Cowboys, Outlaws, and Family: A Western Adventure

By R. Hess

Cowboys, Outlaws, and Family, A Western Adventure brings to life the stories of the characters in her first book Second Chance, A Western Adventure; the Preston family and their bunkhouse crew.

The Preston Ranch embraces the New Year as 1900 ushers in a new decade and ends the nineteenth century. Building a new house will continue during spring roundup, and one member of the crew suffers a disastrous accident during spring branding. June finds several members of the family traveling to Portland, Oregon, and the ranch foreman takes two young cowboys to check on the herd and captures four desperadoes during their ride.

The year closes the nineteenth century with moving one thousand head of cattle to high ground to avoid flooding conditions at the ranch. The year’s hard work is celebrated with New Year’s Eve games, and news of an upcoming wedding in the twentieth century.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Xlibris US
• Release date: Oct 1, 2020
• ISBN: 9781664132702

R. Hess

Fifth generation in the Pacific Northwest, Rebecca Hess was raised on a farm in Matlock, WA, with three siblings. Her ancestors migrated to the area filing for a homestead in 1889. Although leaving home to explore life, her roots of rural living remain. With husband Ron, they made their home on ten acres outside his hometown of Reno, NV. After raising a daughter, and the passing of parents, Rebecca is following her passion of writing historic novels about rural life, self-sufficiency, and family commitments. Self-sufficiency has lead Rebecca to learning the traditional art of blacksmithing following in the footsteps of two of her great grandfathers; Grandpa Singleton, and Grandpa Peterson. An outdoor enthusiast, Rebecca and her husband enjoy prospecting, camping, and the simpler things in life.

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Copyright © 2020 by R. Hess.

Front cover picture by Ron Hess

Text edited by M. Jacobson

Maps by Ron Hess

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the copyright owner.

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places and incidents either are the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance to any actual persons, living or dead, events, or locales is entirely coincidental.

Any people depicted in stock imagery provided by Getty Images are models, and such images are being used for illustrative purposes only.

Certain stock imagery © Getty Images.

Rev. date: 09/30/2020

Xlibris

844-714-8691

www.Xlibris.com

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Dedication

To my husband, Ron. Thank you for your unwavering support of my writing and my aspiration to become an accomplished blacksmith.

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Contents

Prologue

Chapter I

Reminiscing; Family Friends

Chapter II

A New Decade; Fun Entertainment; Decade, Century, and Calendars; Ice House; January Work; Decorating a House; Pruning the Orchard; Social Structure; Birthday Surprise; Local Happenings

Chapter III

Gold Fever; School Activities; Late Winter Colds; House Pets

Chapter IV

Building Charlie’s New House; St. Patrick’s Day and the Surprise; First of April; Celebrating Easter; New Puppy; The Cowboys Arrive; Spring Branding at the Colemans

Chapter V

Receiving News; Six Down; Planning the Garden; Evening Paper; Dona and Martha

Chapter VI

Travel to Portland; Martha’s Lesson; Catching Outlaws; Returning Home; Joining the Archery Club; Grassland Fire; Literary Work

Chapter VII

Fourth of July; Astrology Charts; New Modes of Transportation; One Summer Evening; Bachelor Party

Chapter VIII

Family Wedding; New Baby at the Ranch; Names in the Newspaper; Celebrating Birthdays; Two New Dessert Cooks; Turning Sixty

Chapter IX

Start of School; Guest Speaker; Back from Roundup and Earl’s Report; Fall Crew; Cowboy Lessons; Catching Up on the News

Chapter X

Next Projects; Straight from the Newspapers; Shifting Workload; Fall Hunt

Chapter XI

Special Report; Bessie’s School Lesson; Start of the Holidays; Christmas Trees

Chapter XII

Family Secret; First Winter Holiday; Women in the Workforce

Chapter XIII

Election Results; Change in the Weather and Moving Cattle; Arriving Home

Chapter XIV

Christmas Eve; Christmas Day

Chapter XV

Year’s End; One More Move; Sunday Church; New Year’s Eve

Preston Family Tree

Acknowledgments

My childhood represented the lifestyle of many rural Americans – hard work on the family farm and the ability to entertain oneself. Dad was a logger and farmer. During meals, the day’s work would be discussed along with the plan of what was to transpire over the next few days. Dad would give each of us specific ‘chores’ to be completed around the farm in addition to our Mother’s many projects. After our evening meal, Dad generally read the newspaper and gave us a synopsis of the articles that he thought were important. Hard work, yes, but a sound sense of responsibility and how to make work fun. Pranks, stories, and jokes were the key to keep things moving forward!

