Cowboy Stories, Poetry & a Personal Statement of Faith...
Judd Taylor and Old Henry... a cowboy story by Dandy Don
Many years ago out west of the small town of Buffalo Switch lived an old codger named Heinrich Wellinnoff. Most folks knew him as “Old Henry”. The older town folk said he moved to Southern Nevada somewhere around 1892, about five years after he emigrated from the old country. He lived by himself up near the timberline in an old cabin that had been built and abandoned by some of the early fur trappers. He didn't cotton to talking with strangers; he pretty much kept to himself. Some say he worked as a prospector hoping to find a mother-load of gold or silver. Others said he was just a crazy old hermit, some one to stay clear of. There were stories about him having a mean streak and was to be avoided, though nothing was ever proven, mostly rumors and idle talk.
He would come to town on the first of the month and pick up a few sparse supplies such as flour, sugar, some salt and maybe a piece of side meat. Occasionally, he may buy a shirt or a pair of canvas britches when his old ones wore out; as well as an occasional hand tool... oh yeah and a small plug of tobacco.
In Buffalo Switch there were two stores where one could get supplies: Charlie Johnson had a hardware and livery stable at the North end of town whereas young Judd Taylor had a dry goods store on Main St. in the middle of town. It was located on the West side facing East. He simply called it Judd's Dry Goods; a simple name but it got the message across. Judd was feisty young fellow with a very inquisitive mind. He liked to poke his nose into everyone's affairs. I guess if you ever wanted to know what was happening in Buffalo Switch, go and ask Judd
Old Henry would ride his mule into town, saunter into Judd's store, pick up a few bags and boxes here and there, take them to the counter. Judd would tally up his bill. Wellinnoff would reach into his pocket, pull out a small canvas bag with a rawhide drawstring. Opening the bag, he would reach in a take out a small gold nugget; probably worth about twenty dollars around that time. Henry never said a word. Judd would pick up the nugget, put it on the scales and mete out a few coins in change. Henry would then take his supplies out and strap them on the back of his mule and head on out of town. This happened like clockwork. The first of the month Old Henry would ride in, buy his goods and ride out. He never ran up a bill or asked for credit. He always paid the same way, a single small nugget worth somewhat around twenty dollars.
This intrigued Judd to no end. He had always tried to engage his customers in conversation to learn a little about them. Wellinnoff would have none of that. He never spoke, just nodded and walked straight in and out without a single glance left or right. Judd just stared in amazement as the old coot walked out.
Over the past year Judd figured Old Henry had probably spent over three-hundred-plus dollars in gold nuggets in his store. When Judd took them in to the Assay office they were at determined to be at least 90 percent pure. Judd figured Wellinnoff must have hit the legendary mother-load.
In time Judd became obsessed with Henry and where he was getting all that gold. He would lie awake at night just thinking about where all that gold was coming from. He started closing up his store early to follow Henry out of town on his mule. Judd would stay back a ways trying to not attract suspicion. He often snuck up to the cabin and would set there for hours waiting for Wellinnoff to wander off, hoping to see where he hid the gold.
Judd sometimes would stay there all night watching the cabin well until the crack of dawn. He never believed any of the tales about Henry being dangerous. They were just wives tales to keep their kids from wandering off. By the time Judd got back into town, the work day would be half over and he was late getting his dry goods store open. People began to complain. A lot of them had rode all the way into town over several miles just to purchase supplies at his store. They didn't have much time to shop and take care of their errands because they had to make that long trip home before the sun went down. Judd was soon staying away from his store four and five days a week and never would open the same time, two days in a row. Town folk began taking their business down to Charlie Johnson's Hardware instead. In fact Charlie started to order a lot of their dry goods to keep up with demand. Charlie liked young Judd, but business is business.
It was in late September when Judd Taylor closed his store on Thursday afternoon and headed out again to spy on Old Henry Wellinnoff. It took him about an hour and a half to walk up to the cabin as the sun was beginning to go down along the timberline. Through the front window, Judd could see a lantern moving to and fro going from room to room. The front door swung open and Henry stepped out with his lantern and walked across on the hand-hewn wooden porch. Each step crackled and creaked as he moved from board to board. Henry set the lantern down, picked up a small shovel, his old Sharp's rifle and threw a worn leather bag across his shoulder.
