Phantom Creek, introduction to historical facts and family

1915 Forest  Ranger Map

Cynthia Virginia “Genie” Jones Goodman: married John Bascomb Goodman 26 Dec 1911 in Colorado Springs. They had these children daughter Doris in 1912, son Donald Brice in 1914 and daughter Lois Lea in 1917 at Colorado Springs then Eastonville, Colorado. The family then moved to Woodland Park between 1917 and 1920 and then to Divide mid or late 1920’s. Cynthia was the sister of Frances Jones Jeffryes the wife of William Franklin “Frank” Jeffryes who’s children were Franklin "Lynn", Reginald “Reg Reggie” Keith and Merlin “Max” Dwite Jeffryes. When Cynthia wrote the story daughter Lois doesn’t appear in it; so I the story dates between June 1915 and June 1917. While husband John was working for the Forest Service at Woodland Park. 

Teller County Grange Map

{Note I never correct the spelling or content of any family members writing}

Phantom a true story:

   We started out early from the Woodland Park Ranger Station, that June morning. The sun had just cleared Bald Mountain and was falling warm on the upland slopes. We had loaded the cans of tiny fish, the day before. They had been shipped in from the hatchery and we were to put them into the streams of Phantom and West Creek. We were driving a young brown mare June and a sorrel gilding we called Redskin, and following behind came Collie a very large golden dog almost pure collie. On the seat was my husband-The Forest Guard- and myself, and between us sat Doris, and in my lap Donald a brown eyed little boy with fat cheeks. The fifth member of this party was my nephew Reggie sitting on a box in front of the high spring seat. Our horses were good strong animals and they hauled the heavy wagon up hill and down. Our destination was the Phantom Ranger Station where we were to live for a time and my husband’s duties were to ride everyday to Round Mountain and watch for smoke.  We came down the long hill north of Woodland Park and when we came to the Pink School House we left the well beaten road that twists and turns at the foot of Soldier Mountain and dropped down into old Pimberton now West Creek. After leaving the road we went on west over a very poor trail that led to Phantom Creek and the Phantom Creek Station. Past the beaver dams thro woods dark with tall stands of pine and spruce where chipmunks’ scurried among the branches then into open glades where sage hens sunned their flocks.  One of those quick mountain thunderstorms hit us before we reached the station and we sheltered under a tarp that kept us fairly dry. When the shower was over we went on and came to a place where a fire was smoldering. We knew it was caused by lightening they usually are in June we just put out this fire and jigged on into the station. There was a pretty good sized house, front hall, large living room, bed room and kitchen, furnished with a good many of the necessities; by this time it was supper time. There was a barn and large corral so we turned the horses in, unloaded the crate of chickens which were to help out the food for our stay. There was a fenced in garden and pie plant growing large and rich, I gathered some and steamed it for supper. We were very tired and left the fish cans on the wagon that night.

   We arose early had breakfast dumped some of the fish into Phantom Creek then took the others to the head of West Creek.  This done John must ride to Round Mountain and look for blazes. We had a very large Collie dog who was great protection in so wild a spot after bidding us goodbye, he took his lunch and road away. After cleaning up the house and dishes all that remained for the children and I was to walk down to the creek just beyond the house and on the other side of the road. There we could fish as long as we cared to, but we didn’t catch any until nearly sun down. We hooked out 10 that we cleaned and got ready for supper. When John returned he reported there were no blazes that day but he must rise early and go again to the Mountain and watch all day and everyday for the danger was very great. One morning he spotted a fire burning in a gulch several miles away. He must go and report this by telephone to the station at Woodland Park then go immediately to the fire. When the rangers at Woodland Park learned of the fire he gathered as many men as he could and provisions and hurried to the fire. There they worked hard and fast but the fire raged on and on and lasted for 2 days and nights before they brought it under control.