From between the age four and ten, I feel fortunate that I was able to spend time with my Great Grandma and I truly enjoyed her stories. Great Grandpa and Grandma moved from Burlington, KS, to Oregon in 1902. Traveling in a covered wagon over the next several years to different parts of Oregon, they made their home in Burns, OR, around 1908 until 1911 before moving to Western Washington. I included many of my Great Grandma’s stories in my writing – as I remember them!

During the holidays, family and friends gathered, and my Grandma and Uncle Roy would entertain us with music; Grandma playing the violin and Uncle Roy accompanying her on the piano. We shared many stories, turning them into tales which became truths. These stories helped form who I am, and I will cherish these times forever. With a continuing love to listen to stories, I hope to have captured many of the stories within my writing passing them along to you, my readers.

During a visit with my Aunt Phyllis, I discovered that my Dad wrote short stories in his youth. Then as family talk circulates, my Aunt Cyndy gave me a short story, ‘The Creature’, that my Dad’s brother, Uncle Mike, had written which I have included within my book. Yes, I have altered Uncle Mike’s story to fit the time period of my writing; however, I have kept his basic storyline. Thank you, Aunt Cyndy, for this precious piece of Uncle Mike. We will hold his memory in our hearts forever.

A professional thanks to the following for without their help in researching the historic timeline, I would not have been able to complete my writing:

Karen Nitz – Claire McGill Luce Western History Room, Harney Country Library, Burns, OR

Michael P. Maher and the crew – Nevada Historical Society, Reno, NV

Main Characters

Preston Cattle Company

Nathan and Ethel Preston

Charlie, Lucy, Craig, Minnie, Ike, Cliff, Donna

Crew

Rachael Carver, Cook

Children: Earl, Martha, Clyde

Gene Peterson, Ranch Forman

Burt Froehlich, Carpenter/Blacksmith

Frank Smithe, Ramrod

Phil Kohl, Ranch Hand

Marion Richman, Ranch Hand. Wife Katie

Harry Sturdevant, Ranch Hand

Coleman Cattle Company

Albert and Lydia Coleman

John, Conrad, Mahala, Claude, Roy, Maude, Francis

Crew

Fred Valley, Forman

Willie Moreland, Ranch Hand

Knight Cattle Company

Jesse and Kathleen Knight

Andray, Emma, Keith, Mae, Cecilia, Herman

Cowboys:

Will Kuhn, Ray Kuhn, Larry Bryant, Wayne Greene, Rudy Axford

Burns friends and residents:

Jess and Fannie Rothenburg and daughter Bessie

Mercantile owners: Don and Matilda Kohlmeier

Burns Hotel and Bar owner: Vern Hansen

Bartender: George Moreland

Desk clerk: Maggie Ford

Working girls: Mariah and Sammie

Minster: Floyd Lamb

Town doctor: Lawrence Stauffer

Attorney: Leland Berry

Livery stable owner: Louis Smithy Miller

Sheriff: Andrew McKinnon and George Shelley

Prologue

Rachael felt the warmth of her coat as it was tossed and snugged tightly around her shoulders by the stranger. His words, words of warning, rang in her hears, Run! Run home and don’t look back! She did.

Finding the window from which she had escaped the house earlier still open, she crawled through and collapsed onto her bed; scared, beaten, and impregnated. Her tattered clothes were only blocks from the police station. What was going to happen to her when her clothing was discovered? She could only hope the stranger would destroy them, take the violently ripped garments and burn them.

Tossing and turning, her nightmare was real. Her employer’s two eldest sons and one of the two accompanying friends had attacked her; only one, the unknown one, stepped in and saved her; saved her life. But why, and why had he run away leaving her to the brutality of the three men, and why had it taken him so long to come back to help her? Now she feared the reprimand, the consequence of fighting back. She knew she hit one of her attackers hard, knocking him out, and hit one of the brothers. They would both be badly bruised, perhaps even have broken bones; ‘dear God’, she thought, ‘what am I going to do?’

She stared at her bloody, swollen wrists. The ropes had dug deep, and now the torn skin and open gashes burned with intense pain. She would have to clean and bandage these wounds by herself. Her employer’s wife, Mrs. Decker, for certain, would question the injuries requiring a fabricated tale that would satisfy pressing curiosity.

Examining her injuries, Rachael knew she needed to escape, escape this evil place forever. They had not killed her tonight, but what about the next time? They would not make the mistake of taking a caring stranger again.

