California Joe Milner facts for kids
Moses Embree Milner (born May 8, 1829 – died October 29, 1876) was an American miner and frontier scout. People often knew him as "California Joe". He was famous for his adventures in the American West.
Early Life and Adventures
Moses Embree Milner was born in Stanford, Kentucky on May 8, 1829. When he was 14, he moved west to St. Louis, Missouri. After a short time there, he traveled to Fort Laramie, Wyoming. In Wyoming, he became a fur trapper, catching animals for their valuable furs.
In 1846, during the Mexican–American War, Milner started working as a scout. He helped important military leaders like General Stephen W. Kearny and Colonel Alexander William Doniphan. Scouts were very important. They explored new areas and gathered information for the army.
After the war, Moses Milner married Nancy Watts. They moved to California. There, he became a gold prospector, searching for gold. This is how he got his nickname, "California Joe." In 1853, he left California. He built a cattle ranch near Corvallis, Oregon.
A Famous Scout
By 1866, Milner was working as a scout in Kansas. He was based at Fort Riley and later at Fort Harker. During this time, he met other famous figures of the Old West. These included Wild Bill Hickok and Texas Jack Omohundro. Scouts like California Joe played a big role. They helped guide people and soldiers through the wild frontier.
In 1870, Milner went back to prospecting and ranching. He settled near Picoche, Nevada. In 1875, he worked as a scout for a science team. This was the Newton–Jenney geological expedition. They explored the Black Hills. After the expedition, he stayed in the Black Hills to look for gold.
Final Days
In late 1875, a disagreement happened between Milner and another man named Tom Newcomb. This conflict continued for some time. In October 1876, the dispute became very serious. Milner was shot by Newcomb at Fort Robinson, Nebraska.
Moses "California Joe" Milner was buried at Fort Robinson. Later, his remains were moved. He is now buried at Fort McPherson National Cemetery.
