That Fiend in Hell: Alias Soapy Smith not good enough?

On page 8 of That Fiend In Hell, the author states that “only three professional historians have attempted to examine the Smith story within some context other than that of an adventure.”

These three works are as follows:

1. Bearss, Edwin C. Proposed Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park Historic Resource Study. Washington, D.C.: U.S. Department of the Interior, 1970. Pages 181-97, 16 pages relate to Soapy Smith. Cathy Spude says that Bearss relies on Pierre Berton’s work, which she feels is not reliable.


2. Hunt, William R. Distant Justice: Policing the Alaskan Frontier. Norman: University of Oklahoma Press, 1987. The section on Soapy, pages 52-67, is only 15 pages, and Cathy Spude states that Hunt's treatment lacks focus on Smith because it is narrowed to vigilantism in 1898 Skagway.


3. Haigh, Jane G. "Political Power, Patronage, and Protection Rackets: Con Men and Political Corruption in Denver, 1889-1894." Unpublished PhD Dissertation, University of Arizona, 2009. With little discussion and no documentation, Cathy Spude claims this work shows that Soapy Smith had little influence on Denver politics.

In her Introduction, these are the only scholarly treatments of Soapy Smith that Cathy Spude found worthy of mention. Apparently she forgot the 628-page biography titled Alias Soapy Smith, which she reviewed two years before and about which in part she wrote, "the book is well-cited, with numerous footnotes and a detailed index" (Alaska History Vol. 25, No. 2, Fall 2010, p. 57). Shouldn't this comprehensive, carefully researched, fully documented, critical treatment of "the Smith Story" receive a mention with those others? It would seem so especially since the author finds fault with two of them for not questioning and for lacking focus on the Smith story. What seems to be the case is that Cathy Spude intentionally omitted mention of the comprehensive, critical biography because its author is not classified by Cathy Spude as a "professional historian," as if only one with such a title bestowed by her is capable of producing factual works.

In writing about the history of the Old West, author and historian Paul Cool observes that “… the grassroots historian probably has been responsible for much, if not most of the discoveries of the past 35 or more years concerning the details of the lives, acts of violence, and deaths of such men (and occasional women), and of the many men and women who were witness to or wrapped up in their stories” (http://www.paulcoolbooks.com/?p=231, 6 Jun 2012, accessed 5 Dec 2012).

Surely the "professionals" are not the only ones to have developed sufficient historical background, skill, and discipline to find evidence, categorize it, measure it, question it, and present it in a published form that may be considered "scholarly" and be reasonably termed "history."

That Fiend in Hell: Soapy Smith as grand marshal of the July 4, 1898 parade.

Soapy on his horse awaiting the parade to commence.
Holly Street, July 4, 1898
Corner of Jeff Smith's Parlor is seen on the far left.

Royal British Columbia Archives Col., James A. Sinclair col. (ZZ-95358)

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In "That Fiend in Hell," the author addresses how participation of Soapy Smith in the 4th of July parade of 1898 has "become so mythologized that it is almost impossible to cull the fantasy from the fact" (p. 53). However, despite many claims to the contrary, the author states as "fact" that Soapy did not lead the July 4 parade (p. 55).

“That Fiend In Hell,” pages 53-55

Unfortunately, the only known newspaper accounts about the parade that took place in Skagway, Alaska, on July 4, 1898, are the ones published previous to that date. No newspaper accounts about the parade on or after that date are known to exist. However, there are numerous published eyewitness accounts from people who claimed to have seen the parade. Not a single eyewitness account is known to exist that states Soapy was positioned at the rear of the parade. All of them remember seeing Soapy at the head of the parade.

