Olive's Last Round-Up

A. O JENKINS

Publication: The Sherman County Times, 1930, Loup City, Nebraska

First edition. 16mo. Original gray printed wrappers, np. [98 pp.], preface, illustrated, plates, portraits, advertisements. Print Olive was a determined and ruthless man who resorted to some deadly tactics in order to have things his way in the cattle industry in his area of Nebraska. Six Guns 1165 says, "This rare little book is the story of I. P. Olive and his lynching and burning of Luther Mitchell and Ami Ketchum. There is also some information on Doc Middleton." Herd 1169 says, "Tells of the high-handed way I. P. Olive tried to control the cattle business in his section of Nebraska." " Infamous Texas cattleman Isom Prentice 'Print' Olive (1840-1886) and his brother Robert were originally cattlemen who had to leave Williamson County, Texas, under dubious circumstances. Settling in Nebraska, he and his brother rapidly expanded their cattle holdings, but became convinced that all settlers should be driven from the area, primarily because the Olives believed they were killing and rustling cows. A posse went to homesteader Luther M. Mitchell's place to drive them off, but the mission ended in disaster when Bob Olive was killed. Mitchell and his fellow homesteader Ami Ketchum were subsequently arrested but on their way to jail were handed over to Olive and brutally murdered. Olive was tried but after spending vast amounts of money in his own defense was found not guilty. Olive left the area and moved to Colorado where he was gunned down by Joe Sparrow, a former hand who owed him ten dollars." An amazingly fine, bright copy. Difficult title.

Inventory Number: 52997