David probably never lived in Logan County, but his stay in Julesburg was really interesting.
David cash-claimed a quarter in section 28, 8N 52W in 1875.
In 1850 Dearborn County, Indiana, David Springer is 40, Sarah Springer 32, Elizabeth Springer 15, Sarah E. Springer 10, Palmira Springer 8, David Springer 6, and George Springer 2.
Sarah Springer BIRTH 15 Dec 1812 DEATH 23 Jul 1858 BURIAL Crown Hill Cemetery Indianapolis, Marion County, Indiana, Sarah Ella Springer BIRTH 12 May 1840 DEATH 16 Sep 1959 (aged 119) BURIAL Crown Hill Cemetery Indianapolis, Marion County, Indiana, PLOT Sec: 31, Lot: 290 MEMORIAL ID 46017327. PLOT Section 31; Lot 290 MEMORIAL ID 247396983.
Sarah Ella Springer BIRTH 12 May 1840 DEATH 16 Sep 1959 BURIAL Crown Hill Cemetery Indianapolis, Marion County, Indiana, PLOT Sec: 31, Lot: 290 MEMORIAL ID 46017327/
In 1860 Indianapolis, David Springer is a carpenter, 50, Polmyra Springer 18, David W. Springer 16, George E. Springer 11, Martha M. Springer 6, all kids born in Indiana, Thomas Fiscus 27, a brick mason born in Ohio, and E. Jane Fiscus 25 born in Indiana.
David Springer BIRTH unknown DEATH 2 Feb 1881 BURIAL Crown Hill Cemetery Indianapolis, Marion County, Indiana, PLOT Sec: 31, Lot: 290 MEMORIAL ID 46017207.
His sister Elizabeth J. Fiscus died October 12, 1920 in Jefferson County, Indiana.
She was born April 20, 1834 in Indiana to David Springer of Pennsylvania and Sarah Armington of Maryland.
Crown Hill Cemetery Indianapolis, Marion County, Indiana, PLOT Sec: 31, Lot: 290 MEMORIAL ID 45938083.
Myra Springer BIRTH 1842 DEATH 1907 BURIAL Crown Hill Cemetery Indianapolis, Marion County, Indiana, PLOT Sec: 31, Lot: 290 MEMORIAL ID 46017314.
David Wallace Springer
1844 Born April 10 in Lawrenceburg, Indiana to David and Sarah Brewington Springer
1861 Mustered into Indiana Volunteers at Lafayette, Indi ana, age 17
1862 Wounded at Battle of Malvern Hill, age 18
1864 Discharged at end of three year enlistment, age 20
Possibly
In 1864 Colorado, A. H. Brown and David Springer, partners in retail dealing in "Gold Dist.", paid $8.33 in Federal income tax.
1865 Reenlists in Indianapolis for one year, age 2i, mustered out of service at age 21; goes west via Missouri River boat
1867 Takes telegraphy course in Indianapolis
1868 Goes to Kearney Station, Nebraska Territory and Granite Canon, Dakota Territory
1869 Works for Union Pacific Railroad at Granite Canon, Wyoming Territory
David W. Springer and Mary Wilson married on 24 Oct 1870 in Morgan County, Indiana.
1872 David's sister, Myra Springer, arrives to help with delivery of Springer baby
1873 Baby girl, May, born; Mary Springer dies 20 days later
DAVID IN COLORADO
The Laramie Sentinel on February 14, 1873 reported Mary Springer's death. We have received the painful news of the death of Mrs. D. W. Springer, the interesting and accomplished young wife of the railroad agent at Granite Canon. Mrs. Springer leaves a little babe and a heartbroken husband to mourn her loss. They have the heartfelt sympathy of a numerous circle of friends in this great affliction."
February 15, 1873 Cheyenne
The Lakeview cemetery has no first names or dates for this burial, but there is a plot with two Springer infants and one Mrs. Springer.
Myra's February 17th, 1873 letter announcing the death of May also described how May was dressed for the coffin, the immediate concern for the infant and the problems of feeding in a day when commercially prepared baby food was nonexistent. She wrote: I shall stay with Wallie and my baby. I cannot leave him and Papa has Mother to care for him. The climate is better for 'Birdie' and we have plenty nice cream to feed her. Have a fresh cow today so I can soon feed her fresh milk. Wallie may leave here after he gets his debts paid, not decided where we will go."