“This is it!” thought Judd “He's finally going to get his gold!”
Henry picked up his lantern went around behind his cabin and disappeared down a little trail making his way down to the rocky creek that meandered through the ponderosa pines. Judd cautiously followed trying not to make a sound. Old Henry must have walked at least a mile and a half to get to a small narrows in the creek. Henry put down the shovel, rifle and lantern and began to sort through his leather bag. Judd decided to crawl around to the east side of the creek to get a better look. He leaned against the rotting trunk of a fallen white fir to steady himself while Henry was fiddling with the leather bag.
As Judd leaned forward on the log trying to get a better look, it tumbled and made a deep cracking sound as it rolled through the Juniper underbrush.
Startled, Wellinnoff whirled around and grabbed his Sharp's, cocking the hammer with right thumb. Judd hadn't realized that the moon had risen behind him, thus framing him as a perfect silhouette in an open gap of the Junipers.
Henry aimed and fired the single shot, putting a bullet straight through Judd's heart.
Now you may wonder what's the purpose of this deadly tale. There is a moral to this tragic story and it is really rather simple to remember.
“IT IS BETTER TO MIND YOUR OWN BUSINESS, AND LEAVE WELLINNOFF ALONE!”
He would come to town on the first of the month and pick up a few sparse supplies such as flour, sugar, some salt and maybe a piece of side meat. Occasionally, he may buy a shirt or a pair of canvas britches when his old ones wore out; as well as an occasional hand tool... oh yeah and a small plug of tobacco.
In Buffalo Switch there were two stores where one could get supplies: Charlie Johnson had a hardware and livery stable at the North end of town whereas young Judd Taylor had a dry goods store on Main St. in the middle of town. It was located on the West side facing East. He simply called it Judd's Dry Goods; a simple name but it got the message across. Judd was feisty young fellow with a very inquisitive mind. He liked to poke his nose into everyone's affairs. I guess if you ever wanted to know what was happening in Buffalo Switch, go and ask Judd
Old Henry would ride his mule into town, saunter into Judd's store, pick up a few bags and boxes here and there, take them to the counter. Judd would tally up his bill. Wellinnoff would reach into his pocket, pull out a small canvas bag with a rawhide drawstring. Opening the bag, he would reach in a take out a small gold nugget; probably worth about twenty dollars around that time. Henry never said a word. Judd would pick up the nugget, put it on the scales and mete out a few coins in change. Henry would then take his supplies out and strap them on the back of his mule and head on out of town. This happened like clockwork. The first of the month Old Henry would ride in, buy his goods and ride out. He never ran up a bill or asked for credit. He always paid the same way, a single small nugget worth somewhat around twenty dollars.
This intrigued Judd to no end. He had always tried to engage his customers in conversation to learn a little about them. Wellinnoff would have none of that. He never spoke, just nodded and walked straight in and out without a single glance left or right. Judd just stared in amazement as the old coot walked out.
Over the past year Judd figured Old Henry had probably spent over three-hundred-plus dollars in gold nuggets in his store. When Judd took them in to the Assay office they were at determined to be at least 90 percent pure. Judd figured Wellinnoff must have hit the legendary mother-load.
In time Judd became obsessed with Henry and where he was getting all that gold. He would lie awake at night just thinking about where all that gold was coming from. He started closing up his store early to follow Henry out of town on his mule. Judd would stay back a ways trying to not attract suspicion. He often snuck up to the cabin and would set there for hours waiting for Wellinnoff to wander off, hoping to see where he hid the gold.
Judd sometimes would stay there all night watching the cabin well until the crack of dawn. He never believed any of the tales about Henry being dangerous. They were just wives tales to keep their kids from wandering off. By the time Judd got back into town, the work day would be half over and he was late getting his dry goods store open. People began to complain. A lot of them had rode all the way into town over several miles just to purchase supplies at his store. They didn't have much time to shop and take care of their errands because they had to make that long trip home before the sun went down. Judd was soon staying away from his store four and five days a week and never would open the same time, two days in a row. Town folk began taking their business down to Charlie Johnson's Hardware instead. In fact Charlie started to order a lot of their dry goods to keep up with demand. Charlie liked young Judd, but business is business.