Waking as the first morning light of the sun peak through the curtains warming her face, Rachael sat up, horrified by her thoughts as they raced through her memory. The scars on her wrists were deep burgundy where she had rubbed them in her sleep, and they hurt. Had she screamed during this recurring nightmare waking the children? Quietly sliding out from under her bedcovers and stripping off her sweat-drench nightgown, she dressed. She had to check on the children; hopefully they were sound asleep.

Opening Earl’s door first, she remembered Martha and Clyde had stayed in town with Charlie at the Rothenburgs. Hearing Earl softly snoring, she released a pent-up sigh. This morning she had escaped an explanation to the questions the children were beginning to ask.

Chapter I

Reminiscing

Slowly walking to the Main House, Rachael pulled at her coat sleeves to ensure the scars on her wrists, now a pale pink, were covered. The physical pain had subsided; however, her emotions were still spiraling from the nightmare she was trying to push back into the deep crevices of her memory. As she reached the front walkway and set her right foot down on the first step, she wondered what had triggered this bad dream. It had been several months since the last tearful episode, why now? Things were going good for her and the children; she walked around the porch and entered the Main House through the back door.

Closing the door behind herself, Rachael heard the large grandfather clock stationed in the living room begin to chime, six chimes in all; she did not take her coat off. This Monday morning was particularly cold, colder than the ride home from the New Year’s Eve party last night. The fire in the kitchen stove was nearly out, only a few hot embers remained; an indication the weather would, no doubt, remain cold for the next several weeks. Placing several pieces of cedar kindling into the stove before adding several pieces of chopped pine wood, Rachael had the fire crackling, coming back to life, within several minutes.

With the celebrating of bringing in a new decade, Rachael did not believe anyone would be up for a couple more hours and then, only a few members would want breakfast. Picking up her colander, she made her way to the cellar for the breakfast makings; potatoes, onions, eggs, and bacon. Later, she and Gene would be putting together the afternoon dinner of prime rib for the family and bunkhouse crew. The meat, she knew, needed to be put into the oven no later than eight o’clock.

As Rachael gathered the breakfast makings, she drifted off into her thoughts, again trying to think of what had caused her past to violently creep into her mind. Reaching for the bacon, it hit her. How many unknown cowboys had she danced with last night? Many. They were all very respectful, though they held her tight, and gave her spontaneous, however slight, kisses. How was she going to keep these innocent happenings from bringing back old unwanted memories? She had to bury her past deeper, so deep it could never surface. She took her armload of food into the kitchen.

Waiting for the fire in the stove to warm up to cooking temperature, Rachael took her coat off and began peeling the potatoes, placing them into a bowl of lightly salted water. Once this task was completed, she sliced the bacon, and then scrambled the eggs in a large bowl. She would dice the onions just before putting them into the frying pan; after frying the bacon. Now, having a few moments to herself, she sat down at the kitchen table resting her chin on the palms of her hands. Closing her eyes, Rachael drifted off into thoughts of the past and her trip west.

Riding the train from Brockport, New York, had been hectic: placed in charge of two young children and overseeing the loading of freight at Chicago, Illinois, and Omaha, Nebraska, rail stations. The children, Earl and Martha, were the illegitimate son and daughter of her former employer, Mr. Charles Decker. Signing the adoption papers at the train station on the day of her departure to Burns, Oregon, Earl was eight and Martha only six. Earl was a handsome child with his dark brown hair cut short and pretty brown eyes, and Martha, small and shy, was quite cute with her brown hair fashioned in two long braids and her dark blue eyes – matching the color of her own hair and eyes. The three of them were now a family.

Arriving in Rock Springs, Wyoming, where the one hundred head of cattle were loaded, Rachael was introduced to four members of her new employer, the Preston Cattle Co. She remembered how hard she tried to hide her fears and keep up the appearance of a competent young woman capable of being in charge of a ranch house kitchen and the numerous chores that had yet to be defined.

Gene Peterson, Ranch Foreman, was in his early fifties, physically fit, slightly graying, a stocky five feet-ten inches, and gently weathered. Rachael remembered Gene did not take off his hat during their introduction. Gene had been a cowboy all his life, and his character fit Rachael’s preconceived definition of a true cowboy: quiet, hardworking, and knowing what needs to be done with the cattle and horses.

