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Conrad Newhous and Martinas

Michael has a BA in History & American Studies and an MSc in American History from the University of Edinburgh. He comes from a proud military family and has spent most of his career as an educator in the Middle East and Asia. His passion is travel, and he seizes any opportunity to share his experiences in the most immersive way possible, whether at sea or on the land.

Young County, Texas

    Conrad Newhous numbered among the early merchants of Old Fort Belknap. May 10th, 1860, he and a Mexican employee named Martinas, were on the Newhous ranch about ten or twelve miles northwest of Fort Belknap. Parker Johnson and William Newhous were also at the ranch. Conrad Newhous, searching for stock, crossed the creek only about a hundred and fifty or two hundred yards from the house. His horse, which he was riding bareback, made a sudden jump, because he could smell Indians who were hidden nearby. Newhous, fell to the ground, began holloring for help, and his horse ran on to the house. Parker Johnson and Will Newhous came running to meet Conrad. The Indians ran away; but the Native tribespeople had already mortally wounded the dismounted rider with arrows and spears. Newhous died during the following night. The Mexican, Martinas, who became separated from his employer, was also killed. Mr. Newhous was buried at Fort Belknap. Almost invariably he carried two six-shooters, but on this particular occasion, happened to be out a short distance from the house unarmed.

    Ref: The Newhous family Bible; Mrs. J.L. Price; a niece of Conrad Newhous; and F.M. Peveler, who helped to bury Mr. Newhous; also U.S. Vital Statistics for 1869.

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

In his book, Indian Depredations in Texas, J.W. Wilbarger includes a short description of the incident:

Newhouse story by Wilbarger

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