Coffee In the Wild West By G.C. Stevens

 

                    Ken Curtis as Festus Haggen "Gunsmoke" Photo courtesy of Andy Falls

As a historic reenactor, the author of this article has huddled around many campfires on some brutally cold of mornings after crawling out of a frost covered canvas A-tent and awaited a cup fresh brewed cowboy coffee which is still his coffee of choice.

- G.C. Stevens

Coffee in the Old West was sometimes called the "six-shooter coffee" because of its strength. Cowboy coffee was typically brewed by simply boiling ground coffee in large tinned pots over campfires. Cowboys, soldiers and settlers relied on this hot brew to wake up and stay alert. Arbuckles' Coffee was the first pre-roasted, packaged brand of coffee it was very popular in the old wild west. 

 "Cowboy coffee," (the authors favorite) was made by throwing grounds into boiling water, and allowing the grounds to settle to the bottom of the pot. Cooks would add cold water and eggshells. Before 1865, coffee was sold green and had to be roasted in skillets. Arbuckle Brothers patented a process for roasting, egg-coating, and packaging coffee, making it accessible to pioneers. It was almost always drank black, very strong, and it was sometimes gritty. If coffee was not available, substitutes were sometimes used like roasted grains, chicory, or even sweet potatoes. In the west, Coffee was highly prized, with Arbuckle's packages often containing small gifts like peppermint sticks. The phrase "Man at the Pot" was commonly shouted to signal that fresh coffee was ready. It was brewed in large 3-5 gallon pots, often left on the fire for anyone to take a cup, regardless of the time of day.

The Passing of Robert Duvall By: G.C. Stevens

Robert Duvall as Al Sieber and Gene Hackman as Brig. General George Crook

       From the Movie Geronimo: An American Legend 1993 Photo

 from IMDB

     Robert Duvall 1931-2026

 I'm sad to report that famed Actor Robert Duvall has passed away. Duvall was an actor of immense talent who played in many roles, portraying many characters. I had first come to know Duvall through his role as Tom Hagen in the Godfather series of movies. But my favorite of Duvall's characters were, Lt. Col Kilgore in Apocalypse Now (1979), The Apostle E.F. in The Apostle (1997) and Al Sieber in Geronimo; An American Legend (1993). But out of these three roles I mention, his recreation of Al Sieber is my favorite.

Al Sieber Photo ref https://www.historiascripta.org/

Al Sieber was a German-American immigrant who served in the civil war.He enlisted on March 4, 1862, in Company B, 1st Minnesota Volunteer Infantry during the American Civil War (1861-1865). Sieber was severely wounded on July 2, 1863 in the Battle of Gettysburg, on the battlefield's westside heights of Cemetery Ridge. He fought in several key engagements, including the earlier Battle of Antietam, (September 1862 in the Maryland campaign, then following Battle of Fredericksburg during the winter of 1862-1863, and Battle of Chancellorsville, (1863), Battle of Gettysburg, (June-July 1863), then the post-war conflicts in the American Indian Wars later phase in the American Southwest territories of the Apache Wars, (1849 to 1886), with the Battle of Cibecue Creek (August 1881), and Battle of Big Dry Wash (July 1882). After the wars, he became a mineral prospector in California, Nevada, and in the old Arizona Territory, where he also managed a cattle ranch from 1868 to 1871. But Al did not die as portrayed in the movie Germino, he died on the Apache Trail as a result of a construction accident.

Robert Duvall played Al just as he played other western characters, such as Gus in Lonesome Dove, Boss in Open Range and Prentice in Broken Trail, with a deep southern accent and many “yessir” and “nossir, as he also did with his portrayal of Robert. E. Lee in Gods and Generals. He uses no German accent as the real Al had. But on the other hand, Al Seiber did not take part in the Gatewood expedition to capture Geronimo. And he was not shot and wounded by Geronimo and he was most certainly not killed in a Mexican cantina in a fight with bounty hunters. But Hollywood most certainly took creative license, and I believe it worked in this case.  Duvall will be remembered as one of the best screen actors of his time. 

Presentation at their Boone Scenic Valley Railroad Museum

 

It was a real pleasure to speak at the Boone Scenic Valley Railroad Museum (BSVRR) today in Boone Iowa. It was a very pleasant Valentines Day, especially for a February in Iowa, so a lot of people came out. I spoke to a full house while the presentation was also streamed online. I got to meet and speak to a lot of great people there. I talked about Jesse James in Iowa, the 1873 Adair Train Robbery and I even got to recite some of my poetry. Many thanks to Mike Wendel of the BSVRR who put the program together.

THANK YOU

See you on the Dusty Trail!

G.C. Stevens

Welcome to The Central States Lawman and Outlaws Historic Association: G.C. Stevens

Check out my books

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Like Route 66 

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Fort Dodge Fort Museum  

photo by the author 

Welcome to CSL&OH.A.

