The Cambria freeman. [volume] (Ebensburg, Pa.) 1867-1938, 1869-06-10
A Tragic Narrative, If True.


Three Of Then, Killed Escape Of the
Fourth.
The Phil. Sheridan (Kansas) corresponds
ent of the st. Louis Democrat, under date Of
May 20, gives the following account of the
murder of three young men by party ol
Cheyenne Indians, near Antelope Hills, south
ern Kansas, near the border of Indian Terri
tory, but as the Johnstown Tribune positive
ly asserts that young Shryock, one of the
parties named, is alive and well and has not
been in an Indian fight, and as the nara
tive sounds somewhat sensational to say the
least. we incline to the opinion that the en-
tire story is without foundation in fact:
About the first of March four young men
arrived here from the east. named, respect
lively, j. G.. Doran, of Steubenyille, o.; r.
T. Smith, of Cincinnati; J. w. Shryock, of
Johnstown, and T. w. Head. of Williams
port, Pa. After stopping here some six
weeks, they fitted themselves out with
horses and the necessary equipments for a
trip through to New and Old Mexico. They
left here about the 18th of April, with the
above object in view. On the lst of May.
while in the vicinity of Antelope Hills, they
were attacked by a small body of Cheyennes,
about twenty in number. The party stood
their ground, fighting bravely. After several
shots were fired, Smith received an arrow in
the left breast, and was the first to fall
Head fell next, pierced with seven arrows.
Doran received a wound in the right shoul-
der. Shryock received an arrow in the left
arm and one in the right side. but kept up
his firing until he received one in the breast
when he dropped his gun, and fell from his
horse. Doran, seeing how useless 1t would
be to contend against such superior numbers
surrendered himself.
''The Indians gathered around their vic
tins, shouting and dancing with savage
delight. They took their scaips and taunted
Doran by slapping him in the face with them.
The Indians did not escape unhurt. Seven
of their number bit the dust, and three were
wounded. They threatened their prisoners
life, and taunted him by brandishing their
knives and tomahawks in close proximity to
his head He, being of a cool and undaunt-
ed nature, gave but little heed to their
threats. After disposing of their dead they
took up their line of march, and travelled
west about ten miles, where they encamped
for the night. They prepared their suppers,
and ate without providing for their prisoner.
Doran, knowing that he would receive harsh
treatment as long as he remained in their
hands, set about Conjuring plan of escape.
Having on his person pocket-case of med
icireS. among which was a couple of vialS of
tincture of opium, he conceived the idea of
drugging some brandy, of which he had a
quart in his possession. Watching his Op-
portunity he succeeded in accomplishing his
object, and turning to his captOrs he raised
the bottle to his mouth, pretending to drink.
Ore of them seeing it. rushed forward and
sratched it from his hands and raising it to
his lips, drank. After taking draught he
passed it to the next and it passed around
the entire circle.
GAS he expected, it worked like charm.
In a short time they all began to feel drow-
sy. Placing two over the prisoner for a
guard the rest wrapped themselves in their
The drug was too powerful for the guards,
and in a few minutes, like their comrades,
they too were in sound sleep. Do:an,
seeing the opportunity, armed and helped
himself To what there was to eat, and mount
ing his horse, rode away in westerly di-
rection. About daylight he reached Medi-
cine Bluffs. point where the Government
is establishing a new military post. Leaving
there, be reached here in safety on the 18th
ef this month, and took the train for the east.
"It was from him / learned the above
facts. He is tlnacquanted with the address
of any of the parties friends except one
Thinking it might be interesting to some Of
your readers, and be the means of informing
parents Of the sad fate Of their sens, have
recorded the above facts The young men
were all Of good moral character, and during
their stay here formed some pleasant ac-
quaintances. who held them in high esteem.
and deeply sympathize with their friends"