Deadwood Free Press Vol.
3 Issue 1
Vol. 3 Issue 1 January 15, 1879
Doomed and Damned Carfield Hangs
Strangles slowly on rope; crowd pleased
Killer and criminal Randal Carfield died
the death of the life he lived: violent.
Carfield, a highwayman who has plagued
the community for crimes ranging from
bank robbery to attempted murder, was
hung after a trial presided over by Judge
Rod Eun with prosecution by attorney
Dusty Gallagher. There was no defense
attorney, and none was really needed.
Townspeople had little sympathy for the
villain. “Why, I was at the Gem when he
was braggin’ in front of the wanted poster
last evenin,” said a comely dancer from the
Gem while awaiting his brief trial. “Folks
want to see him hanged.”
“This fella damn near killed me, I intend
on seeing this up close,” stated one of the
highwayman’s village of victims, Miss
Echo.
“He’s a no good, he don’t care about
anyone but himself,” said Miss Agatha
Udimo.
There were a few people who didn’t
agree. “You’re all ready to hang him before
evidence and witness, a kangaroo court this
is,” stated an unsavory witness to the trial.
“What about them lawdogs what shot up
the town yesterday chasin that feller, they
gonna get justice too? me an another lady
almost got shot by them.”
When Judge Eun called for a reading of
charges, Sheriff Glen Devon announced,
“There a whole goddamn list of ‘em aginst
this fucker.”
Among them he listed, robbery of Miss
Sparta’s hotel and the theft of money, and
the shooting of several individuals.
Carfield was accused of shooting the
legal force pnce or twice. “First occurrence
reckin was just me, but yesterday, hell, he
shot up my entire goddamn force.”
Judge Eun summarized the charges as
assaults with a deadly weapon, robbery,
disorderly conduct and attempted murder
and the attempted kidnapping of Miss
Mahalia Bertrand and the kidnapping and
torture of former Sheriff Gus.
“Ol’ Augustus squealed like a piggy
too...” squealed the loud and clearly insane
defendant. Carfield behaved boorishly
January 15, 1879
throughout, clearly either mad, or death
was coming or ... fully expecting death
was coming and at peace with it.
“I motion we dispense with the normal...
uh legal round of proceedings...and seein
as how we have an insurmountable amount
of charges here that could take a month
of Sundays ta do the legal wranglin on
...the prosecution requests a quick sum-
mary judgement by the presiding Judge,”
stated the prosecutor, Gallagher.
“Ain’t ya gonna ask me how I pleed?
I was ready to swear my innocence on a
stack o’ Bibles I was,” Carfield stated.
“I don’t believe there is anyone here that
would raise up a defense for the notorious
villain we have in custody here,” Gallagher
stated.
“Why Judge I believe all these charges
ya have on me are a genuine conspiracy
against meself,” Carfield said.
“I will speak one word in his defense
your honor. I do hear that the man was
willin ta empty his own pee pot during his
internment at the county jail,” Gallagher
said.
Your honor I object to these statements
on account of injun Sam the lawyer is an
asshole,” Carfield said, referring to the law-
yer’s buckskins. “Lawmen harassing and
tryin’ to assult me... ya can even see the
marks on my face where they done tried
to beat me in the cell... handcuffed cause
they’s cowards afraid of a fair fight.
“Let’s hurry this up... I gotta piss and I
plan on doin’ it before I hang it goes down
in my boots so none of ya grubby cock-
suckers can steal’ em,” Carfield said.
Eun dispensed with unneeded time
wasters such as the defence and called the
man guilty.
“And as found guilty of all charges...
in accordance with the laws of the town of
Deadwood, I have no choice but to order
you hung by the neck, until dead... so help
you God,” Judge Eun intoned.
“God wont help the man,” Gallagher
said.
“Let this be a lesson to all who seek to do
continued on page 2
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Deadwood Free Press Vol. 3 Issue 1
Letters to the Editor
Editor,
\We are now into the new year of 1879.
The flow of gold from the mines continues
unabated, and our town is growing by
leaps and bounds. I predict great fortune
for those who are willing to work hard and
practice prudence and frugality.
Let us all commit to working together to
bring prosperity to our town.
Jacob S. Richards
Deadwood
Editer,
I knows ya caint do much bout the
weather, but, mebbe ifn a big impoortent
man likes you was ta pray ta the Lord,
mebbe he would see fit ta warm things up
a tad. Now fer me and Charlie, it aint all
that big a thing ta be out inta the cold.
Why, hell, dang, I growed up playin in the
snow with nothin more than some leggins
and a blanket on. Like I says, cold don
hurt me so much, but, I seen some of th
Doomed and Damned, continued from page1
wrong or harm the folks of Deadwood,”
Eun said.
The doomed and damned Carfield was
thus led to Main Street and a hastily
improvised gallows. Deputy Bram placed
the noose around Carfield’s neck. There
was a call for last words.
“My last words... ya’ll kiss my ass and
I’ll see ya in hell,” Carfield sneered, unre-
pentant at the end.
“Only if yer buyin drinks,” Sheriff
Devon said.
Perhaps because of the highwayman’s
pressure on the law, Carfield was given
Editor and Publisher
Neil Streeter
Reporter
Addison Leigh
Contributing Writer
D. A. Kuhr
Typesetter
S. Morigi
2
ones what aint gots much money an they
is sufferin.
Why, this one pur feller was a sittin on
a barrel wit nothin but a thread bare shirt
