-- -- -- -- --
.
INDIAN NAME: Peo ("Chief").
ENGLISH NAME: "Clouds."
DATE OF BIRTH: Between 1834-1840
PLACE OF BIRTH: Prob. Pendleton, Oregon.
RESIDENT OF THE HIAWATHA INDIAN ASYLUM, Canton, Lincoln County, South Dakota, from 1905 to 1912.
DATE OF DEATH: January 9, 1913.
PLACE OF DEATH: Pendleton, Umatilla County, Oregon.
INDIAN TRIBE: Umatilla
SPOKEN LANGUAGE: Umatilla.
NATIVITY: Pendleton, Oregon (Chief).
.
Primary source(s) for data, above:
1) THIRTEENTH CENSUS OF THE UNITED STATES--1910 Indian Population. [Location of birth is from other records].
2) Historic "East Oregonian" Newspaper(s), Pendleton, Umatilla Co., Oregon; numerous dates.
3) Other newspaper accounts, etc., referencing Chief Peo.
4) INDIAN CENSUS ROLLS, numerous dates.
.
NOTE: According to other sources, Peo was born "on the banks of the Umatilla River, a few miles above the city of Pendleton, Oregon."
-- -- -- -- --
.
[Research of Cathy Porter-Maynard]:
.
1910 & 1911:
HIAWATHA INDIAN ASYLUM.
Canton, Lincoln County, South Dakota.
.
Lincoln County, [S.D.], "census" records for the Canton asylum show that a very elderly full-blood Umatilla Indian by the name of "Peo" was an inmate in the "Hiawatha Asylum for Insane Indians" during the years of 1910 and 1911. The brief remarks on the original census records describe Peo as a "Chief" of the Umatilla Tribe. Pendleton, Oregon, is referenced as his place of origin. (SEE: Original 1910 & 1911 "Hiawatha Indian Asylum" census records, attached).
• 1910 CENSUS--Indian Population:
The 1910 Census was enumerated May 13, 1910; and, is comprised of two separate sections. The FIRST SECTION on the 1910 Census consists each person's name, race, approximate year of birth, tribe, spoken language, etc. The SECOND SECTION, entitled "SPECIAL INQUIRIES RELATING TO INDIANS," is on the lower half of the same page.
The 1910 census data for "Peo" is listed on *LINE 11*, for both the upper and lower sections of this census page.
• 1911 U.S., Indian Census Rolls:
The two-page 1911 census was enumerated July 3, 1911; and, was completed and signed by Dr. Harry Reid Hummer, Superintendent of the Hiawatha Insane Asylum. "Peo" is listed on page 2 of the 1911 census document.
.
Hundreds of Native Americans from across the country were imprisoned/confined (without a valid reason or "just cause"), in the Insane Asylum in Lincoln County, South Dakota, which had been developed by the United States Government, solely for Native Americans. Upon entering the doors of the facility, many of the "inmates" never again returned to their communities, or families.
The institution was established in the early 1900's; and, was closed in the early 1930's, after an investigation revealed the horrific neglect and maltreatment of the very people the agency was charged with serving.
.
And, it is known that "at least" 121 men, women and children are buried in the Hiawatha cemetery, in unmarked graves.
.
At the present time [2011], the burial place of Chief Peo is unknown. His listing on the 1910 Census (as an inmate at the Hiawatha Indian Asylum), reports that he was then approximately 70 years old. Peo is again shown on the Asylum census the following year, in 1911. What became of Peo after this time??
.
Why was Chief Peo transported far from his community and culture, to spend the last years of his life, in a barbaric Insane Asylum? Did Peo die at the institution? If so, was this gentleman given a proper burial, giving due respect to his beliefs and culture?
.
Or, if Peo was actually given the *choice* regarding whether he wanted to stay, or to leave, the Hiawatha Asylum for Insane Indians (unlike so many of the other Native Americans who had been "sentenced" to serve time in the institution), was this elderly Chief provided safe passage, to return to his family and community, on the Umatilla Reservation, in Pendleton, Oregon? If not, what became of him?
