Jo Rankin's Great Ride, The Ute Uprising Of 1879, The Meeker Massacre

W. O. OWEN

Other works by W. O. OWEN

Publication: Circa 1932, NP

First Edition. Printed Self-Wrappers. 16pp. A rare account of the heroic ride of Jo Rankin, resulting in the rescue of troops, trapped and besieged by Ute Indians in the mountains of Colorado during the Ute Uprising of 1879. Nathan C. Meeker, agent for the White River Ute Indians in northwest Colorado, had foolishly incited hatred among his charges by demanding that they immediately become farmers, and by plowing up the meadows where they grazed and raced their horses. Meeker's request to the army for help was responded to by Major Thomas T. Thornburgh who left Fort Fred Steele in Wyoming with 153 of his men and 25 civilians, on September 21, 1879. Jo Rankin was a civilian and serving as a guide to Thornburg. While enroute to the White River Agency they encountered a small group of Utes led by Chief Colorow and Captain Jack, offering to escort Thornburg and his men. Thornburg declined at Rankin's insistence, relating the known hostility of these Indians. Several days later, on September 29, as Thornburg and his men approached Milk Creek, they were attacked by these same Utes and their followers. The Utes were excellent marksmen, killing Thornburg early in the engagement, and inflicting heavy damage on his troops. The Utes kept these men under siege for 7 days, killing 13 soldiers and civilians and wounding 47 others. That first night, Jo Rankin volunteered to risk his life and ride for help, if he could make it. And he did; Rankin rode a distance variably reported as 123-150 miles. Around midnight on September 30, Jo Rankin walked into the telegraph office in Rawlins, Wyoming and sent a message to Colonel Wesley Merritt at Fort Douglas, who quickly departed and rode to the rescue of the men who were trapped by the Utes. It's a surprisingly detailed account of Thornburg and their action with the Utes. Jo Rankin's ride is an amazing accomplishment. In the 24 hour ride, Jo rode 4 different horses, and was even forced to walk some distance. The author knew Rankin and provides Jo's account, and those of others who witnessed Rankin's feat. A rare and remarkable account! Fine condition.

Inventory Number: 53509