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February 13, 2011
February 11, 2011
Restoration of Soapy Smith's saloon (Jeff Smith's Parlor): Part 5.
(Click images to enlarge)
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| Jeff Smith's Parlor jack-up off the foundation Photo courtesy of Bob Lyon |
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| Inside the Parlor Photo courtesy of Bob Lyon |
Bob Lyon, a historian at the National Park Service, as well as a professional photographer, in Anchorage, Alaska has been keeping me apprised of the restoration program for Jeff Smith’s Parlor. He is the editor of the recently published Park Study on the building, which is how we met. I am happy to report that plans and progress are moving along at a nice pace. Following is a condensed version of several emails I have received thus far. He plans to keep us up-to-date. Bob reports that in the last six months
The YMCA find
Photo courtesy of Bob Lyon
“The building was completely cleared out, jacked up, archaeology finished underneath, new foundation poured, and the building lowered on to it. It's going to look pretty good when finished. There were some pretty odd things left under the building in a trench dug for a bomb shelter in WWII. Evidently Rapuzzi [George Rapuzzi, previous owner of the Parlor] didn't bother to fill it in when he moved the Parlor from 6th Ave. Well, he filled it in with odd junk. By the way, are you aware there is a replica of the Parlor in it’s second location on 6th? It's one of these dress-up-in-old-time-clothes for a photograph places. I've attached a couple of photographs of the Parlor jacked up. And, just for fun, a photograph of a gun [Smith and Wesson .32] that was found inside the wall of the old YMCA Gymnasium on State Street. My first thought was some kind of Soapy connection when maintenance found it, but that building wasn't constructed until 1900, so that's pretty unlikely. Interesting find, though.”
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| Damage found inside the walls Photo courtesy of Bob Lyon |
The gun is indeed an interesting find. How did it get there? Was it place there intentionally, or was it dropped accidentally. This was 1900 and although Soapy Smith was gone, Skagway was still a dangerous place with new comers arriving and leaving every day. People still carried concealed guns for protection. I am letting my imagination get the best of me in thinking that the gun was possibly involved in a crime or murder and was intentionally dropped into the wall to hide the evidence.
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| East exterior wall, buidling jacked up Photo courtesy of Bob Lyon |
That the NPS has started so quickly on the Parlor has rangers and historians in Skagway breathing easier as it has been known for some time that the building was slowing leaning to one side. Bob said that Park maintenance
West exterior wall, jacked up
Photo courtesy of Bob Lyon
“…got quite a bit done this summer. I was amazed the building hadn't fallen down when they jacked it up and we saw just how little remained of the foundation. In fact, if it hadn't sunk into the ground I think it would have fallen down.”
What a horrible thought, that we came that close to losing such a monument to Skagway’s criminal past, not to mention one of only two buildings known to exist that housed Soapy Smith.
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| Underneith the Parlor a new foundation is constructed Photo courtesy of Bob Lyon |
“You can see how bad the walls were deteriorating, sunk into the ground. Plans are proceeding. They're going to try to restore the Soapy manikin to function as it did in Itjen's day. Speaking of Itjen, I just bought a press photo of him in NYC in 1940, promoting Skagway.”
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| Martin Itjen He is the man who created the Soapy museum Photo courtesy of Bob Lyon |
A huge thank you to Bob Lyon for taking these photographs and to the National Park Service for restoring the Parlor. We look forward to hearing more from you Bob.
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February 10, 2011
Soapy Smith's table of violence
Here above is the table of violent acts known to have been committed by Soapy Smith in his lifetime. I am positive there are more but as of yet I have not come across them.
I am currently working on the table of charitable acts known to have been committed by Soapy. That should prove to be an interesting one to complete. The two tables will be published on the main website when completed.
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February 8, 2011
Soapy Smith: "Robin Hood of the Old West"
Friend Rich sends in an idea.
Here is an idea to help promote JRSII: Give JRSII a special 'title' to associate with him. For me, the title that seems most fitting is 'Robin Hood of the Old West'. [I know I have mentioned this before] Let's face it....along with his lawless behavior...he was also benevolent and generous to those in need. I could be wrong, but I believe if both sides of Jeff's persona are promoted, maybe over time, he will rise to 'major' Old West status.
My best.
