Daily press and Dakotaian. [volume] (Yankton, Dakota Territory [S.D.]) 1875-1880, 1877-12-08
Che Daily frtss aud 9atotsias
YANkTON DAKOTA
Saturday Evening, December 9, 1877
INDIAN cusseoxess.

OOOeO'ssOOs
Tho Experiences OF Man Who says All
this Happened in Dakota
Kansas City Times, Nov.2o.
A small boat passed down the river yes
terday containing a man and his family, and
what few worldly goods he saved from his
western home, which was destroyed and
broken up by the Indians. He landed at
the foot Of Main street to lay in . small
stock of provisions, 40 that he could con-
tinue his journey a few days longer until he
could reach friends, who reside near Cedar
City.
man said: "My name is Frank r. Wood
son, and that is my wife and child in the
boat We are endeavoring to reach our old
home in Galloway county, and have made
our Journey in that craft from Fort Ben
The man was middle-aged, tall, brown,
and dressed frontiersman IN style, carrying .
rifle over his shoulder, and w airing his hair
long, which was partially concealed by q
broad brimmed ,ombrero. His wife was
younger in appearance, intelligent, and from
her easy manner one would readily Judge
her to be we'll bred.
"How long since you left Missouri for the
west?' asked the reporter, who had become
interested.
"Ten years ago." was the prompt reply /;
"and I've seen but little Of good luck since
that day." he continued. "Wife ami 1
crossed the plains with train and settled on
ranch in Dakota, where we set to work to
build US home Of our own. Our cabin
erected, We left our friends and moved in.
Times were prosperous for while. raised
some stock and had pleasant home. We
rather enjoyed ourselves, even though we
we're hundreds of miles away from our
friends. There were Indians around us,
and, being friendly with them and always
extending them favors, had no fear Of
them. But you can't trust an Indian.
They are treacheroua, and only wait until
they are strong enough 10 overpower you.
zone day left home early in the morning
to ride to distant neigbbor's house, and
did not return until late. had fears on
my way back that perhaps all was not right
The Indians had been troublesome north ot
us, and while with my friend learned tina,
an outbreak was anticipated. Imagine my
cral shots from rifles rode on rapidly
until within sight, when saw in a glance
that my bouse was surrounded. The cow
ardly brutes we're firing at the house, whill
from within my brave wife was protecting
herself and child. having loaded my riff,
and picking off red skin when she coult
get q chance. My presence was soon dis
covered and the fiends retreated. ran Il
gauntlet and got inside Then the attach
was renewed We fought them half thro
the night, when discovered that they hat
set fire to the house. We were forced II
flee, and while running for cover behind
clump of bushes l received bullet here,
and be showed his listener scar on tn
. temple. Il tell. and rushing upon US N
wife was siezed and bounu. l was left fo
dead. They canped go near me that
, could hear them. My poor wife ".
stretched upon the ground bound to tre.
until they finished their dance over thei
victim. My child was spared, but my WI
suffered more than death. Throughout tn
night the fisnds repeatedly outraged bel
and l lay where could hear her shrek
and piteous prayers for mercy. 1t was ter
rible. l was half dead, my wound bleed
ing freely and my strength all gone. Be
fore day managed to crawl into som
i, bushes, where I became irsensible, NJ
wife was taken along with them, but va
rescued mex, day by company of soldiers
They came in search of my dead body. 8
nv wife supposed had been killed. ha
, revived, and with :he refreshing water of
: stream had washed my head and regaine
my consciousness. They found me in
burning fever, wild with the pain of tt
wound, and in condition close upo
DEATH But was spared, and low we al
going back to our old home We are poo
! but am strong, and if my lie is spared
) shall return to have my vengeance on II
devils who came so near sending me TO til
grave"
Returning to his boat, Woodson toe
the oars in his hands and rowed slow
\ away, the crew and craft making sad pi
ture as they passed down stream.