During the fall of 1865, or early in 1866, the savages made a horse-stealing raid on Grindstone, in the western part of Parker County. When their presence was discovered, A.J. (Jack) Gorman, Hen. Blue, G.W. Light, H.L. Moss, Charlie E. Rivers, and two or three others were soon on their trail, which led west, toward the hills, near the present Bennett Brickyard. At first the citizens supposed there were about three or four Indians. But these savages were soon joined by others, and when encountered about one mile north of the Bennett Brickyard, on the Palo Pinto/Parker County line, the few whites found themselves confronted by a large number of Indians. The Parker County boys decided to retreat to a more advantageous position. When they did, A.J. (Jack) Gorman, was soon killed and scalped; but the Indians failed to recover his horse. Gorman was buried in the Soda Springs Graveyard, in Littlefield Bend. Charlie E. Rivers, who was in this fight, was later killed by the Indians, in Jack County. Note: Author interviewed: Henry Blue, who was in the fight, James and Sam Newberry, Dave and S.F. (Bud) Littlefield, and others who lived in this section at the time. The above story is from the book, The West Texas Frontier, by Joseph Carroll McConnell.
The above story is from the book, Indian Depredations in Texas, by J.W. Wilbarger. |
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