Through the spring Myra was faced with not only the nurturing of the baby but the uncertainty of her disconsolate brother, quite a dilemma for this city-bred girl to face alone.
At the end of April they left Granite Canon for Julesburg, Colorado. David Springer wrote his father concerning Myra's care of the baby and the baby's fretful attitude as she cut her front teeth.
November 1873
Julesburg Colorado May 26
Dear father
We have been at Julesburg three weeks yesterday. I like the climate here much better than at Granite as we miss those old piercing winds; the summers here however may not be so pleasant as I think they are much too warm for comfort, but my idea in coming to this particular place was to get where I would have more business to do something to keep my heart from aching so hard by keeping my hands and mind more active. I expect to have plenty of work to do soon as work is commenced again on our new road the "Colorado Central." This is its eastern terminus, forming a junction with the U.P. here running south west to Greeley and Evans Colorado, then almost south to Golden City & Central City, making a line of nearly 200 miles, giving Central and Southwestern Colorado almost an air line to Omaha and Chicago.
We are right in the midst of the Buffalo Country here saw several droves yesterday and this morning but have not killed any yet; their hides are not good taken this time of year as the hair comes out too easily in the fall and winter is the right time for them.
Henry M. Stanley wrote of Julesburg when it was called "The Wickedest City in America," filled with all the seamy riffraff that followed the laying of the rails, streets lined with saloons - some large canvas dancing saloons where luxurious foods could be had for "twelve bits."
Myra's first letter home tells a different story.
Julesburg Colorado
May 11th, 1873
Loved Ones,
We have really moved and have nearly every thing in its place and begin to feel comfortable. We are in the Platte Valley, which can be viewed from this place. This was once quite a populous place for a few months, several thousands of people living here, but they are gone, and there are now but two families beside us here - one keeping the section house where a dozen section men board, and the other keeps a saloon called the "Star Saloon " and "Eating House — Meals at all hours. " Germans. 1 have only met the one woman, Mrs. Tntrikan, the German who kindly gave me shelter thefirst night and both of us breakfast. Their house is just north of us and we can see all who enter it from our kitchen window.
Our house fronts south and is the size of the one at Granite, only differently arranged. Just across the tracks is a large warehouse with rooms in one and where some of the section men sleep. There is a large coal house up the track, where the engines take coal. Then there is one dobie house made of mud with a turf roof. It is occupied by section men. These are all the houses here now. There is a large stock yard and the ruins of a large dobie and a good many excavations showing where many homes have stood.
We took a walk over the place last evening - it is quite level. South of us a mile or two are the ruins of Fort Sedgtwick. Some day will go there. Sand cliffs are in sight all around - they fence in the valley. It is the South Platte Valley. ...I think we shall like it here. I have made up my mind to be contented. It is not so windy here as at Granite Canyon.
Two months later Myra wrote to her father urging him to come for a visit.
"Julesburg, Colorado July 14TH 1873
Pa it would do you good and give you a rest and Eddie could take care of the house and your interests there while you are away.... You have worked so hardI think you deserve to rest. I told Charlie the fare from Omaha here was fourteen dollars. I was mistaken it is $18.85. We will qive you both a cordial welcome you and Charlie. This is a dull place to be sure, but you can get rest and little May will help to entertain you. Mr. Merret who lives near Granite Canon has discovered a Silver mine about three miles from Granite he thinks in paying quantities. Mr. Mills is the agent and Mr. Maygood all have taken claims. Don't know yet about us going to Cheyenne.
In a postscript to her letter Myra wrote:
Few days ago a big drove of Texas cattle numbering thousands passed here never saw so many at once. They were being driven to Cheyenne to a ranch near there.
In December Mvra wrote home, a newsy letter. Among other items, she reported:
Julesburg, Colo.
Dec. 20th, 1874
...Brother has just come in from his ride, now baby has awakened. You play with her while I write Mattie: I must tell you something: We have a post office here now and D.W.Springcr is Post Master, ahem! aren't we enterprising! He is to get the big salary of twenty four dollars a year.
