"The Kansas City Star" (Missouri) Monday, October 18, 1897 HIS DARING LED TO DEATH. William COVERT, 31 years old, died at midnight last night at 601 McGee street of a cancer, the result of an injury received in Texas about a year ago while riding a wild horse. COVERT was a cowboy on a ranch in Texas and was considered the most dashing, reckless rider on the place. One day a dozen cowboys gathered and began bantering one another with feats of riding. Finally one cowboy brought out a pony which he said no one in the country could ride. The animal was half mad and so vicious no one could mount it. COVERT said he would ride it or die in the attempt. The animal was bridled and saddled and COVERT sprang upon its back. Instantly the battle began. The mustang leaped and plunged, bit and kicked, and squealing madly began snapping at its rider's legs. COVERT could easily keep his seat on the plunging animal, but the biting was more than he could stand. His legs were lacerated and bruised, and his trousers were torn to ribbons. He could not possibly dismount, for he would have been trampled to death, so he called to his companions to shoot the animal. They did so, but as the mustang fell, COVERT received a bad wrench. Cancer developed from the injury and COVERT was sent to Kansas City and operated on at St. Margaret's hospital. He was removed to 601 McGee street, the home of his stepmother, where he died. ====================================================== (I have no connection with this family but I'd appreciate knowing if you found this posting helpful.) johnobrien@kc.rr.com ======================================================