Renowned southwestern mail and stagecoach man. Born in Kentucky. Came to Texas before 1846. Served as a U. S. Army scout in Mexican War. About 1851 established the first mail service from San Antonio to El Paso. When the first Butterfield Overland stagecoach in 1858 made bid to establish fast service to the west coast, was selected to drive perilous Comanche Indian area from Horsehead Crossing on the Pecos to El Paso. Made it in 4 days without rest or relief, his 6-foot frame draped with revolvers and Bowie knives. A Confederate scout in the Civil War. From July 1862 when Federals seized El Paso and the Davis Mountains (to make the longest enemy occupation in Texas), served as liaison between regular Confederate troops and the C. S. A. patriots who plotted in their refugee colony in Juarez to recapture west Texas. Knowing country well, came and went at will. Spread false rumors of Confederates massing in deserts, to divert federal troops from combat. Came to be most dreaded scout known to the occupation. Was hunted by special force commissioned to take him alive. In showdown at Spencer's Ranch near here on April 3, 1864, fought to his death. (1964)
This page last updated: 7/15/2008 |
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Related Themes: Texas C.S.A., Texas Confederate States of America, Confederacy
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