Lucy J. Cunyus’ History of Bartow County, Formerly Cass, Chapter V contains sketches of the county’s pioneer settlers. One of those early settlers was Edmond Douglas Puckett. Six of Puckett’s children are listed, including a son Richard, who, “ … went west during California gold rush and never returned” . She doesn’t tell us any more about him, but from newspapers, court records and other sources, we can follow some of his movements, mining for gold in the early years, and later for silver.

Richard Puckett was born in Cass County, Georgia, February 13, 1838; he was enumerated on the 1850 Census in his father’s household, age 13. Sometime in the early 1850’s, he left for the California gold fields with a group which included James McNeal, Christopher “Kit” Conyers and others ⁱ . From The Eureka (Nevada) Daily, July 22, 1882, “ … he came to California early in the ‘50’s … He started into this line (mining) in the palmy days of Yreka, California… ” . Puckett was not listed on the California State Census of 1852, which would indicate that he hadn’t arrived by that date, though in the chaotic conditions of the gold rush, it is possible that he was missed by the census taker. Gold had been discovered at Yreka, California in 1851. The easily accessible deposits at Yreka had begun to play out by 1855, and by 1860 many of the miners had moved on to Washington and Oregon territories.

On July 2, 1860, Puckett was in Oregon Territory, where he was enumerated on the 1860 U.S. Census in Dalles, Wasco County (Age: 22, Occupation: Laborer, Place of Birth: Georgia.)

On September 30, 1860, gold was discovered at Canal Gulch, on Oro Fino Creek, Washington Territory (now the town of Pierce, Idaho), by a group of prospectors led by Captain Elias D. Pierce. From the narrative of James W. Watt, “The Pierce City or Oro Fino placer mines were situated on the North fork of the Clearwater River, along Oro Fino Creek and its tributaries, and the ‘diggings’ extended along Oro Fino Creek, and up the various gulches, for a distance of some twelve miles above Pierce City and for some ten miles, or more, down the creek below that town.” ⁱⁱ Puckett headed to Oro Fino in 1861. ⁱⁱⁱ W. A. Goulder related the following:

…About a dozen gamblers remained in Oro Fino that winter (1861 -1862), with Dick Puckett as the recognized chief. They had amongst them, all told, at the beginning of the winter, about $1000. With this much of the needful they managed to play poker day and night through the winter, at least all the time they could keep awake. Nothing but extreme illness or its equivalent disability, too much hastily concocted whiskey, was accepted as an excuse for any one’s absence from the seances. As soon as any one of a party went broke, he was immediately restaked by the one that happened at the time to have the best run of luck… Our Oro Fino professionals had all the fun among themselves this time, as there were few, if any, of any other class who had the means and inclination to share the sport with them. As spring approa ched, it became apparent that the joint resources of the fraternity were growing smaller by degrees and beautifully less, from the continued drafts made by hotels, restaurants, and other unavoidable expenditures, and that a change of base would soon become necessary. One bright February morning they all left in a body, taking up the line of march on snowshoes, and in single file, for the more promising field of Florence. I had the pleasure of witnessing the gay procession as it skimmed over the frozen surface of the snow -fields on its long Norwegian snow -shoes, with the irrepressible Puckett leading and cheering, as he had done on so many other occasions. Many of this company of Knights of the Pictured Pasteboards I had known personally since the spring of 1 853, having frequently met them in the various mining camps of Oregon and California, and had found them always gay and cheerful under the most trying circumstances, and generous to the extreme of generosity… ^iv

The placer deposits at Florence were quickly exhausted, and on November 12, 1863, Puckett was in Hogem, Idaho Territory (now a ghost town). The population of Hogem at that time was about 3000. “Richard Puckett of Hogem I. T. ” purchased half of lot no. 9 in Hogem, Idaho Territory. From Gold Camps & Silver Cities, by Merle W. Wells, “A major gold rush to Boise developed in the fall of 1862 when further prospecting began to suggest the extent of the new placer country. The return party reached the basin on October 7, 1862, and established Pioneer City (usually known as Hogem in the early years) … ” . ^v Hogem was later known as “Pioneerville” .

