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Submitted: 6/27/10 • Approved: 2/5/14 • Last Updated: 4/13/18 • R21720-G0-S3
Unknown - 1888
He was the last Chief of the Comanche Tribe. Because Quanah Parker was never elected Chief by the Comanche tribe, but was rather appointed the role by federal agents, many assert that Chief Horseback is actually the last Comanche Chief. His Comanche name was Tir-ha-yah-gua-hip which translates to Horse's Back. He earned his name for his legendary grace and agility as a horseman. His younger days were filled with raiding and terrorizing white settlers. He led a great raid into Texas in 1864, going as far as Gainesville, murdering and pillaging towns and villages. Texas Ranger A. J. Sowell admiringly described Comanche Chief Oska Horseback at the 1872 battle scene on the Keep Ranch in upper Wise County: "He made several dashes towards us, and was the best rider I ever saw. He was a slim, trim-made Indian, about twenty-two years old. He was mounted on a beautiful blood-bay horse, with black mane and tail, and star in the face. This chief rode no saddle, but had a red blanket strapped around his horse. He could dismount and mount again, with his horse in a gallop; displaying an agility that was surprising. He could drop down on the opposite side of his horse, as quick as a flash, and expose nothing but his hand and foot, his horse going at full speed. He wore red leggings, and fine beaded moccasins. He also wore a beautiful beaded ornament on his breast, which entirely covered it. He had his scalp-lock platted, and a prairie chicken's head tied to the end of it, which hung down to the middle of his back. The chicken's head was painted a deep red..." In his later years he became a man of peace and on October 21, 1867 he was one of the signers of the Medicine Lodge Treaty.
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Contributed on 6/27/10 by tomtodd
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Record #: 21720