The Jasper weekly courier. [volume] (Jasper, Ind.) 1858-1922, 1880-03-26
AN ABDUCTED TEXAN GIRL.



On the incoming train on tine Chica-
60, Burlington A Quincy Railroad, last
night. was young lady passenger who
has had a remarkable experience. Her
career during the last three years has
been one Of romantic adventure and
narrow escapes from tragic death. She
j. now on her way home after pro-
tracted absence, which had led her
friends 10 suppose she was dead. as she
has been unable 10 communicate with
them since leaving home until very re-
Gently. In relating her story she said
her name was Annie Jackson; that her
father and mother live on ranch near
the village OF iberia, Maveric County,
Tex, which is located in the southwest
ern corner Of the State, and ON the Mex
lean border. Mr.. and Mrs. jackson re-
moved from Philadelphia 10 Texas in
1869, at which time there was consider
able emigration 10 that State, and they
prospered well under the influence Of
an active demand for cattle, large herds
Of which Mr.. jackson accumulated.
Annie was then about nine years Of age.
The family, embracing, besides those
mentioned, two sons almos' -rown, oc-
cupied Z pleasant home, an, 40 unea>i-
ness was felt until the Mexicans began
to make raids in the neighborhood and
drive of stock. Then Mr.. Jackson
manifested good deal OF solicitude for
the welfare of his wife and children
But he did not desert the place which
gradually became mo and more dan
gcrOus in consequence Of these forays
By Mexicans and the disturbing elements
that were introduced among the Indi-
ans.
The father and sons prepared 10 de-
fend their place by strengthening their
residence and providing better arms for
use when occasion required. The Jack
son ranch was in the immediate vicinity
where several raids over the border
were made by .Mexicans, and il became
the rcsting-place Of the gallant Major
McKenzie's command when he made
his first chase of the greasers into Mex
leo in 1872. This military command
was joined by both OF Annie's brothers,
who acted as guides and did efficient
service on the campaign. they becoming
conspicuous figures II the party as
they galloped along At the head Of the
column, with their rifles on their shout
ders. pistols and knives in their belts.
and dressed in the fantastic costume Of
their calling-buckskin trousers, sus-
tanned by a red sash and tassels, col
ored shirts and cut-away jackets, and
wide white s0mbreros, which shaded
sunburned faces. Already Annie Jack
son was almost woman. She was tall
for her age, and muscular from the ne
cessities Of the locality and the Incl
dents Of her life. There was from this
time a constant cOmmotson on the bor-
der, which threatened danger daily.
Gradually she became familiar with
things which drove away all fear, and
prompted her to enter into rather than
avoid the intrepid experiences which
her father and brothers often endured.
She tells, in he narrative, Of exploits on
the plains which would call forth the adj
miration Of the most successful hunter,
and Of standing guard on various occa-
sions when there were prospects Of Wis
its from the Mexicans Of hostile char
actor. She encountered no actual harm,
however, until she was sixteer years Of
age, and then began the trials and
troubles which followed one another in
too rapid succession to recount all in
detail, hut which, combined, form one
Of the strangest histories ever written.
On the "a Of May, 1877, which was
"Wednesday, while sitting in a vine
covered porch Of her home. she was
sccosted by two genteei-look;ng Ameri-
cans, who Immediately bound her, hand
and foot, and conveyed her, despite
screams and resistance, 10 place
where three horses were secured. and
she was compelled to mount one If the
steeds and ride between the two men all
81 the afternoon She knew that they
were going III a soufheasterly direction.
but that was all: and when they halted
at small adobe cabin for supper, she
knew that she was on Mexican soil and
miles away from hof.e. She was not
permitted to remain out Of the sight Of
her capt0rs moment, although they
offered her no iadignity, and refused 10
answer any question as IN what they in
tended 70 do with her The march was
the lady was conveyed long distance
10 hacienda, where she was afforded
comfortable quarters, but was retained
prisoner This treatment was re-
peated fer four days and nights in sue
cession, her captors evidently knowing
what points To make in nrderto procure
fresh horses for the succeeding hours Of
travel. On the Sunday morning follow
ing her abduction they arrived nj alarge
town, the name Of which Miss jackson
did not know, and here she was com
mitted 70 the county Jail and held
close prisoner for week. In the mean
time she was provided with clothing,
and every attention was paid 70 her,
but her freedom was denied. She be-
came convinced that some great mys-
terry surrounded the movements Of her
eaufors for they xrere qvidenfIv mar,