Newspapers prior to July 4, 1898, list Soapy as the marshal of the fourth and last division of the parade, assisted by Skagway pack train owner J. H. Brooks and Soap Gang member William Tener. The fourth division had four parts: the Skaguay Military Company, the Fitzhugh Lee float, the Man of War float, and J. H. Brooks's Pack Train. "Fitzhugh Lee'' was the American bald eagle captured alive outside of Skagway by two men. They brought it to the city and gave it to Soapy in honor of his patriotic efforts in creating the all-volunteer Skaguay Military Company and offering its services to President McKinley during the Spanish-American War. The author of "That Fiend in Hell" writes that the bird was named after a Southern Confederate general (p. 55). Fitzhugh Lee was a general during the Civil War, but Soapy was honoring Lee, the American Consul General based in Havana, Cuba (Alias Soapy Smith p. 520), when the battleship Maine was sunk in February 1898, starting the war.

"Fitzhugh Lee" float awaiting parade to start.
Holly Street, July 4, 1898
The live bald eagle is in the cage.
John Clancy's son dressed as Uncle Sam by the cage.
Jeff Smith's Parlor on the right of photograph.
Flag bearer for the Skaguay Military Company stands behind the wagon.
Royal British Columbia Archives Col., James A. Sinclair col. (ZZ-95360)

(Click image to enlarge)

What follows is how the coming July 4th parade is presented in my book. I share it here to set the stage for how Soapy Smith might have led the parade, at least for a time.

With the approach of the July Fourth holiday, Skaguay was full of excitement. The Commercial Club, consisting of business owners, took early control of planning the celebration and appointed a committee to arrange “for the proper observance and celebration of the Glorious Fourth.” Skaguay would have a parade, of course, and the committee decided it would consist of three divisions and three marshals, with Commercial Club President C. W. Everest as grand marshal. Jeff’s name does not appear as a planner or as being in the parade, but by July 1 his name appears in the plans as marshal of an added forth division. The News published the program.

[1] Grand Marshal, C.W. Everest and aids J.F. Burkhard and A.P. Tony [2] Band [3] Marshal First Division—S.L. Lovell and aids [4] Veterans [5] Children’s Float with Goddess of Liberty [6] News boys [7] Chilkat Indians [8] Grotesque characters [9] Bicyclists [10] Marshal Second Division—C.N. Hanson and aids J.G. Price and Sam Roberts [11] Knights of Pythias [12] Ladies Cavalcade [13] City Brewing Float [14] Gentleman’s Cavalcade [15] Skaguay Brewing Float [16] Floats and displays of Skaguay business and industries [17] Marshal Third Division—F.W. Whiting and aids Messrs. Heney and Wilson [18] Railroad employees [19] Mechanic’s Floats [20] Marshal Fourth Division—Jeff R. Smith and aids Wm. Tener and J.H. Brooks [21] Skaguay Guards and “Fitizhugh Lee” [22] Man of War Float [23] Brooks Pack Train.

The parade will form on Broadway at 1:30 p.m., and after parading the prin- [unreadable line] … front of the city hall where speeches will be delivered by the orators of the day, Messrs. R. W. Jennings, Walter Church, Judge Sehlbrede and Dr. Campbell.

The following sentence is from Sinclair's July 4 diary entry: "Went to wharf to hear programme and was called upon to open with prayer on about 2 minutes' notice" (Royal B.C. Museum, MS 1061; 98002-10, reel 1). Indicated is that the location for the speeches was changed from the place announced in the paper (in front of city hall) to one of the wharfs.

Those who have read the history of Soapy will surely recognize that being listed as marshal of the fourth division and dead last in the parade no doubt sat ill with him. He was well-known as a very patriotic man who always flew American flags from the majority of his businesses in Colorado. Surely, he reasoned, given his success with the May 1 parade, no one knew better how to lead a celebration and stir a crowd than he. The committee had planned the parade, but Soapy planned to make it memorable.

Soapy on horseback, left side of Broadway street.
Brooks Pack Train center
No sign of floats, Skaguay Military Company, etc.
Klondike Gold Rush National Historic Park (KLGO-00532)

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There is one known photograph taken of Soapy (see above) during the parade, and it offers some clues. The author of “That Fiend In Hell” points to this photograph as proof that Soapy did not lead the parade (p. 67), but there is more in that photograph, made conspicuous by their absences, that better offers us clues as to what could have happened that day.

