Donald McKay (scout) facts for kids
Donald McKay (born 1836 – died April 19, 1899) was an important Native American leader. He was a skilled scout, an actor, and a spokesman for his people. He is best known for leading the Warm Springs Indians during the Modoc War. This was a conflict that happened during the American Indian Wars.
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Early Life and Work
Donald McKay was born in 1836 in what was then Oregon Territory. His father, Thomas McKay, was a fur trader. His mother, She-Who-Rides-Like-The-Wind Umatilla, was a Cayuse woman from the Umatilla tribe.
In 1852, McKay began working as a translator. He helped communicate between the Bureau of Indian Affairs and the U.S. Army.
Role in the Modoc War
In 1872, the Modoc War began. The U.S. Army gave McKay a special temporary rank as captain. He was chosen to lead the Warm Springs Indian Scouts. McKay even met with "Captain Jack" of the Modoc band. They tried to talk and find a peaceful end to the conflict. The war ended in the summer of 1873. The Modoc were defeated, and Captain Jack was executed.
Life After the War
After the Modoc War, McKay became famous. He traveled around the country with some Warm Springs Scouts. They performed in popular Wild West shows. These shows displayed skills like riding and shooting.
Touring and Performing
Donald McKay also toured Europe with a promoter named "Colonel" Thomas Augustus Edwards. They performed for kings and queens. After his European tour, he came back home. He took part in the 1876 American Centennial Exposition in Philadelphia. This was a big celebration for America's 100th birthday.
In 1877, Donald joined a group called the 'Texas Jack Combination'. This group was formed by Texas Jack Omohundro. They performed for the first time in St. Louis that year. Donald also toured the U.S. with his family. They helped promote special medicines called patent medicines. They worked with the Kickapoo Indian Medicine Company and later the Oregon Indian Medicine Company. In 1881, a book was published about McKay. It was called Daring Donald McKay; or, The last war-trail of the Modocs.
Later Years
In 1892, Donald McKay and his family settled down. They moved to the Umatilla Indian Reservation. There, McKay continued his work as a translator for the Bureau of Indian Affairs. Donald McKay passed away on April 19, 1899, in Pendleton, Oregon. He is buried at Saint Andrews Mission Cemetery.
