When General Merritt set up a garrison on the White River, J.W. Hugus saw his opportunity to get the Sutler contract there. He had the supplies in Rawlins, the teamsters, and experience. Although I can find no corroboration, I believe that Wilbur Hugus filled the position as Post Trader for several months. The only solid clue I have was provided by the U.S. Post Office. A Mr. Hugus had been appointed postmaster of White River, Colorado from November 1879 To August 23, 1880. On reading the entry closer, I realized that it was referring to the military camp and that Mr. Hugus was W.B. Hugus not J.W. Hugus. So, Wilbur was probably the sutler onsite. It is my theory that Wilbur was relieved by J.B. Adams who became the Post Trader at White River in August of 1880. It is interesting to me that the post office started using the name “Meeker” in place of “White River” in August of 1880, after Wilbur left the Post.
The November 1880 newspaper in Rawlins advertised the firm as Adams and Hugus, Post Traders at White River alongside an ad for Hugus & Company of Rawlins.
Rawlins had a depot manager named Joseph B. Adams. In July 1880 he quit his job as depot manager, moved his family out of the depot to a home in Rawlins while he left alone for White River to manage Adams & Hugus, Post Traders at White River [Camp on the White River]. The Post Trader occupied a government building at what became 8th and Market. Hugus was post trader but lost the contract in April. Hugus moved the stock to a place west, beyond the four mile limit of military control. Adams was replaced by Newton Major and the firm changed names to Hugus and Major. It was located somewhere in Powell Park. When the Army closed the Camp in the fall of 1883, Newton Major of Hugus & Co. purchased one of the adobe barracks at 8th and Main and brought the business back to Meeker. Adams went on to be a mining promoter in Denver, attracting investors to Wyoming and Northwest Colorado. John William Hugus died in San Francisco Oct. 10, 1901, leaving a personal estate of $400,000. That would be the equivalent of $15,127,000 today.
Sources: This Is What I Remember; Rio Blanco Historical Society; Rawlins Wyoming newspaper: Carbon County Journal; Meeker Herald; Flickering Lights in Vacant Windows by Peter Van Dorn 1992; J.W. HUGUS & COMPANY, Anniversary booklet 1909; Museum of Northwest Colorado.
