Masami Ko

By Eugene Barnes

Settlement in the early American West was not without its' challenges.  An extraordinary expanse of habitable land lay waiting for the taking.

Therein lay the rub, the taking.  The Western Promise was fraught with surmountable yet daunting threats.

Water wasn't easily accessible, wild animals roamed to one's detriment, highwaymen ravaged the unsuspecting, and Native Americans refused to consent to their white usurpers.  The rule of law was dependent upon the presence of a few.

Character before conduct was virtually nonexistent to the unruly horde of prospectors of a western future, and homesteaders bent on making their niche.

At times the law was instituted by no more than a mob mentality.  Absent a lawman or judge, horse thieves were summarily hung from the nearest waiting tree.  Disputes were generally decided either through fisticuffs or by who was the best shot.  The fastest draw was not a guaranteed winner in these disputes.  Numerous bystanders succumbed to many a wild shot.  Dead was dead.

With too few Peacemakers, the unnecessary loss of life further contributed to a mindset to survive at any cost.  Life in the early West necessitated the ownership of as many weapons as one could afford.

Prominent among the western law enforcement officers were the Earp brothers, along with MarshallWyatt Earp.  There was Pat Garrett, who killed Billy the Kid; Doc Holliday, the dentist; Wild Bill Hitchcock, Bat Masterson, and of course, the legendary Bass Reeves.  Unfortunately, the supply of these Peacekeepers was not inexhaustible.  Justice lacked proper representation.

To augment the flow of justice in the Wild West, Bounty Hunters found their proverbial footing.  For a bounty fee, hardened men and women rode out in pursuit of wanted criminals.  Many never returned to collect their bounties. 

This no-holds-barred engagement became a test for dominance in this limited field.  Although the law was intended for the lawbreakers, there weren't enough lawmen for the lawbreakers.

Although publically despised as a profession, Bounty Hunters notified the Desperados that law was coming westward and fast.

Arriving in San Francisco in late 1860, many immigrants from Europe and Asia sought a golden opportunity in America.  The lure of a better life was secondary to adapting and making one's way.

One of the newcomers was young Masami Ko from Japan.  A ticket was purchased to finance her trip using money secured from the Missionary Jonathan Stone.  Having no extra money for food, Masami was consigned to the ship's bowels shoveling coal into the furnace. 

Hard work was never a problem for her as she worked steadily at home with her parents for the upkeep of their small allotment of land. 

Working in the furnace room tested her stamina to endure the unpleasantness of being alone.  Working alongside the many men who also worked in the furnace room gained her their respect.  They often made sure that she was afforded all accommodations.

After work, Masami would retire to her stateroom, indulging in long baths and cups of tea.  Once she finished her bath, she would dress and go on deck to watch the many people aboard the ship.....

 

 

• Language: English
• Publisher: Eugene Barnes
• Release date: Mar 15, 2023
• ISBN: 9798215923108

Eugene Barnes

Eugene Barnes, works in employment, economic development, community organizing, youth development, technology, and banking/housing. It became a catalyst for improving the physical and financial health of residents in Central Illinois. He’s combined over 40 years of experience in social work with community organizing beginning with the NAACP in 1965. His diverse experience from private and public caregiving institutions enriched his capacity to understand the complexities of change from within the community. Dr. Barnes has organized citizens to have a voice in shaping public policies and programs on a national basis as Board President of National People’s. He has been instrumental in forming over seventy national nonprofits. His most recent accomplishment was being invited to the White House for the signing of the historical Financial Reform Bill of 2010. In 2012, Dr. Barnes held the first Faith-Based Conference in Champaign, IL, bringing houses of worship to partner with the city government to effect change. Dr. Barnes has traveled to Israel, Palestine, and South Korea as an Ambassador for Peace and a member of the American Clergy Leadership Conference. He is the author of several books. He is married to his childhood sweetheart.

Book preview

PROLOGUE

Settlement in the early American West was not without its’ challenges.  An extraordinary expanse of habitable land lay waiting for the taking.

Therein lay the rub, the taking.  The Western Promise was fraught with surmountable yet daunting threats.

Water wasn’t easily accessible, wild animals roamed to one’s detriment, highwaymen ravaged the unsuspecting, and Native Americans refused to consent to their white usurpers.  The rule of law was dependent upon the presence of a few.

Character before conduct was virtually nonexistent to the unruly horde of prospectors of a western future, and homesteaders bent on making their niche.

At times the law was instituted by no more than a mob mentality.  Absent a lawman or judge, horse thieves were summarily hung from the nearest waiting tree.  Disputes were generally decided either through fisticuffs or by who was the best shot.  The fastest draw was not a guaranteed winner in these disputes.  Numerous bystanders succumbed to many a wild shot.  Dead was dead.

With too few Peacemakers, the unnecessary loss of life further contributed to a mindset to survive at any cost.  Life in the early West necessitated the ownership of as many weapons as one could afford.

Prominent among the western law enforcement officers were the Earp brothers, along with MarshallWyatt Earp.  There was Pat Garrett, who killed Billy the Kid; Doc Holliday, the dentist; Wild Bill Hitchcock, Bat Masterson, and of course, the legendary Bass Reeves.  Unfortunately, the supply of these Peacekeepers was not inexhaustible.  Justice lacked proper representation.

