Sgt Mickey Free |
| Posted 2009-09-18 by Sharla |
| (1847 - 1915) Apache Army Scout. At 12 years old Free was abducted from his stepfather's (John Ward) Arizona ranch by whom many believe were members of the Pinal Apache Band. Free's abduction led to a deadly encounter between the Chiricahua Chief Cochise and Army Lieutenant George Bascom, which ignited a 20 year war between the U.S. and Chiricahuas. Free's birth name was Felix Martinez and for many years he was thought to be either dead or beyond rescue. Approximately 20 years after his abduction Free's brother, Santiago Ward, heard that his brother was living on the San Carlos Reservation. When Santiago visited the reservation, he discovered his brother had been fully integrated into the Apaches and was using the name of Mickey Free. Though Free had no Apache lineage, he was mistakenly thought by many to be at least half Apache. On December 2, 1872, Free enlisted as an Apache scout at Ft. Verde AZ. Though the well known chief of scouts, Al Sieber, distrusted Free's honesty, he did respect his abilities as a scout. Free, who could speak English, Apache & Spanish, was a valuable asset in the pursuit of hostile Apaches, including Geronimo. Free's reputation for killing those he pursued made him a feared adversary. In addition to being a scout for the Army, Free was also a member of the reservation police and a spy. Free ended his scouting career with the rank of sergeant. In his later years Free settled with the White Mountain Apaches and raised a family. Free died of old age near Whiteriver. He was buried near where his wickiup once stood. Free's descendents still reside on reservation. See Also: Find A Grave |
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