Similar incidents of “old west” law had their impact on the Hartt sheep operations during the early years. In 1907, Hartt incorporated a third sheep company, Yellowstone, that was headquartered out to Lander, Wyoming. The Board of Directors included Hartt, K. M. Kinney, and J. M. Rumsey, all of Rawlins (40).
The story goes that Yellowstone manager, Kinch Kinney, had killed a man, perhaps while performing his duties as manager. (It is unknown if Kinch Kinney is the K. M. Kinney who is listed on the Board of Directors, above.) Kinney was apparently a very high-quality ranch manager and Hartt did not want to lose him, so they had a minister’s son named Bastem Skaggs take the rap for the killing, thinking that no minister’s son would be convicted. (It is interesting to note that Hartt himself is a minister’s son.)
Apparently, however, Skaggs was convicted and was to be imprisoned at the state penitentiary in Rawlins after the trial in Cheyenne. Skaggs, who reportedly stood 6’ 2”, was being transported from the Rawlins depot to the prison by a deputy named Billy Mills, who was a short, stocky man. Skaggs asked Mills to turn his back while he said a final prayer. Mills obliged and Skaggs ran through the Paris Hotel and then through the town to horses that were saddled and waiting for him. These horses were thought to be supplied by Hartt. Skaggs did make it to Mexico alive and stayed in touch with Hartt’s new foreman and brother-in-law, Spragg, over the years. Perhaps this contact was maintained so that Skaggs could obtain financial support through Hartt (41).
Sir, They Shot Wilkes Last Night: Life in the Wild West
The 1910s Tax Dispute: Wyoming Sheep vs. Colorado Cattlemen
Exploring the History of Pearl Lake State Park: A Journey Back in Time: Chapter Index
- 1. Introduction: the History of Pearl Lake State Park in Routt County
- 2. The Beginning of the Legacy: Go West, John Kelly Hartt
- 3. The Beginning History of Cow Creek and Pioneer Sheep Companies in Wyoming
- 4. Colorado Cattlemen vs. Cow Creek Sheep: The 1903 Stampede
- 5. A Bride From New Brunswick: John Kelly Hartt Marries M. Pearl Hartt
- 6. Sir, They Shot Wilkes Last Night: Life in the Wild West
- 7. Taking the Rap: The Minister’s Son Escapes to Mexico
- 8. The 1910s Tax Dispute: Wyoming Sheep vs. Colorado Cattlemen
- 9. Hartt Family and Sheep Companies at Hahn’s Peak: A Historic Legacy
- 10. Sheep On God’s Mountain: Grassroots Issues
- 11. Hartt’s Business Ventures Expansion in Rawlins | Sheep Business Development
- 12. Family Feuds and Financial Controversies: The Legacy of J.K. Hartt’s Estate in Wyoming
- 13. Pearl Hartt: An Ending Tribute to the Legacy of Pearl Lake’s Namesake
All content in the Exploring the History of Pearl Lake State Park: A Journey Back in Time, including all subsections, are written by Cathy Hartt, granddaughter of Pearl and John Kelly Hartt. Original article written in 2001 with revisions through 2024. Please request written permission for reprints by emailing the author.
Pearl Lake State Park History 