Amorous Man facts for kids

The Amorous Man (in the Comanche language, Pahayoko) was an important leader of the Penateka band of the Comanche people. He was born around the late 1780s and was last known to be alive in 1852. He was known as a civil chief, which means he focused on peace and diplomacy for his people.

Early Life

We don't know much about Pahayoko's childhood. He was part of the Penateka band, also known as the "Honey Eaters." Other famous Comanche leaders from this band included Buffalo Hump, Yellow Wolf, and Santa Anna. Even though Pahayoko was mainly a peace chief, he also led war parties in the 1820s. He became a very important chief in the 1830s and 1840s. He worked with the Anglo settlers in Texas after a difficult event called the Council House Fight.

What's in a Name?

Pahayoko's name is spelled in different ways, like Pahhauca or Payayuca. His name is often translated as "The Amorous Man." This name reflects his personality or perhaps his role in his community.

Working for Peace: Treaties and Councils

Pahayoko played a big part in signing treaties and attending important meetings.

• In 1835, he represented the Penateka band at the Camp Holmes Council. He signed a treaty there with General M. Arbuckle and Senator Monfort Stokes. Other chiefs like Tawaquenah and Iron Jacket were also present.
• In 1838, Pahayoko traveled to Houston. He met with Sam Houston, who was the President of Texas at the time. Pahayoko, along with Spirit Talker, Old Owl, and Buffalo Hump, signed a treaty there.
• After the Council House Fight in 1840, Pahayoko became even more well-known to the white settlers. He was one of the first Penateka chiefs to understand that it would be very hard to defeat the white settlers in battle.
• In 1843, he agreed to meet with the Indian agent Daniel Watson.
• In 1844, he attended the Tehuacana Creek Council. Chiefs like Old Owl and Buffalo Hump were there. However, Pahayoko chose not to sign the treaty at that time.
• He also did not sign the Meusebach-Comanche Treaty.
• In April 1846, Pahayoko, Old Owl, Buffalo Hump, Yellow Wolf, Santa Anna, Ketumse, Tosahwi, and Asa-havey signed the Tehuacana Treaty. This treaty allowed the federal government to have power over the Comanche territory. However, it did not clearly define the borders of the Comanche lands.
• Pahayoko also signed the Butler-Lewis Treaty in 1846.

Later Years

In the late 1840s, many Comanche people became sick. Diseases like cholera and smallpox spread, and the Comanche population dropped a lot. After these difficult times, Pahayoko went to live with the Kotsoteka band for a while. Later, in 1852, he moved to live near the Big Wichita River springs. He settled there with Buffalo Hump, Ketumse, and Shanaco. We do not know the exact date of his death.