several instances of personal observations and descriptions by Cody of his Wild West Show and the places it was visiting.
Use of the Collection
Restrictions on Use
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Restrictions on Use
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Preferred Citation
Item Description, Box Number, Folder Number, Buffalo Bill Letters to George T. Beck, Collection Number 09972, American Heritage Center, University of Wyoming.
Alternative Forms Available
Existence and Location of CopiesDigital reproductions of this entire collection are available at https://digitalcollections.uwyo.edu/luna/servlet/uwydbuwy~32~32.
Administrative Information
Return to TopDetailed Description of the Collection
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Series I. Business Correspondence, 1895-1910.
Arranged chronologically. Links to digitized items are provided at the folder level (by year). Individual letters are not linked.
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1895
Container: Box 1, Folder 1
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Description: Unknown location
Fixed water bond in Cheyenne. Trying to get Federal and State approval for ditch. Burke, Mead, Rumsey, Salsbury mentioned. Gives March, April itinerary.
Dates: March 26, 1895Container: Box 1, Folder 1 -
Description: Union Pacific Train
Badgering Beck to send notes to Austin and Co. "George-have you gone crazy? Get with it old fellow."
Dates: March 29, 1895Container: Box 1, Folder 1 -
Description: Pottsville, Pa
Whether Paxton is to participate. Pushing Beck to write and advise.
Dates: May 5, 1895Container: Box 1, Folder 1 -
Description: New York
The monied men of our company want to know what you are doing & if you are going to get water to the town & below. They are tired of such management. If you won't do the work, they want to know it. Mad at me. Work was to start April 1. God only knows where you are, an if you will ever get to Cody and if you will get to work when you get there. I can't stand the company off with fairy tales.
Dates: May 7, 1895Container: Box 1, Folder 1 -
Description: Allentown, Pa.
Difficulty in reaching Beck, urging him to communicate.
Dates: May 9, 1895Container: Box 1, Folder 1 -
Description: Scranton, Pa.
Proposes irrigation on both sides of the river. If Paxton group doesn't participate a lot of land will be lost. Received report from Hymer, whom he regards highly. Need money at once. "Nothing will hurt us more than to lose our credit."
Dates: May 12, 1895Container: Box 1, Folder 1 -
Description: Hartford, Conn.
Ill from heat prostration. Glad Paxton group are going in. How much? Mentions Cunningham Ryan and Hymer.
Dates: June 3, 1895Container: Box 1, Folder 1 -
Description: Boston, Mass.
Beck letter of 11th cheered him up. Paxton decision to come in allows putting 28,000 acre tract through and lay out town. Alger and Cody arranging trip out for Boston group.
Dates: June 14, 1895Container: Box 1, Folder 1 -
Description: Newport, R.I.
Alger and 3 eastern men starting West 1st of July. If Paxton and Creighton would inject $50,000, 25,000 acres would be opened. Cody cannot carry whole deal for Cunningham, Ryan, and others. O.K. to drop Hymer as manager if Paxton and Creighton object to him. Must commence by Summer.
Dates: June 26, 1895Container: Box 1, Folder 1 -
Description: Lowell, Mass.
Complaining of people not being paid. Cut out nonsense and get to work.
Dates: July 2, 1895Container: Box 1, Folder 1 -
Description: Lowell, Mass.
Asks for photos, maps of ditch, proposed Post Script to railroad route for Bleistein for previous letterpreparation of promotional piece. Can mailed later. do a world of advertising at Atlanta Expo. Sleep no more than 4 hours a day until success is assured.
Dates: July 2, 1895Container: Box 1, Folder 1 -
Description: Montpelier, Vt.
Setting up meeting in Sheridan August 1st with Alger and Heckert. If Higby is in, Russell will follow. What about Leighter (Leiter)? Put Sulphur Springs in townsite. Get to work.
Dates: July 24, 1895Container: Box 1, Folder 1 -
Description: Rutland, Vt.
Since feed is so high, wait until Sept. 1 to commence work, but complete surveying before. Three good men (not ex bank clerks) should finish survey in 10 days. Understand Palmer wants in.
Dates: July 27, 1895Container: Box 1, Folder 1 -
Description: Wilkes Barre, Pa.
I might get some good men to look over our proposition. but I don't want to send them if this year's crops won't stand inspection. Let me know. It would take only a few minutes to tell me.
Dates: July 31, 1895Container: Box 1, Folder 1 -
Description: Auburn, N.Y.
Who is in new company? Party of men from Cincinnati coming the 18th. May go in with us.
Dates: August 8, 1895Container: Box 1, Folder 1 -
Description: Olean, N.Y.
Did anyone put up any money and is there any likelihood of such? Shall we throw up the deal? Cody and Salsbury will not carry it alone. Last meeting accomplished nothing.
Dates: August 13, 1895Container: Box 1, Folder 1 -
Description: Altoona, Pa.
Can't see how Cody City can get along without a gin mill. Let me know about State contract for the land. We must make no mistakes or we will be laughed out of the country. Guard our interests. I trust you. Don't fail me.
Dates: Sept. 7, 1895Container: Box 1, Folder 1 -
Description: Unknown location
Be careful about taking Nagle and settlers to property to avoid lawsuit. No statements yet. Guess typewriter got too much to do.
Dates: Sept. 10, 1895Container: Box 1, Folder 1 -
Description: Cortland, N.Y.
Complaining about failure to inform him. We have gotten our friends into this and we must protect them. Our energy and brains must be used. Attend to this until I get there to help.
