David E. Warford
David E. Warford | |
|---|---|
David E. Warford | |
| Born | October 4, 1865 Troy, New York, US |
| Died | August 19, 1942 (aged 76) |
| Burial place | Sawtelle Soldiers' Cemetery Los Angeles, California |
| Occupation | Cowboy |
David E. Warford (October 4, 1865 – August 19, 1942) was an Arizona cowboy and soldier.
Early life
Warford was born to Charles Warford and Louisa S. Warford on October 4, 1865, in Troy, New York.[1]
Career
Rough Riders
Warford enlisted in the 1st United States Volunteer Cavalry, also known as the Rough Riders, on May 4, 1898, at Whipple Barracks, Arizona.[1] He served as a private in B Troop.[1] He fought in the Spanish–American War[2] with the famed Rough Riders under the command of Theodore Roosevelt.[3] At the time of his enlistment, he was described as 5 ft 3½ in tall, with light brown hair and dark brown eyes.[1]
Battle of Las Guasimas
In June 1898, during the Battle of Las Guasimas, a bullet entered his right thigh, ricocheted through his abdomen, and exited his left thigh.[4] He was evacuated to a hospital ship. In 1900, he was granted an $8 per month pension, one of the first given to a soldier in Arizona.[5]
Later career (1901–1903)
In 1901, he wrote a letter to Vice President Theodore Roosevelt stating that he was currently drawing a government pension but was unable to do hard work and could not support himself on the amount he received. He asked Roosevelt to use his influence to help him obtain a position as a line rider in the Timber Reserve.[6] After Roosevelt received the letter, he requested additional letters of recommendation from people who could attest to Warford's character and ability to work as a line rider on the Timber Reserve.[7] Later, he was appointed a United States Forest Ranger.[8] In 1903, he enlisted as a private in the Arizona Rangers.
Warford was known for tattoos covering his body from neck to ankles, including the "Rough Rider's Call" on his back as a tribute to Colonel Roosevelt.[9][10]
Later life
In 1915, he lived at the Pacific Branch of the National Home for Disabled Volunteer Soldiers. He died on August 19, 1942, at the age of 76.
References
- ^ a b c d "Roosevelt's Rough Riders – David E. Warford". cmcnutt.tripod.com. Retrieved 2026-01-28.
- ^ "United States. Military Records 1898–1899".
- ^ Gibson, Kelly. "A Short History of Military Tattoos", VFW Magazine, volume 103, number 10 (August 2016), page 46.
- ^ "Rough Riders Who Bled in Country's Cause", The Daily Express, San Antonio, Texas, volume XL, number 97, April 7, 1905, page 11. (subscription required)
- ^ "Sensational Evidence", The Florence Tribune, Florence, Arizona, volume IX, number 11, March 10, 1900, page 3, column 3. (subscription required)
- ^ "Letter from David E. Warford to Theodore Roosevelt". Theodore Roosevelt Center. Retrieved 2026-01-29.
- ^ "Letter from Theodoere Roosevelt to David E. Warford". Theodore Roosevelt Center. Retrieved 2026-01-28.
- ^ "Letter from Theodore Roosevelt to David E. Warford". Theodore Roosevelt Center. Retrieved 2026-01-28.
- ^ "Lasting Proof of His Affection for Roosevelt", Venice Evening Vanguard, Venice, California, volume 22, number 50, March 3, 1919, page 1. (subscription required)
- ^ Le Berthon, Ted. "Tattooed All Over But Never in a Side Show", Los Angeles Record, Los Angeles, California, 33rd year, July 31, 1930, page 1. (subscription required) Note, article contains photographs of his tattoos on front and back.
External links
- Media related to David E. Warford at Wikimedia Commons