Last week, I was speaking at the Old Post Office Museum in Graham, Texas, when a gentleman came up and introduced himself as "Pooch" Williams. "Pooch" and his daughter, Teresa wanted to show me a relic that had been in their family for 144 years. "Pooch" then produced from his pocket, a medallion minted in 1817 featuring the likeness of James Monroe. Photo - Back of Monroe Peace Medal
The Monroe Medals were minted by Moritz Furst in Philadelphia in 1817 and distributed to various Native American chiefs beginning in 1820.
"Pooch's" medal was discovered by his grandfather's brother, Sam Williams, a day after the raid occurred on the William's property. In 1932, "Pooch's" grandfather, Henry C. Williams, recalled the events in an account entitled, The Indian Raid in Young County, Texas, October 13, 1864. Henry's account was published and distributed with compliments of The Union National Bank of Houston, Texas in 1935.
"Pooch" was kind enough to present me a copy of his grandfather's account. As a Texas History enthusiast, I found the recollection a wonderful read with information not normally found in other Elm Creek Raid accounts.
The Monroe Medals were minted in three sizes, 51 mm, 62 mm, and 76 mm. "Pooch's" medal was the large 76 mm version and by far the rarest minted version. ( only 32 struck )
The medal found on the Williams' property that morning in 1864 is thought to have been worn by the Comanche Chief, Little Buffalo or the Kiowa Chief, Santanta, also known as White Bear. (Set-tainte). Since no records exist that document who the U.S. government gave these medals to, the true owner's identity will probably never be known. But it is a fact that Little Buffalo was killed during the raid and many believe the medal belonged to him.
One last note . . . where was Henry C. William's father that morning in 1864? He was picking up supplies in Weatherford, Texas with Britt Johnson. Britt, also known as Negro Britt, lived on the Fitzpatrick ranch along Elm Creek and is famous for his efforts to rescue his wife and two daughters, as well as Mrs. Fitzpatrick and her two granddaughters, who were all captured that morning . . . but that . . . well that's a whole 'nuther story . . .
Read more about the Elm Creek Raid at the Handbook of Texas OnLine.
http://www.tshaonline.org/handbook/online/articles/EE/bte1.html
The Monroe Medals were minted by Moritz Furst in Philadelphia in 1817 and distributed to various Native American chiefs beginning in 1820.
"Pooch's" medal was discovered by his grandfather's brother, Sam Williams, a day after the raid occurred on the William's property. In 1932, "Pooch's" grandfather, Henry C. Williams, recalled the events in an account entitled, The Indian Raid in Young County, Texas, October 13, 1864. Henry's account was published and distributed with compliments of The Union National Bank of Houston, Texas in 1935.
"Pooch" was kind enough to present me a copy of his grandfather's account. As a Texas History enthusiast, I found the recollection a wonderful read with information not normally found in other Elm Creek Raid accounts.
The Monroe Medals were minted in three sizes, 51 mm, 62 mm, and 76 mm. "Pooch's" medal was the large 76 mm version and by far the rarest minted version. ( only 32 struck )
The medal found on the Williams' property that morning in 1864 is thought to have been worn by the Comanche Chief, Little Buffalo or the Kiowa Chief, Santanta, also known as White Bear. (Set-tainte). Since no records exist that document who the U.S. government gave these medals to, the true owner's identity will probably never be known. But it is a fact that Little Buffalo was killed during the raid and many believe the medal belonged to him.
One last note . . . where was Henry C. William's father that morning in 1864? He was picking up supplies in Weatherford, Texas with Britt Johnson. Britt, also known as Negro Britt, lived on the Fitzpatrick ranch along Elm Creek and is famous for his efforts to rescue his wife and two daughters, as well as Mrs. Fitzpatrick and her two granddaughters, who were all captured that morning . . . but that . . . well that's a whole 'nuther story . . .
Read more about the Elm Creek Raid at the Handbook of Texas OnLine.
http://www.tshaonline.org/handbook/online/articles/EE/bte1.html
Copyright 2008 Mike Kearby
