Egan (Paiute) facts for kids

Egan (who died in 1878) was the American name given to a Native American leader named Pony Blanket. He was a leader of the Northern Paiute tribe in the Oregon Country during the 1800s.

Pony Blanket's Early Life

Pony Blanket, also known as Egan by American settlers, was born into a Cayuse family. He did not know his birth mother. He married a woman named Evening Star. She was the sister of Dawn Mist, who was the first wife of Chochoco (Has No Horse). This made Pony Blanket the brother-in-law of Has No Horse. Pony Blanket and Evening Star had at least two sons and one daughter.

Fighting for Land

In 1868, Pony Blanket's home, called a lodge, was near Fort Harney. After a conflict known as the Snake War, many Paiute people moved to the Malheur Reservation in 1872. However, American settlers started to claim this land for themselves. They found gold and good areas for grazing their animals.

In 1878, Egan led some of his tribe and some Bannock people in a fight against these settlers. This conflict is known as the Bannock War.

Wounds and Death

During one of the battles, Pony Blanket, who was a war chief, was badly hurt. Other tribal members, including Genega Taniwah (Dancer), helped him. They treated his wounds and put splints on his broken bones. He survived, but he could no longer lead his people in battle. Left Hand then became the new war chief.

Soon after this, Egan was killed by an Umatilla scout. This scout was working with the U.S. Cavalry. Egan's death marked the end of the Bannock War.