Greenbrier independent. [volume] (Lewisburg, Va. [W. Va.]) 1859-1980, 1897-11-18
M0NTANA'S CHAMPION.


Shires.
MONTANA'S CHAMPION.
HE HAS MADE FORTY REDS BITE
THE DUST; KILLED SEVEN
IN SINGLE COMBAT.
FIVE IN ANOTHER.
"Lewis Wetzel, who lived in the
western part of Virginia, became
noted as an Indian fighter previous
to and during the Revolutionary
war;" remarked an old timer, who
was in a reminiscent mood yester-
day. "He was large wiry, ath-
letic man, who became an Indian
hunter because Indians had killed all
his nearest kindred in their raids
into the settlements of western Vir-
ginia. He possessed a frame that
seemed impossible to tire, and he
was considered the best shot with a
rifle in all that country. He killed
Indians out Of mere revenge, and he
not only killed them when on the
warpath, but whenever he could en-
gage with them. He could load his
rifle running, and therefore was a
dangerous antagonist. He was one
of the few men of the West who
could fire at the edge of knife and
cut the bullet in two every time at q
distance of ten yards. He enjoyed
prowess and when in the settlements
he was a companionable man, but
hunting Indians he was morose and
disagreeable and much preferred to
be alone. 1t is said that he even
killed women and children, and it is
well known that he killed Indians
who were ambassadors to the whites
on peaceful errands. If he ever saw
an Indian that he did not kill, it has
not been recorded. In the upper
Ohio river country his name has
been handed down from father 10
son, and many exploits have been
told Of him which appeared in print.
There is county in West Virginia
named after him, and romances
have been written whose heroes
have his character.
Montana has man now living
whose career has been something
probably killed as many Indians,
but that has not been his fault. He
has slain at least foaty redskins, and
he has not been particular what tribe
they belonged to or where they
were. He has taken as great risks
in killing Indians as WetZel ever
did. The reason of his hatred for
the whole Indian race was the kill
ing of favorite brother in family
of seven or eight boys by Piegans.
He was a good shot, and used a
Winchester rifle instead of the old
muzzle-loading fiut-lock rifle that
Wetzel carried. He is David War.
cham, of Fergus county.
have heard accounts of but two
Of his battles, but no doubt history
Of others would be just as interest
ing. He encountered five bucks,
evidently on the warpath or a horse
stealing expedition. He had not his
gun with him, but he went home,
which was not far off, and returned
with it. He sought good spot and
began firing. The Indians made
fight, but he dropped them so fast
that two started to run away, but he
was too swift for them even, and
every one was killed.
Another time he and a pilgrim
were camping out, and in the night
the Indians stole both their horses
They followed the Indians, who evil
IDENTIFY did not expect a visit from
them. They crept up close to the
n M hn ksoI
there. Warcham's horse was q pet
and whinnied when it scented its
master. The Indians did not awake
and both horses were taken away
They could not get their saddles,
but got two old Indian saddles, as
being better than riding bareback
Then they stampeded the Indian
horses and drove them toward Fort
Benton. Passing a narrow canyon
Warcham told his companion to
hurry along with the horses as fas,
as he could and he would wait fol-
the Indians, seven in number, whom
they had seen coming afar off. He
concealed himself as well as he could
and awaited their coming. When
the battle was over the seven In
dians had become 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. 1t is re.
lated 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, gnashes
his teeth, and regrets that he has not
| his gun with him. He has never
killed any women or children, bu,
those who know him best are certain
that few Indians have met him or
the plains and gone away alive. He
is now in the vigor of his life, be
tween forty-fiye 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 conceal, his extreme hatred fol
all Indians.