Celebrated Whips of the Overland Stage – Legends of America

By William Daugherty, for the Reno Evening Gazette in 1891

The Overland Stage, a vital artery of transportation in the American West, was more than just a mode of transit; it was a microcosm of the frontier spirit. At the helm of these stagecoaches were the drivers, men of grit and character, each distinguished by unique traits that set them apart. These were not mere chauffeurs; they were masters of their domain, intimately connected to their teams and the rugged landscapes they traversed. As William Daugherty eloquently captured in his 1891 article for the Reno Evening Gazette, these drivers were a breed apart, their stories as captivating as the journeys they undertook.

The Quintessential Stage Driver: A Study in Contrasts

Daugherty paints a vivid picture of these men, noting that "the old pioneer stage drivers were nearly all possessed [of] some marked characteristic that distinguished each other so that they could almost be recognized in the dark." Some were taciturn, preferring the company of their horses to idle chatter. Others, ever the social creatures, would lend an ear to well-worn jokes, while still others were raconteurs, spinning yarns "just to see some sucker bite."

Yet, despite their individual quirks, they shared a common thread: a deep-seated pride in their profession. They pampered their "stock," the horses that were their livelihood, and were fiercely competitive, always striving to outpace the opposition, even if it meant pushing their teams to the limit. This dedication, this unyielding commitment to their craft, is what defined them as "crack whips" of the Overland Stage.

The Notable Characters of the Overland Stage

Billy Blackmore: The Vigilant Guardian

Among these celebrated drivers, Billy Blackmore stood out for his unwavering devotion to duty. Daugherty describes him as a man constantly on alert, "his foot was always on the brake, with stock in hand and whip ready to touch a leader." Blackmore’s vigilance was so ingrained that it permeated his dreams. He would relive his runs in his sleep, grappling with imaginary reins and stomping phantom brakes, much to the dismay of the landlords who had to reinforce his bed frames to withstand his nocturnal exertions.

Baldy Green: The Unfortunate Target

In stark contrast to Blackmore’s diligence, Baldy Green was known for his misfortune. He was a frequent target of road agents, or highwaymen, who preyed on the stagecoaches. So frequent were these encounters that the stage company began to suspect Green of collusion or simply being a "hoodoo," bringing bad luck to the line. As a result, he was transferred to the Austin, Nevada drive, a move that broke his spirit and led him to abandon the stage altogether for the less glamorous but safer work of hauling freight in Pioche.

Tom Reilley: The Jester of the Road

Tom Reilley, on the other hand, was a jovial character, always ready with a joke. His wit was as sharp as his driving skills, and he could find humor in any situation. Daugherty recounts an incident where Reilley, upon waking at a remote station, quipped to the hostler, "Tim, for God’s sake, put up the bars or we’ll both take cold." His favorite expression, "He’s a lizard," was a versatile descriptor, its meaning conveyed through his tone and squinting eyes.

Vic Koensin: The Enduring Workhorse

Vic Koensin was noted for his earnest demeanor and his remarkable endurance. A German immigrant with a thick accent, Koensin possessed an unwavering work ethic. He routinely endured grueling shifts, spending up to twenty hours on the box during the muddy spring season in the Reese River valley. Baldy Green, perhaps with a touch of exaggeration, claimed that Koensin walked around the rest of the day for exercise.

Dave Red: The Tragic Figure

Dave Red was a more somber figure, known for his gaunt appearance and a "ghastly smile" that accompanied his fondness for the bottle. Daugherty recounts a tale of hiding a bottle for Red on a ferry crossing, only to later remove it to prevent him from drinking. Sadly, Red’s story ended tragically when he was found dead in a hot spring, a grim reminder of the harsh realities of frontier life.

Jim Miller: The Eccentric Showman

Jim Miller was an unforgettable sight, a towering figure who embraced eccentricity in his dress. His custom-made clothing, adorned with silver dollars and a massive silver watch chain, made him look like a "grotesque…clown." Yet, Miller reveled in the attention, enjoying the notoriety more than Barnum ever did "The biggest show on earth."

Uncle John Gibbons: The Visionary Wit

Uncle John Gibbons was a local legend, the "hero of the Sazerac Lying Club." He was credited with the outlandish proposition of grafting grapevines onto sagebrush, a humorous vision of transforming Nevada into a vast vineyard.

Reese Hawley: The Prudent Pioneer

Reese Hawley distinguished himself as a daring Pony Express rider. After the Overland Stage became more established, he drove a team until he had saved enough money to retire to a farm in Iowa. Unlike many of his peers, Hawley managed to secure a comfortable life for his old age, a testament to his prudence and foresight.

The Legacy of the Overland Stage Drivers

The stories of these celebrated whips of the Overland Stage offer a glimpse into a bygone era. They were men of diverse backgrounds and personalities, united by their skill, their resilience, and their unwavering commitment to their profession. Their lives, though often challenging and sometimes tragic, were filled with adventure and camaraderie. As Daugherty’s article reminds us, they were more than just drivers; they were the embodiment of the frontier spirit, the unsung heroes who helped connect the American West.

By William Daugherty article in the Reno Evening Gazette, June 3, 1891. Compiled and edited by Kathy Alexander/Legends of America, updated March 2025. About the Author: Written by William Daugherty for the Reno Evening Gazette in 1891. The Reno Evening Gazette was first published on October 12, 1876, and continued for the next 107 years. In 1977, it was merged with the Nevada State Journal and continues to exist today as the Reno Gazette-Journal. The text here is not verbatim, as it has been heavily edited for the modern reader.

Also See:

• Pioneers on the Nevada Frontier (Reno Evening Gazette)
• Nevada Mining Tales (Reno Evening Gazette)
• Pioche Land Jumpers and the Death of Jack Harris (Reno Evening Gazette)
• Violence on the Nevada Frontier (Reno Evening Gazette)