Charlie, nearly twenty-eight, was introduced as the eldest of the seven Preston siblings. He stood at six feet-two inches tall and a solid two hundred twenty pounds. His dark brown hair was cut short, his face was clean shaven, and his eyes so dark brown they were nearly black. He was dressed in a light brown long sleeved shirt having the cuffs rolled to mid-forearm and had a pale yellow bandana loosely tied about his neck. His pants were dusty brown and he wore chaps that buckled around his waist and tied at the upper and lower legs to the length of his mid-calf. His boots were scuffed and he wore spurs with small blunt rowels. His gun holster was looped through his belt and his gun was fastened down. His broad shoulders and muscular body made him an intimidating figure.

Craig, third sibling, was twenty-two and six years younger than his brother Charlie. Towering a tall six feet-five inches, his body build mirrored his eldest brother’s; broad shoulders and over two hundred pounds. His medium brown hair was neatly trimmed, however, he had a three or four day growth of whiskers, and had the deepest blue eyes. He also wore a light brown long sleeve shirt and had the cuffs rolled to mid-forearm. His loosely tied bandana was light blue in color. His pants were medium blue under chaps identical to his brother’s, buckled at the waist and mid-calf in length. His boots were dusty and he wore spurs that had the same small blunt rowels as his brother’s. His gun was holstered in the same fashion; looped through his belt and fastened down.

Ike, introduced as the fifth child, was in his late teens and was shorter than his two elder brothers, standing at five feet-ten inches. Unlike his two elder brothers, Ike was stocky, with dark brown eyes, sandy colored hair, and sprouting a blonde mustache. He too had the physical body build of a hard worker and rivaled his brothers in body weight. His tan long sleeved shirt was buttoned at the cuff, and he wore a similar colored tan bandana tied around his neck. His pants were medium blue; however, his chaps were fairly new and touched the top of his boots. His boots had been recently polished but were becoming scuffed, and his spurs were identical to his two older brothers. He also wore his gun in the same fashion as Charlie and Craig.

After the introductions and settling into their hotel room, Rachael remembered the relief she felt being with only the children. In the morning, the task of loading the cattle into the freight cars would be completed, and they would once again be on their way to their destination to Burns, Oregon; only a few more stops and they would be home.

Arriving in Nampa, Idaho, three more members of the Preston Cattle Co. were introduced: Marion Richman, Phillip ‘Phil’ Kohl, and Harry Sturdevant. Marion and Phil stood the same height, five feet-ten inches, however, very different in body build: Marion was stocky, and Phil, a bean pole.

Marion was between the age of Charlie and Craig, had very dark blue eyes and dark hair, and was clean shaven. His attire matched the others; long sleeve shirt with the cuffs rolled, bandana about his neck, gun fastened and holstered to his belt, chaps to mid-calf, scuffed boots and spurs.

Phil had short light brown hair, brown eyes, and like Ike, trying to grow a mustache. He wore a large bandana and the same type of tan shirt as the others. His pants were also blue and chaps nearly new like Ike’s and touching his boots. His boots were scuffed but he did not wear spurs.

Harry appeared to be about the same age as Marion and same stout body build. His thick dark blonde hair was cut short, and he had a day-old growth of beard; his eyes were blue. His long sleeve shirt was a pastel blue with little yellow flowers. Like the others; bandana, gun, chaps, and spurs.

Rachael remembered blending them together; hats, chaps, guns, spurs – did they just share their clothes? Laughing out loud, she still thought they probably did.

Her laugh brought her back to the present; sitting at the kitchen table in the house that had become her second home. With the cook stove making soft noises of coming back to life, she got up and added several more pieces of wood. After putting the coffee pot on the back burner of the stove, she sat back down, thinking about her life.

Disembarking from the train in Nampa, Idaho, Rachael had been in charge of the third, of four, covered wagons driven from Nampa, Idaho, to Burns, Oregon. She remembered the dusty trail driving the herd of cattle this last distance, the nights sleeping under the stars, and how Earl and Martha enjoyed the stories the cowboys, their new family, told. This new life was going to be much different than what she left behind – a brand new world, her second chance.

Arriving in Burns, Oregon, and walking toward the hotel, Craig gave a sweep of his left hand stating, This is Burns. We have about 925 residents livin’ in town, not sure about the rural population. Many of the big ranches have ah number of ranch hands and some of ’em have families. Mr. Floyd Lamb’s the minister at the church, Don and Matilda Kohlmeier have ah nice mercantile, Louis Smithy Miller’s the town blacksmith, and our current sheriff is Andrew McKinnon; he might be leavin’ soon. Town doctor is Lawrence Stauffer, and he’s ah pretty likable fella. They stepped into the hotel.