Captain Jefferson Smith was proud of the Skaguay Military Company he commanded and no doubt would want to lead it on his dapple-gray horse. Since formed on March 19, 1898, Soapy had had his military unit drilling, and by June, a newspaper reported that the company continued to drill "every night" (Sitka Alaskan Report 06/01/1898). Newspapers were notified of the following parade sequence in Soapy's division: Soapy, the well-drilled Military Company, the “Fitzhugh Lee” float, consisting of a large wood and wire cage on a wagon decorated with six American flags and traditional tri-colored bunting. John Clancy’s six-year-old son, Frank, dressed as Uncle Sam, riding on the wagon behind the driver. Then the Man of War float, followed by the Brooks Pack Train. However, a considered look at the parade photograph shows something missing—in fact, that quite a bit is missing. The Brooks Pack Train has a sign, but the division marshal is without one. Missing also are the “Fitzhugh Lee” float and the Man of War float, nor is Captain Smith at the lead of his prized Skaguay Military Company. Soapy's history reveals a man who rarely gave up or gave in unless forced to, and even then, not without resistance. The parade committee chosen by Skagway merchants hardly seems a threat to Soapy, so it is likely he had a plan to circumvent its will. A plan so effective and generally pleasing that it remains a part of the annual July 4 parade tradition in Skagway to this day. What was Soapy's strategy? I will explain.

Reverend Sinclair wrote in his diary for July 4 that “Soapy mounted was much in evidence” (Royal B.C. Museum, MS 1061; 98002-10, reel 1). Why would he write that if Soapy just rode alongside Brooks and Tener for the entire parade? The answer is that he wouldn't. The words "much in evidence" imply that Soapy made himself evident in the sense of being noticeable and conspicuous, and showing up in different places. Prominent Skagway citizen Harriet Pullen wrote that Soapy Smith asked her to participate in the parade and that she did. "It was during the parade," she continued,

that I had my second interview with "Soapy" [—]when galloping up and down the line on his white charger, he stopped and thanked me for taking part, then wheeled and headed for another part of the parade. (Alias Soapy Smith p. 522)

Here is what I think could have happened during the parade that day.

Going in one direction, the parade moved down Broadway toward the harbor with Soapy’s contingent at the very rear. Soapy knew that he could not talk the parade committee into changing its line up and getting what he wanted. So instead, he made a parade plan of his own. His fourth division would remain at the end of the parade, but as it was reaching the end of its course, Soapy put his plan into action. He dashed about, up and down the parade, announcing that they should turn about and make another pass back through town. Everyone had worked hard on the floats and costumes and on getting organized, so in the spirit of the 4th of July, the idea of more parading would not have been rejected out of hand. Having announced the proposed about face all along the parade, Soapy turned his horse and galloped back to the end of the parade where the Skaguay Military Company, Fitzhugh Lee, and the Man of War Float were already turned around and waiting for him. Then, with Soapy suddenly at the head of the parade, he led it back up the street before anyone could do anything, but follow. Perhaps some did not follow, such as those at the very front, the grand marshal and the dignitaries, who might have left their mounts and carriages and walked to the program stage as planned. But even if they didn't follow the parade back, nevertheless, Soapy would have led a sizable contingent of his own, presumably with many following.

"Fitzhugh Lee" float during parade.
Broadway, Skagway, Alaska July 4, 1898
John Clancy's son holding onto a board attached to the eagle's cage.
Flag bearer for the Skaguay Military Company stands behind the wagon.

