Tilghman and the Kiowas

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Tilghman: The Legendary Lawman and the Woman Who Inspired Him

The Kiowas kicked their horses into a gallop toward the cowboys. Tilghman and the man with him took off in the direction they came. The packhorses they had with them as well as the stray cattle raced to keep up. The Indians divided into two parties, both hurrying after the cowhands as fast as their rides would take them. Tilghman and his coworker urged their horses to go even faster, and the animals did. The chase continued for several minutes with the Kiowas closing the gap on the exhausted cattle and pack-animals trying to keep up. Eventually the braves captured the cows and horses. Some stayed behind with the livestock while others maintained the pursuit of Tilghman and his companion.

The gap between the Kiowas, Tilghman, and the other cowhand widened and narrowed throughout the chase. Tilghman considered stopping to shoot the pursuers but was convinced killing one or several of the warriors would only cause more problems in the long run. The cowboys believed their only option was to outrun the Kiowas. The Indians doggedly followed the two men into a canyon, forcing the pair up a steep hillside. When the cowhands reached the top, they realized they were trapped. Far below them on the other side was a stream that was swollen from the recent rains. Tilghman quickly surmised they would have to jump if they hoped to survive.

The cowboys dismounted and coaxed their horses to make the leap first. They watched the animals plummet forty feet into the water. The dazed and slightly confused horses emerged unhurt from the death-defying jump. They swam to the bank of the stream, stumbling over rocks until they got their footing where they stood huddled together, shaking from the experience.

Tilghman and the cowhand with him leapt from the precipice minutes after making sure the horses had made it through the ordeal. The pair hit the water hard and popped to the surface moments later. Tilghman looked at the cliff towering over them to see if the warriors were at the summit. Seeing no one, the cowhands pulled themselves out of the rampaging stream and hurried to their horses. The still shaking animals could barely move beyond a walk. Tilghman and his cohort managed to lead the horses to an outcropping of rock. By then, the Kiowas were lined along the ridge. Tilghman removed his Sharps rifle from the holster on his saddle and fired a shot in the warrior’s direction. The Kiowas quickly climbed off their horses and flattened themselves on the ground. They didn’t return fire or attempt to follow the cowhands down the embankment.

To learn more about Marshal Tilghman’s life and times read

Tilghman: The Legendary Lawman and the Woman Who Inspired Him