Craig looked around the hotel lobby for the two final members of the Preston Cattle Co. to be introduced to Rachael, Earl, and Martha: Frank Smithe and Burt Froehlich. Along with these two men, Craig would also introduce Rachael to Vern Hansen, hotel proprietor; Margaret ‘Maggie’ Ford, hotel clerk; and George Moreland, hotel bartender.

Frank, Gene’s right hand man, was Charlie’s height, six foot, a few years younger, and had the same body build – slim with broad shoulders. His coal black hair and dark blue eyes made him an attractive figure of a man. Frank was generally all business, compared to three of his bunkhouse mates, Marion, Phil, and Harry, who were constantly playing pranks on one another.

Burt, a stout man of forty, had a typical blacksmith look: standing five feet-ten inches, thick forearms, and heavy shoulders. His very jovial face and sparkling green eyes were inviting. He always had his blonde hair neatly combed, and was clean shaven.

Vern Hansen was in his sixties, balding, and had the physique of a man who did minimal physical labor. As Vern took Rachael’s hand, she remembered feeling his soft skin which almost made her yank her hand back as fast as she could without being embarrassed. Maggie’s official position included duties as the hotel desk clerk and occasional waitress in the dining room. Maggie was in her twenties, had strawberry blonde hair which she wore down about her shoulders, and big green eyes. She stood about the same height as Rachael, five feet-five inches, however was a little heavier and very busty. Her choice of dress always accentuated her figure, and she kept what God had endowed to her no secret. George, Vern’s most trusted bartender, was a tall, thin man, and when on the job, always had a pressed white apron tied around his waist.

The smell of fresh coffee reached Rachael. She stepped over to the stove and shifted the pot off the burner; it would retain a soft simmering boil. Returning to the table, Rachael rested her head on her forearms and drifted off recalling her emotions when she saw the ranch that first day; June 15, 1896.

It was a much larger operation than she had envisioned. There were two houses, both built in the same Folk Victorian two-story style, however without the elaborate gingerbread decor. One house, the main ranch house, was larger than the second house. Both had large wrap-around porches with three foot sidewalls and attractive porch swings. The smaller house was close to the huge garden plot and across the road from a beautiful orchard with many of the trees in full bloom.

Continuing down the drive, the main ranch house was on the right with the general shop on the left, along with a bunkhouse, and a short distance beyond were several working corrals. At the front of the Main House was a large open gravel yard; the primary barn was straight ahead, with a corral on the right in which several horses were penned. Behind the barn was another corral where a milk cow and several yearling beef calves were peacefully resting chewing their cud. To the left of barn appeared to be pigpens. The chicken coop and yard was a short distance from the Main House and kitty-corner from the horse corral. The area was very neat and clean, and the buildings were well placed for easy working. Facing north was a grove of evergreen trees, and behind the pens in back of the barn was another grove of trees. She remembered thinking they were planted for wind breaks.

Becoming aware that the sound she was hearing was not part of her daydream, Rachael lifted her head for a moment only to recognize it was the crackle of the fire, it was coming back to life. After getting up to check, she found it not yet hot enough to start cooking the bacon. She sat back down, resting her head once again onto her forearms and closed her eyes. Now she thought back to that first day, meeting the remaining members of the Preston family – Nathan and Ethel Preston and their daughters.

Nathan Preston was in his late fifties and had the stocky body build of an older gentleman filling his tall six foot-five inch body frame. His hair was gray, nearing white, giving no details of its original color. He had deep blue eyes and a clean shaven face. Ethel Preston was full figured and stout. She and her third son, Ike, were the same height at five foot-ten inches and Rachael thought probably the same weight. Ethel’s hair was salt and pepper, indicating it was once black. Lucy, the second eldest sibling and twenty-six, had the same body build as her mother, however she was a tad shorter, standing about a height of five feet-seven inches. She had her mother’s black hair and facial features, but her father’s attractive blue eyes. Minnie, fourth sibling, had the same body build as her mother and sister Lucy, and stood about the same height as Lucy, five foot-seven inches. She inherited her mother’s black hair, however like her sister Lucy, she had their father’s gentle blue eyes and his facial features. Rachael thought both sisters were attractive, and no doubt smart; they could hold their own during the family discussions. Cliff was the youngest brother, sixth sibling, and just sixteen. Cliff was taller than his brother Ike, standing a full six feet. His body mass and hair color matched Ike’s; however he had his father’s deep blue eyes. Donna, the youngest of the seven siblings, was nearly eighteen years younger than her eldest brother, Charlie. She had thick strawberry blonde hair and her mother’s dark brown eyes. Rachael had no doubt that in several years she would grow to become a beautiful young woman.