Dates: Sept. 15, 1895Container: Box 1, Folder 1 -
Description: Cortland, N.Y.
Touches upon irrigation issues. Asks for reports and photos, in a light-hearted way.
Dates: Sept. 16, 1895Container: Box 1, Folder 1 -
Description: Newburgh, N.Y.
Will send new route cards.
Dates: Sept. 21, 1895Container: Box 1, Folder 1 -
Description: Patterson, N.J.
Spent day with Salsbury & Bleistein. Coming out when show closes. Suggests obligation by water users to maintain roads.
Dates: Sept. 23, 1895Container: Box 1, Folder 1 -
Description: New York
Bemoans constant stream of visitors. Suggestion that streets be named for leading Civil War generals of both sides. Keep cheap gin mills out of new town. Wants letters.
Dates: Sept. 25, 1895Container: Box 1, Folder 1 -
Description: Baltimore
Sent Alger $2,500. Asks Beck to advise amount needed each month to keep project moving. Must get ditch to Sulphur Creek by Fall to keep money available. Many men to come West with him in December.
Dates: Sept. 29, 1895Container: Box 1, Folder 1 -
Description: Richmond, Va.
Ditch must be 20 feet across at bottom. Cussed when Beck letter about 15 footer. If it can't be 20 feet, Cody will quit project.
Dates: Oct. 4, 1895Container: Box 1, Folder 1 -
Description: Wilmington, N.C.
Suggested names for streets in townsite. Cody supplies Union Generals and Beck the Confederates.
Dates: Oct. 6, 1895Container: Box 1, Folder 1 -
Description: Wilmington, N.C.
Inquiring as to how many acres can be under irrigation in 1896 for German Colony. If work is done to Sulphur Creek by Fall, can work be commenced in Spring to open up area East for a crop next Summer? Suggests that advertising commence.
Dates: Oct. 6, 1895Container: Box 1, Folder 1 -
Description: Charleston, S.C.
Preparing to close Nov. 2, due to failure of Atlantic Exposition. Going to be pushed for cash himself. Complains that project has more foremen than working men. Make the men work!
Dates: Oct. 16, 1895Container: Box 1, Folder 1 -
Description: Macon, Ga.
Complaining that Heckert left job to take train to Sheridan to buy blankets. Why does so important a man have to go after blankets? Suggests money is being squandered with no results to show. Must appear to be working hard for the visitors to invest.
Dates: Oct. 19, 1895Container: Box 1, Folder 1 -
Description: On train near Atlanta
Disputing amount being spent on 62 teams. Alger and Beck far apart on estimates. Let contractors finish present work, but no more for Winter. Cody can't cover raise in costs.
Dates: Oct. 26, 1895Container: Box 1, Folder 1 -
Description: Atlanta
Concerned about losing townsite to Hymer. Why did Beck not do what Cody asked him to do regarding townsite claim? Why did Beck let him use the Cody-Beck surveyors?
Dates: Oct. 27, 1895Container: Box 1, Folder 1 -
Description: Atlanta
Let no more contracts. Countermand order for Winter food. Cody does not have the money to go on this Winter. Act quick to save our credit. I am blue all over.
Dates: Oct. 27, 1895Container: Box 1, Folder 1 -
Description: Atlanta
Closing show Nov.2-Busted. Must get new blood (investors). Have written this several times.
Dates: Oct. 31, 1895Container: Box 1, Folder 1 -
Description: Atlanta
Closing tomorrow. Trying to be at Billings or Red Lodge by Nov. 18. Get word to Geo. Canfield to meet party of six.
Dates: Nov. 1, 1895Container: Box 1, Folder 1
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March 10 - August 29, 1896
Container: Box 1, Folder 2
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Description: Billings
Have much to say regarding our company. You left so suddenly I felt sure matters of importance had been neglectd. Found at Marquette nothing was being done in a businesslike fashion. Nothing to work with-everything laying around loose.
Dates: March 10, 1896Container: Box 1, Folder 2 -
Description: Omaha
To Alger--Please send copy of Hymer's expense account to me at North Platte.
Dates: March 17, 1896Container: Box 1, Folder 2 -
Description: North Platte
When will you finish to Sulphur Creek? Questions regarding expenses. President will sign contracts Monday, 23rd. Nagle party leaving Chicago April 13--on their lands by 25th. Didn't want to bear the brunt of bad management on ditch. For God's sake George, keep things straight.
Dates: March 26, 1896Container: Box 1, Folder 2 -
Description: Omaha
Mead leaves Cheyenne tomorrow to consult with you. With a full report from Mead, Cody might be able to raise the needed money to finish work.
Dates: March 31, 1896Container: Box 1, Folder 2 -
Description: Chicago
Can't see where all the money is going for the results gained. Wish he would learn to keep him posted. Don't let Rumsey wait for a week while you are playing billiards in Sheridan. If the force had been half managed, you would have been away from that gin mill long ago.
Dates: April 3, 1896Container: Box 1, Folder 2 -
Description: Chicago
Have you counted up how much money you have chucked out - and the ditch not completed to Sulphur Creek yet? Have you ever given it a serious thought? Send itemized statement of where money has gone. Men must be killing time instead of working. Everything neglected.
Dates: April 3, 1896Container: Box 1, Folder 2 -
Description: Buffalo, N.Y.
Details of Nagle contract. Did you file on placer fields?
Dates: April 6, 1896Container: Box 1, Folder 2 -
Description: Sheridan
Sending $7,500 to cover May payday.
Dates: April 9, 1896Container: Box 1, Folder 2 -
Description: Philadelphia
The 80% wants to know how long it will take to finish the first 25,000 acres. Complains about Beck's inattention.