It was in late September when Judd Taylor closed his store on Thursday afternoon and headed out again to spy on Old Henry Wellinnoff. It took him about an hour and a half to walk up to the cabin as the sun was beginning to go down along the timberline. Through the front window, Judd could see a lantern moving to and fro going from room to room. The front door swung open and Henry stepped out with his lantern and walked across on the hand-hewn wooden porch. Each step crackled and creaked as he moved from board to board. Henry set the lantern down, picked up a small shovel, his old Sharp's rifle and threw a worn leather bag across his shoulder.
“This is it!” thought Judd “He's finally going to get his gold!”
Henry picked up his lantern went around behind his cabin and disappeared down a little trail making his way down to the rocky creek that meandered through the ponderosa pines. Judd cautiously followed trying not to make a sound. Old Henry must have walked at least a mile and a half to get to a small narrows in the creek. Henry put down the shovel, rifle and lantern and began to sort through his leather bag. Judd decided to crawl around to the east side of the creek to get a better look. He leaned against the rotting trunk of a fallen white fir to steady himself while Henry was fiddling with the leather bag.
As Judd leaned forward on the log trying to get a better look, it tumbled and made a deep cracking sound as it rolled through the Juniper underbrush.
Startled, Wellinnoff whirled around and grabbed his Sharp's, cocking the hammer with right thumb. Judd hadn't realized that the moon had risen behind him, thus framing him as a perfect silhouette in an open gap of the Junipers.
Henry aimed and fired the single shot, putting a bullet straight through Judd's heart.
Now you may wonder what's the purpose of this deadly tale. There is a moral to this tragic story and it is really rather simple to remember.
“IT IS BETTER TO MIND YOUR OWN BUSINESS, AND LEAVE WELLINNOFF ALONE!”
Charlie Clark... cowboy poetry by Dandy Don
Charlie Clark was a young drover at the ranch owned by Mr. King
He’d hired on with two other guys early in the spring.
He worked hard in the saddle but had a restless streak
But he was there right on time it seemed most every week
Now Mr. King had a daughter that caught young Charlie’s eye.
He often stopped to watch her as she slowly sauntered by.
Auburn hair and deep green eyes, Kate seemed to be the catch
Charlie knew deep within his heart they’d be a perfect match.
So he began a courtin’. He saw her every day it’s said
So late in June around 2pm he and Kate were wed.
He found a little cabin ‘bout five mile out of town
Kate loved to play the housewife when Charlie was not around.
Charlie came home every night at least right at the start
Kate was sure of her place deep in Charlie’s heart.
But that restless streak was stirring, though he knew it wasn’t right
He started hangin’ with the boys along about Saturday night.
You would find them at the tables in the ol’ Dry Gulch Saloon
Drinkin’ rye, playing cards and howlin’ at the moon.
Innocent enough at first, carousing with the guys
There he met a dance hall blonde, he was a sucker for blue eyes.
Her name was Edith and from all appearance about five years past his age
But Charlie had too much rye as he watched her on the stage.
When Edith got done a-singin’ Charlie grabbed her by the arm
And spun her ‘round into his lap and sampled up her charms.
This went on for more than month, Charlie goin’ into town each week.
In Sunday morning church, Kate and Charlie would hardly speak.
The town ladies would just shake their heads as Charlie passed them by
Kate bowed her head in shame as she seemed to know the reason why.
She’d found lipstick on his outer shirt and the smell of strange perfume
When she did his laundry, Kate began to fume.
What could she do to stop this restless silly man
She’d go to town this Saturday, at least that was her plan.
She parked her buggy at the livery when she pulled in at noon
Kate walked on over to see old Sam at the ol’ Dry Gulch Saloon.
Sam used to work for Mr. King until a steer gave him that scar
So now he tends the bottles behind the oaken bar.
She hid back in the office, as the men came in that night
There was Billy Joe and Rowdy, with Amos on the right.
She scanned the room for Charlie as it was hard to see
But through the smoke she saw him with Edith on his knee.
