Bailey & John Stump

Slaying of Bailey and Narrow Escape of John Stump

The succeeding morning after Spencer Mueller and his son were killed, as related in the preceding section, it is presumed the same savages came upon Jno. Stump and Bailey, who had started to Gainesville in an ox-wagon with grain to be ground. Bailey and Stump lived on Clear Creek, about seven miles southwest of St. Jo, and had only gone about two miles when the Indians made their charge. At first the Indians were thought to be Mexicans. The savages made the citizens strip off their clothing, and Bailey, a one-armed man, told Stump they were going to be killed. Stump ran, and in a short time reached Bill Priest, who was clearing land, about four or five hundred yards away, and was followed by two of the savages. Priest, however, was armed, and when his weapons were seen by the Indians, they turned and rode away. Stump fell at Priest's feet, and for a time thought dead; but a doctor was summoned and in due time he recovered from wounds sustained from the savages. Bailey was killed.

As usual, the Indians ripped open the sacks of grain, emptied the wheat on the ground, and took the empty containers away.

Note: Author personally interviewed W.A. (Bud) Morris; Joe Bryant, Charlie Grant, and his wife, Mrs. Grant; all of whom lived in Montague County at the time.

The above story is from the book, The West Texas Frontier, by Joseph Carroll McConnell.