.
Questions...
that deserve answers.
.
*[BIOGRAPHY UPDATED January 26, 2015].
Note: Progress has been very slowly made, in uncovering additional facts regarding the fate of Chief Peo. Newly discovered information, which was shared with Cathy Porter-Maynard by a "kind-hearted" stranger (January, 2015), has unexpectedly opened the door to a new direction in my research -- and provided a window into Peo's last year of life:
In-Progress summary...
[ONGOING RESEARCH Of Cathy Porter-Maynard]:
Like the pieces of a jigsaw-puzzle slowly fitting together, bits and pieces of historical records reveal that Chief Peo was a respected and intelligent leader -- who, like many other Native Americans in this era, were victimized by the governmental agencies that benefited from removing them from their homelands. Law-breaking bootleggers also preyed upon Native Americans, further adding to the destruction of their lives and culture.
1905 newspaper articles provide documentation that Chief Peo, who was an outspoken advocate for the rights of Native Americans, was in actuality sentenced to the "Hiawatha Asylum for Insane Indians" in *1905* (!!!), which was several years EARLIER than had been indicated by 1910 & 1911 "institution" census records.
VICTIM BLAMING:
Historical records including old newspaper articles, etc., weave together different sides of a story -- some of which 'blame' Chief Peo (and other Native Americans who had been herded onto 'government reservations') for their own plight or downfall. Other articles document that without just cause, Chief Peo had been 'removed' from his far-away home & community in Umatilla County, Oregon, and, sentenced to confinement in the "Hiawatha Indian Asylum," in Canton, South Dakota, which was the only "Insane Asylum" in the United States, for Native Americans. His true (unspoken) 'crime' was that of being a bold advocate for his people -- and Chief Peo had waged a bitter fight against governmental authorities who sought to remove the Indians from their native homelands, or to rob them of even more of their property.
The 'excuse' that was used by local and government officials to sentence Chief Peo to an insane asylum for Indians far from his home and community, was an addiction to "fire water." The resulting 'insanity' due to alcoholism was given as the primary reason to permanently incarcerate (and, silence) this once proud and respected leader, in an insane asylum where he would likely die. However, the (January 2015) discovery of additional old newspaper articles document that a severe blow to the head of Chief Peo (by a local "official"), likely contributed to his impairment.
Nearly all men, women, and children who were sentenced to the Hiawatha Asylum for Insane Indians never left this facility -- and, died there under horrific conditions. Very few, if any, were 'insane'. Descriptions of the children at the Insane Asylum indicate that many of them had developmental disabilities (for example, autism), or cognitive impairments. Some had epilepsy. A number of the adults at the asylum had, in one way or another, dared to "speak out" against injustice in their own far-away communities -- and, as a result, were 'sentenced' to the Canton Insane Asylum. Chief Peo, who, in earlier years, had traveled to Washington, D.C. on numerous occasions with other Native American leaders, to advocate for the rights of Native Americans, was amongst those who had 'spoken out.'
The "Hiawatha Asylum for Insane Indians" was typically a "death" sentence from which few were spared, or could escape.
However, Peo was the father of at least two daughters; who, like Chief Peo, dared to "speak out."
IN MAY OF 1905, JUST A FEW MONTHS AFTER THEIR ELDERLY FATHER WAS REMOVED FROM HIS HOME AND COMMUNITY AND SENT TO THE SOUTH DAKOTA INSANE ASYLUM, JENNIE [LOWREY] VANPELT, YOUNGEST DAUGHTER OF CHIEF PEO, PETITIONED FOR THE APPOINTMENT OF A "GUARDIAN" FOR HER FATHER, AND LEE MOORHOUSE WAS APPOINTED BY THE COUNTY JUDGE, TO FILL THIS ROLL. This action may have possibly provided Chief Peo with a degree of protective 'oversight' within the insane asylum, that most of the Native American inmates did not have access to.
