He Kept The Stagecoach Rolling

I don’t like to label people from other eras, they might just be trying to earn a living.

HISTORY – Stagecoach Driver: Charley Parkhurst

Western stagecoach companies were big business in the latter half of the 19th century. In addition to passengers and freight, stages hauled gold and silver bullion as well as mining company payrolls

Elk Grove Historical Society

History museum for Elk Grove, California

Stage robbery was a constant danger and bandits employed many strategies to ambush a stagecoach. Thieves rarely met with much resistance from stage drivers, since they had passenger safety foremost in mind. The gang was usually after the Wells Fargo money box with its valuable contents. Passengers were seldom hurt, but they were certainly relieved of their cash, watches and jewelry.  Before the completion of the transcontinental railroad over Donner Pass in 1868, the only transportation through the Sierra was by stage.  Rugged teamsters held rein over six wild-eyed horses as they tore along the precipitous mountain trails. The stagecoaches were driven by skilled and fearless men who pushed themselves and their spirited horses to the limit.

One of the most famous drivers was Charles Darkey Parkhurst, who had come west from New England in 1852 seeking his fortune in the Gold Rush. He spent 15 years running stages, sometimes partnering with Hank Monk, the celebrated driver from Carson City. Over the years, Pankhurst’s reputation as an expert whip grew.

Okay, why am I writing about him on a trans blog? And from a Historical Society?

During the 1850s, bands of surly highwaymen stalked the roads.  These outlaws would level their shotguns at stage drivers and shout, “Throw down the gold box!” Charley Parkhurst had no patience for the crooks despite their demands and threatening gestures.

The most notorious road agent was nicknamed “Sugarfoot.”  When he and his gang accosted Charley’s stage, it was the last robbery the thief ever attempted.

Charley cracked his whip defiantly, and when his horses bolted, he turned around and fired his revolver at the crooks. Sugarfoot was later found dead with a fatal bullet wound in his stomach.

Hun? So again what does this have to do with trans stuff?

It turns out that Charley’s real name was Charlotte Parkhurst.  Abandoned as a child, she was raised in a New Hampshire orphanage unloved and surrounded by poverty. Charlotte ran away when she was 15 years old and soon discovered that life in the working world was easier for men. So she decided to masquerade as one for the rest of her life.

The rest is history.

I found about him on Death Valley Day, they told his story and I found the show...

Whether or not he was trans, or just trying to survive, or was intersex, or she could have been a lesbian we do not know.