Wise County, Texas
Alonzo Dill
It was about 1866 that the savages charged Alonzo Dill, in the vicinity of the present town of Rhome, in the southeastern part of Wise County. Alonzo Dill was a considerable distance from his home, and beyond the West fork of the Trinity, when approximately fifteen Indians who were thirsting for human blood, came charging from the nearby timber. Alonzo Dill made a desperate effort to escape, and succeeded by quickly fleeing on his horse toward home. Just as he reached his father's residence, the Indians were close on his heels. But the flashing of his father's gun in the morning sunlight, brought the savages to a sudden halt. When the Indians were unable to draw the fire of Mr. Dill, by making false charges at a considerable distance, they turned and rode away. After Dill arrived safely at this home, although he was unscratched, an arrow was sticking in his hat, and two others in his saddle. Six arrows were found pinned in a tree where Alonzo Dill crossed the river.
Jake Moffett
Jake Moffett, who lived about three miles east of Newark, had started west of the Trinity. He was killed and scalped by the Indians when he crossed the river at the Cregg Crossing.
Others
The savages then came down to the James Young Place and attacked Smith and Wright, about five miles northeast of Azle. Smith and Wright lived in Denton County, and were returning from Parker or Palo Pinto, where they had been attending a horse-race. Smith was riding a mule, and armed with a shotgun and six-shooter. Wright rode a racehorse, and was unarmed. When they were assaulted, Wright attempted to escape on his racehorses, but in a short time was wounded with approximately thirty-six arrows. Smith, however, retreated into the West Fork bottom, where he was soon surrounded by the savages. The Indians charged him many times, but always remained at a considerable distance. He was unharmed, however, excepting an arrow struck him on the nose. An Indian then laughed, so Smith took deliberate aim at this particular savage and when he shot, the red-man's laughter changed to loud groans, and his companions rushed to his side. The savages then held a short pow-wow, and rode away.
Note: Author personally interviewed: J.B. Sessions, and M. Roe, of Azle.
Further Ref.: Pioneer History of West County, by Cliff D. Cates.
The above story is from the book, The West Texas Frontier, by Joseph Carroll McConnell.