The Plumcreek Massacre
Nancy Jane Morton -- --Husband Thomas Frank Morton
On the morning of August 8, 1864 as a host of witnesses watched in horror, an unsuspecting wagontrain was attacked by a band of Cheyenne Indians one and a half miles outside of Plumcreek (Lexington). The attack came upon them in such a sudden manner the helpless wagontrain had no time to make preparations to defend themselves. Only 19 year old Nancy Jane Morton and a nine year old boy Dannie Marble survived the attack. Nancy's husband, brother and cousin lay dead, their bodies riddled with arrows along with the eight other members of the wagontrain.
Mr. Thomas in charge of a stage station and ranch at Plumcreek watched in helpless horror as the men of the train were massacred. In a later interview he stated; " So sudden was the attack that not a single shot was fired by the emigrants. The Indians killed them before they had a chance to make an effort to protect themselves. And soon they had their scalps dangling from their belts. A boy was with the party and a big buck Indian grabbed him by the heels and dashed his brains out against the hub of a wagon. Mrs Morgan was not injured but was captured by the Indians and taken to their camp.
After killing the emigrants and taking their scalps, the warriors began rummaging the things in the wagons. "
Nancy had in fact been injured in the attack two arrows were lodged in her side which she removed that evening with the help of a French trader at the Indian Camp of Cheif Red Cloud.
The war party continued to travel for two days arriving at their village at sundown of the second day. Upon arrival at the village Nancy discovered that two women and several children who had been captured the precious day were there also. The women were Laura Roper and Mrs. Eubanks.
Mrs. Eubaks, her baby and Nancy Morton endured several months of captivity, the women forced to work and travel with the Indians. In Febuary 1865, Nancy was traded by the Indians to Mr. Coffey, a French Trader who took her to Fort Clear Creek eventually returning to her family in Iowa.
Left to right: Dannie Marble, Laura Roper, Isabel Eubanks and Ambrose Asher
On September 18, 1864 Major Wynkoop of the first Colorado Calvary negotiated the release of Laura Roper, Dannie Marble, Isabel Eubanks and Ambrose Asher.
Copyright (c) 2000 by Sandra Sanchez