Rock Creek Killfest

July 12, 1861 David McCanles, his son William and two employees ride up to Rock Creek Station, Nebraska Territory. Leaving his two hired hands at the barn, McCanles and his son go over to the main house and demand that the occupants clear out. The Pony Express station keeper Horace Wellman tells McCanles he has no such authority (see “Deadly Deal” sidebar, opposite page). An argument ensues and a frightened Wellman retreats into the house while Jane, Wellman’s common-law wife, stands