Richens Lacey Wootton
Richens Lacey Wootton | |
|---|---|
 Richens Lacey Wootton | |
| Born | 1816 Virginia |
| Died | 1893 (aged 76–77) |
| Nationality | American |
| Occupation | Frontiersman |
Richens Lacy (or Lacey) Wootton (1816 - 1893), often referred to as "Uncle Dick" Wootton, was an American frontiersman born in Virginia, but lived most of his life in Colorado.
In his early life Wootton was a mountain man and trapper, then a hunter at Bent's Fort. In 1866 he built a toll road through Raton Pass. He hired a tribe of Utes under Chief Conniache to build it. He later sold the road to the Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railroad.[1]
He appears as a character in Flashman and the Redskins when Flashman employs him as a guide. Flashman and his caravan are forced to abandon him when he catches cholera.
He is referenced in Michener's "Centennial ".