Volume 8 , Issue 45

The Battle of Coon Creek - Kinsley, KS

Friday, November 10, 2006, we were traveling along highway 50, just East of Kinsley, Kansas and spotted a Kansas Historical marker -- "Battle of Coon Creek" -- fought June 18, 1848, between 200 Comanches and Osages and 140 soldiers.

What we would like to know is "Who was this mysterious Indian woman (a.k.a. Angel of Mercy) wearing silver ornaments on a scarlet dress while she was mounted on a horse, giving directions about the wounded? Who was this angel of mercy?

AND... what about the "Great Train Robbery" January 27, 1878, when bandits attempted to loot the Santa Fe station's safe and the westbound Pueblo Express were foiled by a young telegrapher named Andrew Kinkade. From information on the historical marker, four of the gang were later captured by Sheriff Bat Masterson of Dodge City, Kansas. Can you enlighten, educate us out here. Send us the "Rest of the Story" to share here on "The OkieLegacy eZine."

Indian attacks along the Santa Fe trail were frequent from the 1820's to the 1870's. Near here, where the trail followed the Arkansas river, the Battle of Coon Creek was fought June 18, 1848, between some 200 Comanches and Osages and 140 soldiers, half of whom were recruits bound for service in the Mexican war. A startling occurrence after the inconclusive battle, according to the official report, was the appearance of an Indian woman who seemed to be their queen, mounted on a horse, decorated with silver ornaments on a scarlet dress, who rode about giving directions about the wounded. The identity of this angel of mercy has remained a mystery.

The Chicago Workingmen's Town Company founded nearby Kinsley in 1872, naming it Petersburg for T. J. Peter, a director of the Santa Fe railroad which was then building westward. In 1873 the town was renamed in honor of E. W. Kinsley, a Boston philanthropist.

Kinsley had its "Great Train Robbery" January 27, 1878. Bandits attempting to loot the Santa Fe station's safe and the westbound Pueblo Express were foiled by a young telegrapher named Andrew Kinkade. Four of the gang were later captured by Sheriff Bat Masterson of Dodge City." -- Kansas Historical Marker found on highway 50, East of Kinsley, Kansas. The marker was erected by State Historical Society and State Highway Commission.
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