Sheriff Whitney
One day in August 1873, in a combination of gambling, drinking,
and guns, Ellsworth erupted in gunplay that would in due time mark
the beginning of the end of cattletown Ellsworth. City Marshal
"Happy Jack" Morco sided with a gambler against Texan Ben Thompson
in a dispute over the winnings of a game. Ben and his drunken
brother Billy had moved to the middle of the Plaza near the depot
and called to the others to meet them in the open. Ellsworth County
Sheriff Chauncey “Cap” Whitney stepped into the street and called
to the Thompsons. As their friend, he convinced them to take a
drink with him. As they stepped into Joe Brennan's Saloon, Happy
Jack charged down the street guns drawn. Ben wheeled and fired his
rifle, narrowly missing Morco. Billy then inexplicably discharged
his shotgun, mortally wounding the sheriff. Whether he stumbled and
it was all an accident or he intentionally shot him has never been
conclusively established.
The story continues. With his brother Ben’s help, Billy Thompson
made it to Texas and remained at large for four years, then was
brought back to Ellsworth to stand trial. The jury found that the
shooting was accidental so he was set free, although there were
reports that the jury had been paid off. The judge at the trial was
Vincent B. Osborne, who then married Nellie Henry Whitney, the
sheriff’s widow. Just a couple years later, Osborne died of a
streptococcal skin infection, and Nellie then married Linus Homer
Seaver. At the coordinates you’ll find not only the tombstone of
Chauncey Whitney, but also those of Nellie, her parents, and all
three of her husbands.
To find the coordinates for the second (final) stage, you’ll need
to check some dates on the tombstones.
Calculate Nellie’s age at her death, and add 41. Add this sum to
the posted north coordinate.
Calculate Sheriff Whitney’s age at his death, and add 2.
Subtract this sum from the posted west coordinate.