While we know our northern friends may not feel it, in the South, Spring is
here. So we thought we'd share a few of our gardening sites appropriate
for this time of the year. Along with gardening, there's grilling, and getting
ready to diet so that you can fit back into that bathing suit this summer!
The Missouria are a tribe of Dakota descent, living on the Missouri River, their
name being one given them by the Illinois, and means the people living by the
muddy water. They style themselves Nudarcha. Were first heard of in 1673,
as the first tribe up the river which bears their name. Became allies of the
French at an early day, and assisted them in some of their operations against
other tribes. Were hostile to the Spanish and also opposed to the ascendancy of
English influence. In 1805, when Lewis and Clarke passed through their country,
they numbered only 300 in all, living in villages south of the Platte, and at
war with most of the neighboring tribes. They were affiliated with the Otoe,
having deserted their own villages near the mouth of the Grand some time
previously in consequence of their almost entire destruction by small-pox. The
two have ever since been classed as one tribe. In 1862 the combined tribes
numbered 708, and in 1876 only 454. Since their consolidation with the Otoe
their history has been the same as of that tribe.
List of illustrations.
481. Thrach-Tche. True Eagle.
A full-blood Missouria, and nephew of Ah-ho-che-ka-thocka (Quapaw Indian
Striker), a title gained by his bravery in battle against the Quapaw, and who
was head chief. At his (Ah-he-cho-ka-thocka's) death, the hereditary successor,
Good Talker, was assassinated by Shungech-boy and others, when the line of
descent fell on True Eagle, who became chief in 1860, and held the position of
Missouria chief in the con federated Otoe and Missouria until 1874, when he
resigned in favor of his nephew. Is now about 80 years of age, 6 feet in height,
with a stout, well-proportioned frame.
503. Noch-Pe-Wora. The One they are Afraid of.
Is a cousin of True Eagle, and chief of the Eagle baud of Missouria. Is of a
mild, genial disposition, with but little force of character. Age, 45; height,
5.8½; weight, 155; head, 22½;
chest, 35.
484-5. Wa-Thock-A-Ruchy. One who eats his Food Raw.
His father was of the Bear band of Otoe, and his mother of the Eagle band of
Missouria. He inherited a chieftaincy among the Missouria, and succeeded to that
position upon the death of his uncle, White Water, in 1868, when he took the
name of LOD-NOO-WAH-HOO-WA, or Pipe-Stem. Lacks force of -character, but
is of a mild disposition and well disposed. Is about 5 feet in height, and of a
well-developed physical organization.
486. Muncha-Huncha. Big Bear, or Joseph Powell.
Is a full-blooded Missouria. Succeeded his grand father, Cow-he-pa-ha, as chief
of the Bear band, in 1870. When a young man he lived much of his time among the
whites. Possessing more than ordinary intelligence, he is at present the leading
spirit of the Otoe and Missouria in the industrial pursuits of civilized life.
These qualities have engendered much jealousy in the breasts of the older
chiefs, who throw many obstacles in his way. Besides his good mental qualities
he possesses a splendid physique. Height, 5.11; weight, 225; head, 23½
chest, 42.
Descriptive Catalogue, Photographs Of North American Indians. United States Geological Survey
of the Territories, 1877 by W. H. Jackson, Photographer of the Survey,
F. V. Hayden, U. S. Geologist.
