As copied from Ancestors and Descendants of Elias Adams, the Pioneer, 600-1930. Pg 104-105

[At the Adams’ cabin in Layton, circa 1851]

[Note: “Young” Indian braves may indicate that these were teenaged boys rather than adult men.]

John took great pride in his watermelons, and was waiting patiently for them to ripen.  He was very angry one day upon finding several young Indian braves breaking open and wantonly destroying the melons by kneeling upon them.  John ordered the Indians to leave the garden, and they promptly refused; whereupon he threw a rock which struck one of the Indians on the head, cutting an ugly gash.  They were now convinced that John would use force to protect his garden if necessary; and, consequently, they departed in haste, swearing vengeance as they left.  Early that evening the chief and about fifteen Indian braves, armed and decorated in their bright war paint and eagle feathers, each mounted on a favorite horse, approached the home of Elias Adams.  He surmised the meaning of their suspicious appearance and went forward from the house unarmed to meet them in the dooryard.  Upon inquiring for the reason of their coming in this manner, the chief informed him that they intended to kill his son, John, because of the injury which he inflicted upon a member of his tribe.  Elias Adams told them that his son was in the house and would remain there, and they could not kill him.  They then indicated that they would take his life as a sacrifice instead of John’s.  Malinda Adams and children were in the house and heard the conversation which had taken place; needless to say they were alarmed and terrified.  But this man of the frontier was calm and collected.  He told the Indians they were squaws, which is to say, cowards, and that they dared not shoot.  ‘Do you think a white man fears to be shot? SHOOT!” and he bared his breast to the rifle point.  “He brave man,” said the chief; and, instead of shooting, they honored him for his fearlessness and bravery, peace was made without the loss of life.