Chato (Apache) facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Chato
Chiricahua leader
Personal details
Born	1854
Died	13 August 1934
Cause of death	automobile accident
Nickname	Alfred Chatto

Chato (whose Spanish nickname meant "flat") was an important Chiricahua Apache leader. He was also known as Chatto or Chatta. Born in 1854, his Apache name was Bidayajislnl or Pedes-klinje. Chato was a follower of the famous Apache chief Cochise. He surrendered with Cochise in 1872. After this, he went to live on the San Carlos Reservation in Arizona. There, he became an Apache Scout for the U.S. Army. Later, he was taken prisoner after being asked to travel to Washington, D.C. Chato was held in St. Augustine, Florida, at Fort Marion, along with nearly 500 other Apache people. He passed away on August 13, 1934.

Early Life and Challenges

Chato was a first cousin to another well-known Apache leader, Mangas Coloradas. He married a woman from the Chokonen Apache group. He promised his loyalty to Cochise, a respected chief. Chato hoped to become the chief of the Warm Springs Apache after Victorio died. However, Nana became the chief instead.

Since 1876, the Chiricahua Apaches were supposed to live on the San Carlos Reservation. But life there was very hard. There wasn't enough food or supplies. Many people got sick, and the leaders were not fair. Because of these tough conditions, many Apaches left the reservation. They went to the Sierra Madre Mountains in northern Mexico. There, they survived by raiding and gathering supplies on both sides of the border.

After some trouble and fighting involving Apache scouts, Chato left the reservation. Other Apache leaders like Juh, Naiche, and Geronimo also left. They were worried about their safety.

In March 1883, an incident happened in southwestern New Mexico Territory. A family, the McComas family, was attacked by a Chiricahua group led by Chato. The parents died, and their six-year-old son's fate was never known. This event was reported in newspapers across the country.

Serving as an Army Scout

In June 1883, General George Crook and his soldiers attacked Chato's camp. Chato, along with Geronimo and others, then surrendered to General Crook. After this, Chato began working for General Crook as an Apache scout. He even joined an expedition into the Sierra Madre Mountains to find Geronimo in 1886.

When Chato returned to Arizona, he led a group of Apache leaders to Washington, D.C. They went to discuss peace. While there, President Grover Cleveland gave Chato a special silver medal. However, on his way back, Chato was arrested at Fort Leavenworth. He was then sent to Fort Marion in Florida. Later, he was moved to Fort Pickens in Florida, and then to Mount Vernon, Alabama.

General Crook himself spoke about Chato's help:

It is not too much to say that the surrender of Natchez[sic:Naiche], Geronimo and their bands could not have been effected except for the assistance of Chato and his Chiricahua scouts. For their allegiance, they have been rewarded by captivity in a strange land.

—General Crook, U. S. Serial No. 2682, Doc. 35. p. 3

In 1894, Chato and his family were allowed to move to Fort Sill in Oklahoma. Then, in 1913, Chato and his family chose to move to the Mescalero Reservation in New Mexico.

On August 13, 1934, Chato was in his Ford Model T car. The car went off the road near Whitetail, New Mexico, on the Mescalero Apache Reservation. Chato died at the scene of the accident.

Images for kids

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  James Arness as Matt Dillon (left).