Vaughan's Hired Hands

Savages Slay Vaughan's Hired Hands

During the fall of 1876, Comanche Jack, an Indian, and his followers, stole horses belonging to Vaughan, in the territory north of Pease River. Vaughan and his men came upon the Indians one morning just as they were breaking camp, and succeeded in killing several of the savages. As a consequence, Comanche Jack and his men determined to have revenge, so in February of 1877, Vaughan, who was hunting buffalo about five miles away, discovered smoke, toward his camp, which was on Good Creek. The camp had been left in charge of some of his men, two of whom were killed. Provisions were stolen, about 7000 buffalo skins fired and the Indians had a war-dance, nearby.

The dead were placed in a wagon and started toward Henrietta, but were buried on Spy Mound, near the Wichita River.

In 1882, Comanche Jack, who no doubt, in company with his men committed the above deed, and Vaughan, met in Eagle Flats, now-known as Vernon. Vaughan demanded of Comacnhe Jack if he had made the threat that he was going to have revenge. But the Indian made an emphatic denial of the accusation.

Note: Author corresponded with H.C. Justin, Justice of the Peace, Vernon Texas.

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