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Rebecca
Maloney
Calamity Jane
Biography
Mrs Jane Bruke, Martha Jane Canary, or as
she is best known, Calamity Jane, was a
famous Sharpshooter, Storyteller,
Frontierswoman, and general troublemaker.
Her occupations included but were not
limited to Explorer, Army scout, pioneer,
storyteller, sharpshooter performer,
dance-hall girl, and alleged prostitute
across Wyoming, South Dakota, and Montana.
In her 38 years in the Wild West, she
rustled up quite an intriguing reputation
for herself. Because she refused to live
by the rules of the day, she carved out her
own spot in history, and subsequently in pop
culture. Calamity Jane has inspired multiple
Movies and television shows, a documentary,
plays and books, music, and even games.
But did you know this Wild Woman of the West
spent a good amount of time in our very own
Rawlins Wyoming? Calamity came to Rawlins
in 1870 and worked at a local hotel as a
waitress, unfortunately, that did not last
very long as she was fired for her conduct.
She then went to Fort Steele and made
herself very well known by performing
incredibly daring acts in front of those
stationed there. She was regarded by the
locals as absolutely fearless. Calamity
was also regarded as quite a beautiful
woman. Of the many husbands she had
throughout the years one was William Steers,
whom she married right here in Rawlins. This
was a short but turbulent 6 year marriage
that culminated in Jane divorcing him after
he struck her with a rock and threatened her
life with a knife. Jane was also known to
have quite a soft spot for alcohol and could
often be found Roostered on Front Street. As
a result, she would often end up spending
the night in the Rawlins Jail. With her
troublesome behavior, it was inevitable that
she was eventually ordered out of town by
police officer Thomas Hanks. Thus ends
her more significant impact on Rawlins's
history. She did stop in Rawlins a couple
times after being run out of town, however,
it was never for very long. Photographs
in order: 1). Calamity Jane is printed on
the bottom of the photo from the development
process. Written on the back in black
ink: From the collection of Clarence S.
Paine. Donated by A. R. McMicken 2). The
picture is the only known picture of her in
women's clothes. She presented this picture
to the late A.R. McMicken many years ago.
Donated by Mr. and Mrs. C. A. Brimmer 3).
Writing on back in black ink: From the
collection of Clarence S. Paine? Donated by
A. R. McMicken 4). Written on the back in
black ink: From the collection of Clarence
S. Paine. Donated by A. R. McMicken
(photo information from Past Perfect Catalog
system.)
She was around Lander quite
a bit--her younger sister Lena Canary
married John Borner in 1874 and they had a
ranch southwest of town in what became known
as "Borner's Garden". My Jean Hauger's great
grandfather remembered Calamity going by in
a buggy to see her sister (when she knew
John was gone).
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Colleen
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Maloney,
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Being
a County or State Administrator is fun and rewarding. If you
have an interest in the history of Wyoming and the genealogy
of it's residents please consider it. If you think "there
is no way I can do this" there are many people ready,
willing and able to help you. It's not near as difficult as
you might think.
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