Sierra County advocate. [volume] (Kingston, N.M.) 1884-1960, 1894-10-19
A FAMOUS PLAINSMAN.
Coz respondence Ell Paso Times.


Wichita, Kas., Oct. 4. Among
the noted characters Of the frontier
whose names will be always con-
nected with the development of the
west Is William Matthewson of this
city, who since 1855 has been pro
minent in connection with the
wrestling from the red man Of the
fertile acres which are becoming SO
important part of Uncle Sam s
great empire.
In 1860, during the great suffer.
| ing in the west because of drought,
he formed companies to go out and
shoot buffaloes that roamed in
great herds over the prairies. So
proficient did he become that he
was called Buffalo Bill by the set
tiers and was the original of that
picturesque title. He was a man
of peace, not Of dime novel reckless.
ness, and for many years he was
trusted government agent in
negotiation of treaties with the
Kiowa, Comanche, Apache and
Arapahoe Indians. He concluded
treaty with ell these tribes in
1865 that has never been broken,
ard so thoroughly did he win their
confidence that he was allowed
ever after to cone and 90 and to
trade at will within the reservations
OF these tribes.
In 1865 he pre-empted quarter
section of land on the site OF the
present city of Wichita. HIS log
house yet stands and attracts much
attention. 1t is Oh the banks Of a
little stream named Chisholm
creek for the eccentric cattls trader,
John Chisholm, who in 1868 rode
ahead of his herd up through the
Indian Territory and broke out the
first cattle trail from the Iegas
ranch lands to the northern feed
ing and shipping stations.
Mr. Matthewson bad many des-
perate encounters With the Indians
in those days, but he seemed to
bear a charmed life. and when he
united himself to any of the num-
erous emigrant trains that We're
vending their way over the tortu
Gus Santa Fe trail it was always
with the result that they were
guided neross the plains in safety.
Once he and FIVE OF bis men were
attacked by 600 Indians at his
ranch near this place. Through
effective barricadlng the redskins
were held at bay for three days and
were finally repulsed, upon which
the Indians attacked large wagon
train. Here 300 men, women and
children were IN peril, and the par
ty with difficulty beld back the
ferociors enemy. When they were
about to be overcome, Mat thewson,
the scout, like another Sheridan,
came galloping through the IN
dians' lines and into the settlers
midst. He was hailed with cheers,
and new courage seemed to ami
mate tie besieged because OF his
appearance.
The indians were finally compel
led to withdraw, and victory came
with the approach Of night to the
wearied immigrants. The Indians
left than, and the train camped In
safety for some days to recuperate
its strength. As a testimonial OF
his services on this occasion Mr.
Matthewson was presented with a
magnificent pair Of pistols. with
silver menated Ivory ha1dles, made
more costly by gold trimmings.
He has cherished them among his
many interesting. souvenirs Of iron
tier life.
MIR. Matthewson is now 62 years
old, a courteous and kindly gentle
man, with large investments in
New Mexico and Kansas. lie has
little liking for nstoristy, though hs
is not reticent regarding bis many
famous exploits. Early frontier
history would lack considerable
portion of its most striking features
were tie record of his work stricken
from it, e. NJ. HARGER.