   Meantime what about us left in this lonely spot. And to make it even worse we had heard the tale of the horseman who when ever the moon was full rode on a white horse. My young nephew had heard it too but luckily Doris and Don were too young to take it in. I was not a spooky person but believe me when that moon rose round and full in the east it put thoughts into my head. And Reg said. “The moon is full tonight isn’t it aunt Genie? Do you think the man will ride tonight? I said. “Of course not Reggie that is just an old tale with no truth in it. It was caused and started by spooky people just because once long ago a man was frozen to death here.”  Well this calmed him and I tried to act as if I would not give that wild tale a thought. So we fed old Redskin loose in the coral; I noticed how nervous he seemed. He would run from one side of the corral and look off up the road and then to the other side and look down the road. But we went in and ate our supper and tried to settle down for the evening. We fed Collie but he seemed nervous too, would get up and lye down then get up and lye down again. And I could not keep my eyes off that big golden moon and the grotesque shadows cast. When Redskin ran around the corral a giant horse ran with him and a monster followed Collie whenever he arose and walked around.  Doris said. “Mother what is the matter you keep watching the road, do you think daddy is coming?” “Bless you child I hope so, for fighting fire is hard and dangerous work.” So the children were undressed and put to bed and I tried to get Reggie to undress and lye down, but he kept looking out too. I had made a pallet beside the bed for he and Don to sleep on we called it their snuggie. All of the time one could hear Redskin’s hoofs pounding the dirt of the corral. “Aunt Genie, maybe if you would go to the window and call Redskin he would quiet down. Do you think Collie would keep still if we let him into the hall”? So I went to the window and called to the horse and he stopped his circling and looked my way.  And when I went to open the door for Collie to come in Reggie said. “Don’t open the door!” Then I said. “Lye down Reggie nothing is going to hurt us.” Finally he fell over on the snuggie overcome with sleep.  And there I sat never before in my life had the air seemed so tense and around and around the corral ran Redskin and then Collie began to growl. And all at once Redskin let out a noise half whinny and half squeal followed by awful growls by Collie. Reggie leaped up from the pallet crying. “Aunt Genie hear the horse galloping, is it the man on the white horse”?  I sat there almost petrified but managed to assure Reggie that it was only Redskin running in the corral. The moon had climbed high and it was almost as light as day out but I couldn’t bring myself to look at the road. Things were quiet for a time and the children slept. Again that awful pounding of the hoofs and squeals from Redskin and the sound of other hoofs; and growls from Collie. So I sat tense and ridged until dawn when daylight came creeping over the mountain Redskin became quiet and Collie lay down on the porch.

   And the children roused when the sun rose and dispelled the shadows and dew lay in drops on the grass and the spider webs stretched in the weeds glistened with moisture. I arose and dressed the children then we went to feed our horse. Reggie climbed the hay loft and threw down hay and I gave him some grain and led him out to the water trough. While he ate and drank and stood still in one place, every once in a while he would raise his head and look first one way and then the other. It was day and the sun was warm and reason and logic returned. But what of the night, why had Collie growled so and why had Redskin acted so frightened? And why o why had I sensed something frightening, was it only the association of ideas housed by that tale of the man on the white horse or was there something supernatural? I have pondered this often but always reason prevails and I look for a cause for Redskin and Collie’s actions. And think that maybe because they acted so that night it was because Red was alone in the corral in a strange place. June the brown mare that had been with him was taken by John to the fire. And Collie was acting so because Red wouldn’t rest. Then I think they both smelled wild animals who had come down to close. There were known to be cougars in the north in the wilder woods. Whatever it was I put into the back ground, for John came in that evening blackened with smoke and spent. So I took his horse and turned her in with Red and fixed him a bath and supper; and we all lay down and slept like logs the night thro.

   I told Reggie not to mention the night to John as it was just our own fancies. But although that quieted him I know he was full of questions; so I gave him the theory of the wild animals and told him not to go far from the house. We lived there several more weeks before the rains came and all was quiet but we could leave before the moon was full again; and I was glad, and there were no more fires. That fall they started building the road to Devils Head and then the observatory so there was no more riding to the mountain.

                                                            by  Cynthia Goodman

I am researching the beginnings of the now defunct town of Rocky, Park Colorado. Its been an interesting journey, that I would like to include you in if you have knowledge of, or an interest in it's history. In the years following the Colorado Gold rush at Fairplay Colorado many settlers came to live in the South Park and surrounding areas. One of the first towns between Colorado City and Fairplay was the budding town of Rocky. At first only Jefferson, Bordenville, Rocky and Florissant were recognized along the Fairplay to Colorado City path through the Tarryall area. Later the towns of Puma City [Mountiandale], and Hayman came into existence. So that in the beginning everyone living within 50 plus miles of Rocky were all known as being from there. Many exceptional family's took part in developing homesteads, successful ranches, schools, and lively little communities along this span of history. Documenting it is both daunting and invigorating, and a goal I would like to see accomplished. So if you would like to contribute. Please jump right in.  

