Indian Experience of Dr. E.M. Dawns, His Son E.L. Dawns and Bladen Mitchell

Dr. E.M. Dawns lived in the Grigsby house, on the Middle Verde, about ten miles south of Bandera. E.L. Dawns, his son, had just returned from the Confederate army, and was breaking a span of mules. Dr. Dawns was practically an invalid, but his son drove him around when he made his calls. In company with Bladen Mitchell, Dr. E.M. Dawns and his son, E.L. had started to visit Charlie Sheidemontel, whose leg was broken. They had only gone about one and one-half miles from home, when these three citizens were pursued by hostile Indians. While Bladen Mitchell was attempting to get his pistol, an Indian gave him a painful wound with a poisoned arrow. E.L. Dawns was wounded in the arm shortly afterwards; but they fought bravely and kept the Indians back. Dr. Dawns and his son, and Bladen Mitchell, soon reached the home of Geo, Meyers. Here the doctor treated his wounded son and their companion. The doctor had treated many patients bitten by rattlesnakes, and suspecting that the poisoned arrow had been dipped in the venom of that reptile, the doctor began to treat for a rattlesnake bite, and in due time his patient recovered.

Note: Author personally interviewed: E.L. Dawns, who was in the fight.

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