A newspaper in Wichita, Kansas
25 Dec 1927
In August 1859, I received a letter from a Helena, Texas postmaster saying my sister’s husband, Benjamin Shelden, had been murdered and his family left destitute. Taking three days provisions, I started on horseback to Helena to bring back my sister and her children. Toward evening, I would (when I could find water and a little dry brush) make coffee, eat my supper, spread out my rubber blanket for a bed, use my saddle for a pillow and spend the night. Rising early, I would get my breakfast and start on my way.
– Martin Vaught
