Josiah P. Wilbarger
(1801-1845)
Died aged c. 44
Pity poor Josiah Wilbarger, who in 1833 was scalped by Comanche Native Americans, managed to survive and live for 12 years with the pain of the unhealed wound.
OpenPlaquesSee Biographical Encyclopedia of Texas page 338 and page 339
Wikidata WikipediaJosiah Pugh Wilbarger (September 10, 1801 – April 11, 1845) was an early Texan who lived for twelve years after being scalped by Comanche Indians.
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Family tree
Commemorated on 4 plaques
Texas Historical Marker #01361
Early Wilbarger County. Organized 1858 and named in honor of Mathias and Josiah P. Wilbarger, early Texas settlers. Josiah, a surveyor, had become famous as the man who lived 12 years after being scalped by Comanches, 1833, near Austin. He had saved his life by putting a wool sock on his head; he was rescued next day by neighbors. An adobe house built 1878 by Jonathan and C. F. Doan, the first Wilbarger County settlers, marks the Red River crossing of the famous Western Cattle Trail. Vernon (formerly Eagle Flat) became county seat in 1881. The first railroad reached town, 1886. #1361
US 297 & 183 intersection, Vernon, TX, United States where they is commemorated
Texas Historical Marker #05809
Wilbarger County. Formed from Bexar County. Created February 1, 1858. Organized October 10, 1881. Named for Josiah and Mathias Wilbarger, brothers who came to Texas in 1829. Josiah, scalped by Indians August, 1833, survived 11 years. Vernon, the county seat. Millions of cattle and horses were driven north through this county. #5809
US 70, Vernon, TX, United States where they is commemorated
Texas Historical Marker #14616
Site of the Home of Reuben Hornsby. Site of the Home Built in 1832 by Reuben Hornsby (1793-1879) and his wife Sarah Morrison Hornsby (1796-1862). Second built in "Austin's Little Colony". First in the present county of Travis. Famed for Christian hospitality. Here Josiah Wilbarger recovered after being scalped in 1833. Mr. Hornsby and his sons fought in many Indian battles and served as scouts in Capt. John J. Tumlinson's company of Rangers which was organized here in 1836. #14616
?, Austin, TX, United States where they recovered after being scalped
Texas Historical Marker #16095
In Memory of Thomas Christian, William Strother and Josiah Wilbarger. In Memory of Thomas Christian, William Strother and Josiah Wilbarger, members of a party of five who were attacked near here by Indians in August, 1833. Christian and Strother were killed, Wilbarger was scalped and eventually died of his wounds. The other two escaped. #16095
?, Austin, TX, United States where they scalped