To augment the flow of justice in the Wild West, Bounty Hunters found their proverbial footing.  For a bounty fee, hardened men and women rode out in pursuit of wanted criminals.  Many never returned to collect their bounties. 

This no-holds-barred engagement became a test for dominance in this limited field.  Although the law was intended for the lawbreakers, there weren’t enough lawmen for the lawbreakers.

Although publically despised as a profession, Bounty Hunters notified the Desperados that law was coming westward and fast.

Arriving in San Francisco in late 1860, many immigrants from Europe and Asia sought a golden opportunity in America.  The lure of a better life was secondary to adapting and making one’s way.

One of the newcomers was young Masami Ko from Japan.  A ticket was purchased to finance her trip using money secured from the Missionary Jonathan Stone.  Having no extra money for food, Masami was consigned to the ship’s bowels shoveling coal into the furnace. 

Hard work was never a problem for her as she worked steadily at home with her parents for the upkeep of their small allotment of land. 

Working in the furnace room tested her stamina to endure the unpleasantness of being alone.  Working alongside the many men who also worked in the furnace room gained her their respect.  They often made sure that she was afforded all accommodations.

After work, Masami would retire to her stateroom, indulging in long baths and cups of tea.  Once she finished her bath, she would dress and go on deck to watch the many people aboard the ship.

Her observations assured her that she was considered less than others.  The scrutiny came from the same-paying peers who quartered with her on her section of the ship.  Noses were turned up as she entered and exited her room.  None chose to speak with her.  Gossip persisted as to how she could afford a stateroom. 

Unaccustomed to such a regular display of ignorance, it was easy for her to write off their disdain for her.  She did wish, however, for the trip to end.

Arriving in San Franciso, Masami began to survey her surroundings.  She discovered that work for hire generally favored Chinese immigrants, so she explored her limited options.  At first, she was hired out as an indentured servant but was later released from bondage.

Masami joined a wagon train leaving for Missouri to defray another day of hunger.  She had no idea where Missouri lay, but at least it was a job.  At least she would not starve of hunger.

Clutching her small wooden box that held her few personal belongings, Masami headed East.

Eight months later, an experienced road traveler of Japanese descent arrived in Missouri.  The next day after her arrival, Masami was no longer employed.

Destiny chose to favor the vagabond.  A female wagon train member offered Masami the washing clothes for her family. 

Within the week, the family and Masami set out for Jefferson City, Missouri. 

Just before arriving in Jefferson City, three bandits attacked the wagon.  As a projectile got Masami’s attention, she sprung into action.

Quickly dispatching two assailants with her Shuriken throwing start, the remaining bandit chose to live and surrendered.

The bandit, tied to his horse, was delivered to the local Sherriff, where Masami collected a hefty bounty.  Masami Ko was no longer unemployed.

CHAPTER 1 

THE BUFFALO BOYS

The small band of Apache had been following the two for several miles since the duo entered their lands.  The Apache were cautious and curious, considering the man being chased was running from a woman they called la Mujer Amarilla, or the yellow woman.

They had seen such women before but never one giving chase to a burly man such as Pierre Fraser.  Pierre was known to the Apache and the Sharp rifle that he carried, for he had recently killed several Apaches, and the Apache gave him a wide berth.

The band watched Pierre pull up his mount, hit the ground, and aim his Sharp rifle at his pursuer.  La Mujer Amarilla was steady in her gait as the bullet pierced her water bag and embedded itself in the horse's side.  Her horse stumbled forward and fell as its rider scrambled to reach the water bag before all the water was exhausted.

Pierre was pleased with his nefarious deed and vouchsafed that he wouldn't kill her until he had his pleasure with her.  As he mounted his horse, he could see the Indians in the distance, at which he shook his Sharp rifle at them.

The actual name of the Yellow Woman was Masami Ko, and she was from Japan.  Masami was brought over and had her beginnings as an indentured person.  She served her allotted time, and when freedom did not arrive as promised, she employed skills learned abroad and slew her oppressor.  Discovering that she was not squeamish about taking a life, she assisted a family that had been robbed.  Masami was compelled to use deadly force when confronting the robber, and the family rewarded her for her bravery.  Not having any other skills, she quickly adapted to hiring herself as a bounty hunter.  She had the skills and the weapons that she personally forged.

The only weapon that she carried today was a long metal hollow tube.  That was all she needed to bring Pierre in.

The Indians watched silently as Pierre Fraser entered a ditch several yards before him.  Turning their attention back to Masami, they were surprised she was running toward Pierre at a reasonably paced run.

It would take Masami three more hours to arrive at the place after Pierre had ended her horse's life.  She looked around for tracks and saw them leading off into the gorge.  Undaunted, Masami headed in that direction when Pierre appeared and pointed the Sharp at her.  Without hindering her stride, she raised her hollow metal tube to her lips just as Pierre pointed the rifle at her head.  She blew into the tube as Pierre swatted the air, finding nothing to catch.

He grinned at her and told her he would have real fun with her after he shot her.  Masami stood her