San Antonio Light / October 23, 1898
Was Known All Over Alaska as “Soapy” Smith.
He Ran the Town to Suit Himself and His Pals, but Nemesis Finally Overtook Him in the Shape of a Bullet.
An Alaska correspondent writes, under the date of July 15, that with the passing of “Soapy” Smith Skaguay’s reign of terror seems drawing to a close. “Soapy” is dead.
“Soapy” would have gone down the dark trail long ago had it not been for the fact that he was never seen alone, and to pull a gun on him meant death to the puller. “Tom” Reed, the city engineer, found that out, but “Soapy” went with him, and there is a heap of satisfaction in that.
He came here from Colorado, the cradle of bad men. He first gained fame by saving the life of “Bloody Bridles” Waite, then governor of Colorado. When Creede was experiencing a reign of lawlessness in 1891, Smith was United States marshal, and so vigorous was he in the pursuit of his calling that in a short time he