Arizona republican. [volume] (Phoenix, Ariz.) 1890-1930, 1901-12-25


:. The early settlers of Tempe in open
ing up this territory were called upon
not only to endure many hardships but
face the greatest dangers as well. Per-
haps one of the bravest and most re-
spected of these old timers was Win
chester Miller. Miller was a man pos
sessed with 4 nerve of iron and did not
know the meaning OF fear. He used to
relate an exciting episode that occurred
back in the los or whereabouts. when
he held the Office OF sheriff. We give
II herewith as he told 1t to a friend of
his. 1t is claimed to be an absolute
fact. 81. ~
In executing the duties OF his office
at one time it unfortunately became
necessary for Winchester to hang two
Indians. While undoubtedly it was an
unpleasant job Mfiier went about the
business and stretched the redskins
recks in the most approved fashion.
when he had finished they were good
Indians, and all they needed was pair
of wings.
He was living on the ranch now
owned by Mons 'Ellingson. One day
not long after he, had given the two i..'
dams their Quietus az Miller was
standing In the yard near his house his
quick eye noted rising in the distance
q great cloud OF dust and rapidly APP
preaching. Ii did not require SECOND
glance for him to realize that band OF
painted blood-thirsty savaseS were
swoopIng down upon him to avenge the
death of their two brethren. Stepping
into his house the nervy pioneer TOOK
his rifle from its peg. buckled on two
cartridge belts, stuck in couple sSf
six-shooters aud a knife and then re-
80 en-, ha rd
was a fence about his house. behind
which he took his stand
All this took but a short time. but
when Miller reached the fence the saw
uges were In full view. coming pell-
inch, yelling in their eagerness and ex-
citeme.it in anticipation Of plenty OF
locs. incendiArisn and scalps. On they
came, a horde of $50. not observing
Winchester Miller behind the renee
Until they bumped up against the end
Of his gun. As. soon as they were IN
speaking distance Winchester beloved
at the top of his lungs. Now is a good
time to begin shooting!"
:. The redskins were taken by surprise
and halted in confusion n short dis-
lance away. Accustomed to f1ghting
in ambush the boldness of the man dis
concerted them. The moment one
started forward he was met with the
colo muZ2le OF winchester gun. EVERY
move he watched and instantly
checked the slightest show of advance.
meanwhile. constantly. pouring at them
at the top OF his voice string OF epi-
thets denying them to advance. Draw
ing of TO a safe distance they dis
mounted. formed circle. seated Indian
fashion. and held a pow-wow or coun-
ell OF war. - ,ssss.
They had come fully prepared for
butcliefy. carrying the different iinple7
ments of battle known to -savages--
rifles. tofnahawks.. bows and arrows.
spears. clubs. anything they could get
hold OF. The hefee tribal hatred OF
their race was boiling In their veins
The pow WOW was OF short duration.
rhey hRnin decided the white man
must die. Springing onto their ponies
onte aofe they came bowling toward
the house. 49, -, :
o. d---ti you. come on. you dirty
deyils!" shouted old winchester. OF the
top OF his voice. II know you'll get
ines but I'll fix q lot of you before you
nail mel 49, - --si.
the Indians stopped. One OF them
attempted to circle around TO the rear
Of the house. ~ - ..z
..0et back there or I'll bore hole
through yop.'' shouted Winchester. az
he took aim at the savage.
Another atafted to dismount from
Ills pony. but In an instant he was an
object OF Interest to winchester's gun.
lie concluded that his pony.s back WAS
safer than the ground and crawied
back. Fer two days ana nights.
strange rs 1t may seem. Winchester
Miller stood on the band of savaBes
who had come there with the express
purpose OF scalping him. and all In his