Rich
"Robin Hood of the Old West." I like it! It's fitting. Some historians called outlaw Jesse James sort of a "Robin Hood." That was in the early biographies and since then historians have dove deep into his history to find little resemblance of "Robin Hood." Soapy is defineitly a "Robin Hood" type with all the mass records of charity work.
In the 1960s Soapy was known as the "King of the Frontier Con Men," taking the title from the book of the same name.
Rich, I think you are on to something here. Incidentally, I took the same idea in naming his last gunfight, "Shootout on Juneau Wharf." I went by the title of the old west's most famous shoot-out, the "Gunfight at the OK Corral."
Regarding Soapy, he has been known as
- Bad Man of the North
- Alaska’s Outlaw
- King of the Frontier Con Men
- Robin Hood of the Old West
I would like to hear some ideas from all of you!
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February 7, 2011
Becoming a follower of Soapy Smith: Easy instructions!
I have received several interests in becoming a follower of this blog, that included questions on how to accomplish the feat. I thusly created a new page that should make the process very easy. Believe me, I appreciate all the "follower's" I can get!
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Fugitive Soapy Smith borrows $1,725: Artifact #28.
The year 1895 marks the year Soapy lost control of his beloved city of Denver. It all came to a head on the night of April 21. During a night of heavy drinking when Soapy and younger brother Bascomb paid a visit to the brothel of Jenny Rogers who was hosting the police chief George Goulding and some of his “friends.” A fight broke out but the true details vary in the newspapers as to what happened, and why. Tom Sewall, proprietor of the Side Line Saloon was cracked over the head with the pistol butts from both brothers.
Not being placed under arrest, the brothers decided to check out the Blonger saloon where they argued and apparently tried to pick fights until a police officer escorted them out. From there they made their way into the Arcade Clubrooms where “Sheeny Charley” Lorje (or Lorge) got the worst of the Smith brother rage.
When Arcade Clubroom (gambling hall) proprietor, John “Square-Shooter” Hughes tried to stop the attack the two brothers transferred their efforts onto the cranium of Hughes. Later that night the Smith brothers were arrested and then released when word was given that no one would file charges. The following day Hughes recovered from the assault enough to file charges and the brothers were once again arrested and this time they stayed arrested. Charges of “assault to kill” were filed. Bascomb was sentenced to one-year in prison but Soapy skipped out on his bondsmen, thus officially becoming a fugitive from Denver justice.
Soapy had lost his Denver empire and although he ran great risk of being imprisoned he periodically returned to the city on personal and business affairs, most likely trying to get Bascomb out of jail on bonds so that they could flee the state and settle elsewhere. Soapy’s dealings with the police and the courts were front-page headliners in the city for weeks while he dealt with attorneys to reappear in court for the charge against him. In the mean time Soapy traveled around the western states and south down into Mexico adding some fantastic adventures to his already incredible story, including a gunfight and arrest in Houston, Texas, and a bullfight connection Gillette, Colorado, just outside of Cripple Creek.
On November 18, 1895 Soapy borrowed $1,725 from the First National Bank of Denver where he had an account. Three months later, on February 19, 1896, during one of his foolishly brave sneaks back into the city he borrowed another $1,725 from his bank. In 1895 borrowing $1,725.00 is the equivalent of borrowing $53,780.00 today.
Records show that seven-month’s later; Jeff paid back the amount in full. On the same day Jeff took out the second loan, he was leaning against a building’s stone pillar on the corner of Larimer and Sixteenth streets when Parson Thomas Uzzell happen to walk by. The parson gasped and extended his hand in friendship as the two men knew each other well. The following day’s Evening Post reported their conversation.
“I never drink—no more.” Said Soapy.
“The Lord be praised,” said the parson.
“Where you hail from?” asked Soapy.
“The vineyard of the Lord!” said the parson.
“Your breath don’t show it.” Remarked the pseudo gambler. “Dear parson, you must excuse me, I’m in a fearful hurry—mining business. I’ll call on you at the tabernacle in the very near future. Goodbye. May the Lord bless you. Amen.” And Soapy hurried up the street. Uzzell continued the story by telling the reporter how in 1892 in Creede Jeff had helped him retrieve his stolen money after he had been robbed while sleeping in his hotel room.
