Alvin Moroni Jensen Shoots Off an Indian Chief's Toe

Alvin was comfortable around horses, as shown in this photo taken in the 1970's

Gary Alvin Jensen, grandson of Alvin Moroni Jensen, shared the following story in an email dated January 27, 2006.

"After Alvin married Emily, he worked for Emily's father Mahonri Moriancumer Steele Sr.  He managed his herds of cattle and horses.  Emily and their kids lived out of the wagon in the desert around Delta, Utah.  In the winter, Alvin would take the herds down into Mexico and winter there.  In spring he'd bring them back.  Pop (Alvin) told me a story about the Indians that came around him and his herds.  One time a Chief told Alvin that he was going to take his horse.  Alvin took out his pistol and shot the Chief's big toe off to show the Chief that he wasn't afraid of him.  After that the Chief gave Alvin a lot more respect and Alvin kept his horse.  In fact, the Chief gave Pop a wool hand-woven Indian horse blanket that I have in my possession.  It measures about 3 1/2 feet by 6 feet."

That's one way to earn respect in the wild west era.