James R. McIver

Victim of Blizzard

The only fatality so far recorded in the blizzard which raged last Thursday and Friday is that of James McIver, a sheepherder employed by
Wesley T. Wolfe. He left as usual Thursday to tend his band of sheep but on account of a change in the wind was unable to make the usual bedground at night and drifted around aimlessly that night and Friday.

His body was found on Saturday about 11 o'clock in the forenoon by another of Mr. Wolfe's men, all huddled up as though he had sat down to rest and, when death overtook him, tipped over on one side. He was in the vicinity of the Spoon Buttes when found and not further than a quarter of a mile from several houses. For an experienced sheepherder he was a little careless about his clothing and went out in the storm without a slicker, and when found his clothing was soaking wet. Another sheepherder for Mr. Wolfe, Dean Welch, was out during all the time but when found was all right except that his face was frost-bitten; he was clad in a slicker and other waterproof clothing.

The unfortunate man was 52 years of age, was born in Liverpool, England, of Irish parentage, and had been a sailor in the United States navy for some years and roamed the world over. Little else is known of him and absolutely nothing about any relatives who may survive him, unless any papers among his belongings may bring some light as to his connections.

He has lived in this part of the country for a good many years and was employed for about three years by U. S. (Grant) Agnew.

The remains were brought to town late Sunday night and on Monday were interred in Lusk cemetery. A short service was held at the grave, Rev. S. B. Long, of the Congregational church of Lusk, officiating. The pallbearers were, M. C. Agnew, W. T. Wolfe, H. C. Snyder, A.L. Miller, P. E. Barber and A. H. Faust. Mr. Wolfe did all that could be done under the circumstances and saw that the remains were given decent burial.

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