Dates: April 13, 1896Container: Box 1, Folder 2 -
Description: Cumberland, Md.
Please wire so I may know water is in the ditch. You should not ask me to guarantee everything personally.
Dates: April 27, 1896Container: Box 1, Folder 2 -
Description: Clarksburg, W.V.
Salsbury sending $5,000, but Cody didn't know where rest of May payroll would come from. No water to Sulphur Creek! Management bad, a leak somewhere. Frustrated over not being kept informed.
Dates: April 28, 1896Container: Box 1, Folder 2 -
Description: Cincinnati
How much more to do between Marquette Creek and Sulphur? Paid $3,000 to Alger. How much more to finish 25,000 acres? Wished Beck would straighten things out.
Dates: May 5, 1896Container: Box 1, Folder 2 -
Description: Cincinnati
Alger wrote he needs $5 to $6,000 more for 10th payday. I will have to do it all. Others discouraged. given up all hope of your ever getting to Sulphur Creek or receiving an estimate on cost to finish.
Dates: May 5, 1896Container: Box 1, Folder 2 -
Description: Richmond, Ind.
Appears Salsbury and Cody will have to put all the money from this on. Must have stock issues for these amounts. Send Alger a statement so that the stock question can be settled.
Dates: May 7, 1896Container: Box 1, Folder 2 -
Description: Indianapolis
Received very satisfactory letter. Anxious to get estimate on proposed work. Wants to guard credit.
Dates: May 8, 1896Container: Box 1, Folder 2 -
Description: Anderson, Ind.
Wild West show went on despite cyclone. Sent another $5,000. Making him hump to carry the whole thing. Wants to know how he stands. Will write you to death if you don't tell me what I want to know.
Dates: May 11, 1896Container: Box 1, Folder 2 -
Description: Louisville, Ky.
Your two letters made me ten years younger. Fond of you-always did like you. Trying to get Salsbury and Rumsey to go out at once. Without christopher Columbus, where would America have been, also the Basin?
Dates: May 13, 1896Container: Box 1, Folder 2 -
Description: St. Louis
We do owe thousands in Red Lodge and you never mentioned it. Gosh only knows how much more we owe that you don't mention. I have begged you to let me know, but you won't. Of all the worry I have ever had, this caps it all. Still you discouraged friend.
Dates: May 17, 1896Container: Box 1, Folder 2 -
Description: St. Louis
Everything on that end is being run by careless business methods. Go slow and give full report. I ask this as President of the company-and the rest of the members demand a business reply.
Dates: May 19, 1896Container: Box 1, Folder 2 -
Description: St. Louis
Cody to Flood. Thinking him for financial information but needing more. Complaining bitterly that his own horses have been mistreated. Any man who mistreats a dumb brute is not fit to live.
Dates: May 22, 1896Container: Box 1, Folder 2 -
Description: Litchfield, IL.
Letter from Beck failed to list all outside debt. Everything at that end is run like a widow woman farm. No system at all. Canal did not hold water. Beck not on the job until 11 A.M. George, I am speaking plain. Hoped Beck would quit nonsense and get down to work.
Dates: May 25, 1896Container: Box 1, Folder 2 -
Description: Bloomington, IL
Meeting Buffalo people in Chicago. We can't go on this way. It has been a go as you please outfit with no business head to it.
Dates: May 29, 1896Container: Box 1, Folder 2 -
Description: Dayton, O.
Discusses method of commissioning sales agent Goodman. Asks for photos of TE, Irma, Shoshone, etc.
Dates: July 5, 1896Container: Box 1, Folder 2 -
Description: Dayton, O.
Cody receiving reports that Beck is trying to ruin him. Long bill of particulars as to his dissatisfaction with Beck's management. Water available at Irma at a depth of less than 60 feet. Use some enterprise. None of us are to blame if you don't tell us what to do. I hope Salsbury won't catch the disease of carelessness & neglect that is so prevalent in that country.
Dates: July 5, 1896Container: Box 1, Folder 2 -
Description: Springfield, O.
Concern over personnel selling water rights lots. enclosing check for $500 to pay state taxes on lands. Directs Beck to send Alger $3000 immediately.
Dates: July 7, 1896Container: Box 1, Folder 2 -
Description: Springfield, O.
Asks reconciliation of Beck's contradictory statements regarding debt. Beck didn't mention $1,000 owed to Yegen in Billings. Give list to Alger & Salsbury, protect our credit
Dates: July 7, 1896Container: Box 1, Folder 2 -
Description: Kenton, O.
Salsbury told Cody of "dirty cowardly act". Didn't want to accuse innocent man. If he were to suspect someone from a distance it would be "shotgun Bailey and the coronet player".
Dates: July 8, 1896Container: Box 1, Folder 2 -
Description: Newark, O.
Salsbury, seeing the project for the first time, disgusted by the dry conditions. Pity drouth struck this year. Pay Flood, but not for the time he was drinking. Salsbury angry with Cody for taking a few drinks while in Wyoming.
Dates: July 14, 1896Container: Box 1, Folder 2 -
Description: Owosso, Mich.
Sent Alger $5,000. Like pulling teeth because Show has had 5 weeks of rain. Sent Charley Trego to take charge of freighting. Wishes to find out how far down to water in the Sage Creek bottom. W.F. C. paid for surveying of Cody City.
Dates: August 1, 1896Container: Box 1, Folder 2 -
Description: Muskegon, Mich.