(Click image to enlarge)

This is when Soapy and his company shined as they performed the grand military maneuvers they had been practicing. Always the planner when it came to managing a crowd, Soapy would have had his many friends, supporters, and particularly his "associates" spread among the spectators, boosting enthusiasm and excitement as Soapy would bring his mount to a stop and the military company would perform some sharp maneuver. Then lifting his hat and waving to the crowds to acknowledge their approval, he would lead on, guiding his mount from side to side to present himself. Of course, it is not known what Soapy actually did during the parade. This is just a possible scenario. However it was, Soapy at the head of his Skaguay Military Company must have put on a spectacular show for him to be remembered as the grand marshal of the parade.

__________

The author of “That Fiend In Hell” writes that Governor Brady wrote a letter to his superior, the secretary of interior, about July 4 in Skagway … “noting that the town had far too many bunco artists.” In actuality, Brady's report also mentions Soapy, stating that “Everything is orderly now, but there is a character there now by the sobriquet ‘Soapy Smith’ and he seems to have the gambling element completely under his control.” Brady also expressed the fear that Jeff “might find it convenient to have the [railroad] men strike just after a payday and rush them into the town to help his business” (Alias Soapy Smith p. 523).

With Governor Brady in Skagway that July 4 was his seven-year-old son, Hugh. He later wrote that his father tried to strike a deal with Soapy. If Soapy would give up Skaguay, the governor would make him a deputy marshal at Sitka. Jeff is said to have respectfully declined (Alias Soapy Smith p. 524).

The Skaguay News reported how the Fourth “was a great day for amateur photographers, as every man, horse, mule and float was ‘snapped’ at on every corner….” These picture-takers probably photographed the decorated speakers’ platform as well. Rev. Sinclair is reported to have taken up a good picture-taking position, but photographs of this venue have yet to surface in the present day. Hopefully one day they may (Alias Soapy Smith pp. 522-23).

Children’s’ Float with Goddess of Liberty
Broadway, Skagway, Alaska July 4, 1898

University of Alaska (Fairbanks) Archives (UAF-1976-35-60).

(Click image to enlarge)

__________

Fourth of July parade.
"Bill" Saportas one of the "sure-thing" men.
Could this photo have been taken on the "turn-around" pass of the parade?

BRSGY036

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__________

A portion of the fourth of July . Start of parade.

BRSGY076

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Addendum Post

May 1 or May 30, 1898?

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Cathy Spude, author of "That Fiend In Hell," has created a page on her website to counter the information I am posting on this blog. On her page she notes that I have this photograph in my book, Alias Soapy Smith, misidentifying the man mounted on horseback as being Soapy Smith, and that Soapy is in the crowd, just to the right of the horse.

I have a high dpi copy of this photograph and can safely rule out that the man in the crowd is Soapy Smith. She gives the opinion that Soapy "is not in the parade at all. He is merely a face in the crowd of on-lookers." Of course Soapy, as the captain of the Skaguay Military Company (plainly seen carrying signs identifying themselves), would naturally lead his company in any and all the parades in Skagway, Alaska.

Cathy is correct that my book misidentifies the man on horseback as being Soapy. However, this mistake was caught, addressed, and fully explored on my Soapy Smith's soap box blog over 2-1/2 years ago (see complete story here). In short, the man is sitting on Soapy's horse, and it was first assumed that the man must be Soapy.

The implication that the above photograph was not taken on May 1, 1898, but rather May 30, 1898, is an ongoing debate. Skagway is known to have had two parades in 1898. Could there have been three? I will explore this possibility in a future posting.

That Fiend in Hell: Ranks of the Skaguay Military Company

May 1, 1898 Skagway, Alaska parade
Parade participants pose for a photograph
(Center) Jeff Smith's Parlor can be seen decorated with flags and bunting
(Far left) Volunteers hold signs reading "The Skaguay Military Company."
(Alaska State Library, William R. Norton col., ASL-P226-117)

(Click image to enlarge)

At that time it [the legend] states that he organized a grand patriotic parade featuring a number of Skaguay Militia members, which he had mobilized from among the ranks of the sporting element to go off and fight for the United States against the Spanish in Cuba.

