Northern tribune. [volume] (Cheboygan, Mich.) 1875-1885, 1882-12-30
NORTHERN TRIBUNE.
SATURDAY. DECEMBER 81. 1882.
A DARING ROY.


So recently as during the Indian war of
iooo-o6 III that portion OF the United
States which adjpins the Pacific Ocean
north of California, and of which / have
traversed almost every mile, boy of 10,
named Goodman, performed one of the
most daring acts OF the war, and one
which made his name memorable, not
only among the whites, but also among
the red men.
Young GOOdman's parents were honest
simple, poor people, who had left one CT
the Atlantic states, when seemed TO
them to be over-cr0wded, for the sparse
ly settled region of Washington Terri
tory, which was then inhabited only by
Indians, and few daring pioneers, who
were principally engaged in trapping
and hunting for the fur companies.
After many weary month, spent iii
travelling over the great plains in OK
wagons, and suffering much from hun
ger, sickness. and the attacks of Indians,
they finally reached haven on Puget
Sound. and there settled, the beauty of
the region having enchanted them.
The family consisted of little girls
and our hero, who was only nine years
Of age when his parents settled iE that
wild region; but, young as he was, he
proved TO be useful, as American boys
generally are, and helped his father as
much as he could to build the log cabin
which gave them permanent shelter.
AS he grew up he accompanied his
father on hunting trips to provide veni-
son for food, or on fishing excursions on
Puget Sound, so that when he was
twelve years of age he could handle a
rifle or bow and arrow very we'll, and
J,n .Inv fnr -,
the use of a paddle. He had no OppOrtu-
nifty of getting an education there. ex-
cept what he could obtain at home; but
though this was not much, yet he learn
from his piOuS mother that TO be good
man was better than to be an educated
one, if the latter was not honest and
just, and willing to help bis fellow crea-
lures in time OF need. These lessons
struck deep into his heart, and took
root there; hence he was able to prove
their worth when the time arrived.
The fame of the place spread after a
while, and families from other states
fiOcked there in such numbers that the
Indians became alarmed, thinking they
would be driven out of the country by
this unexpected immigration; and, to
prevent this, all the tribes, both on the
coast and in the interior, united to ex-
pei or exterminate the whites.
The latter had not the most remote
idea of the threatening storm, and 1t
was only when they heard of the massa-
creing of men, women and children in
several places, and the simultaneous
rising of all the tribes throughout the
country, that they became alarmed
enough to unite for defense.
The Goodman family were informed
Of the approaching danger by a
friendly sqaw, and the father took i'm
mediate steps to protect those under his
care by sending the wife and girls to a
little hamlet few miles away, while
he and his son remained to to guard the
house If possible, or to learn the move
ments of the foe. st3a
Mr.. GO0dman's caution had not been
exercised too soon. for that very came
night party of painted warriors APP
preached the place; but their presence
was detected before they came too close
by the barking of dog, and thus warned,
+, both father and son ran from the house
amid shower of arrows, and fleeing
toward their canoe, launched it in hot
haste, and were soon beyond the reach
of their dusky foes.
They hurried as fast as they could
+ mainder of the family were sent, and
danger. Then commenced hurrying
to and fro, and men women and children
were soon engaged in throwing up a
fort of clay, and so we'll did they work
that they had by the next day construct
ed fertilization large enough to afford
shelter to all. After it Was prOyisiOned
all persons capable of handling rifle
or shotgun, whether men or boy, or
even women, were called upon to aid in
the defense, as they could expect moth
4 ing else than cruel death If the place
was captured.
/. r About noon a large fleet of war canoes
was seen approaching from the north,
and when they got within rifle-range
the battle commenced with all the fury
i that characterizes savage warfare. $40
The besieged were attacked at every
point. but, though there were twenty TO
one against them, they held out brave
ly, and when night came on the assail-
ants were compelled to retire discOm-
fitted, if not defeated. y.ug-.
They had no idea of relinquishing the
contest. however, because the knew very
well how weak the garrison was; 50 they
only reiterated to neck of land half a
mile away, and Bleaching their canoes
there, lit their camp fires, and, after
dining. commenced their hOrrifying
war dance. 80
Young Goodman, who had fought as
stubbOrnly as man during the day, on
seeing the position the savages had taken
M, formed the daring plan of destroy
ing their feet, knowing we'll that If this
were once gone, they were impOtent for
further mischief. NAAsB
If caught. he knew that it meant a
horrible death to him; he resolved to try