Apserkahar facts for kids

Apserkahar (born around 1854), also known as Tyee Jo, Chief Jo, and Horse Rider, was an important leader of the Takelma people in the Rogue Valley. He is remembered for his efforts to create peace with American officials like Joseph Lane and Joel Palmer. He played a key role in the Rogue River Wars and the treaties that followed.

Early Life of Apserkahar

Information about Apserkahar's early life comes from a statement by La Fayette Grover in 1878. Grover was a commissioner during the Rogue River conflict.

Apserkahar's daughter, Mary (also called Queen Mary), shared details about her father's background. She explained that Apserkahar was born into the Umpqua tribe. He later married into the Rogue River tribe. This marriage helped to settle an old disagreement between the two groups.

Mary also mentioned that Apserkahar's ancestors were from the Umpqua Mountains area. His father was a chief from the Pit River Indians, who were known as strong warriors.

How Apserkahar Looked

There are no known pictures or drawings of Apserkahar. The best description of his appearance comes from Judge Matthew Deady.

Judge Deady said that Apserkahar was "tall, serious, and calm." He also noted that Apserkahar wore a long black robe over his regular clothing.

Apserkahar's Relationship with Joseph Lane

In 1850, Joseph Lane, who had been the Governor of Oregon, came to the Rogue River area. He arrived after gold miners were attacked and robbed near Rocky Point. Lane's goal was to get back the stolen gold and other items.

Lane asked to meet with the Native chiefs. Two days later, Chief Apserkahar and about 100 of his people came to the meeting place. Lane described how about 75 warriors arrived, carrying bows and arrows, and some with guns.

Lane convinced the warriors to put down their weapons and join the meeting. He promised that the rights of the Native people would be protected. In return, white settlers needed to be able to travel safely through their lands.

During these talks, Apserkahar gave a speech. Lane believed that Apserkahar's actions after his speech suggested an attack might happen. Because of this, Lane signaled one of his Klickitat helpers, Chief Quatley, to quickly take Apserkahar as a guest. Lane then told everyone else to leave and return in two days. He promised that Apserkahar would be held safely until then.

In his own story, Joseph Lane said that Apserkahar admitted to being involved in attacks on white miners. While Apserkahar was held, he grew to respect General Lane. Apserkahar even asked to take Joseph Lane's name, which was a sign of great honor. Lane agreed to give Apserkahar half of his name. From then on, Apserkahar was known as Jo. Since Joseph Lane was often called "Jo," it's thought that Apserkahar was given the first part of Lane's name, but not his last name.

Lane also gave new names to Apserkahar's family: Sally to his wife, Mary to his daughter, and Ben to his son. In return, Apserkahar gave Lane a young boy from the Modoc people. Lane later said this boy saved his life.

Apserkahar's meetings and personal connection with Lane likely influenced his strong desire for peace. This became a key part of Apserkahar's story. He went on to sign several peace treaties with his brother, Toquahear (Chief Sam). These treaties aimed to represent the people of the Rogue River valley. However, both Native people and white settlers in the region often tested these agreements, leading to new conflicts.