The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1897-11-24
ANOTED INDIAN SLAYER
A MONTANA MAN HAS MADE FORTY
REDSKINS BITE THE DUST.

He Killed Seven in Single Combat and
Five in Another-Hates All Indiant
Because Fayorlte Brother Was Slaiu
by Them-Wiry Lewis wetzel's Career
'tLewis 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 9
reminiscent mood yesterday. "Hs
was large, wiry, athletic man. who
became an Indian hunter because In.
dians 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 a
dangerous antagonist. BE 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 a 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 well known
that he killed Indians who were am
bsssadors 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 Q 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
slain at least forty redskins, and he
has not been particular what tribe they
belonged to or where they were. He
has taken as great risks in killing In-
dams as Wetzel ever did. The reason
Of his hatred for the whole Indian
race was the killing OF q fayorite
brother in family Of seven or eight
boys by Piegans. he was good shot,
and used Winchester rifle instead OF
the old muzzle- loading fint-lock rife
that Wetzel carried. he is Dsvid
Warcham, Of Fergus County.
t'I have heard accounts Of but two
Of the battles, but no doubt history
of others would be just as Interesting.
He encountered fve bucks, evidently
on the warpath, or horse stealing ex-
pedition. he mad 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 q pilgrim were
camping ont, 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
cham's horse was q 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,
Wsroham 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 of. 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-
come 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 oM 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, gnashes
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-6ve 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-
ceal. his extreme hatred Of all In
dians. Helena (Montana) Indepen'
dent.
Finer Than SILK.
A Frenchman, NJ. Cachot, has solved
kIa 0f