He was playing with her garter and nibblin’ at her neck
Edith simply giggled and gave Charlie’s cheek a peck.
The sight of them carryin’ on was way too much by far
Kate grabbed the double-barreled scatter-gun Sam kept behind the bar.
Edith saw Kate a-comin’ and jumped up from her seat
Charlie turned around surprised and scrambled to his feet.
Kate raised the gun up swiftly and did her level best
And let loose with both barrels straight into Charlie’s chest.
The old saloon had emptied leaving Kate there all alone
She dropped the empty shotgun and then began to moan.
As Charlie lay there dying, she proved that it was true
The old western sayin’, “You can’t have your Kate and Edith Too”
He’d hired on with two other guys early in the spring.
He worked hard in the saddle but had a restless streak
But he was there right on time it seemed most every week
Now Mr. King had a daughter that caught young Charlie’s eye.
He often stopped to watch her as she slowly sauntered by.
Auburn hair and deep green eyes, Kate seemed to be the catch
Charlie knew deep within his heart they’d be a perfect match.
So he began a courtin’. He saw her every day it’s said
So late in June around 2pm he and Kate were wed.
He found a little cabin ‘bout five mile out of town
Kate loved to play the housewife when Charlie was not around.
Charlie came home every night at least right at the start
Kate was sure of her place deep in Charlie’s heart.
But that restless streak was stirring, though he knew it wasn’t right
He started hangin’ with the boys along about Saturday night.
You would find them at the tables in the ol’ Dry Gulch Saloon
Drinkin’ rye, playing cards and howlin’ at the moon.
Innocent enough at first, carousing with the guys
There he met a dance hall blonde, he was a sucker for blue eyes.
Her name was Edith and from all appearance about five years past his age
But Charlie had too much rye as he watched her on the stage.
When Edith got done a-singin’ Charlie grabbed her by the arm
And spun her ‘round into his lap and sampled up her charms.
This went on for more than month, Charlie goin’ into town each week.
In Sunday morning church, Kate and Charlie would hardly speak.
The town ladies would just shake their heads as Charlie passed them by
Kate bowed her head in shame as she seemed to know the reason why.
She’d found lipstick on his outer shirt and the smell of strange perfume
When she did his laundry, Kate began to fume.
What could she do to stop this restless silly man
She’d go to town this Saturday, at least that was her plan.
She parked her buggy at the livery when she pulled in at noon
Kate walked on over to see old Sam at the ol’ Dry Gulch Saloon.
Sam used to work for Mr. King until a steer gave him that scar
So now he tends the bottles behind the oaken bar.
She hid back in the office, as the men came in that night
There was Billy Joe and Rowdy, with Amos on the right.
She scanned the room for Charlie as it was hard to see
But through the smoke she saw him with Edith on his knee.
He was playing with her garter and nibblin’ at her neck
Edith simply giggled and gave Charlie’s cheek a peck.
The sight of them carryin’ on was way too much by far
Kate grabbed the double-barreled scatter-gun Sam kept behind the bar.
Edith saw Kate a-comin’ and jumped up from her seat
Charlie turned around surprised and scrambled to his feet.
Kate raised the gun up swiftly and did her level best
And let loose with both barrels straight into Charlie’s chest.
The old saloon had emptied leaving Kate there all alone
She dropped the empty shotgun and then began to moan.
As Charlie lay there dying, she proved that it was true
The old western sayin’, “You can’t have your Kate and Edith Too”
Statement of Faith
What I Believe...
While some may say that what you have faith in should be kept personal and in private, I choose to be up front with my beliefs; even though many deem it politically incorrect. I am a conservative Christian that holds to the higher power known to many as our almighty God.
I believe and have faith that God sent His only son Jesus to be the ultimate sacrifice for our sinful fallen nature and that whoever acknowledges Jesus as his savior will have eternal life in His presence. I also do believe in Lucifer as a real entity who seeks to lead this world away from the ways of Jesus Christ, the Son of God. He is not to be underestimated or denied existence. If Christ acknowledged his presence, then I fully accept that.