AND, IN 1912, TWO OF THE DAUGHTERS, MRS. CHARLES "JENNIE" VANPELT AND MILDRED PEO, PETITIONED THE COURT FOR THE *RELEASE* OF THEIR ELDERLY FATHER, to be returned to his own community in Pendleton, Umatilla, Oregon, as he neared the end of his life, so he could be cared for by his own loving family members. Thanks to his daughters, this truly amazing "release" occurred in January of 1912, empowering Peo to be returned to his home, in Umatilla, Oregon.
.
..."Haggard and gray and bent with the weight of his 75 years and the mental affliction he has been suffering for years, old Chief Peo, a one time strong man of the Umatilla reservation is back among his people. He arrived yesterday via the Northern Pacific from the federal asylum in Canton, S.D., and on the trip he was accompanied by Dr. Hummer, Superintendent of the asylum." [Excerpt from the "East Oregonian," published Feb. 26, 1912]. ...
..."After seven years of confinement in a South Dakota asylum, Chief Peo of the Umatilla is back among his people to spend his remaining days in peace and quiet with his two daughters, Mrs. Charlie [Jennie] VanPelt and Mildred Peo. The once wealthy and powerful chieftain is but a shell of his former self and the sight of his bent body, his snow white hair and blanched and haggard face moved stolid [?] red people to tears when they met him Sunday on his return. His reason which he lost by excessive use of "fire water" and a blow [to the head] from a local officer's club has returned in part but his mind still wanders at times.
Peo was once one of the most influential Indians on the local reservations and his displeasure was feared as his favor was cherished...
Seven times he made the trip to Washington, D.C., to confer with the great white father relative to the adjustment of 'land problems' on the reservation. When Rev. J.M. Cornelison, Presbyterian missionary at Tutuilla, first came to take up his work thirteen years ago, he found Chief Peo in the management of a large number of acres which properly lay in the jurisdiction of the church. The missionary began immediately to *wrest* this land from the chief and for more than three years, the two men waged a bitter war over it, the red leader using all of his power and influence to oppose the white minister. Gradually, however, his hold began to weaken and it was then that he began to give free rein to his unquenchable thirst for "fire water." Finally, during a spree he was placed under arrest here in Pendleton and in subduing him, the officer was forced to wield his club. The blow is said to have cracked his skull which together with some poisonous liquor which he drank affected his reason and he became violent. When he became unmanageable, his committment to the Canton, South Dakota asylum was secured where he has responded partly to treatment. The authorities of that institution have issued a warning to his daughter that if he is ever allowed any more liquor, all of the *treatment* of the past seven years will have gone for naught. His wants are summed up in three words, 'eat, sleep, smoke,' and, inasmuch as several thousand dollars have accumulated in his name during his absence, he has sufficient to supply the wants for his remaining years." Excerpt from the "East Oregonian," published Feb. 27, 1912]. ...
Chief Peo died a year later, in January of 1913, in his own community.
.
-- -- -- -- --
.
1913 OBITUARY: "Chief PEO LAID TO REST."
NEWSPAPER: "East Oregonian." Evening Edition. (Pendleton, Umatilla County, Oregon).
Publication Date: January 11, 1913. [Newspaper article transcribed January 26, 2015, by Cathy Porter-Maynard].
"CHIEF PEO LAID TO REST. With a great body of his people present to look their last upon their leader, the body of Chief Peo was laid to rest at noon today in the cemetery at Tutuilla mission. Services were conducted by J.G. Dickson in the church which the dead chieftain hated bitterly and later came to respect." [End].
-- -- -- -- --
.
Rest in peace, Chief Peo.
-- -- -- -- --
NEWSPAPER: "East Oregonian." Evening Edition. (Pendleton, Umatilla County, Oregon).
Publication Date: January 29, 1913. [Newspaper article transcribed January 26, 2015, by Cathy Porter-Maynard].
"CONTRIBUTORY MURDER. Within recent months at least four Indians of the local reservation have gone to their Happy Hunting Ground through the liquor route. Three of the Indians, John Wallatsi, Eli Parr and Anthony Sumpkin were suicides. Old Chief Peo died while insane but his malady was due to whiskey. Each case was a case of murder and the crimes may be laid at the feet of the local bootleggers who supply Indians with whisky in violation of law. If on Judgment Day those fellows are brought to the bar their hands may be found on the robes of officials who have failed to throw the protection of the law around a people who because of their backwardness need such protection sadly." [End].
