William Alchesay facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Alchesay
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Alchesay
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| Born | May 17, 1853 Arizona |
| Died | August 6, 1928 (aged 75) North Fork, Arizona |
| Place of burial | |
| Allegiance | United States of America |
| Service/ |
United States Army |
| Rank | Sergeant |
| Unit | U.S. Army Indian Scouts |
| Battles/wars | Indian Wars |
| Awards | Medal of Honor |
Alchesay (born May 17, 1853 – died August 6, 1928) was an important leader of the White Mountain Apache people. His Apache name was Tsájń, which means "the swollen." He also served as an Indian Scout for the U.S. Army.
Alchesay was incredibly brave. He received the Medal of Honor, which is the highest award for bravery in the United States military. He earned this award for his actions during the Indian Wars. He even tried to convince Geronimo to surrender peacefully. Alchesay and Geronimo remained friends throughout their lives. After the wars, Alchesay returned home to his family. He became a rancher and worked hard to help his people.
Alchesay's Life Story
Alchesay was born on May 17, 1853, in a place called Limestone Canyon in Arizona. When he was older, he joined the Indian Scouts on December 2, 1872, at Camp Verde. He worked with General George Crook during a conflict with the Chiricahua Apache in 1872 and 1873. Alchesay held the rank of Sergeant.
He was recognized for his courage and skill. General Crook chose him to speak with Geronimo, hoping to convince him to surrender peacefully. John G. Bourke, who was an aide to General Crook, described Alchesay as a very strong and brave person. Bourke said Alchesay had "wonderful courage, great wisdom, and was as loyal as a dog."
Alchesay also advised government officials, including agents who worked with Native American tribes. He even met with President Grover Cleveland. He fought again with General Crook in 1883 in Mexico. His last military duty was helping during the search for Geronimo in 1885.
The Apache Wars officially ended in 1886 when Geronimo surrendered. After this, Alchesay went back to his family and his home. He became a successful rancher and farmer. He lived in Forestdale for a while and later in North Fork. Alchesay had a family and worked hard to provide for them.
As a leader, Alchesay worked to improve life for his people. In 1887, he traveled to Washington D.C. to talk with President Grover Cleveland. He also met with President Theodore Roosevelt in 1909 and President Warren G. Harding in 1921.
When the military left Fort Apache in 1923, a new school was built there. It was called the Theodore Roosevelt Indian Boarding School and was for Navajo children. Alchesay traveled to welcome these children to the White Mountain Apache reservation. He was also important in getting money from the government for families who had to move because of the school.
Alchesay and Geronimo stayed good friends until Geronimo passed away in 1909. Alchesay retired from his role as chief in 1925. He died on August 6, 1928, in North Fork, Arizona. He is buried on the Fort Apache Indian Reservation in Whiteriver, Arizona.
Honors and Awards
Other Honors
Many places are named after William Alchesay to honor him. Alchesay Canyon in Maricopa County, Arizona, near Roosevelt Dam, is one example. Alchesay High School in Whiteriver is also named in his honor. Additionally, Alchesay Barracks at Fort Huachuca, Arizona, are named after him.
See also