Considering that the newspapers in Denver were plastered for weeks with the stories of Soapy’s escape from justice there is extremely little doubt that the First National Bank of Denver did not know that Soapy was in deep trouble and that there was a good chance he would never return to Denver, or be imprisoned. In either case the bank might have had a hard time getting any of their money back. yet his credit with his bank was good enough that he was able to obtain the loan, even with his reputation. On top of everything there appears to be no record of collateral in the loans.
Not being placed under arrest, the brothers decided to check out the Blonger saloon where they argued and apparently tried to pick fights until a police officer escorted them out. From there they made their way into the Arcade Clubrooms where “Sheeny Charley” Lorje (or Lorge) got the worst of the Smith brother rage.
When Arcade Clubroom (gambling hall) proprietor, John “Square-Shooter” Hughes tried to stop the attack the two brothers transferred their efforts onto the cranium of Hughes. Later that night the Smith brothers were arrested and then released when word was given that no one would file charges. The following day Hughes recovered from the assault enough to file charges and the brothers were once again arrested and this time they stayed arrested. Charges of “assault to kill” were filed. Bascomb was sentenced to one-year in prison but Soapy skipped out on his bondsmen, thus officially becoming a fugitive from Denver justice.
Soapy had lost his Denver empire and although he ran great risk of being imprisoned he periodically returned to the city on personal and business affairs, most likely trying to get Bascomb out of jail on bonds so that they could flee the state and settle elsewhere. Soapy’s dealings with the police and the courts were front-page headliners in the city for weeks while he dealt with attorneys to reappear in court for the charge against him. In the mean time Soapy traveled around the western states and south down into Mexico adding some fantastic adventures to his already incredible story, including a gunfight and arrest in Houston, Texas, and a bullfight connection Gillette, Colorado, just outside of Cripple Creek.
On November 18, 1895 Soapy borrowed $1,725 from the First National Bank of Denver where he had an account. Three months later, on February 19, 1896, during one of his foolishly brave sneaks back into the city he borrowed another $1,725 from his bank. In 1895 borrowing $1,725.00 is the equivalent of borrowing $53,780.00 today.
Records show that seven-month’s later; Jeff paid back the amount in full. On the same day Jeff took out the second loan, he was leaning against a building’s stone pillar on the corner of Larimer and Sixteenth streets when Parson Thomas Uzzell happen to walk by. The parson gasped and extended his hand in friendship as the two men knew each other well. The following day’s Evening Post reported their conversation.
“I never drink—no more.” Said Soapy.
“The Lord be praised,” said the parson.
“Where you hail from?” asked Soapy.
“The vineyard of the Lord!” said the parson.
“Your breath don’t show it.” Remarked the pseudo gambler. “Dear parson, you must excuse me, I’m in a fearful hurry—mining business. I’ll call on you at the tabernacle in the very near future. Goodbye. May the Lord bless you. Amen.” And Soapy hurried up the street. Uzzell continued the story by telling the reporter how in 1892 in Creede Jeff had helped him retrieve his stolen money after he had been robbed while sleeping in his hotel room.
Considering that the newspapers in Denver were plastered for weeks with the stories of Soapy’s escape from justice there is extremely little doubt that the First National Bank of Denver did not know that Soapy was in deep trouble and that there was a good chance he would never return to Denver, or be imprisoned. In either case the bank might have had a hard time getting any of their money back. yet his credit with his bank was good enough that he was able to obtain the loan, even with his reputation. On top of everything there appears to be no record of collateral in the loans.
Artifact #28: page 406.
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February 5, 2011
Bit from Days of '98 Show
Here's a smal bit from the Day's of '98 Show in Skagway, Alaska.
story about Soapy Smith from his Lady.MOV
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Jefferson and Ethel Smith
Another early photograph of Jefferson Randolph Smith III (Soapy’s son) and his first wife, Ethel Catherine Reitz with two of their children. They were married April 20, 1908 in St. Louis, Missouri. Jeff was 21 in 1908 and he looks pretty young in the photograph, so I will only guess that it was taken sometime after 1910.
If the photo dates sometime after 1911 the children could be Joseph Jefferson Smith (left), born November 16, 1909 and Joan Wanda Smith (right), born May 21, 1911. One of the problems with these old photos is that boys were often put in boys dresses. It was the norm of the period. So, although the child on the left appears to be a girl, it could be a boy. I am just guessing and could sure use some help from the family on this.
