were not that many people in the county. Riley Ford laughs over the time the roundup took him to Julesburg and "shot up" the town. A hearty laugh in that early day served to enliven the pulses and break the tenseness of conditions and save many a man and woman from "going crazy." Hard times parties were held where old clothes were worn as though it were a joke although it was no joke but the truth. Old clothes, packed away safe from moths, vintages of foregone years, were brought out j.nd given place of honor on festal occasions. , But best of all, there were hearts, dear hearts, that saw beyond the clouds of adversity into the sunshine of a happy land and happy times in the future. Imagination pictured the years of plenty; or perhaps they glimpsed the purpose for which mankind must suffer such heavy years. Today those who are left see that this faith has been justified and many are now enjoying the later years of life in comfort and prosperity.

COUNTY ORGANIZATIO N AND DEVELOPMENT

By the election of November, 1888, Cheyenne county was divided and practically the eastern third was erected as Deuel county, which came into existence at that time. Later the northern portion of Deuel was cut from Deuel and became Garden county, greatly reducing the size of Deuel county. In January, 1889, Deuel county was organized. The first meeting of the county board is recorded on January 21, 1889, with the following officers : George P. Smith, judge ; Ed. Herrington, clerk ; W. H. Sigler, treasurer, and B. G. Hoover, H. G. Gumaer and Willis Lee, commissioners. The next day, January 22, the following officers qualified : J. L. Robson, treasurer, Reuben Lisco, sheriff, and Dr. W. H. Babcock, coroner.