Jim Moore – Notable Pony Express Rider & Rancher
The saga of the American West is interwoven with tales of grit, determination, and the unwavering spirit of individuals who shaped its destiny. Among these figures stands James "Jim" Alexander Moore, a name synonymous with the legendary Pony Express and the burgeoning cattle ranching industry. His life, though tragically short, embodies the resourcefulness and tenacity that defined the era.
James Alexander Moore, known affectionately as "Jim," etched his name in history as one of the earliest Pony Express riders recruited from the St. Joseph, Missouri division. His story is one of youthful adventure, remarkable endurance, and entrepreneurial success in the face of the harsh realities of the American frontier.
Born on May 18, 1840, in Poland, Ohio, to James and Margaret Finley Moore, young James’s life took an adventurous turn early on. He, along with his older brother Charles, ventured to Chicago, Illinois, while still quite young. There, they spent approximately two years engaged in the horse shipping business, acquiring valuable experience in handling livestock and navigating the complexities of commerce. This early exposure to the world of business and animal husbandry would serve him well in his future endeavors.
The brothers’ ambitions led them further westward, to the burgeoning territory of Colorado. At the tender age of 19, James found himself working with the Central Overland California and Pikes Peak Express Company. This company, recognizing the need for rapid communication across the vast distances of the West, would soon give rise to the iconic Pony Express. As a young man, Jim Moore quickly became an integral part of this enterprise, his courage and skill proving invaluable in the face of constant danger.
The Pony Express, a daring and ambitious undertaking, sought to deliver mail and important documents across nearly 2,000 miles of rugged terrain, from St. Joseph, Missouri, to Sacramento, California, in record time. Riders like Jim Moore faced not only the challenges of harsh weather and difficult terrain but also the constant threat of hostile Native American tribes. His role involved navigating this perilous landscape, ensuring the timely delivery of messages that could alter the course of history.
Jim Moore’s legacy is forever cemented by his extraordinary ride on June 8, 1860. He was stationed at the Midway Station in Nebraska, a critical point roughly halfway between the Missouri River and Denver, Colorado. A westbound messenger arrived with crucial Government dispatches destined for California. Without hesitation, Moore "took up the run," embarking on a grueling 140-mile journey to old Julesburg, Colorado, the designated end of his division.
Upon reaching Julesburg, however, he discovered a dire situation. His relief rider had been killed by Native Americans the previous day. Exhaustion and the desire for rest were not options. Without even pausing for a meal, Moore demonstrated extraordinary resolve. Within a mere ten minutes, he was back in the saddle, embarking on the return trip. He changed mounts at Thirty-Mile Ridge and Mud Springs, before finally reaching Midway once more.
This remarkable feat of endurance saw Jim Moore complete a round trip of 280 miles in an astonishing 14 hours and 46 minutes, averaging approximately 18 miles per hour. This speed was remarkable, considering the conditions of the time. While he was undertaking this incredible ride, the westbound mail continued its journey from St. Joseph, Missouri, to Sacramento, California, achieving a record-breaking run of eight days and nine hours. His contribution was instrumental in achieving this feat. The tale of this heroic ride was immortalized in Colonel Henry Inman’s and William "Buffalo Bill" Cody’s book, The Great Salt Lake Trail, solidifying Moore’s place in Western lore.
The Pony Express, despite its romantic appeal, was a short-lived enterprise, ultimately rendered obsolete by the advent of the telegraph. However, the closure of the Pony Express did not mark the end of Jim Moore’s contributions to the West. He transitioned into a new chapter of his life, demonstrating the same adaptability and drive that had characterized his time as a rider.
Following his Pony Express service, Moore became the first post-trader at Sidney, Nebraska. This position provided him with valuable experience in managing a business and interacting with the diverse population of the frontier. It was a stepping stone to his next, and perhaps most significant, entrepreneurial venture: cattle ranching.
Moore ventured into the South Platte Valley of Nebraska and Wyoming, recognizing the potential for cattle ranching in the vast, open spaces. In 1869, he partnered with his older brother, Charles Moore, to establish the JM Ranch along Rawhide Creek, south of Lusk, Wyoming. Their operation quickly expanded to encompass land along the North Platte River at Cedar Creek, Nebraska, and the South Platte River near present-day Sterling, Colorado.
Displaying the same fortitude he had demonstrated as a Pony Express rider, James Moore transformed himself into a successful rancher. He ultimately became the owner of the second-largest cattle ranch in the Wyoming Territory, operating under the brand "J Rolling M." This brand became so well-known that it lent its name to the community of Jay Em and Jay Em Creek, a lasting tribute to Moore’s influence in the region.
Details regarding Jim Moore’s personal life are somewhat scarce, but it is known that he married Mary Cordel Bean. While the specifics of their relationship remain largely undocumented, their union marked an important chapter in his life. Later in his life, Moore made the decision to sell his ranch holdings to Rensselaer Schuyler Van Tassell, signaling a shift in his priorities or perhaps a recognition of the demanding nature of the ranching business.
Tragically, James Moore’s life was cut short at the age of 33. In September 1873, he was involved in an accident, thrown from a hay wagon by a runaway team. He suffered a protracted illness for approximately three months before succumbing to his injuries on December 14, 1873, in Sidney, Nebraska. He was laid to rest at Lakeview Cemetery in Cheyenne, Wyoming.
Following his death, his wife, Mary Cordel Bean Moore, married Rensselaer Schuyler Van Tassell, the man to whom James had sold his ranch. This union brought a new chapter to Mary’s life, intertwining her story further with the legacy of the ranching community that James had helped to establish.
The town of Jay Em, Wyoming, stands today as a testament to the impact of Jim Moore and his cattle brand. Once a bustling community, it now exists as a ghost town, a poignant reminder of the ebb and flow of life in the American West. However, the name "Jay Em" serves as a permanent echo of the man who once rode the Pony Express and built a thriving cattle empire.
The story of Jim Moore is a compelling illustration of the spirit of the American West. He was a Pony Express rider who braved danger to deliver crucial messages. He was a rancher who built a successful business from the ground up. He was a pioneer who left an indelible mark on the landscape and the history of the region. His life, though brief, serves as an inspiration, reminding us of the power of courage, resilience, and the unwavering pursuit of opportunity.