What about name for town that will be county seat? Sent signed bonds to Bleistein, Rumsey and Salsbury in New York. Water should be down to town as soon as possible. Had not heard particulars about the killing.
Dates: August 11, 1896Container: Box 1, Folder 2 -
Description: South Bend, Ind.
How many yards of dirt need be moved to complete ditch to town? Let contractor wait for his money until bonds are sold. Please keep me posted. It won't take much of your time. I feel my name and honor is at stake. Warn me of any danger to our credit. Don't leave me in darkness.
Dates: August 14, 1896Container: Box 1, Folder 2 -
Description: Joliet, IL
Bleistein and Salsbury had no success in placing bonds for the reason of you Free Silver Democrats. Don't think it can be done until after election. If can squeeze by now, I can go to N.Y. and raise money in November. Nagle expects 100 men there in September with houses up by October 10. Must take an interest in getting these people settled, first come, first pick of location. If company finishes work around Red Buttes, I will agree to do the line down to the town. Settlers can do the Sage Creek line. Answer that you will see to the well.
Dates: August 17, 1896Container: Box 1, Folder 2 -
Description: Madison, Wis.
Your Aug. 17 letter let me know about where you are and what it will cost of finish to the Town. can do nothing with the bonds. buffalo people not willing to advance funds. Company should do something about a newspaper. Pictures to Buffalo people might make them put up.
Dates: August 26, 1896Container: Box 1, Folder 2 -
Description: Racine, Wis.
Thanks for pictures which are useful in talking up enterprise. Salsbury believes bonds can be placed after election. Since you have a stenographer, you should have no trouble keeping each member of the company informed. It is tough on two of us to carry the enterprise.
Dates: August 29, 1896Container: Box 1, Folder 2
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August 31 - October, 1896
Container: Box 1, Folder 2
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Description: Sheboygan, Wis.
Would be a mistake to close down, as some directors have suggested. Too many bosses for number of men employed. How long will it take to finish Red Bluff? What would it cost to bridge river at town? A mail route is to be established to town from Red Lodge-west of Heart Mountain. If a bridge can be built for $1,000, Cody would pay for it himself. Now is the dark time for Beck to show his strength. Cody writing P.A. Maxwell, Ass't Postmaster General urging him to rush P.O. along. (P.O. Dep't records indicate office finally established Oct. 21,1896.) Fire every member of company 3 letters a day until you get them worked up.
Dates: August 31, 1896Container: Box 1, Folder 2 -
Description: Appleton, Wis.
Can stock winter on grass up there? Are settlers all leaving Irma? Can I put an attachment on wagons and harness that Nagle took that I paid for. Have written Postmaster Gen'l.
Dates: Sept. 1, 1896Container: Box 1, Folder 2 -
Description: Green Bay, Wis.
What will Irma people do for water when ditch is not running this Winter? Won't they need Cistern? They should be told and warned. It's their lookout. Is Trego going to finish up to Town? (Followed by listing of what appears to be 8 stockholders and their subscript.)
Dates: Sept. 3, 1896Container: Box 1, Folder 2 -
Description: Stevens Point, Wis.
Is Canal open and how soon will water be at City? Have Buffalo people answered regarding providing funds for bills? Have you sent Stokes his stock? I will be glad to know how much the company owes.
Dates: Sept. 4, 1896Container: Box 1, Folder 2 -
Description: La Crosse, Wis.
I see that women are naming and running the town- if so I won't put up another dollar. I don't care a damn whether water ever gets there or not. My interest in the damn town is ended.
Dates: Sept. 7, 1896Container: Box 1, Folder 2 -
Description: Minneapolis
Bleistein, Rumsey both write that they can't do anything. All parties have agreed to close down. Impossible for me to carry on alone until I get assistance. After the grain is harvested at Irma, put a small salaried man there. He'll do as well as a $70 a month man.
Dates: Sept. 14, 1896Container: Box 1, Folder 2 -
Description: Mankato, Minn.
Weather terrible. Will not be able to take a contract for I will have to pawn my shirt to pay off our creditors. Will be with you Nov. 8 to get loaded whether we win or lose.
Dates: Sept. 18, 1896Container: Box 1, Folder 2 -
Description: Sheldon, Ia.
Now you know what I meant by women running and interfering with our affairs. Expenses for hotel running too high. If you can land the county seat, we will be all right. Give every voter a copy of our offer to build Court House etc. Northern Pacific officials locating railroad to the Bear Creek coal fields. That would benefit us.
Dates: Sept. 19, 1896Container: Box 1, Folder 2 -
Description: Sioux Falls, S.D.
Keep me posted about what Northern Pacific officials do about branch to Bear Creek coal fields. Let Charley Trego know at once if you want me to take the Hotel. Offering to donate lots and park and $5,000 building ought to be a body blow to other towns trying to land county seat. Hire a couple of good men to work among the people. As important as Presidential election. I will see they get their pay.
Dates: Sept. 20, 1896Container: Box 1, Folder 2 -
Description: Sioux Falls
Received the Otto Courier. Send story to Courier about offer of Lots, Park & $5,000. Pay for it then they will be sure to fit it in. If there is another paper in the county, do the same with it. Salsbury says if you land the county seat, you are a Dandy - Go to Em.
Dates: Sept. 21, 1896Container: Box 1, Folder 2 -
Description: Sioux City, Ia.
You can't regret closing down more than I do. Salsbury has come up with a little, the others refuse and I can't carry it alone. Workers must be loafing. $70 per month is too much to pay. Have sent Alger $13,000 in the last two months. No report from him. If I had the money, I would carry the workforce until the election.