Joseph and Frederick Stoll family research

I have just put photos up on [Find a Grave] for these families. I have also created a [Virtual Cemetery] for them on my contributors page.
I wrote a book on this family, but did not follow the ascending line to where I have it documented now. The first known paternal ancestor for the surname Stoll is Hans Johannes Heinrich Stoll. Born about 1578 near Degernau, Germany, his wife was Anna Amling [originally from the German Amelung surname].
I will list all the related surnames here that I have for the family. Amling,Thoma, Schanz, Mayer, Viet, Weissenberg [known in the US as Whitenberg], Ehrensberg, Schneble, Indlikofer. Those are the surnames married to the Degernau, Germany Stoll family. These are the surnames related either by their children or their parents. Kaiser, Burger,Geng, Throenlin, Reigger, Spitznagel.

Colorado Cobweb Chasers: Welcome: to the Colorado Cobweb Chasers home:

find a grave

Colorado Cobweb Chasers: Welcome: to the Colorado Cobweb Chasers home:

Find a graveColorado Cobweb Chasers: Welcome: to the Colorado Cobweb Chasers home:

William Albert Johnson 1848-1901

wife Mary Elnora (Ellen) Hill and William Albert Johnson on their wedding day.

This page will be dedicated to their story, and is a work in progress.You will need to check back once in a while to find out how much I have added.
 William and Mary Elnora [Ellen] Hill Johnson were the parents of 10 children 8 survived to adulthood.

1 Etta May 1872-1937 [m] Robert Murray. This is the aunt to Goldie that had the daughter named Hulda which went to school in Kansas with Goldie. You may remember the Hulda stories.

2. Alma Celestia 1875-1878

3. Edward Clarence 1876-929 [m] Elda Dobbins [d] Florissant, CO [parents of Goldie Johnson Stoll]

4. Orie Elmer 1877-1878

5. Bertha Rose 1880- 1915 [m] John Melvin Fair [d] KS

6. John Otto 1883-1944

7. Leona Pearl 1884-1970 [m] John White

8. David Ross 1886-1952 [d] NB

9. Alveretta Maude 1889-1922 [m] Earl Burton Vilott they lived in Berlington,CO

10. Amanuel Sims 1891-1949 was called Blddy [m] Cecil Fox [d] Red Cloud, NB

Mary Elnora Hill was the descendant of John Hill [b] 1740 in Scotland he [m] Abigail Fessend 1765. He was Scots-Irish and immigrated from Northern Ireland in 1781. His son was Samuel S Hill [b] 1765 in Ireland who [m] Margaret [Peggy] Arbuckle. Margaret was the daughter of John Arbuckle and Rebecca Ross. Their son was William Alexander Hill who [m] Mary Gill, and their daughter was Mary Elnora Hill Johnson. Nothing is known to date as to the parentage of William Albert Johnson.

The town of Burr Oak, Jewell county, KS established in 1871 [in North Central KS] was situated on the banks of White Rock Creek, a water power steam in Burr Oak Township 10 miles northwest of Jewell Centre later called Mankato. [it's post-office was est the same year, James McCormick served as postmaster. It's first newspaper was the Burr Oak Reveille est 1879] The 1880 terminus of the Central Branch CBUPRR was constructed through the town giving it direct RR facilities. It was a shipping point for wheat, corn, hogs and cattle. 

{Since 1875 Burr Oak has made a more rapid growth than any place in the county. It is larger in population and does more business, owing to the fact that it is the terminus of a railroad and has the trade of a very rich and well-settled district. The first school was taught here in 1873. The town now has an elegant and commodious school building, just completed.}


Ezbon later called Esbon, part of  Limestone Township, Jewell county Kansas was est 1887 and incorporated in 1904.  Like Burr Oak it had daily mail service its post-office was est in 1874 M. B. Appleman served as postmaster. Esbon was situated 13 miles west of Mankato as a shipping point for the Chicago, Rock Island and Pacific RR.

