Juan Antonio (Cahuilla) facts for kids

Juan Antonio (1783–1863) was a very important leader of the Mountain Band of the Cahuilla people. His Cahuilla name was Cooswootna, Yampoochee, which means "He Gets Mad Quickly." He was a major chief from the 1840s until he passed away in 1863.

Biography

Early Life and Leadership

Juan Antonio was born in 1783 near Mt. San Jacinto. In 1840, a Ute leader named Walkara led raids to steal horses in Southern California. Juan Antonio and his Cahuilla Mountain Band sometimes fought against these raiders.

In 1842, Juan Antonio welcomed explorer Daniel Sexton. He allowed Sexton to explore the area near the San Gorgonio Pass. Later, Juan Antonio and his people were invited to live in Politana. They helped protect the Rancho San Bernardino from bandits and raiders.

Helping Others

During the Mexican–American War, Juan Antonio and his warriors joined the Californios. They helped Jose Carmen del Lugo in a conflict against the Luiseño people. This happened after the Luiseño had killed some Californios. Their combined forces fought, and this event is known as the Temecula massacre of 1847.

Juan Antonio also helped a U.S. Army group led by Lieutenant Edward Fitzgerald Beale. He defended them from attacks by Walkara and his Ute warriors. For his help, Beale gave him a pair of military epaulets. Juan Antonio wore these epaulets proudly after that.

Keeping the Peace

In the summer of 1851, Juan Antonio and his people tracked down the Irving Gang. This group of outlaws had stolen from the Rancho San Bernardino, near Juan Antonio's village. Juan Antonio's Cahuilla warriors pursued the gang into San Timoteo Canyon. They surrounded and stopped eleven of the outlaws.

Juan Antonio's people had a history of helping to keep order in the San Bernardino area. They believed they were authorized to act by the local Justice of the Peace. However, new American settlers were upset that Native Americans had killed white men. They thought it might be the start of a Native American uprising.

A group of militia from San Diego was sent to confront them. The Cahuilla moved to the mountains. The militia leader, Major General Joshua Bean, learned the truth and prevented a war. A judge later found that Juan Antonio's actions were legal. Still, Juan Antonio decided to move his people away from the white settlements.

Later Years

After the Irving Gang incident, Juan Antonio and his people moved east from Politana. They settled in a new village called Saahatpa in late 1851.

In November 1851, a revolt led by the Cupeño leader Antonio Garra began. Garra tried to get Juan Antonio to join his revolt against the Americans. But Juan Antonio was friendly with the Californios and Americans. He played a key role in capturing Antonio Garra and turning him over to the authorities. This helped to end the revolt.

Juan Antonio and many of his people stayed in Saahatpa. Sadly, a smallpox epidemic struck Southern California in 1862-1863. Juan Antonio and many Cahuilla people died during this time. The epidemic greatly reduced the Cahuilla population. Juan Antonio was buried at Saahatpa. In 1956, his body was found during an archeological dig. It was identified by his epaulets, and he was reburied with military honors.