On March 17, 1864, Richard Puckett, “residing at Placerville, Boise County, Idaho Territory” purchased, “ … undivided half of the house and lot situated on Lot No. 2 and Block No. 4, town of Placerville, county of Boise, Territory of Idaho … immediately in the rear of the house known as the Washoe Saloon…” ^vi

In 1867, Puckett was in Philipsburg, Deer Lodge County, Montana, where, on July 7, 1867, he purchased, “ … one half of one whole claim of two hundred (200) feet on the Van Hale Lode situated on the west side of Yankee Blade Gulch and about one (1/2) half mile east from the town of Philipsburg.” ^vii

He is listed as one of the ten claimants of 200 feet of the Golden Cable Lode, “ … located about 1400 feet north east from the Atlantic Cable in George Town district, Deer Lodge County, Territory of Montana … ” .

On May 22, 1870, Dick Puckett, along with Joseph Hogle, D. McNutt and others left Oro Grande, Idaho Territory for Leesburg, Idaho Territory. ^viii

On August 18, 1870, R. A. Puckett, age 31, is enumerated on the U.S. Census. He is in Loon Creek Mining District, Lemhi County, Idaho, post office Leesburg. His occupation is “Placer Miner” .

December 3, 1871 Puckett was in Boise, Idaho Territory, records state he was “Married by R.L. Gillespie Esquire on the 3d day of December A.D. 1871, Mr. Richard Puckett to Mrs. Mary Augusta L. Gillespie, both of Boise City, I.T., in the presence of Mr. J. B. Oldham & Mrs. Mary A. Gillespie. R.L. Gillespie”. ^ix Mary A. “Minnie” Gillespie was the daughter of Judge Robert L. Gillespie (the one performing the ceremony). Mary was previously married, to George Chapman on November 13, 1864.x There was one son by that marriage, Edward Lindsay Chapman. Mary and George were divorced in January, 1871.

April 22, 1875: Puckett is in Silver City, Idaho, where he testified as one of the witnesses to the shooting of Jim Hamlin by Patsey Horan, bartender, over a debt for “ …liquor to the amount of three or four dollars.” ^xi

From the Owyhee Daily Avalanche, July 15, 1875, “Jim Crutcher and family, Dick Puckett and family, and Dr. Belknap, left this morning on a fishing excursion to Meadow Creek. The doctor took the ladies and children in a wagon, and Jim and Dick went on horseback. They intend to be back Sunday evening. They took along the necessary appurtenances for camping out, and will undoubtedly have a pleasant time. While out of town, Jim and Dick will have time to think over and repent of their sins. ” ^xii

August 3, 1875: The Owyhee Daily Avalanche reports:

A party, consisting of J.S. Sammons, G.A. Warner, Dick Puckett and Lark Richardson, leave here tomorrow morning on a prospecting expedition with the intention of being gone about two months. Their destination is in the neighborhood of 300 miles in a north easterly direction from Silver City, their objective point being somewhere in the Salmon River country, near the boundary line between Idaho and Montana. Mr. Warner, who is an old prospector, will guide the party, and is confident that he can lead them to some fabulously rich and extensive quartz ledges that he formerly discovered out there. They are all jolly, energetic fellows, and splendidly armed and equipped, having one of the best outfits that ever started on a similar expedition. They have seven fine animals – five mules and two horses – four for riding purposes and three for packing. Their weapons, offensive and defensive, consist of two magnificent rifles, a double – barreled shotgun, besides a revolver and bowie -knife apiece. They also take along plenty of fishing tackle, a fine field glass, prospecting tools, provisions, blankets, etc., with just enough whisky – for medicinal purposes. Richardson is to do the fishing, Puckett will supply the chickens, while Sammons and Warner are to furnish the camp with deer, bear, mountain sheep and other large game with which the country abounds. They are all made of good stuff, and it will take many an Indian to get away with them. They promise to take notes by the way and furnish the Avalanche with a detailed description of their trip when they return. Good luck to you, boys, and may your brightest anticipations be realized.