Entrikens have a new kitchen built to their house. This is all of the improvements of Julesburg for this year. Mr. Ellis of Sidney, the sheriff of the county, who is Mrs. Weir's son-in-law, was arrested on suspicion of murder this week. Some weeks ago there was a man killed in a saloon in Sidney shot through a window at night by some unknown party and instantly died. Me was a rough and once shot at Ellis. There is a thousand dollars reward offered for the arrest and conviction of the murderer. Ellis is a drinking man. There are several saloons in Sidney. Ellis and Entriken have been intimate friends.
P.S....Last week buffalos came up near the station and I stood on the platform and saw one killed, could have almost shot one from the station.
Early in 1874 Myra wrote of a trial in which David Springer was involved.
Julesburg, Colorado Jan. 25th, 1874
"Dear Papa:
Wallie went to Cheyenne last Monday morning and returned Friday night. He went to attend that Soldier trial again. The last trial the soldier was given a verdict of $2200 and the company carried it to a higher court and this time the soldier is to get $1400. So the Co. did not make anything and may take it to the Supreme court. They are making a test case of it.
The trial is also mentioned in Springers 1874 diary.
June Sunday p.m.
"Trial to come off tomorrow morning. I go to Granite Canon today to make a diagram and notes of the Country where soldier was put off of the train and had his feet and hands frozen, for which he sued for damages. Arriving at Granite Canon recd. message that the case had been compromised so I will be in no hurry to return to Cheyenne.
In January 1874 Myra wrote: Julesburg, Colorado
"There was a sick man died in the car Friday night after the train left Sidney and they telegraphed from here to North Platte for a coffin to be ready when the train reached there. Me had consumption."
On March 22, 1874 David Springer wrote to his "Dear Papa" about the weather and his daughter, May.
JULESBURG Colorado, March 22ND 1874, ...'Wish ' Father you could see my fitifc Mail bird she is as pretty as half dozen Teaches better looking than all the other babies you would love her because you couldn't help it if you wanted to. There is no hint of a decision to send Myra and the baby back to Indiana, and his 1874 diary has no entry until April 13 when he writes:
" Julesburg Weld County
Colorado April 13TH 1874 Resigned my place as Agent & Operator today
The next entry: April 23 Sister 'Myra and my baby start for home this morning
DAVID AFTER COLORADO
Thus ended a significant chapter in the life of David Wallace Springer. He spent three months of that year on a long cattle drive, and remained in the area till January, 1875 when he went east.
1874 Springer resigns telegraphy post; Myra and baby return to Indianapolis; Springer leaves for the South to buy cattle
1875 Purchases half interest in grocery business, Richmond, Indiana
1876 Travels to Philadelphia Exposition, Washington D.C., New York City; sells interest in grocery; goes west
1877 Sells his cattle in West; sightsees back to Iindiana; travels to Parsons, Kansas to purchase half-interest in grocery business For a while he was a partner in a very successful grocery and supply business in Parsons, Kansas.
1878 Visits family in Indianapolis
1879 Returns to Parsons, Kansas
July 1881 Parsons, Kansas " A lot of the Gunther's celebrated candies just received by express at D. W. Springer's, 10 Johnson Avenue."
1881 Sells grocery business; father David, Sr., dies
1882 Travels south in search of investments
1883 Buys lumber business in Fairfield, Illinois His last venture was a lumber business in Fairfield, Illinois.
1S84 Travels seeking healthy climate
1885 Dies of consumption at sister Myra's home in Indianapolis on October 10, Although he was able to do considerable traveling in the east, his health failed and he died at his sister's home in Indianapolis on October 20, 1885. age 41.
David Wallace Springer BIRTH unknown DEATH 1885 BURIAL Crown Hill Cemetery Indianapolis, Marion County, Indiana, PLOT Sec: 31, Lot: 290 MEMORIAL ID 46017213.
October 27, 1885 Indianapolis " The will of David W. Springer was probated yesterday. It provides that the estate, after all his debts are paid, shall form a common fund, the interest on which is to be paid, share and share alike, to his daughter Martha and his three sisters, Elizabeth J. Fiscuss, Palmyra and Martha Springer. If all the interest is not needed to support them, the surplus is to be added to the principal. The share of any one sister, after her death, is to be divided equally among the other devisees. On the death of the sisters all of the shares are to go to the daughter, or, if dead, to her heirs. Palmyra Springer is made executrix."
