The times., 1899-01-14
DEATH OF BIG FOOT WALLACE
Fought in the Texas Rangers and
Killed nm Indinn Chief

Lexington. Va, Jan. 13.-News has been
received here Of the death of William An
derson Wallace, better known TO the pub
lie as Big Foot Wallace at his home,
near Devine. Frio county Texas. Sunday
last. The cause Of his death was pneu-
monia, from which he had been ill a week
William Andersen Wallace was born
mile south of Lexington. April 12, 1916,
and was, therefore, nearly eghtythree
years Of age. His early life was spent on
the paternal farm. and when the news
came OF the Fannin massacre, in which his
Oldest brother, Samuel Wallace lost his
life, he was plowing. He left the plow.
with the horses, in the field and made
preparations to go to Texas, and as he
afterward stated, went to avenge his
brothers death. and had taken full toll"
He left here in the fall of 1897. accompan-
led by James Paxton, who died in Texas,
and J. Frank Shields, who returned, and
was for a number of years deputy sheriff
of this county.
Big Foot Wallace was a member OF
the celebrated Mier expedition and was
one of the lucky ones who drew a white
bean, while many of his comrades drew
a black bean and were shot. He was a
prisoner for long time, and worked with
his comrades on the public roads in the
City of Mexico He was afterward Iibar-
ated, and returned to his adopted State.
He made a name for himself as member
of the celebrated Texas Rangers under
the command of Capt Jack Hayes. who
was also from this county. Wal ace never
reached any higher than the rank cf lieu
tenant, though his name is high in the
history of Texas. While in Mexico it was
difficult to fit him with shoes. and he was
known as the Big Foot Grngos" His
name was acquired from the fact that he
fought single-handed with a bowie-knife
4 giant Lipan Indian chief, who was
known as Big Foot" and after bsirg
dangerously wounded himself. killed his
opponent. His feet were small when
taken in consideration with his immense
stature. for he over six feet in
height giant in strength of magnificent
physique immense shoulders, very large
| head. with high forehead and prominent
| cheek bones. gray eyes. a large mouth
, with lines denoting great hrmness and
| resolution.
He returned to his native town for the
! first time after an absence of thirteen
| years. and then, at the solicitation OF
! friends who had seen him while a visit
| in Texas. Big Foot's seco.J visit to
| Lexington was made in the early seven
| ties, and he also made a trip to Niagara
+ Falls. He lived for long time near San
| Antonio. and moved further into the coun-
try, saying 1t getting too thckly set
! tied for him. His father was Andrew
| Wallace. who resided where his grand
nephew, ". B. Wallace, now lives. His
mother was Rachel Blair, of Lexington
/ Big Foot descended from Revolutionary
stock, and his paternal grandfather. Col
! William Samuel Wallace, who also resided
near the present mansion. was a soldier in
! the Revolutionary war, as were Col. Wal
! lace's four brothers who were James.
| Malcolm, Andrew and Adam. The last
; two were killed in battle, and were cap
tains in the Continental Army; the first
! two died in service He is survived by one
brother. Alexander. Wallace. VINO resides
about twelve miles from here. Big Foot"
| was never married.