If the photo dates sometime after 1911 the children could be Joseph Jefferson Smith (left), born November 16, 1909 and Joan Wanda Smith (right), born May 21, 1911. One of the problems with these old photos is that boys were often put in boys dresses. It was the norm of the period. So, although the child on the left appears to be a girl, it could be a boy. I am just guessing and could sure use some help from the family on this.
- Who are the children?
- Who is the unidentified woman on the left?
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February 3, 2011
Author Jeff Smith interview on KTOO radio, Juneau, Alaska
Jeff Brown of KTOO-FM in Juneau, Alaska obtained my book some time back and recently contacted my publisher to arrange and interview. I'm scheduled for Monday, February 7th about 3:30. People can listen on line if they go to KTOO.org
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Artifact #27: Soapy Smith lends money to a friend, Spokane, Washington 1896.
Above is another document from my personal Soapy Smith collection, a promissory note for $250 dated October 13 1896 in Spokan, Washington. Soapy loaned D. P. Stomas the $250 due “5 days after date without grace….”. $250 is equivalent to approximately $7,904.06 today. That's a nice friend! At the bottom appears “Due Oct 18th 1896 At Spokane [signed signature] DP Stomas.” Not indicated is what the money was for. –Alias Soapy Smith, p. 420.
D. P. Stomas is also mentioned in a letter to Soapy dated Aug 21, 1895 from Perry A. Clay in which Stomas sends his regards to Soapy. –Alias Soapy Smith, p. 391.
It is obvious from the Clay letter that Stomas is a friend, associate, or even part time member of the Soap Gang, however, there is no other information on the man as of yet.
D. P. Stomas is also mentioned in a letter to Soapy dated Aug 21, 1895 from Perry A. Clay in which Stomas sends his regards to Soapy. –Alias Soapy Smith, p. 391.
It is obvious from the Clay letter that Stomas is a friend, associate, or even part time member of the Soap Gang, however, there is no other information on the man as of yet.
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February 2, 2011
Replica of Jeff Smith's Parlor - no more.
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| JEFF SMITH'S PARLOR Skagway, Alaska, 1898 |
It is with a sad heart that I must report that the replica of Jeff Smith's Parlor being built at the Whitehorse Ranch will not be completed. The builder, "Wolfgang," opted to go another route, turning it into a generic old west building. A shame and a waste in my opinion. Needless to say, the updates located in the sidebar are no longer needed and will be deleted.
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February 1, 2011
Son of Soapy, circa 1911-1913
An early photograph of Jefferson Randolph Smith III (Soapy’s son) and his first wife, Ethel Catherine Reitz. They were married April 20, 1908 in St. Louis, Missouri. Jeff was 21 in 1908 and he looks pretty young in this photograph, and there is at least one possible child of theirs in the photograph so I would guess that it was taken between 1908 and 1915.
If the photo dates sometime after 1911 the children could be Joseph Jefferson Smith (right), born November 16, 1909 and Joan Wanda Smith (left), born May 21, 1911. Note that Ethel does not appear to show a pregnancy, as the next child, June Catherine Smith, does not arrive until February 8, 1913. I am just guessing and could sure use some help from the family on this.
If the photo dates sometime after 1911 the children could be Joseph Jefferson Smith (right), born November 16, 1909 and Joan Wanda Smith (left), born May 21, 1911. Note that Ethel does not appear to show a pregnancy, as the next child, June Catherine Smith, does not arrive until February 8, 1913. I am just guessing and could sure use some help from the family on this.
- Who are the children and are they Jeff and Ethel’s?
- Who are the two ladies? Are they perhaps relatives or friends?
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January 31, 2011
Soapy Smith's life insurance policy, 1888-1889: Artifact #26
In Denver April 2, 1889 S. A. Sheppard, the local agent for the Pacific Mutual Life Insurance Company of California wrote out a Life and Accident policy receipt to Soapy.
I have to wonder why Soapy wanted a receipt for the remaining 7 months of the policy. Did he lose the original receipt? Did he fear for his life or was he just making sure his new family was cared for in the event of his death? Did he get hurt and wanted coverage? Could it be that he was planning on defrauding the California based insurance company? There is still documents within the family that remain uncovered so perhaps one day soon we will have the answers.
