Aged 10, summer of 1855, Billy engages at $25 a month to herd cattle, just outside of Leavenworth, for the freighting firm of Russell & Majors. Gives the money, $50, to his mother.
Is instructed at home by Miss Jennie Lyons, the family teacher; attends district school.
Aged 11, summer of 1856, makes his first trip into the plains, as herder for a Russell, Majors & Waddell bull train.
Continues his cattle herding; and aged 12, in May, 1857, makes another trip across the plains, as herder for the cattle with a Russell, Majors & Waddell outfit bound for Salt Lake, Utah. Has his first Indian fight.
The same summer of 1857, is “extra man” with another Russell, Majors & Waddell wagon train for Utah. Returning, has his second Indian fight.
Arrives home again, summer of 1858. Becomes assistant wagon master with a fourth train, for Fort Laramie.
Fall of 1858, aged 13, joins a company of trappers out of Fort Laramie.
Winter and spring of 1859, attends school again, to please his mother.
To the Pike’s Peak country for gold, 1859.
Returns home to see his mother; and then spends winter of 1859–1860 trapping beaver in central Kansas.