Belemus Augustus Burtcher Jr.
Grave of "Uncle Beam"
Beam Burtcher lived on a homestead above what is now Hasty Flat. Living most of his life by himself, he was known for being one who did not particularly like having his property invaded, intentionally or otherwise. He is said to have had several mailorder brides, none of which ever stayed for more than two or three days. Whenever he rode he always wore two pistols and carried his violin to play for those unfortunate to be deprived to music due to a lack of instruments. His musical talent was not confined to visits but often was given, especially to some of the young ladies of the area, over the telephone, a fact that had its aggravating as well as its humerous side. When he became ill in 1934, he must have realized that his time to die was near. Before going to the hospital he set four posts to be the corners of his grave. It is in that grave in a timbered ravine on his homestead that he was buried several weeks later.
written by Nora Wood
These are letters Darlene Anderson was so generous to share with us. This is Bolemus/Belemus Augustus Burtcher Jr son of Bolemus/ Belemus Augustus and Mary Ellen Ricketts Burtcher. The letters were written to Mary Ellen's brother Edward J. Ricketts in Oregon Territory. FMB
Hot Sulpher Springs
Grand County Colo.
May the 4th,1892
Mr. Ed Ricketts kind uncle I reseived Both of your letters and was glad to hear from you.
I wood like very much to Come out there. I wood like to know if that country is very thickly settled up. is there any Sheep in that conty nere where you live. if there is what does a hirder get a month for hirding them. is there meny Girls out there. We are having very fine wether here know,horses is looking good know that rusled last winter.the grass is looking Good and Green know. I will close for this time. please write soon to your nephew.
B. Burtcher
Hot Sulpher
Springs
Grand County
Colo
Sulpher Springs
Gran Co Colo
March 16th 95
Mr. E.J. Ricketts I reseived your welcom letter yesterday and was glad to here from you. I was very pleased to get your pictures.I cannot have my picture taking know Because I live 100 miles from A galery
I will try to have my picture taking next summer and send it to you. I am braking Colts to drive this winter.We have had a Good deal of Cold weather this winter. Feb the 15th it was 60 Belo Zero. uncle Ed does the people Raise Wheat an Cornout there where you live is there meny Girls Out there. If I could get a woman with a demple in her chin like ant Amandas I would Be A hapy man I gess I will haf to go back to Missouri to get one. the aint very meny Girls here where I live. I will Close for this time. you are ixcuseable for not writing Sooner. Please write soon to your Affectionate Nephew.
B.A. Burtcher
Sulpher Springs
Grand County
Colorado
Sulpher Springs Grand
County Colo Sep 3rd 95
Mr E.J. Ricketts Sir I wrote a letter to you some time a go and have not got eny ancer yet. I don't see why you dont write I have got plenty of time to write know. I cut my foot with A Ax A few days ago, people is puting up hay here know. We had a good deal of rain here this Summer. The grass is good on the range.Beef Cattel is worth from $35.00 to $40.00 a head. good work horses is worth from $25.00 to $50.00 a hed. I will close for this time. Please write soon to your nephew.
B.A. Burtcher
Sulpher Springs
Grand County
Colo
~~pictures of Uncle Beams land and grave~~