The overcrowded, under-staffed Denver courts also worked to Jeff’s advantage. Most businessmen and travelers could not afford to wait around for a hearing. More often than not, they accepted their losses and left the city. Occasionally, however, victims would become enraged over their loss and react violently. Jeff and his men were always alert for this possibility and kept “strong arms” at the ready. On Wednesday July 8, 1888, Jeff swindled two men who reacted with their fists. “A ‘soap’ man and two grangers [farmers] got into trouble yesterday morning, in which the grangers, as usual, got the worst of it.” Jeff always operated with steerers and boosters who were capable of physically handling unruly victims. In this instance, though, it appears Jeff alone battled the two grangers. Jeff no doubt learned early on about the inflammatory danger of bunco work. To protect himself, everywhere he went he carried concealed weapons. Once married, he also protected himself and his new family with life and accident insurance. One policy from the Pacific Mutual Life Insurance Company of San Francisco dates from November 29, 1888, to November 29, 1889. –Alias Soapy Smith, p. 118.The document reads as follows.
To whom it may concern:
This certifies that general accident policy No. 9510 was issued to Jeff R. Smith for $5,000 Death Insurance and $25 weekly indemnity. That on the 29th day of November 1889-item was issued. Renewal receipt number 4292 renewing said policy from Nov 29, 1888 to Nov 29, 1889.
That this policy and renewal receipt was issued by the Pacific Mutual Insurance Co of California and is now in full force and effect until Nov 29, 89 in favor of Jeff R. Smith.
S. A. SheppardAgent
I have to wonder why Soapy wanted a receipt for the remaining 7 months of the policy. Did he lose the original receipt? Did he fear for his life or was he just making sure his new family was cared for in the event of his death? Did he get hurt and wanted coverage? Could it be that he was planning on defrauding the California based insurance company? There is still documents within the family that remain uncovered so perhaps one day soon we will have the answers.
Life insurance policy: page 118.
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January 29, 2011
Soapy Smith's lot on Main Street, Creede, Colorado 1892, Artifact #25
Another artifact from my personal collection (#25). I hope you enjoy it. Please remember that all my artifacts are numbered and I am posting them in order of number and not by date or excitement, so although you might possibly not find this particular item of great interest, know that there are over 100 more coming that are very exciting.
On January 30, 1892 Soapy purchased his first lot of land in Creede, Colorado, the new silver-boom camp. The seller was a man named W. J. Kurt. of Saguache county, located southwest of Creede. Soapy also claimed Saguache county as his residence. The document is a Quit Claim Deed filled out by Notary Public, S. E. Vanhordeen or possibly "Van Orden."
The following comes from Alias Soapy Smith: The Life and Death of a Scoundrel.
"School land": “The 1875 Enabling Act for the Territory of Colorado authorizing the admission of Colorado as a state upon adoption of a state constitution, provided that two sections of every township would be ‘granted for the support of common schools.’ The Act provided that the lands be sold ‘only at public sale’ with ‘the proceeds to constitute a permanent school fund’ the ‘interest of which to be expended in the support of common schools.”
(Click image to enlarge)
On January 30, 1892 Soapy purchased his first lot of land in Creede, Colorado, the new silver-boom camp. The seller was a man named W. J. Kurt. of Saguache county, located southwest of Creede. Soapy also claimed Saguache county as his residence. The document is a Quit Claim Deed filled out by Notary Public, S. E. Vanhordeen or possibly "Van Orden."
The following comes from Alias Soapy Smith: The Life and Death of a Scoundrel.
One lot located and being on what is now known and designated as the school section. And being twenty-five (fronting, feet in, ?) on what is now known as Main Street by the depth that is arranged for lots in the block in which it is situated. The (crossed out word) possession of said lot being transferred together with the delivery of said lot.
From Denver in early 1892, when Jeff first decided Creede was a good relocation bet, he sent a man there to reconnoiter a potential invasion of the Soap Gang. A few gambling house proprietor friends were also dispatched. Back came a hand-drawn map of the Creede area on Denver and Rio Grande Co. railroad stationary. It consists of a crude layout of the land, mines, and owners. At the top is written, “Last chance / every thing / takin and Develope / more or leasse.” [see artifact 16 – link this] The map seemed to show little possibility of obtaining real estate in Creede, but looks could be deceiving.
