USA > Iowa > Kossuth County > History of Kossuth County, Iowa > Part 34
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"They were met on my part with the usual 'How!' with no response. At once they began taking an inventory of their capture. Several were engaged in looking
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over the good qualities of the pony, especially as to its age, while others were examining my clothing, when one of them for the first time touched me by putting his head on my thigh. It was brushed off without ceremony and in a way to prevent if possible any further liberty of the kind. Now they all became quiet. seemingly waiting for some one to begin operations in securing their plunder. A few minutes passed by without a word or movement, which made it rather embarrassing. At this time I turned to the apparent leader standing near by and told him 'we had better smoke.' With a grunt of acceptance he filled his large stone pipe with kinni-kinic, (inner bark of red willow) lighted it with spunk, flint and steel, took a couple of puffs, handed it to me, when a puff or two was taken, not unpleasant to the taste, then offered it to a large, stout fellow at my left who was not paying proper attention to the ceremony. In calling his attention I happened to strike him with the pipe on the bare breast much harder then was intended, bringing out a loud thud, easily heard by all the party, caus- ing much laughter at his expense. If he had been knocked down the pleasure would have been that much greater. It was plainly to be seen the pipe in pass- ing around, which had to be refilled, would prevent any trouble at this time. I now asked them how many there were in camp on the river. The leader at once replied : 'Sioux-o-ta,' (many Sioux) at the same time looking up the river and then north, each time repeating his reply. Seeing he was trying to have me think the country was full of Sioux, I told him there were Wa-se-cha-o-ta (many whites ) coming up the river, and tried to impress on his mind that there were fully as many of them as he had pictured the Sioux in his imagination.
"At this he wanted to know where I was going. I told him up the river and then to Mankato. I now showed him the map I was making of the river and asked him to help me fill it out, by marking its course on a bare spot of ground near by, while I would fill it in on the map. Feeling secure in getting off I took a weed and gave him a drawing lesson on the ground and found him an apt scholar. Several of the brightest ones became very much interested in the map making, frequently suggesting changes in the work. The east fork was mapped out to its head with a showing of Tuttle's lake, while the west branch was extended into Minnesota. Mud Lakes were shown in the new map, also Center and East Chain. The Blue Earth river was drawn from its source to the Minnesota, all of which proved to be quite correct."
The Indians then imformed Mr. Ingham that there were no waterfalls in any of the streams; no large groves away from the Blue Earth river; no timber between them and the Blue Earth and no mountains in that region. Having re- ceived this information he proceeded on his journey. His dog did not start and seemed to prefer the company of the Sioux. When one of the Indians finally succeeded in starting him the others were amused at the dog's reluctance to go. Noticing the course of the river as indicated by the trees along its banks as far as the lake he became convinced when in the region of Armstrong's Grove that the new map as made by the direction of the Indians was quite reliable. About sunset he selected a spot in a grove for a camping place where he knew he must not build a fire or sleep during the night under any circumstances. He tied his pony near by, cut some dry grass for it, seated himself, wrapped in a heavy rubber and two mackinac blankets and settled down for the night. The events of the day passed before his mind like a panorama, and he could hardly Vol 1-17
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have slept even if he had dared to do so. The night wore away and daylight finally came. Thinking that the Indians might be on the river trapping he changed his intended course, and started for the center chain of lakes, where he would then cross to the Blue Earth river and follow it down to Mankato. He was well on his way by sunrise and when about four miles from Iowa lake a snow squall came up, filling the air with large damp flakes which made it diffi- cult traveling against the wind. Pulling his cap down, while feeling the need of sleep and while recounting his unusual experiences of the day before, he jour- neyed along for a few miles until the pony rushed up against him. He knew full well what that meant, and consequently brought his revolver around in front as he did also his hunting knife. Looking back he saw something resembling a great bear following along in his track. He stopped until it came and stood erect. It was not a bear but an Indian. On being saluted with "How!" he gave no response. He was then recognized as being the same Indian who had helped to make the map the day before, many miles away.
