|
Early Life on the Plains
My maiden name was Marthy Cannary. I was born in Princeton, Missouri, May 1st, 1852. Father and mother were natives of Ohio. I had two brothers and three sisters, I being the oldest of the children. As a child I always had a fondness for adventure and out_door exercise and a special fondness for horses. I began to ride at an early age and continued to do so until I became an expert rider. I was known for being able to ride the most vicious and stubborn of horses, In fact, the greater portion of my life in early times was spent in this manner. In 1865 we emigrated from our homes in Missouri by the overland route to Virginia City, Montana. We took five months to make the journey. While on the way the greater portion of my time was spent in hunting along with the men and hunters of the party. In fact I was at all times with the men when there was excitement and adventures to be had. By the time we reached Virginia City, I was considered a remarkable good shot and a fearless rider for a girl of my age.
Journey by Wagon Train I remember many occurrences on the journey from Missouri to Montana. Many times in crossing the mountains the conditions of the trail were bad. We frequently had to lower the wagons over ledges by hand with ropes. (The ground was) so rough and rugged that horses were of no use. We also had many exciting times fording streams. Many of the streams in our way were noted for quicksands and boggy places, where, unless we were very careful, we would have lost horses and all. Then we had many dangers to encounter in the way of streams swelling on account of heavy rains. On occasions of that kind the men would usually select the best places to cross the streams. On more than one occasion I have mounted my pony and swam across the stream several times merely to amuse myself. (I) have had many narrow escapes from having both myself and pony washed away to certain death. But as the pioneers of those days had plenty of courage we overcame all obstacles and reached Virginia City in safety. Mother died at Black Foot, Montana, 1866, where we buried her. I left Montana in Spring of 1866, for Utah, arriving at Salt Lake City during the summer. Remained in Utah until1867, where my father died. Then I went to Fort Bridger, Wyoming Territory, where we arrived May 1, 1868. We then went to Piedmont, Wyoming, with Union Pacific Railway. a scout for general custer I joined General Custer as a scout at Fort Russell, Wyoming, in 1870, and started for Arizona for the Indian Campaign. Up to this time I had always worn the costume of my sex. When I joined Custer I donned the uniform of a soldier. It was a bit awkward at first. But I soon got to be perfectly at home in men’s clothes. Was in Arizona up to the winter of 1871 and during that time I had a great many adventures with the Indians. As a scout I had a great many dangerous missions to perform, and while I was in many close places. (I) always succeeded in getting away safely. By this time I was considered the most reckless and daring rider and one of the best shots in the western country.
|