Jeff and his men arrived in Creede sometime after October 4, 1891 and before February 2, 1892. On January 30, Jeff purchased a town lot from a W. J. Kurt for $100. Five days earlier, on January 25, 80 acres of state land in Creede, leased to a V. B. Wason as “school land,” was reported subleased illegally to squatters. Not known is where Jeff was when he purchased the lot, but 3 days later on February 2, 1892, Jeff was in Creede to file a non-payment action on a check for $750. –Alias Soapy Smith, p. 201.
"School land": “The 1875 Enabling Act for the Territory of Colorado authorizing the admission of Colorado as a state upon adoption of a state constitution, provided that two sections of every township would be ‘granted for the support of common schools.’ The Act provided that the lands be sold ‘only at public sale’ with ‘the proceeds to constitute a permanent school fund’ the ‘interest of which to be expended in the support of common schools.”
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| Creede, Colorado flood of 1892 |
Creede Lease: page 201.
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January 27, 2011
King Con: The Story of Soapy Smith, by Jane Haigh. A book review.
I created a new page located in the tabs at the top of the blog. It's a book review of Jane Haigh's book about Soapy Smith. Below is the page in its entireity.
KING CON: THE STORY OF SOAPY SMITH by Jane Haigh
King Con: The Story of Soapy Smith. Jane Haigh. Whitehorse, Yukon, Canada: Friday501, 2006. 120 pages, 5⅝X9". Photographs, footnotes, appendixes, index. $9.95 (paper)
Book Review by Jeff Smith
I decided to write this review because it's about an ancestor of mine and because it concerns research I have conducted in a serious way for thirty years.
Jane Haigh, the author, is about as nice a person as you are going to meet, down to earth and polite. She first contacted me while working on her version of a Soapy Smith biography to ask for some of my research. Still working on my own comprehensive book about Soapy, I declined, but I did lead her to some of the usual starting points. A specific help provided, however, was my pointing out that she was proposing to publish the wrong man's face on the cover of her book.
The copyright page contains a disclaimer: "Extreme care has been taken to ensure that all information presented in this book is accurate and up to date. Neither the author nor the publisher can be held responsible for any errors." Perhaps it was known that there were errors and repetitions of fabrications because this slim volume contains many. For example, in documenting the story that Soapy was a cowboy, a footnote reads, "There is no actual documentation of this cowboying story…" (p. 105). But the story is retold anyway. Many other details from other accounts are presented without qualification or even documentation. These instances number far more than readers, not to mention historians, should be asked to accept. The unexplained disclaimer cannot excuse repeating all the old errors, fictions, and falsehoods from other sources.
For a relatively new biography, surprisingly, there is no new information about Jefferson Randolph Smith II, and there was quite a bit to be had that is in plain sight. For example, the biographer repeats the "rumors that Soapy's gang robbed the bodies" of men who died in the terrible avalanche of April 3, 1898, in a makeshift morgue set up for that purpose (King Con, p. 78). A little research reveals the actual story, which lays that canard to rest (see Alias Soapy Smith, pp. 495-97). Another example is the old story of Soapy's having planned to intercept and rob a Canadian shipment of gold coming through Skagway. This supposed event is told in slightly varying forms in other publications and is briefly retold in this book. The story is so preposterous on its face that it calls for interpretation. Fortunately, of supporting assistance is a newspaper account of the time, which helps reveal the probable nature of that event, which is far from that of an attempted robbery. (For analysis, see Alias Soapy Smith, pp. 514-16.)
In addition to no new information, also missing is some key old information. For example, there is Jeff's venture in 1896 up to Juneau (where he was arrested), on across the Gulf of Alaska to Homer Spit and Seldovia, and up Cook Inlet to the gold rush communities of Hope and Sunrise. That was a difficult and interesting journey for which there is fairly easily available and credible documentation (see Alias Soapy Smith, pp. 408-16). Another example of important historical information is the shooting of Cliff Sparks in Denver, for which Soapy was a primary suspect for a long time. This event is connected over years to a sensational situation in Skagway involving Denver Madam Mattie Silks. This incident and related happenings appear in this book but they are told upside down and with no attempt to reveal connections or nuances. (In Alias Soapy Smith, see pp. 507-13.)
