Ahpeahtone facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Ahpeahtone (Que-Tah-Tsay, Apiatan)
Kiowa leader
Personal details
Born	1856 Near Medicine Lodge, KS
Died	August 8, 1931
Resting place	Rainy Mountain Cemetery, south of Mountain View, OK
Spouses	Kaubin, Guohaddle Ahpeatone
Relations	Uncle, Lone Wolf (Guipahgah). Also related to Red Cloud.
Children	Son, Norman "Lon Ahpeatone" Kaubin
Parents	Father, Red Otter
Known for	Last traditional chief of the tribe

Ahpeahtone, also known as Que-Tah-Tsay or Apiatan (born 1856 – died August 8, 1931), was an important leader of the Kiowa tribe in Oklahoma. Many people consider him the last traditional chief of his tribe. He was known for his wisdom and for helping his people adapt to a changing world while keeping their traditions alive.

Who Was Ahpeahtone?

Ahpeahtone was born in 1856 near a place called Medicine Lodge, in Kansas. His Kiowa name, which can also be spelled Apeahtone or Ah-pe-a-ton, means "Wooden Lance" or "Kills With a Lance."

He came from a family with many respected Kiowa leaders and brave warriors. His father was a Kiowa leader named Red Otter. Ahpeahtone was also related to Red Cloud, a famous war chief of the Oglala Lakota people. His uncle, Lone Wolf (also known as Guipahgah), was another very important Kiowa chief.

Ahpeahtone's Leadership

Ahpeahtone was highly respected for his smart decisions and strong leadership. He always put his people first.

Exploring New Ideas

In the spring of 1890, a new spiritual movement called the Ghost Dance spread among many Native American tribes. This belief suggested that old ways and the buffalo would return, and new settlers would leave. The Kiowa people chose Ahpeahtone to visit the Pine Ridge Agency in South Dakota to learn more about it. His Lakota relatives welcomed him warmly there.

He also traveled to Fort Washakie, hoping to find spiritual guidance among the northern Arapahoes. They told him to visit the Paiutes in Nevada, where he met the prophet of the Ghost Dance. When he returned home, a big meeting was held in Anadarko with many tribes. Ahpeahtone shared his journey and his feelings that the prophecy was not true.

Faith and Culture

Ahpeahtone was a member of the Native American Church. This church uses peyote as a sacred part of its ceremonies. He also belonged to the Gourd Dance Society, a traditional Kiowa group, and even created some of their songs. He composed other dance songs and took part in all the tribal dances.

Around 1916, he became a Methodist. He joined the Rainy Mountain Church in 1925 and was a very active member.

Modernizing the Tribe

Later in his life, Chief Ahpeahtone helped create the Kiowa Indian Hospital in Lawton, Oklahoma. During his time as chief, he brought in a more democratic way of governing the tribe. He came up with the idea of a committee to handle tribal business. He believed he earned enough money to take care of himself and his family, so he never accepted payment for his work for the tribe. The only gift he ever received from the Kiowa Tribe was a new Model-T Ford car in 1927, which cost $550.

Chief Ahpeahtone strongly believed in education for the Kiowa people. He would travel anywhere to learn about new, modern ways of life.

Ahpeahtone's Family

Ahpeahtone was married to Kaubin (1869-1938) and also to Guohaddle Ahpeatone (1860-1935). His son, Norman "Lon Ahpeatone" Kaubin (1895-1980), bravely served in the Field Artillery during World War I. Chief Ahpeahtone and his family received land, where they farmed crops and raised cattle and horses southwest of Carnegie, Oklahoma.

Death and Legacy

Ahpeahtone passed away on August 8, 1931. He is buried at Rainy Mountain Cemetery, which is south of Mountain View, Oklahoma.

In 1996, he was honored by being added to the National Hall of Fame for Famous American Indians in Anadarko. A statue was made to look just like him.

The town of Ahpeatone, located in Cotton County, Oklahoma, was named after this respected chief.

Images for kids

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  Ahpeahtone

See Also

• Native American Church
• Kiowa