Sheldon Livery Stable & the Little Big Horn

A humble livery stable owner in Sheldon once played an interesting role at the infamous Battle of the Little Bighorn. After searching through old Sheldon newspapers in the Heritage Center in Bismarck, I became acquainted with J. T. Hickey in his obituary dated 1923. Further research put me in contact with his family who graciously shared a brief biography written by a grandson. Hickey was a teamster for the 7th Cavalry driving one of the supply wagons for Captain Benteen’s column serving under Major Reno’s command. As Custer rode to meet his fate, the supply wagons were ordered to the rear because they slowed Custer’s fast paced cavalry. After Custer’s 7th had been wiped out, personnel such as these teamsters were roaming about the battlefield. A piece of paper fluttering on the ground attracted Hickey’s eye. Here the family biographer said, “Custer’s last note (a request for help) was dropped by the officer who received it, and my Grandfather picked it up and later sent it to Custer’s widow.” [Lynn’s note: I’ve never been able to verify this. Hickey’s name is never mentioned in historical literature, but who am I to question the family account.]