Horseback (Comanche) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Horseback
Tʉhʉya Kwahipʉ |
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| Nokoni Comanche leader | |
| Personal details | |
| Born | c. 1805/1810 |
| Died | 1888 Anadarko Agency |
| Known for |
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Horseback (in Comanche, Tʉhʉya Kwahipʉ or Kiyou, meaning "horse back") was an important Nokoni Comanche chief. He lived from around 1805 or 1810 until 1888. Horseback was a leader during a time of great change for the Comanche people. He became known for his efforts to find peace and protect his community.
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Becoming a Warrior and Chief
When he was younger, Horseback became a skilled warrior. He learned from older chiefs like Huupi-pahati (Tall Tree) and Quenah-evah (Eagle Drink). During the 1840s and 1850s, he gained fame as a strong war leader. He led attacks against enemies of the Comanche and raided through Texas.
A Leader for Peace and Diplomacy
In 1861, Horseback joined other Comanche chiefs, including Ten Bears and Tosahwi. They traveled to Fort Cobb to meet with General Albert Pike. There, the Comanche leaders signed an agreement with the Confederate States of America.
Horseback became the main chief of the Nokoni band around 1866. This happened after Quena-evah passed away or retired. Horseback also helped care for Quanah Parker and Pecos. These were the sons of the late Kwahadi chief Peta Nocona. Horseback helped train them as young men and warriors.
Horseback was also involved in getting back white prisoners from other Comanche groups. In 1867, he helped arrange the return of young Theodore "Dot" Babb. This happened without the help of U.S. authorities.
Signing the Medicine Lodge Treaty
Horseback signed the Medicine Lodge Treaty for the Nokoni people on October 21, 1867. He became the leader of the "peaceful" group within his band. However, another chief, Big Red Meat, led a group that did not want to compromise. Tahka (Arrowpoint), a war chief, also favored fighting.
The treaty required the Comanche to move to a special reserve. This area would be watched by soldiers from Fort Cobb.
Attack on Horseback's Village
On December 12, 1868, Horseback was not in his village. This village was located near a place later called Soldier Spring. U.S. troops from the 3rd Cavalry and 37th Infantry attacked the village. The war chief Tahka led the Nokoni warriors to fight back. The Nokoni were defeated, and Tahka was killed. The soldiers burned the village and destroyed their supplies.
A few days later, on December 19, 1868, a large group of Comanche and Kiowa warriors faced U.S. soldiers. On December 25, more U.S. troops attacked another Nokoni village. Horseback, who was a peaceful chief, was not in the camp. Tahka, the war chief, led the Comanche warriors in a charge. He was killed, and the village was destroyed.
By December 1868, many Nokoni people were tired and hungry. They went to Fort Cobb and surrendered.
The Fight for Freedom Ends
Horseback worked to keep the Nokoni people out of the Red River War in 1873–1874. He wanted his band to follow a path of peace. However, many of his followers chose to join the fighting. Big Red Meat and his Nokoni warriors joined other Comanche and Kiowa groups. These groups included Quanah Parker and Mow-way.
Later Years and Legacy
After the Palo Duro campaign in 1874, the last Comanche groups surrendered. The U.S. Army then appointed Horseback as the main chief for all the Comanches. He was asked to choose some Comanche men to be sent to Fort Marion in Florida. Horseback was able to send only nine men, saving many others from being deported.
Horseback, along with Quanah and other older chiefs, remained a trusted leader for the Comanche people. He continued to guide them on the reservation until he passed away in 1888.
