Tom Quick is in American folklore, the “Indian Slayer” or “The Avenger of the Delaware.” According to one legend, Tom avenged himself on various Indians for the murder of his father by Mushwink, an Indian, whom Tom later met and killed. One legend tells how he tricked the Indians. As he was splitting a log, he found himself surrounded by Indians. They were ready to take him back to camp and torture him, but Tom asked them if they would help him split the log first. The Indians pulled at the log, but instead of driving the wedge in farther, Tom knocked it out and slaughtered the Indians with the ax.
SOURCE:
Encyclopedia of World Mythology and Legend, Third Edition – Written by Anthony S. Mercatante & James R. Dow – Copyright © 2009 by Anthony S. Mercatante