Yellowstone Kelly: The Memories of Luther s Kelly

Rating:
Summary: A Hunter's Paradise
Review: "Yellowstone Kelly" is an autobiographical account of the life of a trapper and scout in the Dakota and Montana territory in the 25 years after the Civil War. It is well written (with the help of M. M. Quaife) and is easily read. For those who live in the Dakotas, Montana, Wyoming, and, to a lesser extent, Colorado, this book might be more appealing. It offers a glimpse at life in this area over 100 years ago and many a name or landmark little known to others will catch your attention. For example, as one who lives in NW North Dakota, I found it interesting to discover who Red Mike was (there's a golf course nearby with that name). For people who enjoy hunting, there are many pages of the hunting excursions that Kelly frequently took in the area. For people who enjoy the history of the American West, there are accounts of some of the lesser battles in the area's history.

The book, copyrighted in 1926, is the recollections of Kelly at a time when there were not many of his type still around. I would have liked to have read more about his later life but I got the impression that he stopped his tale at the point when civiliztion finally took control. I guessed that a man like him would have eventually gone to Alaska and, wouldn't you know, that was one of the few things he said about his later life.

Of the many interesting chapters, the one that might impress the general reader the most is his account of a trip to the Yellowstone Park in the late 1870's. Amidst his tale of the grandeur of the area, we also read about an encounter with hostile Indians. This was not the sort of travel log we're used to reading these days. The only fault that the book seems to have is its' brevity. However, what it does cover is worth the little time it takes to read it.

Rating:
Summary: Fascinating book because my relative was involved.
Review: I am going to buy this book as my direct relative, William Frederick Schmalsle, was with Yellowstone Kelly. Schmalsle was an Indian Guide, Scout, Guide, and Courier for Lieutenant Baldwin and General Miles. All were involved in the Red River Wars and the rescue of the Germaine (German) sisters.

Rating:
Summary: Great History of the post Civil War & Indian Wars Period.
Review: Luther "Yellowstone" Kelly was one of the men that helped open up the post-Civil War West. He was as interesting, fearless, intelligent and resourceful as Daniel Boon, David Crockett, Kit Carson or William Cody. He loved the romance of the frontier and appreciated the beauty and grandeur of nature. He was well educated, fond of good books, quiet, gentle and brave; a great hunter, scout, and excellent rifleman.For the student of the post-Civil War west and Indian War period, this is an excellent historical memoir. Unfortunately, the editor, M. M. Quaife, was more interested on condensing a colorful, interesting manuscript into a facts only history book. While much of the excitement has been removed, the interested reader will understand the interesting life Luther Kelly lived. Kelly was, at various times, an explorer, scout, rancher, ambassador, and always a friend of men, red or white. He walked the country from St. Louis to California, scouted under General Nelson A. Miles whom wrote the forward for this book, and was instrumental in opening up the Yellowstone Territory to become our first National Park. The Warner Brothers movie of the same name was, unfortunately, a quickly made western to feed the appetite of the late 1950's. The movie covers only one year and one trip to Kelly's Colorado Territory ranch. Even with these shortcomings it is worth a look when it appears on late night television.