Comanche Turned Over to Tonkawas on Battle Creek

Stephens County, Texas

    Those interviewed are somewhat at a variance concerning the manner this Comanche was captured. According to one reliable person, the Indian came to the Mahan Ranch on Deep Creek, near the present city of Moran. Mrs. Mahan, who was walking on the banks of the above stream, was scared almost lifeless by his sudden appearance. The savage was then taken to the Tonkawas, camped near Capt. Mark Lloyd's Company on Battle Creek, near old Mugginsville, and near the Mahan Ranch. It seems that Bill Cain had charge of the savage before he was turned over to the Tonkawas.

    According to other reports, which we are unable to reconcile, this Indian was captured by Bill Cain himself while riding the cattle ranges. Nevertheless, the Comanche came to the Deep Creek country and voluntarily surrendered. He stated to the whites that he was a "Tonk", and perhaps this Comanche did not know that the Tonkawa village at that time was close at hand. He was then taken to the Tonkawas, and asked if he belonged to their tribe. They replied, "Comanch! Comanch!"

    The Comanche was then placed at their disposal, and nothing could have pleased them more. To start the excitement this Comanche grabbed an arrow and was in the act of throwing the missile through some Tonk's body, when Alexander Campbell, a member of Capt. Mark Lloyd's Company, shot the Comanche down. For twenty-four hours following, the Tonkawas had a tribal war dance, almost unequaled in all their history.

    Note: Author personally interviewed M.P. Gillintine, who was present when the Indian was killed; also interviewed Wm. Harrell, and several others who were living in Stephens and adjoining counties at the time.

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


Home | Table of Contents | Forts | Road Trip Maps | Blood Trail Maps | Links | PX and Library | Contact Us | Mail Bag | Search | Intro | Upcoming Events | Reader's Road Trips

Fort Tours Systems - Founded by Rick Steed
Email: info@forttours.org