James B. Dozier

James B. Dozier, Esibell and Others, Indian Fight in Lost Valley

During the fall of 1863, Company G of the Frontier Regiment, commanded by Capt. Newt White, was divided, and a part of the command stationed at Fort Belknap and the others located in Lost Valley. J.B. Dozier, Esibell and about four others, were on "Pataroll Duty" between the two camps. Dozier was armed with a rifle, and his companions six-shooters. At some point along their way, near the northeastern part of Young County, they suddenly encountered four savages. When Jim Dozier fired his gun, he shot one of the Indians from his horse. Others were firing with their six-shooters. When Dozier again re-loaded his gun, he fired a second time, and another savage fell from his horse. The two remaining Indians fled, and were pursued by the rangers. They succeeded in killing a third Indian, and only one escaped to relate to the savages the misfortune of his companions.

For a long time, the bodies of these Indians lay where they were killed, and were seen each day by the soldiers, who were doing "Pataroll Duty." Finally, the Indian skulls were hung in a tree and shortly afterwards the skull of a negro placed beside them. There they remained for many days in a conspicuous place, plainly discernible to the rangers who passed each day, patrolling the territory between the two camps of Capt. Newt White's Company.

Note: Before writing this section, the author personally interviewed Babe Williams, James Wood, B.L. Ham, F.M. Peveler, A.M. Lasater, J. Fowler, Mrs. Ed Wohlfforth, all of whom were living in Young and adjoining counties when this fight occurred.

Further Ref: Wilbarger's Indian Depredations in Texas.

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