Visting Boise in 1870s-80s was way to share livestock news, especially how cattle fared

When people from other parts of Idaho came to the capital city in the 19th century, they sometimes visited the office of the Idaho Statesman to share news of their neighborhoods.

In May 1875, E. Montgomery of Cold Springs Station on Overland Road reported that “prospects for farmers and stockmen are very favorable in that section. Montgomery & Stover have sold their ranch to G.P. & O.S. Glenn for $2,000. They have 70 acres of plowed land and cut 150 tons of hay. The buildings and fences are cheap, not of much value. The location of this ranch for a good market is very desirable, and it must be set down as a good bargain for the buyer. The hay and grain can be sold to the stage company and teamsters at a high price.”

Also that month, “John Earley’s thoroughbred bulls, bought in Lexington, Kentucky, last January, arrived here Monday.” They were listed as “Red and White Shorthorns.”

In January 1876: “Cattle in Owyhee. Mr. John Strode was in town this week from Camp Lyon, where he has a large band of cattle. His market for cattle is in San Francisco. He has shipped about 200 head there this season. Prices range from 2 cents to 6 cents per lb.”

In March 1876, the Statesman printed five separate advertisements for “Estray” cattle that had been rescued in starving condition by farmers in the Middleton area. All of the ads ended with something like, “The owner is notified to come, prove property, pay costs, and take the animals away.”

In June: “Cattle. M. Shirley, who lives on Raft River, in Owyhee County, was in town yesterday and went to Silver City this morning, where he will remain for a day or two, and return to this city, when he will go to overtake his drove of 3,200 head of cattle, which is now encamped at City of Rocks. M. Shirley made his purchases of cattle in Walla Walla and Grande Ronde Valleys.”

Also: “Cattle. Hooked by a vicious steer. Mr. Fred Nodine who crossed Boise River with a large band of cattle, en route for Colorado, a few days ago, was severely wounded, being hooked by a steer. Dr. Ephraim Smith has gone to see him.” Nodine recovered not only enough to continue with 1,300 head of steers, but also to go on to the nation’s centennial celebration in Philadelphia.

There was a market for Idaho beef in all directions. In September 1877: “Large Sale of Cattle. Messrs. Bixby and Taylor have lately purchased for the San Francisco market about 450 head of cattle on the Payette. They purchased these cattle in small lots from several ranchers. The sale of these cattle will add $9,000 to the floating circulation in this country. Mr. Jeffrey of the Weiser has also made sale of some of his cattle. We are glad to see some of the cattle men disposing of their surplus stock, and thus adding to the wealth of the country.”

In August 1882: “Mounted Horse Swims Snake River. 1800 head of cattle cross with the loss of only eleven head. A cowboy who could not swim crossed too by great good luck.”

This story was originally published August 22, 2020 at 7:00 AM.