betwixt him an th cold. Then this runny
nosed girl runs up to th man, she aint got
no bonnet on, nor a coat. She calls this
pur feller her Pa an lets em know shes a
hongry n cold. Well sir, me an Charlie was
a mite teary eyed at that. I tole Charlie, I
jest couldn stand it, so’s we took em over
to th Cafe and made sure they both got
filled up on some good hot food. I wanted
ta do more, but dang, I was outta money
my ownself.
So now ya sees why I wants it ta warms
up some. I jest caint stand ta see them pur
little ones a sufferin thata ways. I wants
ya ta thank Charlie the next time ya sees
em too, cause he done wrote this fer me, an
the Lord bless em, he done got a collection
from th miners to help them kids too.
Ezra an Charlie
Deadwood
no merciful drop in which his neck would
snap, and so when the sheriff kicked away
the box he was standing on, Carfield
strangled slowly.
Carfield was choking and gasping for
air as his legs kicked and flailed. His face
turned beet red as spit gurgled forth in a
fountain of death.
“The prick deserves it,” said one man,
definitely not the sheriff, watching the
ordeal.
Several children who witnessed the inci-
dent commented that they found this expe-
rience instructive. They said they were
reinforced in their plans to live Christian
lives and stay on the non-hanging side of
the law.
“Judge Eun, is it true that ya hang a fella
for his crimes ‘cause ya don’t wanna waste
a bullet?” asked child Miss CarrieAnne
Kungler, a witness to the hanging.
Carfield eventually strangled.
“The devil have ya now!” said one
man.
“Mister Sorrowman’s not the Devil!”
corrected child Miss Elizabeth Vita, think-
ing the man meant the local mortician.
“Been a long time, since we hadda
stretch a man in this town,” said Judge
Eun afterward. “It will go to show, we
mean business about law in this Town.”
Editorial
1879 Should Be
Glorious Year
The test of a town, whether it lives or
becomes a ghost town, is etched in two
forces: its economy and its people.
No economy is stronger and no people
better tested than those of the Black Hills.
Why not, for we are Americans even if
this land is not part of America yet. It
will be.
Around the world, the jury is out on
the year. We read with interest how Dull
Knife and his savages escaped Fort Robin-
son (see story this issue), but if we judged
a year on the number of times Indians
caused trouble every year would be bad.
It’s becoming the norm.
In other parts of the world, yes, there
is trouble. The
Br iti s h will
apparently b e
bothered by war
with the Zulus,
a tribe of sav-
ages who can no
doubt be easily
e x t i ng u i s he d
but surely at a
human cost to
both sides.
It will b e
American inge-
nuity that rids
us of these trou-
bles. I list only
one invention
as an answer.
We read with
interest that the
new telephone
has been installed at the White House, no
doubt improving the ability of the President
to receive and exchange information and
orders. We are fascinated to read how elec-
tricity is bringing light without the need
for gas to places at a store in Philadelphia
where they actually power illumination
through currency and flowing wire called
filament, if we understand it correct.
It is reported the young man who is
bringing New York to homes - yes homes,
not businesses - in New York, Mr. Thomas
Edison, got the idea while in Wyoming
last year observing an eclipse and watch-
ing the light glow around the edges of his
bamboo pole.
His Edison Electric Light Company
promises a future of continuous and bright
illumination, as it is reported these devices
are brighter than candles though not as
bright as a good lantern.
I read with great interest in the Times
January 15, 1879
how a prison in Ohio has replaced its dunk-
ing tank with an electrical tank to keep
order. A disobedient prisoner is placed in
the old tank, but instead of being drowned
in water he is touched with a rod that con-
tains this electricity. While its application
may actually improve health, the blind-
folded prisoner does not know where he
will be touched with the jarring sensa-
tion, and will often cry out as some pain
is involved.
The incidence of repeat offenders has
decreased by 45 percent, an impressive
number. One marvels at twenty years from
now when electricity comes to Deadwood,
and we can punish someone in the jail
swiftly. Perhaps
this will help
rid the world of
crime. Perhaps
this will rid of us
of war, if rebel-
lious miscreants
can be turned
with just a few
pro ds from a
simple device.
Maybe that’s
a dream, but if
that dream were
to come true, it
would come true
from America.
I linger on
the subject of
electricity not
because I plan
to pull a fila-
ment out from under my coat and plant it
on Main. Perhaps someday we will. This
American invention is an example of our
continuous ingenuity and progress. With
such inventions, darkness becomes some-
thing of the past - so too will other chal-
lenges. We will use technology to make
it easier to build brick buildings, a first
matter in this town. No doubt there will be
machines to create newspapers, battle fires,
and ease all sorts of chores now facing all
of us.
As Mr. Edison states to the New York
Times, “Well, some few improvements
have been made in gas since its introduc-
tion to the public some 60 odd years ago,
and I rather guess there is a chance for
electricity. At any rate, we are going to
stick to it until we can find out what we
can do with it.”
God bless the ingenuity of this nation!
Deadwood Free Press Vol. 3 Issue 1 January 15, 1879

