The Helena independent. [volume] (Helena, Mont.) 1875-1943, 1889-12-16
THE BOWIE KNIFE.
The Interesting "Reminiscences OF La
fourche Editor.

fourche Editor.
Col. S. L. Grisamoro, the genial uncle
Silas" Of the Thibodau1 Sentinel. in let
ter 10 Texns gentleman, which is pub
lishod in the Galveston News, gives the fol
lowing interesting "reminiscences of the
Bowie brothers:
''l have talked frequently with the late
George W. Squircs, who was resident Of
rhibodaux when the Bowie brothers owned
and resided Oh what is now the magnif-
cent Arcadia plantation, owned by Hon.
Andrew Price, the gallant young democrat
who has just been elected 10 congress from
the Third district. They resided about one
mile below lhibodaux, and had their sugar
house near the Bayou Lafourche. do not
think that james Bowie pissed much time
on that place. Stephen and Resin were the
managers.
"Whother the famous knife was first con-
ccived and made as described by Mr.. Wells
| c1nnot say, but | am satisfied that the
bowie knife WIS constructed and used be-
fore the brothers came 60 l4afourche.
"'rho south side of the Acadia plantation
forns the boundary line between the
parishes of Lafourche and Terrcbonnc NV
II
Bowie were hlacksmiths by trade, aud that
the now historical knife was first made by
james out Of a wornout file.
"Whrn the Bowie family were residing ON
the Acadia plantation carpenter by the
name of Wiigoua immigrated into this sec
tiOn and found employment with the Bowies
AZ that period tmOre than fifty years ago)
there was set of bullies who rode
roughshod over the people here and
1 a A.
the time of which / nm speaking
their lender was man from Baton Rouge.
Wilgous weut 10 Thibodaux one Sat
urduy afternoon 10 make few purchases,
and was met 10y these roughs, who asked
him 10 treat the crowd. He said that he
never drank nor treated. They insisted,
and Wilgous refused. until finally he was
kicked and slapped by the roughs and told
that, neither he nor any other stranger
could live in Thibodaux who would not
drink and treat
"Wigous returned TO the plantation and
told Bowie how he had been threatened;
that he wanted settlement 10 that he
could 20 away, as he would not stay in such
n place. Stephen told him he should not
90; 10 90 10 wo K and come TO him the next
Saturday noon.
"Wigous did 40. During the week Ste
phen made knife; so when Milgous came
to him, Bowie said: 'Wilgoue, take this
knife 20 TO Thibodau1. and IL those bullies
trouble YOU get out of their way, but If they
touch you run this knife through them"
"Milpous protested that lie was not a
fighting man; that he knew he was COW
ard. aud that they would kill him il he did
anything of that kind.
Bowie told him 10 have no fear. Il will
be close by and no one will trouble YOU
"Wilgous came TO town and was
soon approached by the band of roughs,
headed by the big Baton Rougean. He was
met nj the corner of Market and Green
streets and moved AWAY from them 10 the
corner of Main and Focus, four squares.
Here the big fellow who had been cursing
and abusing him all the time, filed his
hand with tobacco juice and rubbed il all
over Wilgous face. WilQous was left
handed. He cnught the bully with bis
right by the shoulder, and with his left he
drew his knife and run II into his opponent
seven times, every cut of which was fatal.
"BOwie and other good men who we're
near by, hallooed. Kill him, Wilgous; kill
him, Wileous,' from all directions. The
bully fell dead and that ended the tyranny
of the roughs.
"A man was once convicted in the courts
here for foul murder. man by the name
of Lagarde was sheriff. Being of sensi-
tive nature, rather than hang the murderer
he resigned his office, Stephen Bowie sought
he appointment as successor, was comlnis-
stoned by the governor, and. when the TIME
arrived, hanged the condemned man. Tho
execution took place at the head ut the
street, subsequently, cut into canal. Inc
man was put into n cart n rope tied around
his neck, and, with the other end fastened
To limb of tree the cart was driven away,
leaving the murderer swinging ia the air.
Bowie then resigned his Office"