I-See-O facts for kids
I-See-O, also known as Tahbonemah, was a brave Kiowa-American soldier. He served in the United States Army for almost 50 years. He was part of the Seventh Cavalry. When he passed away in 1927, he was the very last active U.S. Army Indian Scout.
Quick facts for kids
First Sergeant (U.S. Army)
I-See-O
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| Native name |
I-See-O
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| Birth name | Tahbonemah |
| Nickname(s) | Plenty Fires |
| Born | c. 1849 Central Great Plains, Indian Territory |
| Died | March 11, 1927 |
| Buried |
Fort Sill Post Cemetery
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| Allegiance |  United States |
 United States Army |
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| Years of service | 1883-1913 and 1915-1927 |
| Rank |  First Sergeant |
| Unit | 7th Cavalry |
| Battles/wars | American Indian Wars World War I |
| Awards |  Indian Campaign Medal
 Victory Medal |
| Children | 5 |
I-See-O joined the army in 1889. He worked with Hugh L. Scott, who later became a general. I-See-O taught Scott about Native American fighting styles. He also taught him sign language. I-See-O became known as a peacemaker early in his service. He helped keep peace during the Ghost Dance movement. This was a religious movement from 1889-1890. He also worked as a messenger for General Nelson A. Miles. I-See-O joined the army again in 1897 for the Spanish-American War. In 1915, Congress passed a special law. This law allowed I-See-O to stay an active sergeant for life. He continued serving at Fort Sill until he died in 1927.
Contents
Early Life and Important Treaties
I-See-O was born around 1849. His birthplace was in the Kiowa homeland. This area is now part of Kansas. In 1867, he saw an important meeting. It was between the Kiowa people and the United States. This meeting happened near the Medicine Lodge River.
The Medicine Lodge Treaty
The talks at Medicine Lodge led to three treaties. These were between the U.S. and the Kiowa, Comanche, and Plains Apache nations. American negotiators, called the Indian Peace Commission, wanted to gain land. They also wanted to move Native Americans to reservations. General William Tecumseh Sherman led the American side. Kiowa leaders like Satank, Satanta, and Kicking Bird represented their people.
The Medicine Lodge Treaty was signed on October 21, 1867. But it did not bring peace. More American settlers moved into the area. This led to fighting across the Southern Plains. I-See-O joined Lone Wolf and Quanah Parker. They fought against the United States for seven years.
End of Resistance
After a defeat at the Battle of Palo Duro Canyon, Lone Wolf surrendered. He gave up to U.S. military officials at Fort Sill. This happened on February 25, 1875. I-See-O was with Lone Wolf when he surrendered. Years later, I-See-O helped identify the exact spot. This was where the Medicine Lodge Treaty was signed. A group wanted to build a monument there.
Military Service and Key Roles
In 1883, I-See-O (then called Tah-Bone-Ma) worked as a private. He was part of the Indian Police in Indian Territory. He earned five dollars each month.
Around 1889, I-See-O joined the 7th Cavalry. He taught Lieutenant Hugh L. Scott about Native American sign language. He also taught him frontier warfare skills. When Scott became commander of Troop L, he made I-See-O his first sergeant. I-See-O and Scott worked closely together. This continued until Scott was moved in 1897.
Peacemaker and Diplomat
During the Ghost Dance movement in the early 1890s, I-See-O played a big role. He helped convince the Apache and Kiowa tribes not to go to war. This action helped both settlers and Native Americans. Scott was very grateful to I-See-O. Later, when Scott was Chief of Staff of the Army, he made sure I-See-O could stay in the army for life.
I-See-O joined the United States Army Indian Scouts again. This was on February 26, 1897. He served under General Nelson A. Miles. After his first enlistment, he joined again on February 26, 1900. Soon after, he was promoted to sergeant.
Return to Service
In 1913, I-See-O left the Army. He was about 64 years old. He went to live with his family. He found modern life very confusing. He did not have skills for new jobs. This made him very poor.
Luckily, his old friend Hugh L. Scott heard about his problems. Scott was now a Major General. He was also the Chief of Staff of the U.S. Army. Scott asked the Secretary of War for help. As a result, I-See-O rejoined the army. This was on January 31, 1915, at Fort Myer, Virginia. He was assigned to the Fort Sill Detachment of Indian Scouts. I-See-O was the only person in this unit. He was also the last living Kiowa Indian Scout in the U.S. Army.
General Scott wrote a letter about I-See-O. He said I-See-O should live where he chose. He also said I-See-O should get pay, clothing, and food. Scott wanted him to be re-enlisted as a sergeant for life. He said I-See-O was loyal when the government needed him.
In January 1925, I-See-O visited President Calvin Coolidge. He went to the White House with other Kiowa members.
Death and Legacy
Sgt. I-See-O passed away on March 11, 1927. He died in Lawton, Oklahoma. He is buried in the Fort Sill Post Cemetery. This cemetery is in Fort Sill, Oklahoma.
Awards
I-See-O received several important awards for his service:
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| Indian Campaign Medal | Spanish War Service Medal | Mexican Border Service Medal | World War I Victory Medal |