Rachael lifted her head, leaned back, and took in a deep breath. Stretching her arms out wide, she yawned before getting up and pouring herself a cup of coffee. She tested the stove, not quite hot enough to start cooking. Then too, no one was stirring. No sense starting breakfast if everyone was still asleep.

Sitting back down, Rachael stared out the kitchen window as she took a sip of her coffee. Yes, Earl and Martha were, just like her, settling into their new environment. They were growing, but the changes in the family were subtle. Earl, now twelve, was losing his pudgy figure transforming into a tall, lean capable young man. The attention Cliff gave to Earl, treating him as a younger brother, was greatly appreciated by Rachael. Martha, ten, was learning everything she could from her new family which included the bunkhouse crew. She no longer rolled herself up into Rachael’s skirts to hide from everyone and everything. And Dona and Martha were attached nearly at the hip – where one girl was, the other was sure to be close by.

Clyde, introduced and becoming part of Rachael’s family in October 1898, and now almost six, was quite the character. His enthusiasm for life was enjoyed by all, especially Burt. Clyde was continually asking and answering his own questions. He watched everybody through his bright blue eyes, and seldom combed his sandy blonde hair, unless reminded to do so. Being a happy, fun-loving, good natured child, Nathan and Ethel Preston immediately became Grandpa and Grandma, Gene became Grandpa Gene, and the remaining family and crew received their respective titles of Uncle or Aunt. Rachael was amazed how quickly Clyde adjusted to his new surrounding and family. He was truly a unique child.

The Preston family and bunkhouse crew were slowly growing. Minnie and Frank were married in October of 1897 and their first child, Erich, was born in the fall of 1898. Charlie was planning a summer wedding to Bessie Rothenburg, a school teacher in Burns. Rachael thought Bessie was pretty with her long, light brown hair, and adorable blue eyes. The two women were very similar in height and weight, both about five feet-five inches and a slight one hundred twenty-five pounds. Bessie, being an only child, was looking forward to becoming a member of the large Preston family. Rachael liked Bessie and was happy for both Charlie and Bessie, and Rachael liked Bessie’s parents, Jess and Fannie Rothenburg. Everyone thought of Jess Rothenburg as an odd duck or called him an eccentric with his frumpy, disheveled appearance, and were very surprised that Bessie was so meek, and Fannie such a gentle soul – going out of her way to help anyone.

Ike was spending the majority of his spare time at the neighbor’s ranch, Albert and Lydia Colman, and Rachael felt he would begin officially courting their eldest daughter, Mahala, soon. Ike kept it no secret that he was going to marry Mahala. Marion married Katie Fredson, Ethel Preston’s cousin’s daughter from Portland, on New Year’s Eve 1898, moving into the Garden House with Rachael, Earl, Martha, and Clyde. After the disappointment of the loss of their first pregnancy, Marion’s and Katie’s due date of a second child was days from Charlie’s and Bessie’s wedding date. The family excitement was mounting for August 1900.

The clock in the living room started to chime, had she been thinking of the families for a full hour? No, she thought, she had drifted off while thinking of her new life, her new family, her second chance; Gene walked into the kitchen.

Family Friends

Gene gave Rachael his usual good-morning wink and realized he may have caught her napping before breakfast; everyone had enjoyed the lively New Year’s Eve party celebrating the end of another year, another decade, and welcoming in a new year.

Looking around the kitchen and seeing half of the breakfast prepared, Gene asked, Rachael, would you like me to cook breakfast so that you may go back to bed? Rachael only smiled, stood, and poured herself another cup of coffee, and a cup for Gene.

Testing the stove, it was proper cooking temperature. Placing the bacon into the pan, breakfast was started; the bacon would be kept warm in the oven while preparing the remaining dishes. While Rachael focused on breakfast, Gene started mixing the spices for the prime rib. Together, the two of them, Gene and Rachael, had the spices just right for a crusty exterior on the meat, and a very tender, tasty, interior. Everyone enjoyed the meal when prime rib was served.

As they worked, Gene started the conversation believing Rachael had not only been resting, but reminiscing, Been thinkin’ about your first days at the ranch? Gene asked in a quiet tone.

