Rickard D. Gwydir facts for kids

Rickard Daniel Gwydir (born November 7, 1845 – died November 7, 1925) was an important person in early Washington history. He was a soldier for the Confederate side during the American Civil War. Later, he became an Indian agent, which meant he worked for the government with Native American tribes. He was also known as a pioneer, helping to settle and develop the American West.

Rickard Daniel Gwydir: A Pioneer's Story

Early Life and War Years

Rickard Gwydir was born in Calcutta, India. His father was an Irish soldier in the British Army. When Rickard was only two years old, his father passed away. His mother then moved them to the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland and later to Brooklyn, New York City. By the 1850s, they had settled in Kentucky.

In 1861, when Rickard was 16, he joined the Confederate States Army. He worked as a spy and scout for John Hunt Morgan's soldiers during the raids near Covington, Kentucky.

Working for the Government

After the American Civil War ended, Gwydir started a long career in public service. He worked for the city of Covington as the Superintendent of Public Works and as the city auditor. He also worked for the Internal Revenue Service, which collects taxes.

In 1886, President Grover Cleveland chose Gwydir to be an Indian agent. This job meant he would work with Native American tribes at the Colville Indian Reservation in Northeast Washington. This was the start of his life as a pioneer and a diplomat. He learned a lot about both Native American and pioneer ways of life.

In 1889, he searched for gold in the remote hills of the Inland Empire. From 1893 to 1898, he also worked for the Treasury Department.

Life in Spokane

By 1901, Gwydir had settled in Spokane. He became a well-known and respected person there. Newspapers from that time often mentioned him. He was even called the "Barbecue King of the Inland Empire." People also knew him for his strong health.

Helping Native American Tribes

Even though Gwydir worked as an Indian agent during a time when the government often had a "father-like" attitude toward Native Americans, he treated the tribes fairly. He earned their respect because of his honest dealings. He often asked the government to give more help to the Native Americans, especially when promises had not been kept.

A Life of Writing and History

Gwydir wrote a book about his experiences on the frontier. In it, he recorded stories and traditions from both settlers and Native Americans. He wrote about important figures like Okanogan Smith, Chief Tonasket, Chief Joseph, Chief Moses, and Skolaskin. Skolaskin was a prophet-chief of the very independent Sanpoil people.

Gwydir's main goal in his writings was to save the history of the early settlers in the region. He wanted their hard work in settling the wild country to be remembered.

Rickard Daniel Gwydir passed away on November 7, 1925. He is buried in Riverside Memorial Park in Spokane, Washington.