The Johnson family were in Burr Oak, Jewell, KS by 1876. In 1880 William Albert Johnson,was working as a mail carrier. William's middle name has; at times been confused as Edward {which is that of his son}
After William and Ellen divorced in 1895 William remained in Burr Oak and was listed as farming, though in 1901 William was working as a mail carrier as well. Son C. Edward known as Ed was the only child living with his father. William and Ellen's daughter Etta May had married to Robert Murrey, they and their 3 children were living close by while Robert worked at farming.  Mary Elnora {Ellen} was living in section 14 of White Mound Township along with her children John aged 17 he worked on the farm Ellen rented, Bertha was 19, Pearl was 16, David was 13, Alveretta, and Amanuel  he was 8.

                                                  Murder of Wm Johnson:
12 Jul 1901, ESBON TIMES, pg 4:

MURDER IN ESBON.
ROY WILSON KILLED W.A. JOHNSON
On Wednesday evening the 3rd at 8:45 there occurred in Esbon a murder of the most cruel form.
W.A. Johnson, an old man 50 years old, was shot and instantly killed by Roy Wilson a young man 26 years of age.
The circumstances connected with the murder, as we have found out, are as follows;
Young Wilson had been keeping company with Johnson's daughter for some time, despite the objections of the parent, and last Wednesday while Johnson was away from home Wilson drove up to Johnson's and getting the girl brought her down to Esbon. In the meantime Johnson returned home and when Wilson and the girl returned, a quarrel ensued but no blows were struck.
Johnson, supposing the affair ended for the time, got into his buggy and came down to Esbon. Wilson, it seems, drove the other direction until Johnson was out of sight, then turned and followed him into town, and on arriving in Esbon started on a hunt for Johnson, finding him in front of the meat market. On coming up to him Wilson asked "Are you ready to settle it?" and before Johnson had time to answer, struck him in the face, some say with a pair of knucks, nearly bringing him to the ground, and then struck him twice more the third blow knocking him down. Johnson at this time got away from Wilson and started for his team, at the time remarking to the crowd, "If you don't keep him off from me I'll kill him". Then went north to Hurst's corner, Wilson following, and then went east toward his team. Just before Johnson reached his team Wilson pulled his gun and told him to stop. Johnson kept on and reaching his buggy got his gun, and just as he turned half around Wilson commenced to shoot, the first or second shot struck Johnson in the arm below the elbow. Wilson then shot two or three times more, the last shot striking Johnson below the left ear, cutting the jugular vein and lodging in the vertebra produced almost instant death. After he ceased firing Wilson went to his team, untied then, got into his buggy and started out, but was stopped by the crowd. He was taken to Mankato Wednesday night and turned over to the sheriff.
R.W. Turner and J.M. Livengood have been secured to defend Wilson and County Attorney McBride will secure abundant help to assist him in the prosecution.
The preliminary trial will be held at Mankato next Wednesday.

ESBON TIMES, 19 JUL 1901, pg 4:
Roy Wilson, who murdered W.A. Johnson in this city July 3, was held to the district court on the charge of Murder in First Degree, which is not a bailable case, therefore he will board with sheriff Myerly until the next term of court.
Same paper, same page as above: No witnesses for the defense, were put on the stand at the Wilson preliminary Tuesday.

ESBON TIMES, 09 Aug 1901, pg 4: Last Monday Judge Evans granted bail to Roy Wilson, who murdered Johnson in this city on July 3. The bail was placed at $17,500, an amount which he cannot raise, but at the same time this counts a great deal in favor of the defendant. This is the first case we know where a man clearly guilty of first degree murder, was admitted to bail. Was it right? We do not think it was.

