White Headed Bill – A Stalwart Miner – Legends of America
The annals of the American West are replete with tales of fortune seekers, rugged individualists, and pioneers who braved the harsh landscapes and uncertain fortunes of the frontier in pursuit of gold and silver. Among these stories, the narrative of White Headed Bill stands out, not just as a tale of mining success, but as a testament to the resilience, camaraderie, and legal ingenuity that characterized life in the burgeoning mining towns of the era. This account, originally penned by William Daugherty in 1891, offers a glimpse into the rough-and-tumble world of mining in Nevada and California, and introduces us to a man who was not only a stalwart miner but also a champion of justice and, later, a prominent political figure.
Treasure Hill and the Mining Recorder
Our story begins in the late 1860s on Treasure Hill, Nevada, during the height of the White Pine mining boom. The air was thick with anticipation as prospectors from far and wide descended upon the area, eager to strike it rich. L.P. Tenney, the Mining Recorder of Treasure Hill, found himself at the epicenter of this frenzied activity. With mining claims layered upon each other, sometimes three feet deep, Tenney’s office was a whirlwind of activity. He meticulously recorded every claim brought before him, leaving the often contentious disputes over ownership to be resolved by the courts and lawyers.
Tenney’s diligence and the sheer volume of transactions made him a wealthy man. As the mining excitement waned, he retired to the burgeoning city of San Francisco, where he lived a life of leisure. In his retirement, Tenney would occasionally reminisce about his early days in California, particularly his first foray into placer mining.
Tenney’s Mining Apprenticeship
In 1852, Tenney arrived in San Francisco and immediately headed for the mines, settling in Grass Valley. Eager to learn the ropes, he approached a seasoned miner and asked how much it would cost to be taught the trade. The miner, perhaps amused by Tenney’s naiveté, put him to work hauling pay dirt from the excavation to the rocker along the creek’s banks.
For three days, Tenney toiled without pay, learning the basics of placer mining. Finally, he decided to stake his own claim. Like many newcomers, Tenney chose a spot that others had overlooked, a seemingly unpromising location that drew skeptical glances from the more experienced miners. They considered him a fool for digging there, but Tenney was undeterred.
A Partnership Forged in Hope
Driven by determination, Tenney dug a shaft 15 feet deep. Realizing he needed assistance to continue, he partnered with two strangers. Together, they sank the shaft to a depth of 30 feet. The strangers, however, soon grew impatient and left, promising to share the riches if Tenney struck gold.
Discouraged but not defeated, Tenney sought new partners. He learned of two men, one known as White Headed Bill, who were eager to try their luck at mining. Tenney proposed a partnership, and with their help, they resumed work, driving a drift from the bottom of the shaft. Soon, their persistence paid off as they struck a rich vein of gold, pulling out between $200 and $300 a day.
Claim Disputes and Frontier Justice
Two weeks after Tenney’s original partners had departed, they returned, demanding their share of the claim. As Tenney worked in the drift and White Headed Bill and his comrade hoisted the ore to the surface, the former partners approached the shaft, their voices raised in anger.
Tenney heard the escalating argument, followed by the sounds of blows and scuffles. He quickly climbed the rope to the surface, where he found a chaotic scene. The neighboring miners had intervened, separating the combatants, with White Headed Bill delivering a sound thrashing to one of the returned locators.
The miners, a pragmatic bunch, proposed an immediate trial to settle the dispute over property rights. They formed a circle, elected a judge and jury, and proceeded with the trial. Each side appointed an attorney, with White Headed Bill representing Tenney’s interests. The trial revealed that the original locators had abandoned the claim for more than ten days, a violation of the district laws. The claim rightfully belonged to Tenney and his new partners.
The Coyote Lead and a Future Senator
Tenney, White Headed Bill, and their comrade resumed their work, and as the rainy season approached, they divided $15,000, a considerable sum at the time. Believing the claim to be exhausted, they sold it for $1,500. However, their assessment was premature. The claim, later known as the celebrated Coyote lead, proved to be the richest in the district, gaining wide renown.
The fighting attorney and stalwart miner, White Headed Bill, went on to become a champion of free coinage and the Honorable William M. Stewart.
William Morris Stewart: From Miner to Senator
The story of White Headed Bill, or William Morris Stewart, is a quintessential tale of the American West. Born in New York in 1827, Stewart moved to California during the Gold Rush, where he initially worked as a miner. He quickly became involved in legal matters, representing fellow miners in claim disputes. His natural aptitude for law led him to study and pass the bar in 1852.
Stewart’s legal career flourished in Nevada, where he became a prominent figure in the Comstock Lode mining district. He served as a district attorney and was instrumental in shaping Nevada’s legal framework. His advocacy for miners’ rights and his staunch support for the silver mining industry propelled him into politics.
In 1864, Stewart was elected as one of Nevada’s first U.S. Senators. He served multiple terms, becoming a leading voice for the silver mining interests and a key figure in the debate over monetary policy. Stewart was a strong advocate for bimetallism, the use of both gold and silver as currency, and played a significant role in the passage of the Sherman Silver Purchase Act of 1890.
William Morris Stewart’s life was a testament to the opportunities and challenges of the American West. He was a miner, a lawyer, a politician, and a champion of the silver industry. His story, like that of White Headed Bill, is a reminder of the grit, determination, and legal acumen that shaped the American frontier.
Conclusion
The tale of White Headed Bill and L.P. Tenney provides a fascinating glimpse into the world of mining in the American West. It’s a story of hard work, camaraderie, legal disputes, and the pursuit of fortune. More than that, it’s a story of how a stalwart miner transformed himself into a champion of justice and a prominent political figure. The legends of America are filled with such stories, and they continue to captivate us with their tales of adventure, resilience, and the enduring spirit of the frontier.