Old Owl facts for kids

Old Owl (Comanche: Mupitsukupʉ), born in the late 1780s, was an important leader of the Penateka band of the Comanche people. He was known as a "Civil Chief" or "Peace Chief," meaning he focused on guiding his people and making agreements. However, he also led war parties when necessary. Old Owl was a key figure in the history of the Comanche during a time of great change in Texas.

Early Life of Old Owl

Not much is known about Old Owl's childhood. He was older than many other famous Comanche war chiefs, like Buffalo Hump and Santa Anna. Even though he was mainly a peace chief, he sometimes led warriors into battle. Old Owl was an important leader, though perhaps not as famous as Buffalo Hump in the 1830s and 1840s. He first helped lead the Comanche in resisting new settlers coming into Texas. This was especially true after a sad event called the Council House Fight.

The Council House Fight and Peace Efforts

Like many Comanche leaders, Old Owl became well-known after the Council House Fight. This event happened in 1840 and made the Comanche feel betrayed. Old Owl, along with Santa Anna, joined Buffalo Hump in a large attack called the Great Raid of 1840. This raid was meant to get revenge for what happened.

However, Old Owl was one of the first Comanche chiefs to see that fighting the new settlers forever might not work. Around 1842, he started to suggest making peace. He is most remembered for meeting with Robert Neighbors, a Texas Indian Agent. This meeting helped lead to the signing of the Meusebach–Comanche Treaty.

Old Owl Meets Robert Neighbors

One of the most famous stories about Old Owl involves his meeting with Robert Neighbors. In 1845, Major Neighbors was a Texas Indian Agent for the Republic of Texas. He was visiting a Tonkawa camp when Old Owl arrived with 40 warriors. Old Owl boldly demanded that the Tonkawa people feed his war party and their horses. He also wanted them to provide entertainment. The Tonkawas, fearing for their lives, quickly gave them food, shelter, and cared for their horses.

Neighbors, who had just become the Indian Agent for all Texas Indians, including the Comanche, saw this as a chance to meet them. He told Old Owl he hoped to help the Comanche live peacefully. Old Owl complimented Neighbors on his nice blue coat. Neighbors understood this hint and immediately gave the chief his coat. Other warriors then admired Neighbors' pants, boots, and other clothes. Soon, Neighbors was left standing only in his nightshirt!

Despite this, Old Owl seemed to like the brave Neighbors. He told Neighbors that while most white people annoyed him, he liked Neighbors. Old Owl invited Neighbors to join his war party. He joked that instead of Neighbors making him "civilized," he would teach Neighbors to be a fine Comanche warrior and horseman. Neighbors felt it was best not to refuse. So, he rode with the war party to Mexico. There, Neighbors tried to buy food for the warriors on credit. When the Mexicans refused, Old Owl told them that two cows were needed right away. He warned that if they didn't get the food, the ranch would be burned. This threat worked, and the food was given immediately.

Neighbors left a lasting impression on Old Owl. He was the first official from the Republic of Texas to ever ride with a Comanche war party. After this adventure, Neighbors thanked them and returned home.

Old Owl and the Meusebach-Comanche Treaty

When German settlers wanted to make a treaty with the Comanche, Old Owl was one of the chiefs they talked with. Dr. Ferdinand von Roemer, a geologist, was there during these treaty talks. These discussions led to the important Meusebach–Comanche Treaty. Dr. Roemer wrote down his clear impressions of the three main Comanche chiefs present: Old Owl, Buffalo Hump, and Santa Anna.

He described Old Owl as a small, older man. He wore a simple cotton jacket and didn't look special. However, his smart and clever face showed his diplomatic skills. Santa Anna, the war chief, looked very different. He was a strong man with a kind and lively face. Buffalo Hump, the third chief, looked like a true Native American. Unlike others, he didn't wear European clothes. His upper body was bare, and he wore a buffalo hide around his hips. Yellow copper rings were on his arms, and beads hung from his neck. He sat with a serious expression, with his long, straight black hair hanging down. Buffalo Hump was especially known for his daring and bravery in fights with Texans.

Death of Old Owl

Like many Comanche people, including his friend Santa Anna, Old Owl died during a time of widespread sickness. It is believed he died from cholera in 1849. However, he might have died the year before during a smallpox outbreak. During these two years (1848-1849), the Comanche population dropped greatly. It went from about 20,000 people to less than 12,000.