The 101 footnotes mostly consist of quotes from previous biographies. Unfortunately, the footnote numbers become misaligned with the endnotes starting with #77. There are two footnotes marked #102, but it doesn't matter because the actual notes are missing from the endnotes, as is #103.
Readers looking for a quick, mostly undocumented distillation of the old, mostly erroneous details and stories about Soapy Smith may find this book worth the price. A majority of the foremost events are related and make for interesting reading—and some of them are even all true. Many, however, are in error or are outright fictions. Readers looking for a biography based in fact and that offers considered analysis would do well to look elsewhere.
Jeff Smith
January 2011
Corona, California
KING CON: THE STORY OF SOAPY SMITH by Jane Haigh
King Con: The Story of Soapy Smith. Jane Haigh. Whitehorse, Yukon, Canada: Friday501, 2006. 120 pages, 5⅝X9". Photographs, footnotes, appendixes, index. $9.95 (paper)
Book Review by Jeff Smith
I decided to write this review because it's about an ancestor of mine and because it concerns research I have conducted in a serious way for thirty years.
Jane Haigh, the author, is about as nice a person as you are going to meet, down to earth and polite. She first contacted me while working on her version of a Soapy Smith biography to ask for some of my research. Still working on my own comprehensive book about Soapy, I declined, but I did lead her to some of the usual starting points. A specific help provided, however, was my pointing out that she was proposing to publish the wrong man's face on the cover of her book.
The copyright page contains a disclaimer: "Extreme care has been taken to ensure that all information presented in this book is accurate and up to date. Neither the author nor the publisher can be held responsible for any errors." Perhaps it was known that there were errors and repetitions of fabrications because this slim volume contains many. For example, in documenting the story that Soapy was a cowboy, a footnote reads, "There is no actual documentation of this cowboying story…" (p. 105). But the story is retold anyway. Many other details from other accounts are presented without qualification or even documentation. These instances number far more than readers, not to mention historians, should be asked to accept. The unexplained disclaimer cannot excuse repeating all the old errors, fictions, and falsehoods from other sources.
For a relatively new biography, surprisingly, there is no new information about Jefferson Randolph Smith II, and there was quite a bit to be had that is in plain sight. For example, the biographer repeats the "rumors that Soapy's gang robbed the bodies" of men who died in the terrible avalanche of April 3, 1898, in a makeshift morgue set up for that purpose (King Con, p. 78). A little research reveals the actual story, which lays that canard to rest (see Alias Soapy Smith, pp. 495-97). Another example is the old story of Soapy's having planned to intercept and rob a Canadian shipment of gold coming through Skagway. This supposed event is told in slightly varying forms in other publications and is briefly retold in this book. The story is so preposterous on its face that it calls for interpretation. Fortunately, of supporting assistance is a newspaper account of the time, which helps reveal the probable nature of that event, which is far from that of an attempted robbery. (For analysis, see Alias Soapy Smith, pp. 514-16.)
In addition to no new information, also missing is some key old information. For example, there is Jeff's venture in 1896 up to Juneau (where he was arrested), on across the Gulf of Alaska to Homer Spit and Seldovia, and up Cook Inlet to the gold rush communities of Hope and Sunrise. That was a difficult and interesting journey for which there is fairly easily available and credible documentation (see Alias Soapy Smith, pp. 408-16). Another example of important historical information is the shooting of Cliff Sparks in Denver, for which Soapy was a primary suspect for a long time. This event is connected over years to a sensational situation in Skagway involving Denver Madam Mattie Silks. This incident and related happenings appear in this book but they are told upside down and with no attempt to reveal connections or nuances. (In Alias Soapy Smith, see pp. 507-13.)
The 101 footnotes mostly consist of quotes from previous biographies. Unfortunately, the footnote numbers become misaligned with the endnotes starting with #77. There are two footnotes marked #102, but it doesn't matter because the actual notes are missing from the endnotes, as is #103.
Readers looking for a quick, mostly undocumented distillation of the old, mostly erroneous details and stories about Soapy Smith may find this book worth the price. A majority of the foremost events are related and make for interesting reading—and some of them are even all true. Many, however, are in error or are outright fictions. Readers looking for a biography based in fact and that offers considered analysis would do well to look elsewhere.
Jeff Smith
January 2011
Corona, California
Here are links to other posts on this blog pertaining to this topic:
December 13, 2010
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