David E. Warford (October 4, 1865 – August 19, 1942) was an Arizona cowboy and soldier.
Early life Warford was born to Charles Warford and Louisa S. Warford on October 4, 1865, in Troy, New York.
Career Rough Riders Warford enlisted in the 1st United States Volunteer Cavalry, also known as the Rough Riders, on May 4, 1898, at Whipple Barracks, Arizona. He served as a private in B Troop. He fought in the Spanish–American War with the famed Rough Riders under the command of Theodore Roosevelt.Gibson, Kelly. "A Short History of Military Tattoos", VFW Magazine, volume 103, number 10 (August 2016), page 46. At the time of his enlistment, he was described as 5 ft 3½ in tall, with light brown hair and dark brown eyes.
Battle of Las Guasimas In June 1898, during the Battle of Las Guasimas, a bullet entered his right thigh, ricocheted through his abdomen, and exited his left thigh."Rough Riders Who Bled in Country's Cause", The Daily Express, San Antonio, Texas, volume XL, number 97, April 7, 1905, page 11. He was evacuated to a hospital ship. In 1900, he was granted an $8 per month pension, one of the first given to a soldier in Arizona."Sensational Evidence", The Florence Tribune, Florence, Arizona, volume IX, number 11, March 10, 1900, page 3, column 3.
Later career (1901–1903) In 1901, he wrote a letter to Vice President Theodore Roosevelt stating that he was currently drawing a government pension but was unable to do hard work and could not support himself on the amount he received. He asked Roosevelt to use his influence to help him obtain a position as a line rider in the Timber Reserve. After Roosevelt received the letter, he requested additional letters of recommendation from people who could attest to Warford's character and ability to work as a line rider on the Timber Reserve. Later, he was appointed a United States Forest Ranger. In 1903, he enlisted as a private in the Arizona Rangers.
Warford was known for tattoos covering his body from neck to ankles, including the "Rough Rider's Call" on his back as a tribute to Colonel Roosevelt."Lasting Proof of His Affection for Roosevelt", Venice Evening Vanguard, Venice, California, volume 22, number 50, March 3, 1919, page 1. Le Berthon, Ted. "Tattooed All Over But Never in a Side Show", Los Angeles Record, Los Angeles, California, 33rd year, July 31, 1930, page 1. Note, article contains photographs of his tattoos on front and back. Later life In 1915, he lived at the Pacific Branch of the National Home for Disabled Volunteer Soldiers. He died on August 19, 1942, at the age of 76.
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