Dates: Sept. 22, 1896Container: Box 1, Folder 2 -
Description: Dubuque, Ia.
I sent Alger $5,000 16 Sept. to pay all Red Lodge debts. Since then, he has not responded to three of my telegrams. If our company gets into trouble it will be Alger's neglect for I have never failed to respond to his requests.
Dates: Sept. 28, 1896Container: Box 1, Folder 2 -
Description: Muscatine, Ia.
I am fretting over not hearing from anyone on that end. Paxton & Gallagher wired me to go security for another bill of goods saying $1306 past due. Buffalo partners refuse to do anything. I have no idea what you are doing. Suppose you have closed down since I get no more daily reports. Would have thanked someone if they had told me.
Dates: Oct. 1, 1896Container: Box 1, Folder 2 -
Description: Ottumwa, Ia.
Letter from Eddy tells me you have not closed down. Bleistein and the Buffalo men have not put up a dollar since June. You have continued contrary to orders and you have got to shoulder the responsibility. Since there is no chance to sell the bonds until after the election, you must close down. Frustration over lack of information most apparent. You could not tell as you don't know who Alger has paid-and Alger wouldn't tell Christ. What shall I tell the company?
Dates: Oct. 2, 1896Container: Box 1, Folder 2 -
Description: Oscaloosa, Ia.
R. Law, Supt. of the Burlington R.R. in Iowa is their coal expert. Law will come out with me to look over the coal fields. Also looking for the most practical route to the Park, From what I learn they will soon push through our country, which will mean much. Leaving Omaha Nov. 6.
Dates: Oct. 3, 1896Container: Box 1, Folder 2 -
Description: Boone, Ia.
Every man in company has thrown up his tail but good old staying Salsbury. Alger is playing me a dirty stinking trick when I am the only one he can depend on for money. Bankruptcy stares us in the face. Salsbury will not carry the Buffalo parties. Let me know how much it will take to finish to Town? And Alger can go to hell. I will not try to raise the money. That's all there is about it.
Dates: Oct. 7, 1896Container: Box 1, Folder 2 -
Description: Carroll, Ia.
Careful or you will have a hemorrhage at this news-Alger has written me and I know what is needed to save the credit of the company. Whether I can do it or not is to be seen. Help Mead estimate the North Side proposition. We must put everything into the County Seat fight, so don't be afraid to exaggerate-even to lying. Will have big party with me in November including ex-Mayor of Dubuque. Understand Northern Pacific will commence work up Clark's Fork.3 6/17/97St. Albans, Vt. 2Discouraged about the Land department but it must be kept up. Nothing can be done with the Club until the State gets land they can lease. Need photos and promotional material for stand at front entrance to Show. Worst three weeks of rain I have ever had in show business. Every stringer jack and seat had to be carried on men's shoulders to the road. These men work harder than those on the ditch.
Dates: Oct. 8, 1896Container: Box 1, Folder 2
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1897
Container: Box 1, Folder 3
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Dates: April 19, 1897Container: Box 1, Folder 3
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Dates: June 17, 1897Container: Box 1, Folder 3
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Description: Minneapolis
Directors inquiring why August expenses so high with no construction accomplished. Must be people on salary doing nothing. Hope the placer will be a success.
Dates: Oct. 4, 1897Container: Box 1, Folder 3
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1898
Container: Box 1, Folder 4
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Description: New York
Typewritten glowing, optimistic form letter to potential investor. Signed by Cody but flowery language obviously not his.
Dates: April 9, 1898Container: Box 1, Folder 4 -
Description: Boston
Cody having hell-28 days of rain. Webster wrote that he hadn't been paid for the bridge. Members of the company not being informed of obligations. If you informed them, they would provide funding. Wrote Alger that his bank should honor overdrafts for a few days since his bank never lost any money on our company. I don't go to Cuba until Miles and the Maine Army goes. The scouts I am to employ are to be Cubans who know the Country. Bleistein was to pay Russell. I am quite ill and these things don't make me any better.
Dates: June 4, 1898Container: Box 1, Folder 4 -
Description: Carlisle, Pa.
I hope all will be attended at the meeting. Then the worry over money to pay bills will be over. A mill would be a boom to the store. I have had awful luck this season but will do my part.
Dates: June 24, 1898Container: Box 1, Folder 4 -
Description: Erie, Pa.
Anxious for the Mill. People will run us out of the country if it isn't built. Try everybody- not a day to lose. You can count on me for $2,000. George, jump to it and get work started. i believe Newton will take $500 or $1,000 worth of stock if work is commenced. Rush it!
Dates: July 9, 1898Container: Box 1, Folder 4 -
Description: Traverse City, Mich.
Forbes won't put up - not Bleistein & others. Mill will have to go over another year. I can't build it alone. Will be built sooner or later. Stockpile lumber. Excuse blots-raining like L.
Dates: July 19, 1898Container: Box 1, Folder 4 -
Description: Big Rapids, Mich.
Too bad about Dam washing out. As Gen. Mgr., you should bar cloud bursts- will send Alger $200. and Salsbury will do the same.
Dates: July 20, 1898Container: Box 1, Folder 4 -
Description: Chicago
Those Priests want the deeds to their lots. Snyder writes you have gone South to work for Alger, not but what I approve of it. I can't believe you would leave until the water was again running. You have left business at critical time and I will so notify the Co. I hope it's not true.
Dates: July 28, 1898Container: Box 1, Folder 4 -
Description: Burlington, Ia.