"He at once demanded tobacco," says Mr. Ingham, "and got a prompt wun- incha (no). Then whiskey, powder and lead were called for, each time getting the same reply. Just at this time some geese near by made their presence known. When he asked to exchange guns, telling me he could only nepo- wuncha (kill one) with his, while with mine he could nepo-numpa (kill two). This being refused he excitedly called out : 'Ho nepo shak o pee' (kill six ) and at the same time caught the handle of my navy revolver, while I with my left hand instantly caught the light yielding cover over the cylinder preventing him from drawing it out, at the same time giving him a violent push with my right breaking his hold from the handle, and following up fortunately threw him over backwards. In a moment a cocked revolver was being held on him, and when I think how near it came 'going off,' and what the consequences might have been, I am thankful for the second thought which prevented it. Several minutes, however, were spent in loud talking to him in not the best of spirits and in words that might be considered somewhat profane. Not knowing just what I should do next, I told him to get up, pick up his gun, turn his face to the wind and walk towards the grove at the lake and not look back at the risk of being shot. In this way he traveled some two miles and during the time he was frequently commanded to be very careful as to his conduct. On reaching a small ravine leading to Iowa lake he started off on a brisk run, following it down until he disappeared around a bend, much to my relief."
The storm having subsided, the sun was shining bright and the snow all gone by the time Iowa lake was reached where lunch was to be eaten. The dog was on hand for his portion, but when the new owner remembered how the dog had quietly seated himself and took no interest in his master's welfare when the Indian grabbed the revolver, the attachment between the two came sud- denly to an end. Being seated on a boulder, Mr. Ingham carefully watched along down the lake shore to the grove, and then about the timber and brush in front for the mysterious Indian who had disappeared, and who was sure to be lurking not far away. Finally he saw an object in the brush that appeared like a stump, but when it moved he knew that the Indian had again made his appearance. Realizing that it was safer to have the red stranger at hand rather than following behind in his trail Mr. Ingham motioned for him to come nearer.
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This he did very cautiously until he too was seated for lunch. He accepted the invitation to dine with some reluctance and seemed surprised at the hospitality tendered him after the revolver incident in the morning. He soon became very talkative and agreeable, and during their conversation he disclosed his name as being "Umpashotah," it being the first time that the lonely explorer had learned the name of his Indian guest. As to what was said and done while at the boulder during the luncheon period and later during the day, we will let Mr. Ingham tell in his own language:
"During our stay here I learned many Sioux words, names of animals, numerals, etc., making quite an addition to my small stock on hand, which helped me in our conversation afterward. He took quite an interest in my double bar- relled gun and wanted to know how it was loaded. One barrel being loaded with shot, and having none with me, I took out an ounce ball that fitted it and showed it to him, which seemed to be satisfactory. He told me that he also wanted to go to Mankato and would go with me, which I urged him to do, although well knowing that I would not be likely to suffer from too much sleep on the way. All being ready we were off on the trail leading north, with him in the lead where every motion could be seen. When getting opposite the heavy black walnut timber in the grove south of Silver lake, the trail turned to the west and entered the woods. Not knowing where it went, and fearing it might lead to an In- dian camp, I stopped and asked him: 'Why do we not keep going north instead of going west?' He told me there was a stream we could not cross without getting wet and so we must go around the lake. Not knowing how this was I thought it best to follow him, however unsafe to do so, as it would not do to show any fear or distrust, and I told him to go on."
