Mexico weekly ledger., 1905-12-28

Stirring Of Pioneer Days in the Wsst-
ern Countrywide Adventures Of
William Kennan, Grandfather
of Hon. w. Il. Kenaan. Of
Mexico, Nc.

Arthur St Clair on the4th of Novem-
Der, l7el, In his engagement With the
Western Indians, that Of William
KEENAN, must not be forgotten, as it
ranks with any that occurred.
William KEENAN, was born In West
moFeland county, Virginia, and in
1889 came to Kentucky with bis
brother-in-law, Capt. Thomas Mar
shall, an officer OF the revolution. He
was the first clerk Of the circuit and
county courts OF Flemming county,
Kentucky; sheriff, representative in
the Legislature, and q OF the JUS
tice OF the county court Of Flemming
county, KY, at the time Of his death.
At the time OF the massacre he was
q young oar Of eighteen, and was .
member Of q company OF rangers who
accompanied the regular forces He
had long been remarkable for his
strength and activity, and 10 the
course OF his march from Fort Wash
ington tnow C~incinnati) be had re-
peated opportunities OF testing his
astonishing powers in that respect
and was universally admitted TO be
the swiftest runner in the light corps.
On the 3rd OF November, the even
ing preceding the bloody action, bis
company had been advanced a few
hundred yards In front OF the first line
OF infantry in order 10 give timely
warning OF the enemy's approach.
Just at the dawn OF day he observed
their guard fire, advancing cautiously
towards the spot where be stood, to-
gether with about twenty rangers, the
rest being encamped 10 the rear. Sup
posing them to be a mere scouting
party, as usual, and not superior in
numbers to the rangers, he sprang
forward a few PAGES 10 order to shelter
himself in q spot of peculiar rank grass
and fred with a quick aim upon the
foremost Indian. He Instantly drop
ped fiat upon bill face and proceeded
to reload his rifle with all possible
haste, not doubling for a m,ment but
that the rangers would maintain their
position and support him.
The Indians, however, rushed for
ward in such overwhelming numbers
that the rangers were compelled &c
fall back on the encapment. KEENAN,,
In total ignorance Of his danger, was
preparing again to fire, when the cap
tain Of the company suddenly shouted
to him, run, KEENAN,, OF you are
dead manln
Springipg TO his feet, he beheld
number Of Indians within ten pace
OF him, while his company was ALREADY
more than a hundred and fifty yards
In front in rapid retreat. Not a mo
ment was to be lost. He started Of
with every muscle strained to the ut
most, pursued by a dozen Of the en-
envy, who aided his pace with saw
age yells. He first pressed straight
for ward TO the usual fording place in
the creek which ran between the rang
ers and the main army, but severa
warriors who had passed him befor'
he rose from the grass, threw them
selves 10 his way and completely GU
him of from the rest BY the mosl
powerful exertions be threw the main
body of his pursuers behind him, Will
the exception OF one young chief. Wit
displayed q swlftness and persever
ance equal to his own In the circui'
which be wal obliged to make, thu
race continued for over five hundret
yards. The distance between then
was abont eighteen feet, which Ken
nan could not increase or his adversary
diminish. Each for the time put hi
whole soul In the q
KEENAN,, as far as be was able, KEEP
his eye upon the motions of his pur
suers, lest be should throw bis toma
hawk, which he held aloft in q men
acing attitude, and at length findinI
no other Indian near at hand he de
termined to to test the mettle Of hi
pnrsuer in different manner. and fel
for bis own tomahawk in order Il
turn at bay. 1t had escaped from It
sheath, however, while he lay in th'
grass, and he realized that be va
almost totally dIsarmed. AS he has
slackened his pace for a moment th'
Indian was almost within reach 0
him when he recommended the race
but the idea Of being without arm
lent wings to his fight, and for th|
first time be saw that be was gaininl
ground. He had watched the motion
OF bis pursuer too closely, however
to pay proper attention to the naturl
OF the ground before him, and he sud
denly found himself 10 front Of a larg'
tree which had blown down, and upoi
which brush and other rubbish lay Z
height OF six feet.
The Indian, who had heretofore 20
uttered the SLIGHTEST sound, now CAV
. short, quick yell Of delight al /
secure OF his prey. Kenanan bad no
a moment TO lose. He must clear thI
obstruction OF lose his life. PUTTING
his whole power into play he bounded
into the air with a power that aston
ished himself, and clearing limbs, trunl
and all, alighted In perfect safety Oh
the other side.
A loud yell OF establishment hrok'
from his pursuers, not one OF whom
had the courage to try the same feat
KEENAN, bad no leisure time TO eniol
bis triumph, but dashing into the Der
Of the creek upon the banks OF which
his feat had been performedl wherl
the high banks would shield him from
the fire OF the enemy, be ran up TIL
stream until a convenient place fol
covering offered itself, and rejoinef
his company OF rangers 10 the real 0
the encampment, painting from thI
InrnlkfklliI0 I'm INN