Jones is unpopular in Kewanee. Necessary that we have a salesman there. E.D. Mayhew wants postmaster appointment there. I wish you would sent the appointment at once. Never heard if canal was repaired.
Dates: August 17, 1898Container: Box 1, Folder 4 -
Description: New Albany
As the time grows near for my going to the Basin, I hope we may meet as friends. I admit that at times I have felt hurt at the annoyances of the troubles there. I know that you have had a hard time as our stockholders have fallen down entirely and you and I have to stand the brunt. Bleistein writes that the Buffalo parties wish to sell out. I am perfectly willing that they should. Let's go up South Fork and have a hunt. General Miles will be out with me if he can get away.
Dates: October 9, 1898Container: Box 1, Folder 4
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1899
Container: Box 1, Folder 5
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Description: N. Platte, Neb.
Am in receipt of letter from Irma. Valley saying Burns is herding his sheep in their door yards. Why won't Beck look after company's interests? Will take it up with Board of Directors and see what can be done.
Dates: March 2, 1899Container: Box 1, Folder 5 -
Description: Chicago
Buffalo investors not putting up more money. Cody wrote them to tell about bridge. Salsbury won't put up more for something so badly managed. He will put up money with Cody to bring water to the flats, but he will say who will be in charge of work. Money has not been used properly. Beck could do it if he would stay with workers. If Beck promises to do so, money will be sent. Can't blame stockholders for refusing to put up money when those who handle it won't work.
Dates: March 10, 1899Container: Box 1, Folder 5 -
Description: Lynchburg, Va.
Hope Beck will push work and get water down. Should have commenced work sooner. Never failed to send money when promised. Railroad will come inside three years. Town will number thousands and land will be worth $100 an acre. Investors will put up -and the B.M will build to us sure. Settlers should plant every acre possible before railroad comes through. When will water be in Cody.
Dates: April 23, 1899Container: Box 1, Folder 5 -
Description: Lynchburg
Ex-Governor Richards says we ought to clean up our affairs so we can prove up - and get some ready cash. Let me hear when we can expect to have water running into Cody. for goodness sake George push it along.
Dates: April 24, 1899Container: Box 1, Folder 5 -
Description: Nashville
How are you getting along with ditch? When do you expect to have water to town. How are you making it with Darrah? Should rest of Company put up to pay interest on Hearst bonds?
Dates: April 30, 1899Container: Box 1, Folder 5 -
Description: Philadelphia
Looking in every mail and every telegram boy to hear water running in streets of Cody. Should fix road through to fronts. Won't cost over $25.
Dates: June 2, 1899Container: Box 1, Folder 5 -
Description: New Haven
Looking hourly for telegram saying not only bridge has gone but the Corbett. If Snyder gets drunk, take charge yourself. If other directors won't come up with their share, they shan't make me stand for everything. Let Clark step in and foreclose. I will have to pay $30,000 plus interest. The we will see who owns the layout.
Dates: June 28, 1899Container: Box 1, Folder 5 -
Description: Binghampton, N.Y.
Glad you have been to see the coal finds. Go down and trace the croppings. Think we should be staking and filing. Hope you will have nice time on the pleasure trip. Remember, Remington has a mouth and likes his toddy, so stay with him. Gerrans says that whiskey is the best.
Dates: July 1, 1899Container: Box 1, Folder 5 -
Description: Dubuque, Ia.
Please hire someone to tell me if water has reached Cody and farms.
Dates: August 12, 1899Container: Box 1, Folder 5 -
Description: Aberdeen, S.D.
Must have a Director's meetin. Be prepared with estimates and suggestions. Keep the water coming until it freezes up. I wrote Schwoob the Cody Trading Co should build a big cistern. Keep me posted about the hotel. Try and fill some place with water so there will be an ice pond. We must have ice next summer.
Dates: Sept. 6, 1899Container: Box 1, Folder 5 -
Description: Jefferson, Ia.
Mr. Holdredge told me that work would have been commenced on our railroad before now but was impossible to get men and teams. They have a large branch up North Platte and hoped to put them on that line yet this fall-if not early in the spring. This means business for our neck of the woods. Cody next summer should be a red hot town and for goodness sake hurry the State Land Board up I am trying my best to find out the indebtedness of our Company. Alger says he can't hear from you.
Dates: Sept. 19, 1899Container: Box 1, Folder 5
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1900
Container: Box 1, Folder 6
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Description: Charles City, Ia.
Hope protest case is ended and we will soon get our patent. Sorry you think Mr. Martin was not friendly to you. I told him he should have consult you. He located claims in your name and I cannot make out why he didn't work with you. I will send $25 to finish half payments on block 7. Is water still coming down into town and into the reservoir Try to get all the water you can in the reservoir so we can show people reservoir this winter. My business big.
Dates: August 16, 1900Container: Box 1, Folder 6 -
Description: Lafayette, La.
Have just wired you to have coal filing transferred to us. We should have learned a lesson by this time so that no one else can beat us-and not trust to our own opinion too much. I should have filed on that coal land myself, but you thought our segregation would hold it, so lets take no more chances. Van Ordel & Burdick want to know as soon as we fixed Darrahs contest on land-I wired them also Morrell. Get our matter safe quick so no one else will protest or jump coal land. Don't delay an hour in protecting our rights.