Each one of us is endowed with gifts and talents that we can use for good or for evil. Not all are called to be preachers, evangelists, teachers or so called apostles; but we are all called to give an account of the faith that we hold within ourselves; not denying the power and presence of Jesus in our lives. We are called to be carpenters, plumbers, salesmen, ditch diggers, business men & women, nurses, husbands, wives, fathers & mothers; yes, and some of us are even called to be entertainers.
I believe in the Holy Spirit who gives us power, discernment and comfort as we go about our daily lives; not that we don't make mistakes as we are still human beings living in an imperfect world; but the Holy Spirit is our internal guide to help us keep on that narrow trail.
I believe the Bible is the true Word of God complete and needs nothing added or taken away. New revelations are added to your knowledge by careful and repeated study. What you may see in a passage or verse that you read today, you may have not realized a year ago when you read it the first time.
I believe our church denominations are a result of man's different interpretations of the scriptures and that we all are brothers and sisters who call ourselves faithful followers of Jesus Christ.
Continual preaching to an unbeliever with words and exhortation may not always be the best witnessing tool. The reality of how you live your life and the diligent demonstration of your faith in everyday actions will say more to your skeptical neighbor than a whole stack of sermons. Riding along side someone is often more effective than being out front on point. That is Christ job.
Pride is the major downfall of many a person today whether it be him or her. You can be satisfied with what you do. You can have confidence in knowing that you are good or exceptional in your gifts and trade; in fact you may even be the best! But realize there is no horse that can't be ridden nor cowboy that can't be thrown. It is only by the grace of God that we can accomplish anything in this world. When I perform I consider it all a blessing to be able to share the gifts and talents God has allowed me.
Believing in Jesus doesn't mean that every day is going to go without a little trouble now and then; but having Him ride beside you makes the trail just a whole lot easier when we ride through those badlands.
Would you care to know a little more? Don't hesitate to just give me a call, I would love to introduce you to my Trail Boss!
I believe and have faith that God sent His only son Jesus to be the ultimate sacrifice for our sinful fallen nature and that whoever acknowledges Jesus as his savior will have eternal life in His presence. I also do believe in Lucifer as a real entity who seeks to lead this world away from the ways of Jesus Christ, the Son of God. He is not to be underestimated or denied existence. If Christ acknowledged his presence, then I fully accept that.
Each one of us is endowed with gifts and talents that we can use for good or for evil. Not all are called to be preachers, evangelists, teachers or so called apostles; but we are all called to give an account of the faith that we hold within ourselves; not denying the power and presence of Jesus in our lives. We are called to be carpenters, plumbers, salesmen, ditch diggers, business men & women, nurses, husbands, wives, fathers & mothers; yes, and some of us are even called to be entertainers.
I believe in the Holy Spirit who gives us power, discernment and comfort as we go about our daily lives; not that we don't make mistakes as we are still human beings living in an imperfect world; but the Holy Spirit is our internal guide to help us keep on that narrow trail.
I believe the Bible is the true Word of God complete and needs nothing added or taken away. New revelations are added to your knowledge by careful and repeated study. What you may see in a passage or verse that you read today, you may have not realized a year ago when you read it the first time.
I believe our church denominations are a result of man's different interpretations of the scriptures and that we all are brothers and sisters who call ourselves faithful followers of Jesus Christ.
Continual preaching to an unbeliever with words and exhortation may not always be the best witnessing tool. The reality of how you live your life and the diligent demonstration of your faith in everyday actions will say more to your skeptical neighbor than a whole stack of sermons. Riding along side someone is often more effective than being out front on point. That is Christ job.
Pride is the major downfall of many a person today whether it be him or her. You can be satisfied with what you do. You can have confidence in knowing that you are good or exceptional in your gifts and trade; in fact you may even be the best! But realize there is no horse that can't be ridden nor cowboy that can't be thrown. It is only by the grace of God that we can accomplish anything in this world. When I perform I consider it all a blessing to be able to share the gifts and talents God has allowed me.
Believing in Jesus doesn't mean that every day is going to go without a little trouble now and then; but having Him ride beside you makes the trail just a whole lot easier when we ride through those badlands.
Would you care to know a little more? Don't hesitate to just give me a call, I would love to introduce you to my Trail Boss!