Passing through dark and lonely woods for a mile or more the owner of the Black Cat cabin felt a greater anxiety than he had experienced for some time, for it might be that Umpashotah was leading him into an Indian camp. They went on and passing through the timber, saw some ducks in a small pond. By an agreement between the two each was to take a shot at the fowl, but the Indian wanted to shoot last. He did not get that chance, perhaps for good reasons at that lonely spot. Umpashotah blazed away but hit nothing. Mr. Ingham then fired a charge of shot into the flying fowls after they had risen about thirty feet above the water, bringing one down, which fell into the water. The Indian, supposing the duck had been killed by a rifle ball, was surprised at the white man's skill in shooting, and for some reason did not reload his gun while the two traveled together. From this point they followed the trail around Silver lake and through the burr oak openings lying between that place and Perch lake. Leaving the lake on the east side they went north, passing not far from the finest chain of lakes in the northwest, which then were alive with ducks, geese, pelicans and swan, presenting a hunter's paradise. When they reached the lake south and west of Fairmont the sun was about setting, so that a spot on which to camp had to be selected. Umpashotah wanted to camp in the near-by grove, but was informed that a location on the prairie must be chosen. On a high tract of land on the lake shore which was fringed with a row of, red cedars, the camping spot was selected, because the lower limbs of the cedar trees being dry and dead would furnish the necessary fuel for the night. Flinka was turned loose to graze while they were collecting the dry limbs and getting
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some dry grass for the pony through the night and for bunks for themselves. A fire was started near a small oak tree where the pony could be tied. The night being chilly Mr. Ingham settled down on the windward side of the fire, next to the tree and near where the pony was to stand, and the mysterious Sioux settled down on the opposite side of the camp fire. Thoughtful reader, can you realize Mr. Ingham's situation while preparing to lodge the second night in company with Umpashotah? Only the day before he had been surrounded by a yelling band of Indians; the night before he did not get one moment of sleep; in the morning this same Sioux had undertaken to snatch his revolver from his belt; he was now to spend another night with this Indian and without sleep; and furthermore he was in a section of the country where the Sioux roamed at will. Besides he was many miles from the cabin of any settler. This native of Herkimer county, New York, had started on this journey to get reliable in- formation regarding the country over which he was passing, and he was getting it with startling experiences. During his sleepless hours he had abundant op- portunity for remembering the joys of his early home, and the peace and quiet of his cabin life where Seeley was then wondering what had been the fate of his companion since his departure. He had not at that time earned the title of "Captain William H. Ingham," but he was having an experience which made him remembered by those of the River settlements as being among the most courageous of the pioneers. Let him tell how he spent the second night with Umpashotah :
"Night had now come on and after supper we prepared our camping places. Using the saddle and all loose articles for a pillow and then spreading out the blankets over the bed of dry grass, I certainly had a very fine preparation for sleep, while he-Umpashotah-had on his side plenty of grass. After quite an interesting talk, with a jumble of Sioux and English words and many signs, he took out his pipe for a smoke, while I quietly thought over what had taken place, and figured out what must be done to free myself of his company without harm if possible to either. He had tried and came near plundering me through fright at first, then by meeting me in war costume all alone in the storm. Now he had assumed the character of a friend and no one could ask for a more will- ing companion to assist and do all that he could to make the time pass away pleasantly than he had done. The meaning was easily to be understood, and when he took his empty gun and his hatchet, some six rods away and laid them down in the grass, I knew full well that it all was intended to make me feel secure and enjoy a good night's rest, regardless of what might be found in the morning if lucky enough to escape serious harm. The pony was tied up for the night, my gun was laid on the blankets just back of where I was intending to lie, so that when the blankets were turned up over me it could not well be taken out, and I was ready for the all night watch. He on his side had taken his last smoke and then told me he was very tired and sleepy and so curled down on his bed of grass and soon fell asleep. Lying down I brought the blankets over me in such a way as to nearly cover my face, only leaving a small place to look out and with my revolver handy for use, the great sleeping farce commenced.