—That Fiend in Hell, p. 48

Volunteer enrollment list
Skaguay Military Company
Entire 5 page document
can be viewed on the
Soapy Smith's soap box blog
(Jeff Smith collection, artifact #34)

(Click image to enlarge)

A transcript of the originating documents for the Skaguay Military Company (item 34, Jeff Smith collection) is published in Alias Soapy Smith (pp. 487-89). Dated March 19, 1898, the documents include the names of the original eighty-five members.

Names on the roster belonging to known members of the Soap Gang include John Bowers, John Miller, and Ed Burns. Probably most of the officers were fully acquainted with Soapy, but a majority of the men appear to be ordinary citizens and stampeders. I have examined the extensive Skagway names file collected by Skagway Historical Society member Marlene McCluskey. It numbers above eight thousand, but most of the names of Skaguay Military Company members (beyond the three names above) do not appear in this file. Those few who do appear are identified by such as "Theatre Royal owner, Klondiker, Packer." The author of That Fiend in Hell states that members of the Skaguay Military Company were "mobilized from the sporting element," by which one supposes is meant "gamblers" or "sure thing" men whom Soapy knew. This statement is not documented or made clear. Apparently it is an assumption. I undertake in my book to explain why Soapy would have seen major recruitment from his "associates" as a bad idea.

Membership in the Skaguay Military Company continued to grow after the minutes and roster of volunteers had been typed up. These signed documents enclosed by cover letters were sent to District of Alaska Governor John G. Brady and President William McKinley. Names of the several new recruits were added, hand written in ink.

Men lined up outside Smith's Parlor waiting to join.
 These men do not appear to be of the “sporting element.”
Bancroft library, Univ. of California, Berkeley

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That Fiend in Hell: Soapy Smith's beard

The beard ... in 1898 ... was seriously old-fashioned. Dandies had not worn full beards since Rutherford B. Hayes left the White House in 1881; by the turn of the twentieth century, the clean-shaven look was all the rage. ...[V]ery few allowed a full beard to grow. It only raised the question of a city man's suspicious character that he would grow a beard in 1898.

–That Fiend in Hell, p. 31

 

The author is correct that beards were on their way out of style, but they were hardly missing from society, nor were they objects of questionable suspicion. For some years previous to growing a beard, Soapy Smith sported a mustache. It is believed he grew his beard in 1890 and kept it until his death in 1898.

A beardless Soapy Smith
Rocky Mountain News
March 20, 1890

With his beard, Soapy was in good company historically. After President Lincoln in the 1860s, every president except Andrew Johnson (1865-1869) and William McKinley (1897-1901) had either a beard or a heavy moustache, and after McKinley, two more presidents had facial hair.

• Rutherford B. Hayes had a full beard, 1877-1881.
• James A. Garfield had a full beard, 1881.
• Chester A. Arthur had a huge mustache and sideburns, 1881-1885.
• Grover Cleveland had a large mustache, 1885-1889.
• Benjamin Harrison had a full beard, 1889-1893.
• Grover Cleveland had a large mustache, 1893-1897.
• William McKinley had no facial hair, 1897-1901.
• Theodore Roosevelt had a prominent mustache, 1901-1909.
• William Howard Taft had a huge mustache, 1909-1913.

An online search produced numerous sources documenting how the "clean-shaven look" was not "all the rage" and how facial hair was a prominent fashion choice. The following are two examples.

HAIRSTYLES AND FACIAL HAIR
Male hair was cut fairly short during the 1890s, however facial hair was fashionable. Moustaches were common and beards ranged from bushy, to pointed, to rounded, to goatees. In spite of this, the clean-shaven look was also gaining popularity for younger men during this decade. (1890s Costume, "Here you are able to find detail on 1890s fashion." Nunn, Joan. Fashion in Costume 1200~2000. 2nd ed. Chicago: New Amsterdam Books, 2000.)

After 1860, and until the end of the century, hair was used shorter, but beards and moustaches were constantly used. (The History of the World of Hair, "The Nineteenth Century." ).