The true Democrat. [volume] (Bayou Sara [La.]) 1892-1928, 1897-12-18
ANOTED INDIAN SLAYER,
A MONTANA MAN HAS MADE FORTY
> REDSKINS BITE THE DUST,


Because Favorite Brother Was Slain
by Them-Wiry Lewis Wetzel's Career.
"Lewis Wetzel, who lived in the
western part Of Virginia, became not
ed as an Indian fighter previous to
and during the Revolutionary War, -
remarked an old-timer, who was in a
reminiscent mood yesterday. t'He
was large, wiry, athletic man, who
became an Indian hunter because In
dams had killed all his nearest kindred
in their raids into the settlements of
western Virginia. He possessed q
frame that it seemed impossible to
tire, and he was considered the best
shot with rifle in all that country.
He killed Indians out Of pure revenge,
and he not only killed them when on
the warpath, but whenever he could
engage with them. He could load his
rifle running, and, therefore, was q
dangerous antagonist He was one
of the few men of the West who could
fire at the edge Of a knife and cut the
bullet in two every time at distance
Of ten yards, He enjoyed his prowess,
and when in the settlements he was
companionable man, but hunting In
dians he was morose and disagreeable,
and much preferred to be alone. It is
said that he even killed Indian women
and children, and it is we'll known
that he killed Indians who were am
bassadors to the whites on peaceful
errands. If he ever saw an Indian
that he did not kill it has not been re-
corded. In the upper Ohio River
country his name has been handed
down from father to son, and many
exploits have been told Of him which
never appeared in print. There is
county in West Virginia named after
him, and romances have been written
whose heroes have his character.
"Montana has a man now living
whose career has been something like
That Of Wetzel. He has not probably
killed as many Indians, but that has
not been his fault. He is said to have
ylain at least forty redskins, and he
has not been particular what tribe they
| belonged to Or where they were. He
las taken as great risks in killing In
lians as Wetzel ever did. The reason
| # his hatred for the whole Indian
lace was the killing Of q fayorite
brother in family Of seven or eight
boys by Piegans. He was good shot,
Ind used Winchester rife instead Of
he old muzzle- loading fint-lock rifle
hat Wetzel carried. He is David
Warcham, Of Fergus County.
.'I have heard accounts of but two
# the.battles, but no doubt history
ST others would be just as interesting.
He encountered five bucks, evidently
On the warpath, or horse stealing ex-
petition. He mad not his gun with
him, but he went home, which was
not far off, and returned with it. He
fought a good spot and began firing
The Indians made fight, but he dropped
them so fast that two started to run
lway, but he was too swift for them
oven, and every one was killed.
"Another time he and a pilgrim were
camping out, and in the night the In.
dams stole both their horses. They
followed the Indians, who evidently
did not expect visit from them. They
crept up close to the camp and found
the horses tied at the camp. War
chants horse was pet, and whinnied
when it scented its master. The In.
dams did not awake, and both horses
were taken away. They could not
get their own saddles, but got
two old Indian saddles, as be-
ing better than riding bareback.
Then they stampeded the Indian
horses, and drove them toward Fort
Benton. Passing q narrow canon,
Warcham told his companion to hurry
along with the horses as fast as he
could and he would wait for the In
dams, seven in number, whom they
had seen coming afar off, He con-
cealed himself as we'll as he could and
awaited their coming. When the bat
tie was over the seven Indians had be-
como good Indians, and Warcham had
not a single scratch. After resting his
horse he overlook his companion, who
was nearly scared to death and almost
| worn out with the old saddle. They
rested, not fearing any danger, and
rode leisurely into Fort Benton, where
they sold their stock and remained
until they had recruited. tits related
that neither was able to sit down for
week after arriving in the town.
"Warcham, even to this day, when
he sees an Indian, fires up, crashes,
his teeth, and regrets that he has not
his gun with him. He has never
killed any women or children, but
those who know him best are certain
that few Indians have ever met him
on the plains and gone away alive.
He is now in the vigor Of life, between
forty-five and fifty years old, and is
regarded by all his neighbors as one
of the States best citizens. But he
can't conceal, and doesn't try to con-
ooo1 HE ovtro,,oo 1o4rod ~ al Tn