"At about ten o'clock, perhaps, he was sleeping very soundly, judging from the noise, when I too being very tired and sleepy fell asleep as he did, and if an outsider had been present it might have been difficult to have told which
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one was having the soundest sleep. It was not long after this, however, before his sleep became disturbed and he quietly raised up to a sitting position and took another smoke, which seemed to break up any sleep on my side. Thinking it had gone quite far enough to suit me, I too woke up and stirred up the fire, when he suddenly became very sleepy again and soon dropped off into a sound and noisy sleep. Again about one o'clock, thinking I was asleep, he rose up, looked about and was permitted to go further with his plan, when it seemed best for me to wake up again, much to his surprise. Again, after taking a smoke, he was sleepy and was soon in a sound sleep, and so was I apparently in the same kind of sleep until about four o'clock when he again became disturbed and had to get up. This time I slept until he had passed around toward the pony out of my sight, when again my sleep was broken, much to his disappointment. As he came back to the fire, which I was stirring up. I plainly told him I should go no further with such nonsense. He told me I had not been asleep, and was answered 'only with my eyes open,' and he would find that he could not manage to get anything I had away, and that he would be fortunate if he ever got back to his friends in camp. Morning being near I did not dare risk lying down again as I might possibly fall asleep, and so put in the time scolding and talking to him in a way that would discourage him from going any further with me.
"At the break of day breakfast was served and rather a light meal was of- fered to him. As I was getting ready to start he told me his feet were sore and that he would have to mend his 'hompa' ( moccasin ) before going further and asked for a piece of the buffalo saddle cover, which was readily given to him for the purpose. It now being light, a grove at the north some fifteen miles away toward the Watonwan was seen. I told him if he still wanted to go to Mankato to be sure and go to that grove, and then left him busy at work on his 'hompa' much to the relief of one well tired of an Indian as a traveling companion. Going beyond where Fairmont is now located I turned to the east and in due course of time reached the Blue Earth river. Following down the valley through the heavy timber until the middle of the afternoon, when a pleasant spot was found for a good night's rest, I stopped. The pony was turned loose, supper was over and now sleep was in order for the first time since leaving home. and Sioux or no Sioux had but little to do with me that night. When waking the sun was well up. and after a hurried meal I was again off down the valley. After going a few miles among the thick timber, I began seeing quite a number of moccasin tracks and having all the Indian experiences I wanted it did not take long for me to get out of the words and reach the prairie on the east side of the valley."
Pursuing his journey toward Mankato he spent the next night in a cabin near the Le Sueur river where the family of one Hilt lived. There he was royally entertained because no other white man had called there since they located in the previous August. Mr. Hill took him with his team to Mankato the next day where he remained over until the day following when he started southward for his cabin on the Black Cat. Passing along Crystal lake he found two occupied cabins, and on reaching the Watonwan river by the trail he found one man baching all alone with whom he stayed that night. The night following he stayed on Elm creek, still over the line in Minnesota. The next day he walked and let Flinka follow along with the luggage of provisions he had procured at Mankato.
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The journey of forty miles that day was a tedious one and he had to. spend the night not many miles away from the spot where the Indians the first day sur- rounded him. On the tenth day after his departure Mr. Ingham reached his cabin where he found A. L. Seeley elated over his safe return.
