Huntsman Cabin & the “Lady of the Lantern”

Set against dramatic petroglyph-covered cliffs is the 133-year-old Kane Springs Ranch and the Huntsman Cabin. It is a popular destination for explorers who visit the abandoned rock cabin and unique petroglyphs depicting men in cowboy hats riding horses and wagons.

Who were the people who once called this remote cabin home? How did Emeline Huntsman become the legendary “Lady of the Lantern?”

Emeline Davis Bray Hunstman

Emiline was born to William and Dinah Davies Jones in 1855. Her father died, and Dinah married William Ellis Jones, who later was a schoolteacher in Hebron, Utah. Dinah came from a prosperous family, allowing her to attend school and graduate as a doctor. Dinah passed along her medical training to her daughter, Emeline.

Emeline married David Orin Huntsman. In 1871, the couple had their first child, son James William. They would go on to have ten children, sadly losing one child, Tacy Paralee, at one year of age. In 1875, they moved to Gunlock, Utah. Three years later, in 1878, they relocated to Bunkerville, Nevada and in 1881, to St. Thomas, Nevada.

Kane Springs Ranch and Huntsman Cabin

In 1891, the Huntsmans moved to Kane Springs Ranch outside of Moapa. Their 160-acre ranch had a large orchard.

Water rights have long been an issue in the Nevada Desert. In 1893, the county clerk ordered the Huntsmans to return water to the main channel. David served as a clerk in multiple county elections.

The Kanes purchased additional properties, including 40 acres at Grapevine Springs.

The Union Pacific Railroad arrived in 1905 in Meadow Valley Wash. The line cut through the Huntsman ranch and connected Caliente to Moapa. The Hunstman ranch became known for Emeline’s quality medical care and delicious cooking. The men enjoyed the stop so much that they often made unofficial stops.

“Lady of the Lantern”

Emeline was affectionately called “Lady of the Lantern.” She stepped in as the only local doctor and midwife for many years. She traveled with her satchel and lantern, lighting the way and creating her nickname.

Over the years, Emeline continued to provide medical care for the local families and railroad workers. She would ride up the flooded wash in storms to look for those in need.

David died in 1907. Emeline’s son was concerned for her safety and wanted her to move, but she insisted the railroad workers would take care of her. She was correct; the railroad men loved their Lady Emmy and looked out for her. Despite outlaws and hobos, Emeline remained at the ranch with the trains stopping to check on her and bring supplies.

1910 was the monster of all floods. During the storm, Emeline rode to Elgin to deliver the station master’s baby. When she noticed the train from the north did not arrive, she rode to alert the southern train, avoiding a potentially catastrophic situation.

Death of a Nevada legend

On August 4, 1920, Emeline’s son found her deceased at the ranch. She had been gone for several days; at first, her son thought she might have been murdered, but examination showed she died of a pulmonary hemorrhage.

Emeline, “Lady of the Lantern,” was buried at the Pioneer Hill Cemetery in Overton.

Petroglyphs

Petroglyphs line the walls of the wash. Many depict big horned sheep. They also contain unusual petroglyphs of cowboys on horses and riding on wagons.

Meadow Valley Wash Graves

Three graves on the Huntsman Ranch lay near the tracks. Who are the occupants of the graves? The infamous “Mouse the Renegade,” outlaws or railroad workers?

Mead Valley Wash was the site of a shoot-out with the infamous “Mouse.” Mouse had been accused of murdering multiple people, including two prospectors. In 1897, a posse, members of the Paiute Tribe, tracked Mouse to Kane Springs. One member of the posse was J.S. Huntsman. None of David and Emeline’s children match the initials, but David’s brother was Joseph Smith from Gunlock. Could he have been visiting and participated in the search?

After several days of searching, the posse found Mouse near Kane Springs. Several of the Pauite rode in advance and called out for Mouse to give up, to which his reply was “shoot S— B—-,” followed by his firing.

An hour battle ensued, resulting in Mouse’s death. His remains were taken to Moapa for identification with no mention of disposition of his remains. The newspaper reported, “The people in Lincoln County now feel safe since the death of the murderous savage.” Mouse’s remains were taken to Moapa for identification. It doesn’t make sense for the posse to return his remains to the Huntsman Ranch. Could he have searched out the Lady of the Lantern for medical care?

Rumor says the graves are two outlaws and a railroad worker. The Nevada Historical Society says the graves are three unidentified railroad workers from Mexico. Did they seek medical care from the Lady of the Lantern?

WANT MORE GHOST TOWNS?

For information on more than five hundred ghost towns in Nevada & California, visit the Nevada Ghost Towns Map or a list of Nevada ghost towns.

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References

• Biggs, Rosetta. My Memories of Grandmother Huntsman
• The Daily Appeal, Jul 22, 1897
• Family Search
• Find a Grave: Emeline Davies “Lady of the Lantern” Huntsman
• The Nevadan. George, Dustin. Stories of the Old West. August 10, 1869
• Nevada State Journal Mar 20, 1955
• Perkins, Orville. Hookey Beans and Willows 1980.
• The Pioche Record May 31, 1890
• The Pioche Record Dec 6, 1890
• The Pioche Record Feb 5, 1891
• The Pioche Record Dec 7, 1893
• The Pioche Record April 26, 1894
• The Pioche Record Aug 1, 1895
• The Pioche Record Oct 13, 1897
• The Pioche Record Oct 12, 1900
• The Pioche Record July 22, 1897
• Randles, Ruth Adair. Memories of my Grandmother
• Southwest Backcountry: Huntsman Cabin Ruins, Nevada
• UNLV: Guide to the Kane Springs Ranch, Meadow Valley Wash, Nevada Records

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