The Old Barn is home to three interesting new arrivals. H.B. and Barbara Stewart of Greenwood have donated a set of handmade saddles from the late 1800s- a man's saddle, a lady's side saddle and a child's saddle.
The large black man's saddle belonged to Stewart's grandfather, William John Alexander (Alex) Joyce. Mr. Joyce served during the late 1800s and early 1900s as a Deputy Sheriff and served papers all over Sebastian County (Barling, Central, Lavaca, Washburn, Dayton, Mansfield, Huntington, Hartford, Midland, Hackett, Bonanza and Jenny Lind.) According to Stewart, it would take Deputy Joyce about two weeks to travel the circuit. He made camp at night or stayed with friends along the route.Mr. Joyce used this saddle during the apprehension of notorious outlaw, Henry Starr, nephew to the husband of Belle Starr, in the Kibler Bottoms. The weapon that was taken from Henry Starr remains in the Joyce family. It is a 44 caliber gun with four notches in the handle.
The smaller woman's side saddle with tapestry inset was used by Emma Joyce, wife of Alex. Women at this time rode "aside."
The original owner of the child's saddle, from the same period, is unknown.
These items can be viewed during regular operating hours at the Old Jail Museum Complex.
