Bisbee daily review., 1909-07-11

DOUGLAS. Ariz., July 10-(Speciail There arrived in the city yesterday . distinguished old gentleman of striking personal appearance. in the person of Capt. William F. Drannan. an old time scout, who helped to make history on the western plans.
 Capt. Drannan is a native of Ten. nessee. but came west sixty years ago when he was only fifteen years of age and in after years became a famous scout and guide. He was one of Gen. Fremont's most trusted guides and was loved by the great Pathfinder as his kin. He was also an intimate friend of Kit Carson, Gen. Crook. Gen. Wheaton and many other noted soldiers and frontiersmen.
 The captain has written a book en- titled "Thirty-one Years on the Plains and Mountains" in which the princi- pal events of his interesting life are described.
 Capt. brannan will remain here about ten days and will sell his book on the streets.
 Capt. Dranhan, himself past 78, but still in good health. claims to be the last living survivor of the famaus Kit Carson crowd. so well known in the days before the civil war. Born on the ocean, Capt Drannan has lived a rough and stormy life ever since and the most peaceful part of his long life has been the last seven years, during which he has lived the simple life. travelling frome place to place with his wife and selling his book.
 Born at Sea.
 Capt. Drannan was born on board a steamer plying between France and New York on January 30. 1892. His parents were en route to the land of the free. which they had heard so much about, when their only son was born. After coming to America, the father, who was a French artisan. To- cated near Nashville. Tenn, where he worked at his trade of carpenter un- til both he and his wife fell victims to the terrible cholera epidemic which swept the south in 1886, leaving young Drannan and his sister or phans when the lad was only four years old.
 The 4-year-old orpiian was taken to rear by man named Charles Drake. who lived near The Hermitage, the home of Andrew Jackson. He says 1t was very little raising he got. being allowed to associate with the negro children, and no effort being made ti educate him. He lived his wild life until he was Is years old, when the craving for knowledge became strong in him and. taking what few belong ings he had. he started out for St. Louis. the big city of his dreams. Arriving at St. Louis penniless and with no idea when or how he was go- ing to procure employment, Drannan said he passed through the most dis couraging period of his entire life. But the fate that guides mortals right directed him to the hotel in St. Louis where Kit Carson. the trapper, plains man and Indian fighter was staying while in the city ,D purchase beads and jewelry with which to trade with the Indians.
 The Meeting With Carson. Timidly, approaching the desk of the hotel, his hat in his hand and with the look of a frightened deer in his eyes. young Drannan asked for work. but received instead a curt or. der to get out. The tears were too near his eyes for him to keep them back and they rolled down the cheeks of the discouraged youth as he walk, ed out of the hotel. Carson, as ten, derhearted as mother, saw the boy called him to his chair and had him tell his story. This he did in broken accents and. believing the story Of hardship. the frontiersman took the youth in charge and promised to take care of him.
 Carson soon left for the west, talk, ing the boy with him, and, after rid. ing for several weeks, reached his home in Taos, N. NJ. where his na. tive wife and family liyed This uas