Killing Spree Continues

Sleeper Slayer Sent Server Snoozin
Refugee Flint Taunts Authorities With Clues
Killing the man “We shall protect
who tried to feed him the maidenhood of
in jail was only the our women. I fear
start for Madman this man won’t stop
Flint, a killer who at just one victim
has escaped from the though,” said a
jail and left bodies at Sheriff Glen Devon
the Red Bird and the at the scene of the
mines, among other first crime. He
places. turned out to be
While details are quite right.
kept close to the “The nature of
vest to avoid tipping the crime was vio-
anyone’s hand, it is lently done. I ain’t
reported the killer see someone killed
has been leaving so viciously in a
clues. long time,” Devon
Said one lawman said.
anonymously, “He’s Little is known
fuckin’ leading us on of this man Flint
a goose chase.” except he has two
The spree began vicious but pic-
with discovery of the body of a laborer a dinnertime apple dropping into the man’s turesque scars, forming a three-clawed
who had brought foot to Flint in jail. The blood and coming to rest by the right side prong.
villain speared the victim with a bed slat, of his chest.

Businessman Escapes Death Savages Escape from Fort

Noted businessman Mr. Blackjack
Landar escaped assassination late Wednes-
day by a vile, anonymous youth. Mr.
Landar did sustain a leg wound, from
which he is recovering.
Miss Angie Newall’s lovely foot was
besmirched by the dead man’s body when
it landed by her, but she is reportedly
recovering from the scrape.
It happened in the Bella Union immedi-
ately after conclusion of the faro tables for
the evening.
Witnesses said the youth talked to no
one except Mr. Landar, apparently trying
A would-be and unidentified assassin lays dead in the Bella Union after
shots rang out toward Mr. Black Landar. Present were proprietor Salissa
Wilder and Angie Newall, right, who sustained minor injuries when the
corpse landed on her foot.
to distract him while moving toward the
door, and freedom. The young man sought
to distract Landar but failed, so Landar
was looking when the youth drew. The
avenging would-be victim Landar made
cold meat of his attacker, assisted by armed
spectators.
It is widely believe that one Flint, a
criminal, was responsible for the attack
through an intermediary.
Law enforcement immediately decried
the incident. “We shall capture these vile
men and reclaim Deadwood for the virgins
and children,” said Sheriff Glen Devon.
Robinson
On the evening of Janu-
ary 9th of this year, the
Cheyenne Chief Dull Knife
broke out of their confine-
ment at Fort Robinson.
From what this reporter
has been able to learn, the
soldiers had allowed the
women and children to visit
their men. Using this privi-
lege, the Cheyenne women
snuck guns and knive to the
warriors.
At a given signal, the
warriors opened fire on
their guards and killed sev-
eral. The entire band then
fled into the night. Pre-
liminary reports indicate
that Dull Knife is heading
in the direction of the Pine
Ridge reservation here in the
Dakota Territory.
Capt. Henry W. Wessell,
Jr., Commander of Fort
Robinson is in pursuit of
the hostiles.
Before riding out Capt. Wessell was
heard to say, “We shall bring them back,
either walking or draped across their
ponies, but back they shall come.”
We applaud the bravery of the gallant
Captain and pray that he and his men meet
with early success.
This reporter would also warn all men
to arm themselves whenever they go into
the countryside. The savages are said to
be desperate and as been shown by past
behavior they are not reticent in taking of
innocent lives.
This newspaper will ensure that the
public is kept of informed of this crisis as
details become available.

