This text is a letter from Johnny Spaulding, a veteran, to his sister, Lucinda Davis, in 1920. The letter discusses various family matters such as agriculture, relationships, and Spaulding’s military life. Spaulding mentions water issues that affected farmers and ranchers: drought, followed by heavy rainfall, followed by receding water levels because of a government dam. Spaulding discusses the use of the Bible, specifically the Gospels. He concludes the letter by discussing family relationships and recent family events.
Collection Description
The Cy Davis collection consists of diaries initially belonging to Johnny T. Spaulding, account books, photographs, artifacts, manuscripts and biographies of the Davis' family. The manuscripts include, ''The Lives and Love of Buckskin Johnny Spaulding,'' a collection of narrative poems. Artifacts include over 1400 pieces of Native American artifacts, such as arrowheads, tools, bones, pottery, paintings, moccasins, jewelry, and more. Born in 1846, John Spaulding was a renowned pioneer of the Dakota region. He established early residence in the Belle Fourche area, drawn by the 1876 Gold Rush, and later became well acquainted with prominent regional figures, including Calamity Jane. He served with John Pershing in the Spanish-American War after which he moved to California. Spaulding married his long time love, Nettie in August of 1927. They remained until his death in 1932.
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