Howdy, partners! Welcome to the Wild West History Blog— I hope you'll ride the trail or the train with us into the real American frontier.

Saddle up for tales of dusty cattle towns, railroad towns, gold-rush boom camps, lawless borderlands, and wide-open plains. We’ll walk Western towns, boardwalks, stand at the OK Corral, follow the Chisholm Trail, and trace the railroads that bound a nation.

No Hollywood gloss here—just the grit drawn from diaries, court records, old newspapers, and fresh scholarship. Meet the true Wyatt Earp, Doc Holliday, Buffalo Soldiers, Native nations, and trailblazing women who ran ranches and saloons.

Whether you love Western lore or just crave authentic frontier stories, pull up a chair by the campfire. New posts on sheriffs, outlaws, cattle barons, and pioneers drop regularly.

Grab your hat—let’s ride. The Wild West awaits.

 Author Information

Gene Stevens Is a local historian, reenactor and writer, who has studied and written about frontier history, covering the Old Northwest Territory, the Illinois territory and expansion into western Iowa. He has memberships with the John Wayne Birthplace Society, the Western Writers of American and he is the founder of the Central States Lawman and Outlaws Historic Association.                                                      

His books include, Last Stand at Old Man's Creek, Red Flag of Defiance, Navy Signalman in Their Own Words, The Battle of Apple River Fort, A Fiendish Crime the story of the first train robbery in the west, and the Author of the Dusty Trails of the Old West Anthology. He has traveled the country, studied and reenacted the American civil war, the Black Hawk war and wild west periods of American history.

 

Go West Young Man; The Story of William Hudspeth and the Connection To Jesse James

 Story by Dennie Anderson.  Edited by Gene Stevens 

Descendant Dennie Anderson Holds up a photo of William Hudsepth

William Hudspeth approx, 1865

Photo Courtesy of Dennie Anderson

William Hudspeth was born in North Carolina on May 1st, 1778, a time when the colonies had declared independence from crown of England. In 1812, a war broke out, which was sometimes called the 2nd American revolution, as Britain once again made an intrusion onto American soil in a war that stretched along the Canadian border and along the great lakes in the old Northwest Territory. During that war, a young brave Willliam Hudspeth entered service as a Major in the 22nd Kentucky Militia. It's worth mentioning that Some 25,010 Kentuckians served in war, which was about five out of every six men then of military age. Fighting against both the British and their Native Americans allies, Kentucky sent a total of 36 regiments, four battalions, and twelve independent companies to the field, an almost unbelievable accomplishment considering the state's small population at the time. For his service in the war. Maj. William Hudspeth was granted 260 acres in Kentucky. He and his brother, Joel E,, moved their families to what in now Simpson County Kentucky. They farmed there and became fairly successful.

Hudspeth and Simpson County Kentucky

It was in 1819 that Simpson County Kentucky was carved out of existing Warren, Logan and Allen counties; as a result, the county seats of Bowling Green, Russellville and Scottsville became equidistant from Franklin.  The county name remembers with honor Captain John Simpson for his service in the war of 1812.  Franklin’s location can be noted humorously and practically.  One proposed site was contiguous to Drakes Creek; another was land belonging to William Hudspeth.  Water supply was vitally important to either location.  Tradition reports the night before Commissioners were to make a choice, Hudspeth worked rapidly to carry barrels of water from the creek to prime the well which he had dug without striking water (site now marked by a replica well structure).  Evidently, the water seeping to an underground stream allowed the almost deep-enough hole to open into the water supply.  What luck!  Hudspeth won the Commissioners’ vote.

William Hudspeth in Missouri   

In 1826 William Hudspeth moved to Missouri and eventually settled near Fort Osage in Sibley Missouri, Fort Osage was established by William Clark in the Louisiana Purchase territory to provide a presence in the region and it established a trading post with Native Americans.

The Hudspeth Connection to Jesse James

In a three-volume family genealogy by Anna Ford called "Through the Years With the Hudspeths,"  Major William Hudspeth had migrated to Missouri by 1828.Which stated that he had been a soldier in both the Revolutionary War and the War of 1812, and that he had founded Franklin, Ky. William was also considered a sportsman, bringing with him to Missouri a fine collection of foxhounds (the Hudspeth hounds later became famous, thanks to the efforts of a grandson, Thomas Benton Hudspeth). The major and his wife, Tabitha, whom he married in 1801, had 11 children — Nathan Beall, Thomas Jefferson, Sylvia, Joseph W., Missouri L., Silas Burke, Benoni Morgan, Joel Ephriam, George Washington, Robert Nichols and Malinda Paralee.

