Voices from the Past

Friday, January 14, 1921

Brothers Spell Names Different

Two brothers with a different spelling of their surnames are residents of Powder River County. This peculiarity has its origin with the Civil War.

T.M. Drane was a lad of but 14 years with the outbreak of the war and inspired with all the patriotic ardor of the times, he was intent on carrying a gun and fighting for the federal government. He discovered the enlistment age barred him from service but he was quite matured and when he stated his age at 16 years no questions were asked and he was mustered into the army of the North and soon got his baptism of fire. He served throughout the war and was in several of the principal engagements. As a protection to him and to prevent his discharge by having officers investigate and ascertain his true age young Drane altered the spelling of his name, inserting and “i” to make it read “Draine.” The error was never detected. His age on government records is given as 7 years (Ed: likely an error) while in reality he is two years less.

After peace was signed between the North and South and Drane resumed the pursuits of civilian life he dropped the superfluous “i” in the spelling of his name. One of his sons, however, decided to still cling to his father’s “war” name, while the other, named for his father accepted the senior’s viewpoint and followed suit. The brothers are H.W. Draine and T.M. Drane Jr., residing east of Big Powder River in this county and with the latter the father makes his home.

Thursday, January 11, 1996

Otter Post Office marks 100th Anniversary

An open house in commemoration of the Otter Post Offices’ 100th anniversary was organized on December 16 by Postmaster Cindy Wilkins. Otter, she said, appears to be the oldest existing post office in Powder River County.

“I had several past mail carriers attending the open house. It’s very interesting to visit with some of the older residents who can remember each place the post office was, and some even helped move it from place to place, etc.,” said Wilkins. “I had a very good turnout and a very supportive community who really cares about the office.”

The post office continues to serve around 50 people across a wide area of isolated Southeastern Montana. Along with local families, the post office also serves two long routes – loop from Ashland to Otter and back – and the route to Decker and back.

Around 40 people attended the open house festivities, Wilkins said.

Postmasters serving since the Otter Post Office was established in December of 1895, include: Charles L. Bull, December 16, 1895; Standford L. Pierce, May 12, 1903; Charles H. Thex, December 15, 1906; Wendell H. Goodspeed, June 17, 1917; George L. Reavis, February 14, 1920; Charles G. Thex, December 1, 1921; Charles H. Thex, September 14, 1927; Mathilde H. Hedum, March 2, 1931; Eunice Russell, AC, July 31, 1945 and PM, September 6, 1946; Margaret L. Goodwood, ACT, January 14, 1953 and PM, May 29, 1953; Alice M. Fleming, OIC, June 30, 1978 and PM, June 18, 1980, and Cindy S. Wilkins, OIC, December 9, 1984 and PM, April 27, 1985.