Tso-ay facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Tso-ay
|
|
|---|---|
,_a_White_Mountain_Apache_scout,_full-length,_holding_rifle,_1885_-_NARA_-_530799.jpg)
Tso-ay in 1885
|
|
| Nickname(s) | Peaches |
| Born | c. 1853 Chiricahua country |
| Died | December 16, 1933 Cibecue, Arizona |
| Allegiance | Chiricahua Apache Indians |
| Years of service | 1880–1886 |
| Rank | Scout |
| Battles/wars | Apache Wars |
| Other work | rancher |
Tso-ay, also known as Panayotishn or Pe-nel-tishn, was a brave Chiricahua and Western Apache warrior. Today, he is widely known by his nickname, "Peaches." Born around 1853, he lived until December 16, 1933. Tso-ay also worked as a scout for General George Crook during the Apache Wars. He was injured while fighting alongside famous Apache leaders like Geronimo and Chihuahua against Mexican soldiers. This happened after the Apache crossed the border, being followed by American troops.
Contents
Tso-ay's Early Life and Adventures
Before Tso-ay became a scout for the United States Army, he rode with a group led by Chatto. This group of twenty-six men traveled a very long distance, about 400 miles. They moved quickly, covering between seventy-five and one hundred miles each day.
During this journey, Tso-ay decided he had seen enough of raiding. He chose to leave the group and return to the San Carlos Apache Indian Reservation. Soon after, Lieutenant Britton Davis captured Tso-ay. Davis was with thirty scouts and some Tonto Apache people.
Becoming a Scout for General Crook
Lieutenant Davis sent a message to General Crook about Tso-ay's capture. General Crook asked Davis to offer Tso-ay a job as a scout, if Tso-ay was willing to join. Tso-ay agreed and went to meet General Crook in a place called Willcox.
It was there that Tso-ay received his famous nickname, "Peaches." He was called this because of his light skin and its smooth feel. Tso-ay became a very important scout for General Crook. He helped lead Crook and his soldiers deep into Mexico, guiding them to several hidden strongholds where the Apache lived.
Life After the Apache Wars
Even though Tso-ay served loyally as a scout, he was later sent away with Geronimo to Florida after the Apache Wars ended. This was a difficult time for many Apache people.
Later in his life, Tso-ay retired and lived in Cibecue, Arizona. He passed away in 1933. Not long before his death, he became a Christian.
Tso-ay's Legacy
Tso-ay's story has been remembered in books. He is mentioned in Valdez is Coming, a popular western novel written by Elmore Leonard.
