Indian Fight Southeast of Johnson City in 1873

August 13, 1873, Dan W. Roberts, Thomas Bird, Joe Bird, John O. Biggs, Stanton Jolly, and Geo. Roberts, struck an Indian trail on Hickory Creek, about ten miles from Iron Mountain, and north of Johnson City. While they were following this Indian trail, James Ingram, Wm. Ingram, Frank Waldrip, and Ham Davidson, joined in the pursuit and made about ten men. The Indians were followed for fifteen miles in a southerly direction, and approximately twenty-seven savages were then encountered. They were well-trenched in a ravine, about three or four miles southeast of the Johnson Ranch, and the present Johnson City. The whites were forced to fight in the open, and the engagement lasted about one hour. Dan W. and Geo. T. Roberts were each severely wounded, and Joe Bird slightly wounded. It is generally supposed that four Indians were killed. After the fight was over, several of the Indians' horses lay dead on the battlefield. One of the white citizens' horse was also killed. This fight occurred on the old Fredericksburg road. After it was over, the wounded were carried to Johnson's Ranch.

Note: Author interviewed: Dan W. Roberts mentioned above, and others.

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