 The Hudspeth Settlement was established at what is now Lake City, Missouri. Robert Nichols ‘Bob’ Hudspeth, who never married, gave land for the small town. His house was about eight miles northeast of Independence. When he died in 1885, he owned 1,500 acres of land, which was being used for raising stock and farming. 

    Hudspeth's in the Civil War

When the Civil War broke out, Robert Hudspeth had served with the famed Confederate guerilla William Quantrill, and he and Frank James, who also rode with Quantrill, were apparently good friends. Robert and brother Silas, who owned a 120-acre farm, and he supplied the James-Younger Gang with valuable horses and allowed their homes to be used as hideouts. Frank James’ only son, Robert Franklin (1878–1964), was named for Robert Hudspeth, according to descendant Joe Elsea, whose great-grandfather was Joel ‘Rufus’ Hudspeth (1839–1895).

Rufus Hudspeth was a son of Joseph W. Hudspeth.  He married his first cousin Amanda in 1830 and become a successful Jackson County farmer. Amanda died in 1850, Joseph then married Louise (Rice) Brown, and they had one more child — Joseph Lamartine (‘Lam’) Hudspeth. Rufus, was friends with Frank and Jesse James when they all were schoolboys. He was one of several Hudspeths to serve in Quantrill’s guerrilla band, while other family members assisted the Rebel raiders. Rufus also later served under General Shelby and Maj. Gen. Sterling Price, in the trans-Mississippi theater.  After the war, Rufus went to Kentucky with Quantrill, but he later returned to Missouri in 1865, married Sarah Franklin the next year, had four children — Joseph, Mary Amanda (Elsea), Elvira Beall (Chiles) and Charles B. — and became a prominent farmer and stockman. Rufus’ brother William Napoleon ‘Babe’ Hudspeth also served with Quantrill. After the war, Babe married Nannie Ragland of Independence and built a large two-story Victorian home that still stands in Lake City, which was then a thriving community with stockyards and a racetrack. Other sons of Major William Hudspeth living nearby included George Washington Hudspeth and Joel Ephriam Hudspeth, who inherited the family farm. An 1877 history of Jackson County states: "It is probable that no finer nor a more extensive view of the surrounding country can be obtained than from the hill upon which the residence of Joel E. Hudspeth is located. It overlooks the Valley of the Blue. Its landscape is in its rural beauty." Many of the Hudspeths vacationed at Monegaw Springs, where James-Younger Gang members were known to hang out.

Strong Connections with the James-Younger Gang

A strong connection between the gang and Hudspeths, was probably known by the authorities, and it  became obvious from the testimony of former gang member James Andrew ‘Dick’ Liddil at the 1883 Gallatin trial of Frank James. Liddil, who also once rode with Quantrill, and had been part of Jesse James’ new gang, beginning with the October 8, 1879, and they were at the train robbery at Glendale, Missouri   ., and then had surrendered to the sheriff of Clay County on January 24, 1882. Liddil told the law most of what he knew about the gang, but his surrender was not publicized, so as not to alert Jesse James. The news didn’t become public until March 31. At his St. Joseph, Mo., home on the morning of April 2, 1882, Jesse read about it and supposedly commented that Liddil was a traitor who deserved to be hanged. Shortly thereafter, Bob Ford fired a shot heard around Missouri and beyond — the ball struck Jesse in the back of the head, killing the famous outlaw.

Reference Historynet: The James-Younger Gang and their Circle of Friends

Re: Copy of letter sent to my cousin Malinda Paralee Hudspeth Woods the youngest daughter of William Hudspeth. Letter was written by Alexander Frank James.

                                        Family Historian Dennie Anderson at the Hudspeth Well

250 Year of American History

Dusty Trails and Tall Tales Interviews Peter Sherayko

 In collaboration with Matthew Pizzolato of Dusty Trails and Tall Tales Podcast. Matthew Interviews Hollywood and movie artist and actor Peter Sherayko, who is best known for his role as Texas Jack in the movie Tombstone

Autographed Photo from the authors collection of Peter Sherayko as 

Texas Jack from to movie Tombstone

Gunfight on the Santa Fe Trail

I was honored to have met Peter a few years back at the "Gunfight on the Sante Fe Trail." He is an expert on the American west and provides support and consulting for historic movies, where he strives for historic accuracy.

G.C. Stevens

 Actor and historian Peter Sherayko joins Dusty Trails & Tall Tales for an in-depth conversation about authenticity in Western film and television.

Best known for his work on Tombstone and his behind-the-scenes contributions to Deadwood, Peter has spent decades studying, preserving, and helping filmmakers accurately portray the Old West on screen. His experience spans acting, historical consulting, and hands-on production work—giving him a rare, well-rounded perspective on what Hollywood gets right, what it gets wrong, and why the details matter.