1876 February 7: From the Owyhee Daily Avalanche, “Among the passengers by stage this morning for Winnemucca (Nevada) were A.H. Robie and two daughters and R. Puckett. ” ^xiii

1878 November 9: Richard and Mary have moved to Nevada. The Owyhee Avalanche of this date reports, “The Tuscarora Times says: ‘Dick Puckett is building a comfortable residence on Weed Street, near the Carlin fast freight warehouse’ . ” ^xiv

1879 September 20: The Owyhee Avalanche reports, “Mr. and Mrs. Richard Puckett have a pleasant home in Tuscarora, but Dick has still a lingering fondness for old Idaho. They have a host of friends in this Territory as well as in Nevada, and will receive a right royal welcome if ever they return to the ‘native heath’ . ” ^xv

May 7,1880: From the San Francisco Chronicle, “Dick Puckett caught a salmon trout at Hogle’s ranch, near Tuscarora, Nev., on Friday, that weighed upwards of 12 pounds. He smote it on the head with a long-handled shovel as it was ascending a riffle in the stream. ” ^xvi

1880 June 9: Richard and family are enumerated on the U.S. Census, in Tuscarora, Elko County, Nevada: R.E. Puckett, miner, age 41; Minnie, wife, age 28; Edward, son, age 14.

1881 April 3: Puckett has returned to Idaho Territory. The Weekly Independent (Elko, Nevada), reports,

Letter From Wood River: A letter dated the 20th inst., from Wood River, from Dick Puckett and George Cunningham, who left here about a month ago for that place is published by the Times Review. They arrived on the 14th, after a rough trip of five days from Blackfoot. They are still suffering from snow blindness contracted while on their journey. They advise everybody to stay away for six weeks at least, as nothing can be done before that time on account of the snow. Th e town of Bellevue contains about three hundred inhabitants, nearly all of whom are prospectors and miners, most of them broke. There are seven stores, five saloons, three restaurants, two barber shops, one lodging house, one tin shop, two stables and two meat markets, but no beef. There are not a thousand dollars in circulation in the town, and the boys say they would rather have Dallas’ saloon in Tuscarora than the entire five in Bellevue, for the next six weeks. ^xvii

June 21, 1881: Puckett is in Alturas County, Idaho Territory. From the Idaho Semi-Weekly World (Idaho City, Idaho Territory), “About one quarter of a mile north of the Carrie Leonard mine, at the head of Little Smoky, H.H. Scott, Dick Puckett and Jess Bradford have located and are working the Corbett mine. It is one of the very latest discoveries, and is a magnificent one. They have two and a half feet of very rich ore, and the samples brought in the first of this week run 220 ounces. They have ten tons of ore on the dump, and will pack it out as fast as they can raise it. The prospect will be worked for what it is worth. ” ^xviii

February 2,1882: The Ketchum Keystone (Ketcham, Idaho Territory) reports, “The Covert: Near the Scott mine, is also one of Dollarhide, Puckett & Scott’s properties, and so far as developed promises very favorable for its owners. The main shaft, which is in 35 feet, shows high grade ore in a two-foot ledge; while a vein of galena from 12 to 18 inches in width crops out above the ground for upwards of 100 feet. Several open cuts have been made on the main ledge, from which some 20 tons of ore were produced. Several tons of high grade ore were sent to Hailey last summer for reduction, which, though meant only as a sample test of the general yield of the mine, proved very profitable, even after packing the ore some 25 miles by mule train. ”

On the 14th of July, 1882, Richard A. Puckett, age 44, died in Hailey, Idaho Territory. He was buried in Pioneer Cemetery, in Hailey.