With a side-way glance to Gene, Rachael nodded her head, Yes, sometimes it seems so long ago. Yet when I have time, like this mornin’, to really think about it, it feels like yesterday we were steppin’ off the wagon and walkin’ up the front porch steps. Rachael swiped the tear from her cheek with the back of her hand.

Not noticing the movement of Rachael’s hand, Gene began taking them back in time, Do you remember the Sunday dinner you prepared when you were introduced to the Colemans? I have to tell you, the boys were sure happy to be served in the bunkhouse and elated to receive their individual pies! Rachael flashed a smile at Gene; Gene continued.

Ike was very pleased with himself re-telling how the introduction was handled, Gene said as he began rubbing the spices onto the prime rib. He chuckled throughout his whole dissertation and had us all in stitches several times, and even had Burt laughing so hard he couldn’t catch his breath! Rachael now wanted to hear more of Ike’s tall tale.

Gene looked over at Rachael, and receiving her look of a cocked eye-brow, he knew he had her attention so he continued, Yes, Ike said he stood right behind you givin’ you a full commentary to ensure you got the true picture of the family. I’ll try to repeat Ike’s story as he told it.

Gene took a moment, and inhaled deeply through his nose, with a slow exhale, before he continued, Ike said, ‘Pop introduced Albert and Lydia. I told Rach they were nice folks, ah bit younger than ours, but their eldest son was ah womanizin’ bastard who would hump anything.’ Boy did that comment get Harry and Phil goin’. After the laughter and discussion of how they should trim John’s beard for him, I got the bunch hushed enough for Ike to continue. Gene paused and took a sip of coffee.

After a brief moment, he continued with his story, Ike stammered a bit reassurin’ us he was tellin’ it like it happened which caused another round of laughter. Startin’ again, Ike said ‘John stepped forward and grabbed Rachael’s hand which caused Craig to jump, nearly knockin’ both Rach and me over.’ Harry interrupted and asked if John let go of the handshake and received a look of disgust from Ike which Marion interpreted for the group. Yes, we were nearly on the floor laughin’ at that! Phil got us quieted down from that one, and Ike managed to gather himself to move on, outlinin’ how Albert introduced the siblings, ‘Conrad their second son, daughter Mahala, third son Claude, fourth son Roy, second daughter Maude, and last but not least, fifth son Francis.’

Gene stopped his narrative, and chuckled, "This is another funny part: Ike said as Albert introduced each siblin’, he told you a few tidbits on each of them – ‘Conrad was ah good drinkin’ partner; Mahala, with her beautiful blonde hair, deep blue eyes, and gorgeous figure would someday be his bride.’ Harry interrupted Ike, again, with several explicative words gettin’ us all goin’ in several different directions. I waved Harry off and asked Ike to continue with his true story of the Coleman introductions, which he did." Gene paused.

Ike cleared his throat and continued statin’, ‘Claude was too young to judge his character, could be like John but hopefully like Conrad.’ I figured Roy was next in line, and Ike bragged a bit on Roy which and I quote, ‘I told Rach that Roy was ah good lit’l prankster, suggest anything to him and he’ll do it!’ We all chuckled at that character description believing it to be true. Rachael found herself rolling her eyes at Gene’s interpretation of Ike’s description of Roy.

Gene turned the prime rib over, pausing a few moments rubbing in the spices before continuing with his story, Ike said he didn’t have much to say about Maude other than ‘she’s ah lit’l pest’ and that Francis ‘was ah quiet lit’l guy, quiet like Mahala’. I wish I could’ve given you the full version of the story as it did take Ike about an hour to give us all the details of the introduction. As I stated, Ike was very proud of himself standin’ behind you, made the three bunkhouse crew pretty envious, which only made the story more animated. Then for the next few weeks, Ike and Marion couldn’t quit teasin’ Craig about John’s handshake. Good thing Craig has a sense of humor is all that I can say ’cause if the tease would’ve been pointed at Harry, the fight would’ve been on.

Only giving Gene a knowing smile, Rachael moved the conversation to a few other family friends that had been introduced to her over the past four years, Yes I remember the Coleman family introduction quite vividly! Looking back, I have to admit I was terrified every time I was introduced to any of the family friends and thankful everyone was polite; Doc Stauffer and attorney Leland Berry in particular. Minister and Mrs. Lamb and their daughter, Erin, were very accepting of Earl and Martha which I really appreciated. Rachael shot Gene a quick look before taking in a breath of air.

