Existing comment:
Johnny Fry (1840-1863)
In all the excitement of the first Pony Express rider out of St. Joseph, Missouri, on April 3, 1860, the identity of the first rider is uncertain. The train bringing the mail to St. Joe was late, so the ride began after nightfall, with few people watching. Some accounts name Fry as the first carrier, but others disagree. When the Civil War broke out, Fry joined the Union army. He was killed in Missouri by Confederate guerrillas at the age of 23. |