Post by terrillu54 on Oct 8, 2015 22:40:48 GMT -5
A reminiscence of Josephus Utt in Gray's history of Doniphan County Kansas: "During the month of August [1854] my brother, Milton, and myself went up Wolf River to see how the land lay, and went into camp near the old Sac village, the Indians having moved away. The camp was near a little stream which was crossed by the Indian trail, a thicket of brush being near our camp. Milton Utt went to the agency in the afternoon, leaving the writer in charge of the camp. I had spent an hour or two reading when, glancing up the bottom towards Hooper's ford, I saw what caused my hair to "stand pat", for not more than 300 yards away was about seventy-five Indians who proved to be Pawnees, advancing. Each warrior was carrying a long lance, the point of which glistening in the sun, shown brilliant and beautiful. Each member of the band carried his bow and quiver of arrows at his back. My long acquaintance with Indians and their ways came to my aid, and stepping out from the brush into the path, I gave them a sign to halt which they did very promptly. I then gave them a sign for one to advance. The leader, a fine six-foot brave, dressed in war paint and feathers, stepped up to within about ten feet, when I halted him. In sign language I asked who they were and where they were going. The chief answered that they were on a visit to the Iowas to smoke and feast and would then go home; that they had been between the Blue Rivers and had a fight with roving Cheyennes, and he showed two scalps to prove that what he said was true. I had previously advised him that I was a Missourian. By this time several of the band came forward, and I told the chief to send the young back to their line; that I would permit but one to do the talking; then I made a sign that they could pass to the left, which they did in good order. They displayed several scalps and other trophies as they passed. They were all large, fine looking warriors, rigged out in fantastic Indian toggery and making a display that will never be wit- nessed on old Wolf River again. After I got rid of them you can imagine that I felt greatly relieved. They went on out to the Iowas and put in several days feasting and smoking, and then returned to their own reservation near Columbus, Nebraska, and that was the last visit of the Pawnees to Doniphan County."
- JO. UTT
Note: Josephus Utt was 24 years old in 1854. He lived in White Cloud, Kansas, taught for 2 years in the Ioway Indian School, was a treaty signer and witness (1861) and later served as a 1st Lieutenant and company commander (company K) in the 14th Kansas Volunteer Cavalry in the Union Army during the Civil War. He is my Great-great Grandfather. - Terrill Utt
- JO. UTT
Note: Josephus Utt was 24 years old in 1854. He lived in White Cloud, Kansas, taught for 2 years in the Ioway Indian School, was a treaty signer and witness (1861) and later served as a 1st Lieutenant and company commander (company K) in the 14th Kansas Volunteer Cavalry in the Union Army during the Civil War. He is my Great-great Grandfather. - Terrill Utt