The Idaho Statesman of July 18th:

Dixie Boone came in from Hailey yesterday, bringing the news of the death of Richard Puckett, who died on Friday last. Mr. Puckett is a pioneer of this coast and Territory, and known to nearly all the old settlers. He was salivated with quicksilver in an early day in the Boise Basin, retorting goldxix, and has never since enjoyed good health. He has failed gradually for several years, and his death was not unexpected. ^xx

Some three months after Puckett’s death, the Cartersville Courant, February 19, 1885, reprinted an obituary from the Wood River Gazette:

Dead and Gone
Is one of the best men that ever rambled o’er the Pacific Coast – “Dick” (Richard A.) Puckett. From Joe Oldham and Sheriff Gray, who have known him since his boyhood days, we learn that the deceased was born in Cartersville, Georgia; that he came to California early in the ‘50’s; that his business has been mining, either in placers, or of late years after silver. He started into this line in the palmy days of Yreka, California, and at (that) place. Struck for Oro Fino, in Northern Idaho, in 1861; thence to Florence; then to Montana; over to Virginia City, Nev., Tuscarora, Boise and into Wood River last year. Dick had passed through every phase of mining life – rich and poor as fortune called the turn. About six or eight years ago he married Mrs. Chapman of Boise City, and has been a devoted husband and father (to her boy – Eddie) ever since – both of whom were at his bedside when Death called him hence, at an early hour yesterday morning. He died aged 44 years, and for one who has employed his thousand laborers in mining not his like can be found – that is, one who has fewer enemies. In Nevada, we know, he was chief among ten thousand, and many will be true mourners when they read of his early demise. Dropsy of the liver and heart was the cause which led to this sad result. The funeral procession is a very large one and is forming at his late residence as we go to press. – Wood River Gazette.

Richard and Minnie never had any children. In later years, after Richard’s death, Minnie remarried. She died in Multnomah, Oregon, July 9, 1919.

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1. The Free Press, Cartersville, Georgia, February 19, 1885
2. “Experiences Of a Packer in Washington Territory Mining Camps During the Sixties,” The Washington Historical Quarterly, Vol. XIX, No. 3, p. 207
3. The Free Press, Cartersville, Georgia, October 5, 1882
4. Reminiscences: Incidents in the Life of a Pioneer in Oregon and Idaho, William Armistead Goulder, Boise, Idaho, University of Idaho Press reprint, 1989
5. Gold Camps & Silver Cities, Merle W. Wells, Moscow, Idaho, Idaho Department of Lands, Bureau of Mines and Geology, 2nd Edition, 1983
6. Deed Book 3, Boise County Deeds, p. 145
7. Deed Records, Book 1, Deer Lodge County Courthouse, Anaconda, Montana
8. “Letter From Loon Creek,” Idaho World, Idaho City, Idaho, May 31, 1870, p. 2
9. Idaho, U.S., County Marriage Records, 1864–1967, Ancestry.com
10. Boise, Idaho, United States, Court Records, 1863–1865
11. “Desperate Shooting Affair,” Owyhee Daily Avalanche, Silver City, Idaho, April 22, 1875, p. 3
12. “Gone A Fishing,” Owyhee Daily Avalanche, July 16, 1875, p. 3
13. “For Winnemucca,” Owyhee Daily Avalanche, February 7, 1876, p. 3
14. Owyhee Daily Avalanche, November 9, 1878, p. 3
15. Owyhee Daily Avalanche, September 20, 1879, p. 3
16. San Francisco Chronicle, San Francisco, California, May 7, 1880, p. 4
17. “Letter From Wood River,” The Weekly Independent, Elko, Nevada, April 3, 1881, p. 3
18. Idaho Semi-Weekly World, Idaho City, Idaho, June 21, 1881, p. 3
19. Note: Mercury is used in the extraction of gold; mercury is mixed with gold, forming an amalgam which is then heated, vaporizing the mercury and leaving the gold. The effects of mercury exposure can cause severe health problems, even death.
20. “Death of a Pioneer,” The Idaho Statesman, Boise, Idaho, July 18, 1882