Killing of Benson & Capture of Son

Burnet County, Texas

    During 1865, a Mr. Benson, who lived in Back Bone Valley about twelve miles southwest of Burnet, accompanied by a small son, walked out a few hundred yards from his house in search of timber to make ax handles. Benson was killed and the son captured and taken somewhere toward the headwaters of the Arkansas. It was several years before Mrs. Benson recovered her son. When she did, he had become almost Indianized and was ever inclined to live like the savages.

    Note: Before writing this section, the author interviewed W.T. Cavin, A.H. Edwards, Joe F. Smith and others who were living in Burnet County at the time.

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

Benson story by Wilbarger

The above story is from Indian Depredations in Texas by J.W. Wilbarger.


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