As before, the oxen could not be controlled and turned stubbornly down the stream. The "old preacher" jumped into the water waist deep and made the team head for the shore without accident. Mrs. Scamahorn said she was concerned lest the chicken crate should fall into the water and her fowls be drowned. The cow-boys cheered and said they guessed he "would do." He asked to buy some hay, and they filled his wagon full, when one of them said: "Well, old Spookendyke, is that enough?" Mr. Scamahorn answered: "How did you know my name: I thought I was away out here among strangers." They all enjoyed the joke and again the cowboys voted that the "old preacher" would do.

Later in his ministerial duties he preached to these same men of the range, and found them always courteous, although sometimes a bit rough in manner and address. Soon after the event at Newman's ranch, they arrived at their destination. Feed was scarce and the water was poor, being mostly obtained from pools until a well had been put down. They located on their place about one-half mile east of the present site of Gordon, and around them settled the others who had made the pilgrimage with them.

Mr. Scamahorn had foreseen the need of mail facilities in the new community. He was a personal acquaintance of the Postmaster General, and had received an appointment as postmaster, so as soon as their tent was up,

HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA

Mrs. Scamahorn emptied a trunk and using a cigar box for stamps, the first postoffke at Gordon was established. Newman's ranch had, since the Black Hills excitement, served as the mail collecting and distribution station of Sheridan county territory, but the Scamahorn postoffice marked the milestone of a new era in the community building.