Dates: Oct. 24, 1900Container: Box 1, Folder 6
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1901
Container: Box 1, Folder 7
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Description: New York
Glad new ditch is complete and you are cleaning old ditch. When you want my survey for the new South Fork bridge, its ready. Peake told me that last year your hogs ran at large and many complaints were made. Should not be allowed. Glad you count me in on the Power & Electric Co. for I want to help make it a success. Our college will light by it if we can find a location near Town. We held our first meetings in New Jersey this forenoon. I tell you this Military College is going to be a great success. Think of what a help it will be for our town-Why no Military Government fort near a town will be a to it. We have raised in four days money enough to start it. General Sumner will write you. Hope everyone will assist the General when he gets there. He will go to Fort Custer, Montana where he will establish headqtrs to receive the recruits and contract for the horses etc..P.S. When a hundred recruits are equipped and mounted-they will march through Pryor Pass to their new home near Cody-others to follow.7 8/11/01Newton, IA 1Board meeting to be held in Buffalo, NY last week in August and want Beck and Alger to be present with all books.
Dates: April 19, 1901Container: Box 1, Folder 7 -
Dates: August 11, 1901Container: Box 1, Folder 7
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1902
Container: Box 1, Folder 8
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Description: New York
Salsbury and Cody to be with Beck Thursday morning. Have just wired you to call meeting at 10 A.M. We must now organize Townsite Mining and Power Companies. Push into Cheyenne and have them recorded and get our State contracts. Have lawyer and notary present if necessary. Nailor and Stokes are alright I think. Waiting for Nailor's letter now.
Dates: Feb. 4, 1902Container: Box 1, Folder 8 -
Description: New York
Glad you can keep the water coming. What have you done with Alger? Salsbury says for you as manager to demand a settlement. Tell him to send in his bill for salary. If he won't, make him do it by law. Bleistein will remit at once. Wrote Martin to pay my water rights assessment. Mrs. Wetmore will send her payment on land soon. Kelsey writes he has sent maps and report of survey. I presume you have let Wiley use them as agreed. Gold Mine is a winner. Being kept quiet right now as we want property adjoining it. And water rights from stream nearby. We are getting out ore and the veins favor a true fissure.
Dates: May 4, 1902Container: Box 1, Folder 8 -
Description: Brooklyn
Have you sent bond back to Mr. Clark. Necessary as soon as possible. Does Wallenberg contract say when he is to pay for land? Let me know what Sister's first payment on her 160 is and I will send the money to you. When did you get water in town. Do you think you can keep it coming? Business is great with me.
Dates: May 9, 1902Container: Box 1, Folder 8 -
Description: Sandusky, O.
Am being pushed by Bleistein and Salsbury to hurry things to see if I can hear from you. Here is a telegram that explains what the men want done who put up the money. May I hear what you are doing to get an estimate so we can get bids for the work. Summer slipping away. Wire me collect so I can reply to Salsbury and Buffalo parties.8 7/25/02St. Paul, Mn. 1Necessit of getting canal extended. Company has told you to go ahead. Money ready. If you don't get it done by contract, it will be a great waste to our company and a drawback to county and town. It's up to you.8 8/2/02Fairbury, Neb. 1Glad to get your letter. Hope you canmeet me in Cheyenne. The money of the extension and reconstructing our canal is just as good as though it was in the bank, according to Bleistein. Rumsey, Gerrans and Salsbury is always ready. Go right ahead. Have no fear about the money part. I sent letter to Cody City Council. Wish you would hurry it up. Must build a sewer for the hotel. Important to town to open hotel as soon as possible.
Dates: July 8, 1902Container: Box 1, Folder 8 -
Description: St. PaulDates: July 25, 1902Container: Box 1, Folder 8
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Description: Fairbury, NebraskaDates: August 2, 1902Container: Box 1, Folder 8
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Description: San Francisco
Wired you to contract east end immediately get work started. Write each stockholder fully telling what money will be used for. Later contract can be let for upper end. You have ordered lumber for flumes long ago. Timber and lumber must be gotten this fall. Assess each of us for the east end and pay contractors now. Later make assessment for upper end. How do prospects look for governorship?
Dates: Sept. 12, 1902Container: Box 1, Folder 8 -
Description: Unknown location
My daughter Arta is your champion. She's glad you are building up your country. Says no one can do more work than you. When you get at it. She says nothing on earth can keep you from going to the U.S. Senate now and she will stump the State for you.
Dates: Sept. 16, [1902]Container: Box 1, Folder 8 -
Description: Santa Barbara
Make assessment to pay engineers and survey. Should have been done long ago. If you knew you would be short of money, why don't you collect? It will be your neglect if money not there to pay them and the blame shall be placed where it belongs. Wire me engineer/s estimate for earth work. Are there contractors who will take the work? We men who put up money have bore for information, some thing you could give us in a few minutes. Our company will be blamed if surveyor's money not there.
Dates: Sept. 2, 1902Container: Box 1, Folder 8
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1903
Container: Box 1, Folder 9
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Description: Liverpool, Eng.
Have had a tough time with sprained ankle and shoulder. Worst weather England ever had, and that's saying a heap. Have been looking for your report for quite a while. Would like to know about the Shoshone Irrigation Co business-how the new canal is, how much land sold etc. If you will have money to meet the Hearst interest, etc.
Dates: May 15, 1903Container: Box 1, Folder 9
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1904
Container: Box 1, Folder 10
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Description: Oswestry, Eng.
Business splendid. Did Mr. Clark (say) what the Hearst Estate would do? Hope there won't be so much trouble about our ditch this summer.