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Deadwood Free Press Vol. 3 Issue 1 January 15, 1879

Happy New Year!

1879 Promises Bright Future for Deadwood, Future Chicago of the Plains
The year of 1879 dawned on the largest city of the Black Hills with pride and joy.
No better yet can be envisioned as the mines continue to produce, feeling hungry
businessmen with gold and hungry miners and the businesses that support them with
payrolls.
We asked several citizens what their New Year’s Resolutions are, and happily report
these:

Judge Gallagher: “I might want to run

for state legislature some day if we get
statehood. We’ll no doubt petition for state-
hood soon.”

Mrs. Addison Streeter, owner of the
Black Hills General Store and Prospect
Inn: “Update my store with the latest in
fashions and other goods for a booming,
progressive city.”
Deirdre Sparta: “I resolve to shop more
and get more shoes this year.”
Mr. Marty: “To wield the shotgun that
I got for Christmas with ferocity and righ-
teousness to uphold the honor of women
and safety of patrons at the Gem Saloon
where I am employed.”
Untoward lewd gentleman: “New years
resolution, get some free pussy in here!”

Benoit Baguier: “I resolve to spend more

time with dancing ladies.”
Deputy Bram: “Now is the accepted time Jonny, Gem bartender: “To employ the
to make your regular annual good resolu- role of bartender as an opportunity to share
tions. Next week you can begin paving hell Christian wisdom with others while listen-
with them as usual. A New Year’s resolu- ing to their woes, looking always to change Clay Kungler: “Well in the new year, I
tion is something that goes in one Year and woe to opportunity and the recognition resolve to after my term is mayor up I’d
out the other.” that through each sky must pass clouds like travel and declare my candidacy for
before they part to reveal the sun.” governor of the territory. To make sure the
hills are represented. And the first thing
I’ll do as governor is reach an agreement
with the Indians so we can get a railroad
running through here.”

Deadwood Maiden, name withheld from

modesty: “I will read each issue of the
Deadwood Free Press religiously, from
the first page to the last, and savor the
information so important to my success in
culture and life.”
A Deadwood gentleman: “Speaking
from experience, New Year’s resolutions Carlton Mornington: Gonna try ta make
tend to fall by the wayside. Mine would Glen Devon: “To apprehend that g___ my fortune this year .... I aint much for
simply be to resolve to keep next year’s.” d___ ugly son of a b___, two bit, c___ diggin, mebbe I will find me rich widow.
s__ing horse-loving p___ of a bastard Adele Kling: “I intend to learn to
Joe Verwood.” shoot.”

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Deadwood Free Press Vol. 3 Issue 1 January 15, 1879

Customer of the Gem: “Here’s my resolu-

tion ...That I would stop makin’ ‘em.”

Angie Newall: “I guess it would be to

have a prosperous year with the store. I
will be getting in new materials.”

Judge Rod Eun: “Oversee construction

of a three-story masonry courthouse to
give structure to the growth of our boom
mining community whose economy grows
broader every day.”

Neil Streeter, publisher of the Free Press:

Encourage someone, anyone, to build a
brick building in this town to begin trans-
forming our Main Street into a more
prominent one. Assist in formation of a
fire brigade in the spring to protect the
town from blazes. We can start drilling
in warmer weather, and in the meantime,
everyone be careful with fire.

Mr. Ezra Macarthur: “I dont reckon I

will give up drinkin and dancin with the
girls. I reckon I could go ta church a bit
more.”

A Gentleman: “Nothing’s new this year,

just one number up.”