In this episode, we talk about the challenges of making authentic Westerns, the importance of historical accuracy in props, wardrobe, weapons, and locations, and how Peter’s passion for the genre led him to create Caravan West Productions—a company dedicated to helping filmmakers, historians, and event organizers meet the demanding standards of the Western genre.

Whether you’re a fan of classic Westerns, modern interpretations, or the craftsmanship that goes into bringing the Old West to life, this conversation offers a thoughtful look behind the camera at one of America’s most demanding film genres.

250 years of American History

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The Union Jack Knife: By Tom Shaw of Knife Delights

 

Photo courtesy of Tom Shaw. Photo

of a Union Jack Knife

I'd like to thank Tom Shaw for the use of his videos!

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Jack Knives: The Everyday Tool of Union Soldiers in the Civil War:

250 Years of American History

During the American Civil War (1861–1865), Union soldiers relied on practical, portable tools to endure camp life and the rigors of campaigning. Among these, the humble jack knife—a simple folding pocket knife—stood out as an indispensable companion. Unlike larger fixed-blade knives such as Bowies (more common early in the war among Confederates), jack knives were lightweight, easy to carry in a pocket, and far less cumbersome than belt knives.

These slipjoint knives typically featured one or two blades, sometimes with additional tools like a screwdriver or awl. Manufactured by American cutlers, including the Union Knife Company, they were widely available through sutlers (mobile camp merchants) or brought from home. Soldiers used them for countless daily tasks: opening ration cans, peeling potatoes and onions, carving wood, sharpening pencils for letters home, cutting rope, or performing minor repairs on gear.

While not officially issued to infantry (unlike some naval folding knives), jack knives were ubiquitous among Union troops due to their versatility and convenience. In an era before modern multi-tools, this modest blade was a soldier's constant aide, helping sustain morale and survival amid hardship.

A short video on the jack knife

Correcting Morgan Earps Image on Find A Grave: G.C. Stevens

 

Photo of Morgan Earp, Courtesy of Emory Cantey

The real part of the Journey of our lives has a lot to do with the connections between people, places and times. We are caught up in the flow of the river of time. A river which can be majestic, or as violent and unforgiving like the Mississippi or Missouri rivers on a bad day. But then you view them from a distance, and experience their might, or in the case of history from a place further down the timeline. What the author has learned in the last few years, is that within the time continuum of our history, there can be found a lot misunderstandings which have manifest along the way when historians, writers and collectors dabble in the art of minutia. No where is this more apparent than when the pursuit of history crosses paths with historic photos. This area can be a deeply emotional pursuit, of those who have, what Glenn Boyer once called "photowishitus." And Morgan and other famed Tombstone legends seem to have had their photos mixed up with other people from time to time, one prime example is a photo once claimed to be Doc Holliday, which turned out to be a photo of another Tombstone Citizen by the name of John Escapule. (True West Magazine May 2015). The author even had T-shirt at one time that was purchased in Tombstone Arizona in a gift shop there, that featured an image of John Escapule on the front, which was identified as Doc Holliday. The same type of confusion also occurred with the photo of Morgan Earp. But the author did some due diligence on the above photo Morgan Earp (See articles below), and determined that the photo at the top of this article is Morgan Earp. Then one day I was working with Findagrave.com. and I popped on Morgan's listing at found that the photo featured was not Morgan but  a photo of James Earp was featured instead.  I promptly reached out to Findagrave.com and let them know of this and I uploaded a copy of the correct photo which they eventually approved and changed. Thanks to findagrave.com for working with me to correct this error.

-G.C. Stevens

The Correct photo of Morgan Earp, (and his wife Louisa Earp) also appeared in the late Ben Traywick's book "Historical Documents and Photographs of Tombstone. "Both photos were credited to the Glenn Boyer collection.

                            Findagrave.com Morgan Earp

Photo Investigation Morgan Earp  

In Wyatt Earps Shadow

Frontier Dust Wild West Stories & Poetry: By G.C. Stevens

 

Now Available on Amazon.com

FRONTIER DUST
WILD WEST STORIES AND POETRY

$13.99 Paperback

$2.99 Kindle

Author Page

Gene Stevens of CSL&OH.A. Talks to Dusty Trails and Tall Tales

Dusty Trails and Tall Tales Podcast

   It was a pleasure talking to Matthew from Dusty Trails and Tall Tales!

Take a listen as we talk about civil war reenacting, the Black Hawk War of 1832, the frontier, Jesse James, old photos, legends, Tombstone AZ and the darker side of the frontier!!

Dusty Trails Books & Publishing - Dusty Trails Books & Publishing

*Note The incident I mentioned about the shooting of a local Mayor occurred in Maxwell Iowa not Cambridge.  The towns are in the same vicinity but I mentioned the wrong place.

Here's a link to a story I wrote about it.

Maxwell Iowa