By Vera Burnett-Powell
Copyright 1999
William F. Cody rode into Wildwood Kansas, a small western town, bone tired and hungry. He was down to his last five dollars. Cody's mother and father had been killed two years before in a robbery. For a while he had been in a state orphanage. He finally decided he could no longer stay there and set out to seek his fortune in life. He knew one day he would be rich and famous. He just wasn't sure how to go about it. He was young and had worked in many western towns doing all manners of odd jobs. He had decided to travel the west after reading a book by Hezakia Horn. He was inspired by the writing and sought adventures of his own. So far he found little adventure and lots of hard work.
He bedded his horse down at the stable and asked directions to the nearest eating establishment. “Try the Hotel on main street” said the stable lad.
“Thanks I will” replied Cody. Tonight I want a hot meal and a warm bed thought Cody. Tomorrow I'll look for work he thought with a weary sigh. He rented the last room at the hotel and entered the diningroom. He ordered a steak dinner and began to eat. Everyone in the dining room was discussing competitions due to start the following day a fair was in town and there would be riding and shooting competitions. Several Diners asked Cody if he was participating in the contests. He finally decided to compete. “Where do I sign up?” he asked a man who seemed to be knowledgeable about the contest.
The man introduced himself as John Watkins. “Sign up before ten at the booth at the fair. I intend to watch the competition for young Orphans who can ride and shoot. I work for Russell, Majors & Waddell who is opening the Pony Express.”
“What is the pony Express” inquired Cody?
“A company which will deliver mail from St. Joe Missouri to California. It will tie up the entire country to mail service. I'm hiring people for them.”
“It sounds very interesting” said Cody.
“How about you son? Any family?”
“No, replied Cody a little sadly. Last one died two years ago.”
"Well, I’m sorry to hear that. If you are interested, I'll keep a sharp eye on you tomorrow.”
“ I’m very interested. I'll see you tomorrow then replied Cody with a lopsided grin. Time for me to get some sleep.” Cody made a short stop at the stable to give his horse a treat and then turned in for the night. He slept a deep and refreshing sleep.
He was up and the fairgrounds to sign up the riding and shooting competitions, by 9:30 a.m. First prize for riding was ten dollars and a new saddle and for shooting it was a new Rifle and ammunition - a Hawkin. Cody noticed John Watkins in the front row of spectators and gave him a smile and touched the brim of his hat. The riding competition was first Cody was the first person away from the starting line and battled to stay in front. He and Spangle, his horse, rode as one. Spangles followed all of his master's orders and Cody gave him his respect and they kept up a strong speed. Cody easily won and was thrilled to accept his saddle and ten dollars.
Later in the afternoon he stepped up to the line for the shooting contest. He was using his Fathers old Winchester. He took aim and hit the target dead center. Cody and two older men became the finalists. Finally it was down to Cody and one other man. They were to hit a target 15 feet away. The other man went first. His bullet was just slightly to the left of the bulls-eye. Cody closed his eyes and stood quietly for a moment. He opened his eyes, aimed, fired and hit the bulls-eye. He instantly became the owner of a new Hawkin.
John Watkins was the first man to shake Cody's hand and congratulate him. He immediately offered Cody a job with the Pony express. “Have breakfast with me tomorrow morning and we'll discuss the details,” invited John.
“I will be there,” replied Cody.
At nine a.m. the next morning John and Cody met for breakfast. John explained the work for the express would be dangerous and would entail delivering mail on horseback. He explained the pay would be good and he would be well fed and have a place to stay. Cody indicated that he would like to accept the position. After breakfast they walked to Johns office where Cody read and took the oath. He stated “I do hereby swear, before the Great and Living God, that during my engagement, and while I am an employee of Russell, Majors & Waddell, that I will, under no circumstances, use profane language; that I will drink no intoxicating liquors; that I will not quarrel or fight with any other employee of the firm, and that in every respect I will conduct myself honestly, be faithful to my duties, and so direct all my acts as to win the confidence of my employers. So help me God.” He officially signed the oath and John welcomed him to the company. He handed Cody twenty five dollars and the following items: a lightweight rifle, a Colt revolver, a bright red flannel shirt, blue trousers, a horn, and a Bible.
Cody was assigned to the Sweetwater Station run by Teaspoon Hunter. The rest was a famous ride straight into the pages of history.
