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Submitted: 2/11/14 • Approved: 2/12/14 • Last Updated: 2/12/14 • R7-G0
1846 - 1892
Nick was in the cabin with Nate Champion on the morning of April 8, 1892, when the gang hired by the Wyomoing Stock Growers Association surrounded the cabin. Nick was the first to get shot when he ventured outside the front door. Nate pulled him back inside, but Nick was soon to die a painful death.
As they were held under siege inside the cabin, Nate began to keep a log which was later discovered on his body:
" "Me and Nick was getting breakfast when the attack took place. Two men was with us- Bill Jones and another man. The old man went after water and did not come back. His friend went to see what was the matter and he did not come back. Nick started out and I told him to look out, that I thought there was someone at the stable and would not let them come back.
Nick is shot but not dead yet. He is awful sick. I must go and wait on him.
It is now about two hours since the first shot. Nick is still alive.
Boys, there is bullets coming like hail. They are shooting from the stable and river and back of the house.
Them fellows is in such shape I can’t get at them. They are shooting from the stable and river and back of the house. Nick is dead, he died about 9 o'clock. I see a smoke down at the stable. I think they have fired it. I don't think they intend to let me get away this time.
Boys, I feel pretty lonesome just now, I wish there was someone here with me so we could watch all sides at once.
"I heard them splitting wood. I guess they are going to fire the house to-night.
I think I will make a break when night comes if alive."
The regulators took a wagon and loaded it with flamables and shoved it into the cabin. Champion's final message written in the notebook:
"The house is all fired. Goodbye boys, if I never see you again."
Nathan D. Champion
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Contributed on 2/11/14 by tomtodd
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Record #: 7