The Indians called him Death Wind for his ability to blend into the forest, swoop down and bring death and destruction and just as quickly blow away. His shooting skills were next to none, and it is said that if he could spot any target in the distance, he would never miss. He also gained his fearsome name from the fact that he was known to sprint far, fast and wide through the forest. This was truly an amazing feat for a man that was solidly built and easily over six feet. He was also known for his near uncanny skill of loading and priming his long rifle while sprinting, something that was unheard of in his time.

His hair fell all the way down to his knees when uncombed or untied. When asked about its unusual length, he would always say that it was so that any Indian who managed to scalp him would get a worthy and notable scalp. No one ever did.