modoc indians? - Writers Forum

marl · 08-19-2005, 11:33 PM

Does anyone know anything about the Modoc Indians? When and where, and if they were put on a reservation. Were they hostile, friendly? I think I vaguely remember there being a war between the Modocs and settlers in Oregon or Northern California. Anything? Thanks, marl

LensmanZ313 · 08-19-2005, 11:51 PM

The Modoc lived in Southwestern Oregon and parts of Northern California, down to Tule Lake--their traditional homeland. A number of Modoc men, women, and children lived around the Klamath Lakes and claimed them as their territory; the Modoc and the Klamath tribes were bitter rivals. In fact, the Klamath would side with the whites, as a way to get Modoc land.

The Modoc War was fought between 1872 and 1873; even by today's standards, it's one of the most expensive campaigns ever undertaken by the Army. Edward Canby was killed during the war and was the only general killed during the Indian Wars.

Though it's fiction, the novel, Terry Johnston's Devil's Backbone is a well-researched story of the Modoc War.

My hometown is in that region; I've met a number of people who claimed their ancestors fought with the Modoc chief, Captain Jack; some even claimed to be descended from the Bloodhounds, the group of Modoc warriors who betrayed Captain Jack.

marl · 08-20-2005, 03:46 AM

Lensman,

What town are you from? I'm from Oregon also. Captain Jack.

A part of my family has been in eastern Oregon and northern Neveda, northern California for a long time. I want to write and learn about some of the history of the place as it comcerns the settling the region. The Modoc Indians stand out in my mind as tough people. Do you know anything about the Steens Mountains area and who the Native population was that lived there? I'm hunting for snipes right now, but am looking for rattlers.

Thanks for the reply, marl

LensmanZ313 · 08-20-2005, 04:04 AM

I was born in Ontario, Oregon; I've lived in Baker City, Durkee, Ironside and Brogan--my family's ranch is in Brogan. Were the Modocs tough? They were. Captain Jack did his best to bridge both worlds, Modoc Amerind and the whites. In fact, some have called him the Red Judas, saying that he sold out his people. The war faction of the Modoc pushed Captain Jack into war, many of them falling under the spell of the Ghost Dance.

I've been to Tule Lake, seen the Stronghold. It's amazing that Jack and his warriors held off the Army for so long. Tough is an understatement.

Let me check with my family; an uncle of mine might have some info. I'll see what I can do.

Kane · 08-20-2005, 04:40 AM

Quote:

The contractions Amerindian and Amerind occur infrequently in modern American English, especially with reference to the Native American peoples of the United States and Canada. They are somewhat more common in anthropological contexts or when used of the native peoples of the Caribbean and Central and South America.

LensmanZ313 · 08-20-2005, 04:51 AM

Whatever, Kane. You use "Chinamen" instead of "Chinese." I'll use "Amerinds" or "Amerindians" whenever I feel like it . . . .

Kane · 08-20-2005, 12:32 PM

I used that once, because I wasn't sure what the proper term for that usage was. That's a bit different than continuously calling American Indians by a term that is obviously not accurate. Not to mention, it's a name, that as a bearer of Indian blood, I find to be insulting, and if you said it in front of me I'd scalp you. Or, rather, I would if you weren't already bald.

freebird · 08-20-2005, 12:37 PM

Kane I agree. If you think about it he blames all the problems on American's then saddles them with that snooty name. As you point out the contractions Amerindian and Amerind occur infrequently in modern American English, especially with reference to the Native American peoples of the United States and Canada. They are somewhat more common in anthropological contexts or when used of the native peoples of the Caribbean and Central and South America. I am offended as well. I am way down the native lineage. I bet it is used by Wiki. Well you can lead a horse to water, but you can't make him...think or drink!

Kane · 08-20-2005, 12:56 PM

This clown just pisses me off. It's like the only thing he cares about is being offensive. I don't know how to deal with people like that. I dare say he may need a proper ass-whippin' so that he understands there are consequences for talking to people like that. Or at least something equally jarring to bring him into the real world. I just wonder what he was like when he was studying to be a minister. Could he have been a decent guy, once?

freebird · 08-20-2005, 01:27 PM

I think he is the ultimate drifter. Never happy, blames others for his lot in life, jealous of others. He married late last year despite being nearly 40, no kids, never completing anything, it has to be a miserable existence. Just remember on the Internet you can hide your identity and appearance and you can be anybody. He craves attention. If he cannot get positive attention, he will take negative attention--he will say anything to shock people just to get the attention. I did call his work on his complaint about racism to verifym and they did not call me back---but I will follow up. I don't think he would have ever been a good minister, he does not possess any compassion. Could he be a decent guy. As long as you kiss his butt. I have been trying for a year to get him to be kinder to others. All it has gotten me is his hatred. I feel sorry for him. But I feel worse for others who cannot handle his abuse. I know I am tired of it.

I know how Captain Jack would have handled him!

LensmanZ313 · 08-20-2005, 02:14 PM

Marl, good luck on your research. Once I get ahold of my uncle, I'll let you know.

LensmanZ313 · 08-20-2005, 02:46 PM

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amerindian

Quote:

In the French language, the term Amérindien has been coined, and the English term Amerindian (sometimes abbreviated Amerind) is sometimes used in the social sciences to refer collectively to all Native American peoples or cultures.

To paraphrase a line from Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl:

Kane: Amerindian? Damn to the depths whatever muttonhead thought of "Amerindian".
LensmanZ313: That would be the French.

Oh well. I thought it was funny . . . .

Kane · 08-20-2005, 02:51 PM

Well there you go then. But, the French are neither American or Indian, and I wouldn't be comfortable letting them dictate the English language to me anyhow.

marl · 08-20-2005, 03:18 PM

Wow. You guys know alot of shit about each other. I've never heard the word Amerindian before. It sounds like a pretty general term for a wide array of peeple. marl

LensmanZ313 · 08-20-2005, 03:21 PM

Well, unfortunately, a number of French words have made it into our language. Such is life.