THE SIOUX FOLLOW MRS. ASA C. CALL
Mrs. Asa C. Call, coming to the county a bride while yet in her teens, and getting her first experience in housekeeping in a little cabin far out on the frontier, has always been considered on that account as having been one of the most courageous of the pioneer women. Years after her death there was dis- covered among her effects an unfinished article, which she had started to write for some occasion, giving her early experiences. After writing at some length about other matters she had begun to tell about the Indians when for some reason she suddenly stopped. Her closing words were: "We were visited by the Indians that spring (1855) and the next winter. I remember one day as I was standing in the door I saw two Indians coming to the house who were armed with guns, and about a dozen dogs were following them. I was all alone in the house as Mr. Call had gone for a pail of water at some distance -. " The author, then the managing editor of the Advance, published this unfinished article of Mrs. Call's, and two weeks later, October 17, 1902, Mrs. J. E. Blackford, a sister of the Call brothers, sent the following communication stating what Mrs. Call would have written if she had completed her article. Mrs. Blackford's article was as follows :
"With your permission I will add the sequel to the unfinished story pub- lished in the Advance two weeks ago, written by Mrs. Asa C. Call, for she has often told me of her experiences at that time. No doubt the paper was written to be read at our Citizens' Club, or at our Reading Circle. To a person used to frontier life, the incidents related would not seem unusual or thrilling, but to a young girl whose life had been spent in an eastern city, and who was not accustomed to Indians and Indian ways, they were very exciting. The time was in 1855 when the place was visited by a large party of Sioux Indians who encamped on the bluff overlooking the north bottom, near where the Adventist church now stands. Some of their tepee poles were still standing in the fall of that year when we arrived. The spring at which Mr. Call was getting water was located in a ravine near where Mr. D. A. Haggard now lives. If it was not better than slough water, it was at least cooler, for it was in the grove and shaded. It was shallow, and at the time spoken of by Mrs. Call, her husband was stooping down, dipping the water very carefully, so as not to roil it. The two Indians that she mentioned, were only the advance guard of a large party, some on ponies and some on foot. Mrs. Call was much alarmed and ran toward the spring, the Indians passing the house and following her. With her fright and haste she was so nearly exhausted by the time she reached the spring that she could only gasp his name and whisper 'Indians.' But he heard and saw her, and jumping from the gully. caught her in his arms, and so prevented her falling. By this time the Indians, were almost upon them, and seating her on the ground, he threw up his arms and motioned to them to stop, which they did so suddenly that the ponies were forced back on their haunches. Pointing to his trembling wife, he tried to make them understand that she was frightened, and
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that they must not make so much noise or come so. close. They seemed to understand and kept at a respectful distance, but followed them to the house, which they attempted to enter, but were prevented by Mr. Call. She said they seemed to be willing to be friendly, and by signs consulted as to a camping place. Mr. Call, using the sign language and some Chinook he had learned in Oregon, made them understand that the ponies must be kept out of the patches of corn belonging to the settlers, and they promised to do so and be 'good Indians.' Mrs. Call said they often came to the house, especially the chief, whose name I do not remember. They were at that time friendly, though very inquisitive, and made themselves a nuisance by their propensity to beg or steal anything they could lay their hands on.
"Mrs. Call told me that she and Mr. Call often visited the camp where Mr. Call and the chief, by signs and Chinook, had long talks. The chief was an old and very intelligent Indian from whom Mr. Call obtained much valuable informa- tion. He often traced on the dusty ground, maps showing the elevation of both branches of the river, and every creek, lake, pond, trapper's camp or settler's hut from Fort Dodge northward into Minnesota. These maps Mr. Call after- ward found to be very accurate. They saw many curious and interesting sights at the camp, among them being the manner of preserving the fish and game, which was laid on poles driven into the ground, under which a fire was built, the smoke and heat curing and drying the game. Mrs. Call said that the camp was not noted for its cleanliness or savory smells, and related a ludicrous incident illustrating it. The mosquitoes were very troublesome in the camp, and she was much annoyed by them, which caused the squaws much merriment. She showed them the blotches on her hands, and by signs, asked if they did not also bite them. They shook their heads and laughed, and one squaw brought out a bark box of some vile smelling burnt grease, which she liberally smeared over her own hands and face, at which Mrs. Call involuntarily exclaimed 'You horrid, nasty thing,' and was immediately alarmed lest they had understood her and would be offended. After a time the Indians became so careless and trouble- some that Mr. Call told the chief that his braves were bad and that they must 'puckachee' at once."
At the time of these events Judge and Mrs. Call were living in their cabin that stood where the Danson home is situated. It was Inkpadutah's band that was raiding the settlement and giving so much trouble. Only two years later these Indians that "appeared to be willing to be friendly" massacred the Spirit Lake settlement, under the leadership of this chief.
KOSSUTH'S INDIAN BATTLE GROUND
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