ESBON TIMES, 28 Nov 1901, Front page: The rottenest verdict that ever emanated from a court house was perpetrated last week when Roy Wilson was acquitted, on plea of self defense, (just think of it) of killing Wm. Johnson in this city on the evening of the third of July last.
Taking into consideration the fact that Wilson hunted for Johnson in T.W. Lewis' store, waited for him to come out, and then started a fight in which he beat Johnson up, then followed him to Hurst's corner and shot him down in cold blood the plea of self defense does not seem plausible to us.
We have failed to find a man who could comprehend any cause within the bounds of reason, law or common justice, why the verdict should have been as it was, and it is safe to say that if Wilson had appeared in Esbon last Saturday a demonstration would have been made that could leave no doubt in his mind that Esbon township citizens (except H W Brody) were as one man against him and believed that the verdict was wrong.
A FEW REFLECTIONS
It is 66 feet from where Johnson fell to where Wilson stood. We understand that Brody swore that Johnson walked 40 feet toward Wilson after he got his gun. If this is a fact, Johnson's buggy was about 40 feet east of Buckley & Ross's store, but as a matter of fact Johnson's buggy was not as far east as the rear of the store and he (Johnson) did not get 10 feet from his buggy before he was shot and was not more than 25 feet away from his buggy when he received the fatal shot.
We were informed Tuesday by an eye witness of the affray that Johnson fell about 25 feet south-east of his buggy. This is 65 feet different than Brody is said to have sworn.

{*note}      In the original article above Brody's name was not capitalized; which indicates that he was not in favor at Esbon and therefor was siding with Wilson. (Brody was the constable for Esbon Township, he resigned Jan 1902) {Horace W Brody [b] 1848 [s/o] Reason and Sarah Driskel Brody [h/o] Lydia Luella Moyer. Later went to farming had moved to Esbon before 1884 [d] 1924 Jewell county, KS.}


William was buried in Baker Cemetery, near Burr Oak, KS.
 
ESBON TIMES, 27 Dec 1901, pg 4: Roy Wilson, who murdered Johnson in this city, on the eve of July 3, went to Cameron's sale near Burr Oak last week and went up against a man who was a little too quick for gun play and got decidedly the worst of the encounter that ensued. {*note} Wilson however did not die from this second gun fight.}

After reading the posts about Roy you know he was an aggressive young man. He killed William 3 July 1901 by about the 18th of July he was acquitted of the murder, said to have been self defense though he was the instigator. And less than 6 months later tried for more gun-play.

Roy was not the only young-man hot under the collar. This story continues with many a twist and turn. According to family lore Ed Johnson irate over the court findings; determined to find Roy Wilson. He followed Roy to Hartsel, Colorado where upon hearing that Ed was searching for him Roy then left the area.

Roy later returned to KS where he married had children and seemed to live a less aggressive lifestyle.

Pearl at age 23 married John White 23 Apr 1905 at Otego, KS. They lived at Center KS and were the parents of 2 children.

Ed seemed to be the child most adversely affected by his fathers death. And his own life story reflects his many struggles.

Byrne and Cuffe Family from County Wexford Ireland

I am now researching the Family of Thomas and Mary nee Cuffe Byrne from County Wexford Ireland. If you belong to this family of their 10 children please contact me. Daughters married; Sarah to Henry Murphy in Ireland, Anne to Gilbert Case in Aspen, Colorado, and Margaret to Patrick Shore in Ireland.
I am now in contact with one of Sarah Byrne Murphy's descendents, to-date no new information other than that regarding Sarah, husband Henry, and their offspring has been added to my base file. The search for new records regarding Thomas and Mary Cuffe Byrne is ongoing.

 Thomas and Mary Cuffe Byrne children:

1. [m] Valentine Byrne [b] 2 Feb 1864 [p] Newtownbarry, Wexford, Ireland

2. [f] Anne Byrne [b] 5 Aug 1866 [p] Newtownbarry, Wexford, Ireland {immigrated to US} [d] Aspen, CO

3. [f] Sarah (Sally) Byrne [b] 26 Sept 1870 [p] Ireland{Immigrated to US with husband Henry Murphy}[d] CA, US

4. [m] Patrick Byrne [b] 14 Dec 1868 [p] Newtownbarry, Wexford Ireland [d] Dublin, Ireland

5. [m] James (Jim) [b] 19 Mar 1871 [p] Newtownbarry, Wexford, Ireland {Immigrated to US}[d] US probably Denver, CO shortly after 1900 census

6. [m]Thomas Byrne [b] 12 May 1873 [p] Newtownbarry, Wexford, Ireland

7. [f] Margaret (Maggie) Byrne [b] 12 Sept 1875 [p] Ireland

8. [m] Stephen [b] 1878 {immigrated to the US}[d] US 

9. [f] Mary [b] 1879 living Ireland in 1911

10.[m] Nicholas Byrne [b] 21 Aug 1880 [p] Ireland