That first meeting with the three School Board Trustees, Jess Rothenburg, Maria Singleton, and Mrs. Maude James, was an experience that I won’t forget anytime soon. Ethel Preston only gave very brief descriptions of Mr. Rothenburg and Mrs. James on the ride to town, stating Jess Rothenburg was a bit of an odd duck and that Maude James believed she still lived in New York and maintained an air of elite status, Rachael said summarizing Ethel’s conversation.

During my interview, Rachael paused and took a sip of her coffee, Mr. Rothenburg introduced Mrs. Maria Singleton as ‘a woman with a brood of children’ and Mrs. James as ‘a spinster’. I remember looking at them; Mr. Rothenburg definitely had a disheveled appearance about himself, and Mrs. Singleton had a quaint motherly look. And I particularly remember Mrs. James. She definitely fit the image of a spinster being impeccably dressed and she reminded me of the many women that I had served at the Sunday church teas desperate to be around others. I still wonder why a woman of her age would leave her home, moving across the country not knowing anyone at her final destination. Gene merely shrugged his shoulders at Rachael’s last comment.

Chapter II

A New Decade

Rachael removed the bacon from the frying pan placing the strips onto a cookie sheet and put the sheet into the oven to keep the bacon warm. She would wait until the senior Prestons were up before she started cooking the potatoes.

Once the oven door closed, Rachael paused, listening to, or for, something. Gene started to speak, however, Rachael put up her hand indicating for him to be silent. Gene now heard muffled sounds, sounds of horse hooves hitting packed snow.

My, the group is home early, Gene said as he started for the door. Rachael momentarily turned her look from Gene toward the inner kitchen door.

With a deep breath, and exhale, Rachael stepped over and touched Gene’s arm, Boy I hope nothin’ serious has happened. Last night the plan was that Charlie would take Bessie, her parents, and the kids to breakfast at the hotel. Both Martha and Clyde were excited about the outing, and Fannie agreed it would be a nice way to start the New Year. Rachael and Gene walked out of the house through the back kitchen door.

By the time Gene and Rachael turned the corner of the porch, Charlie had the sleigh at the front gate and was stepping down to help his passengers out. Bessie gave a welcoming shout, Happy New Year!

The surprised look on Rachael’s face was a clue that Bessie needed to explain their early arrival, I’m sorry, Rachael, that we’re early. Honestly, I could not wait another moment! Martha and Clyde talked to us another hour after everyone left last night about the blue prints of the house Charlie is building for us. Mother had breakfast cooked by 5:30a.m. and I just could not wait another minute to get here! Charlie teased me all the way saying that I’m just like Clyde – once I know there is a surprise, I cannot hold my excitement! Charlie gave Bessie a slight kiss on her cheek as he lifted her from the buggy.

Clyde started for the house with Charlie giving a quick shout, Hey! I need ah lit’l help with the horses. Ya know, they aren’t gonna unhitch themselves.

Clyde grinned at his Uncle Charlie, turned and gave a wave to his mother, then hopped back on the sleigh. Charlie handed the reins to Clyde, and helped the boy drive the team to the barn. Within minutes, Charlie and Clyde joined the group in the kitchen.

Craig stumbled into the kitchen shortly after Charlie and Bessie arrived. Running his hands through his uncombed and unruly hair, Craig mumbled, What time is it? Seems like I just got to bed and ya’re all in here makin’ all sorts of noise. Can’t ah fella get some sleep around this place?

Bessie started to apologize, Craig, we are so sorry...

Rachael chuckled interrupting Bessie cutting her short, And just what time did you come in this mornin’, Mr. Craig Preston? She gave him no time to answer but made her own assessment, Lookin’ at you, my guess is around three, maybe four, this mornin’. Then she drug out her next statements, And my guess, you drank plenty. I’ll bet you can’t even remember what you did last night after we left.

Craig waved his hand at her, "I can remember exactly what I did and what happened. I watch ah scuffle between two men that lead into ah brawl. Then Harry and Phil got drunk, and I had to help ’em home."

Charlie smiled and shook his head at his brother, The shape you’re in, I don’t think we’ll be seein’ Harry or Phil ’til noon if you’re sayin’ they were drunk; Christ, you’re still drunk.

Not sure what to say, Bessie kept quiet. She had never seen anyone drunk or look as bad as Craig did this morning. She softly whispered to Charlie, Why would anyone want to drink so much that they feel as bad as Craig looks?

Craig ran his hands through his hair once again and grumped, If I knew ya were gonna be pickin’ on me this mornin’, I would’ve stayed in bed and hollered for Rach to wait on me. Gene raised an eyebrow at Craig questioning his last