Norman to wrap up lecture series as Limpy Jack

Keith Norman will wrap up the Barnes County Historical Society lecture series at 7 p.m. Thursday, June 30, at the Barnes County Historical Society, 315 Central Ave. N. Valley City.

He will present “Limpy Jack and the Fort Totten Trail.”

Norman will be doing a first person presentation as Limpy Jack. Limpy Jack Clayton, who by Norman’s account, was a colorful character.

Born in upstate New York as John Hamilton he served as a cavalry soldier in the Civil War. He moved west and gained the limp when he was shot by some fellow members of a horse-stealing gang in Duluth, Minn.

He changed his name and location, spending the rest of his life on the frontier of the Dakotas, most notably along the trail between Fort Seward and Fort Totten. His time there is not without adventure including a couple of brushes with the law.

Norman will continue the presentation with a more general discussion of the trail and some of the individuals who made their living along it.

Norman has had a lifelong interest in the history of the region.

The Barnes County Historical Society 2011 Annual Meeting will precede this lecture. All members are invited to attend the annual meeting at 7 p.m. at the museum. There will be an election for seven board members.

Margaret Wieland, Howard Langemo, Pat Beil, and Bob Burchill are running for a second three-year term. Tony Dutton, Gordon Hoff and Derrick Woehl are seeking to fill three empty positions. Reports will be given by the chairs of various committees: finance, gift shop, volunteers, visitors, membership, collections, fund raising, site management, grants, exhibits, lecture series, community outreach, and others. Wes Anderson will give an overall report for the year. Members can ask questions and offer suggestions. Refreshments will be served and door prizes will be given.

All lectures are at the Barnes County Historical Society Museum and held in conjunction with Valley City State University. They are free and open to the public.

Tags: other events, diversions