Dates: May 11, 1904Container: Box 1, Folder 10
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1906
Container: Box 1, Folder 11
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Description: Metz, Germany
Will leave Wapiti for a ten days hunt. I propose going up Elkfork get up on the Wapiti Ridge and hunting the heads of Hard Pan, Bobcat on the South beds of Fishhawk, Eagle and up Wapiti Ridge to head of Ishawooa and down to TE. Will have 4 friends with me and want you to be one of them. Pack outfit will meet us at Wapiti Oct. 15. Hope Cody citizens are urging the building of high line canal. Germany doing fine. $50,000 a week.
Dates: Sept. 1, 1906Container: Box 1, Folder 11 -
Description: Gladbach, Ger.
Geo. G. Harris is anxious to know what people of Cody and myself are doing about the high line canal. Yesterday, Mr. Geo. O. Starr, President of the Barnum and Bailey Ltd. Co. came over from American to see me about showing in America. I signed the best contract for Little Willie that he has ever had. Starr left after the contract was signed for America to build and entire new outfit for me-60 new cars, etc. Got L in Hungary and Poland but have pulled out in Germany. Will tell about it in the Rockies.
Dates: Sept. 8, 1906Container: Box 1, Folder 11
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1908
Container: Box 1, Folder 12
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Description: New York
Did you do something abut petition to the President about the high line canal? Will play Washingtn May 18 & 19. Let me know if I can do something by seeing the President. Wild West show will open 21st.
Dates: April 19, 1908Container: Box 1, Folder 12
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1909
Container: Box 1, Folder 13
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Description: New York
Will see Mr. Murphy week after next. He lives in Philadelphia. Am in touch with a lot of financial men now but did not mention oil to them. Only gold, silver &copper. But it might be that an oil deal would strike them favorably. What about the Painter Copper property? I wish you would find out for sure if I am the 9th man. Tom Foley is so forgetful.
Dates: May 11, 1909Container: Box 1, Folder 13 -
Description: Philadelphia
Feeling better. Have gotten rid of Bailey Estate. Lillie and I now own everything, 70 railroad cars, 170 big draft horses, elephants, camels. The entire outfit valued at $300,000. Will take me a few weeks to pay back some money I had to borrow. Will take $60,000 here this week. Lillie is a close, conservative manager. Last few years have been hard, but I never weakened and good friends have stood by me, and I won't forget them. One of them is First National Bank of Cody. Put that in your pipe.
Dates: May 27, 1909Container: Box 1, Folder 13
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Miscellaneous, no year provided
Container: Box 1, Folder 14
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Description: Guthrie, Okla.
Here is letter from Everhart. Write Kaufman. If Iron Tail shows up in time, take him on a hunt. Am having biggest circus fight on record with: Barnum & Bailey, Ringling Bros., Sells-Floto, Heggenbeck Wallace, Miller Bros. 101 Ranch. So far, we are the only show that has made a dollar.
Dates: Sept. 25, [no year]Container: Box 1, Folder 14 -
Description: Baltimore
Bob Haslam showed me your letters. Poor fellow is in a bad way, paralyzed and broke. Am helping him. President Taft enjoyed the show and sent me a nice letter.
Dates: April 20, [no year]Container: Box 1, Folder 14 -
Dates: September 16, [no year]Container: Box 1, Folder 14
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Description: New York
Stokes waited quite a while. Am so tired I have got to go to bed.
Dates: 189?Container: Box 1, Folder 14 -
Description: Carter Ranche
Have talked to all of the North Fork men I could see. Find them very indifferent about building the wagon road up North Fork. Alston, the Irma store keeper says he will build first class 12 foot road from South Fork to county line bridges & all for $1,000. Mondell told me something must be done at once or impossible for him to get $40,000 appropriation to build wagon road across timber reserve. I see big head of water in our canal. When will you shut down headgate?
Dates: Nov. 24, [no year]Container: Box 1, Folder 14 -
Description: Chicago
I find complaints mad against you from Ditch hold good here. You can't be seen until 11 A.M. Have put in two hours with managers of Big Colony. We could have landed them and save the commission. Turned them over to the Nagle Bro. You are supposed to draw a salary from our company and do you think you deserve it?
Dates: undatedContainer: Box 1, Folder 14 -
Description: Douglas, Ariz.
Sheedy wrote me. See you have organized oil company. Wish great success. My mines knock me silly. They seem far beyond expectations or hopes. One mill is hammering away and another going in 90 days. Working 60 dandy miners might & day. In all by myself..a dozen men waiting to come in now.14 ?? 1On engraved Cody card. Handwritten not referring carpenter (and potential land purchaser) to Beck. Signed by Cody.
Dates: Oct. 27, 1910Container: Box 1, Folder 14 -
Description: Red Lodge, Mont.
Give Mr. Bell a check for $109 for first trip over with Bleistein & party. Charge to Co. Have traded blue roan and bay pony to Mr. Bell for a pair of mules. You arrange exchange.
Dates: 189?Container: Box 1, Folder 14 -
Description: New York
Copy of letter to Alger at Sheridan informing him Beck had been elected Treasurer replacing Alger. Requests Alger turn over all records and property of the company to Beck.
Dates: April 2, 1902Container: Box 1, Folder 14 -
Description: New York
Same as above by with Cody's signature.
Dates: April 2, 1902Container: Box 1, Folder 14
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Names and SubjectsReturn to Top
Subject Terms
- Water resources development -- Wyoming -- Park County
- Irrigation canals and flumes -- Wyoming -- Park County.
Corporate Names
- Buffalo Bill's Wild West Show
- Shoshone Irrigation Company
Geographical Names
- Park County (Wyo.) -- History
- Wyoming -- History -- 1890-1918
- Cody (Wyo.) -- History
Other Creators
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Personal Names
- Beck, George T. (George Thornton), 1856-1943