.
-- -- -- -- --
"Do unto others as you would have others do unto you".
Forgive us, God, for our sins against humanity.
-- -- -- -- --
.
INDIAN NAME: Peo ("Chief").
ENGLISH NAME: "Clouds."
DATE OF BIRTH: Between 1834-1840
PLACE OF BIRTH: Prob. Pendleton, Oregon.
RESIDENT OF THE HIAWATHA INDIAN ASYLUM, Canton, Lincoln County, South Dakota, from 1905 to 1912.
DATE OF DEATH: January 9, 1913.
PLACE OF DEATH: Pendleton, Umatilla County, Oregon.
INDIAN TRIBE: Umatilla
SPOKEN LANGUAGE: Umatilla.
NATIVITY: Pendleton, Oregon (Chief).
.
Primary source(s) for data, above:
1) THIRTEENTH CENSUS OF THE UNITED STATES--1910 Indian Population. [Location of birth is from other records].
2) Historic "East Oregonian" Newspaper(s), Pendleton, Umatilla Co., Oregon; numerous dates.
3) Other newspaper accounts, etc., referencing Chief Peo.
4) INDIAN CENSUS ROLLS, numerous dates.
.
NOTE: According to other sources, Peo was born "on the banks of the Umatilla River, a few miles above the city of Pendleton, Oregon."
-- -- -- -- --
.
[Research of Cathy Porter-Maynard]:
.
1910 & 1911:
HIAWATHA INDIAN ASYLUM.
Canton, Lincoln County, South Dakota.
.
Lincoln County, [S.D.], "census" records for the Canton asylum show that a very elderly full-blood Umatilla Indian by the name of "Peo" was an inmate in the "Hiawatha Asylum for Insane Indians" during the years of 1910 and 1911. The brief remarks on the original census records describe Peo as a "Chief" of the Umatilla Tribe. Pendleton, Oregon, is referenced as his place of origin. (SEE: Original 1910 & 1911 "Hiawatha Indian Asylum" census records, attached).
• 1910 CENSUS--Indian Population:
The 1910 Census was enumerated May 13, 1910; and, is comprised of two separate sections. The FIRST SECTION on the 1910 Census consists each person's name, race, approximate year of birth, tribe, spoken language, etc. The SECOND SECTION, entitled "SPECIAL INQUIRIES RELATING TO INDIANS," is on the lower half of the same page.
The 1910 census data for "Peo" is listed on *LINE 11*, for both the upper and lower sections of this census page.
• 1911 U.S., Indian Census Rolls:
The two-page 1911 census was enumerated July 3, 1911; and, was completed and signed by Dr. Harry Reid Hummer, Superintendent of the Hiawatha Insane Asylum. "Peo" is listed on page 2 of the 1911 census document.
.
Hundreds of Native Americans from across the country were imprisoned/confined (without a valid reason or "just cause"), in the Insane Asylum in Lincoln County, South Dakota, which had been developed by the United States Government, solely for Native Americans. Upon entering the doors of the facility, many of the "inmates" never again returned to their communities, or families.
The institution was established in the early 1900's; and, was closed in the early 1930's, after an investigation revealed the horrific neglect and maltreatment of the very people the agency was charged with serving.
.
And, it is known that "at least" 121 men, women and children are buried in the Hiawatha cemetery, in unmarked graves.
.
At the present time [2011], the burial place of Chief Peo is unknown. His listing on the 1910 Census (as an inmate at the Hiawatha Indian Asylum), reports that he was then approximately 70 years old. Peo is again shown on the Asylum census the following year, in 1911. What became of Peo after this time??
.
Why was Chief Peo transported far from his community and culture, to spend the last years of his life, in a barbaric Insane Asylum? Did Peo die at the institution? If so, was this gentleman given a proper burial, giving due respect to his beliefs and culture?
.
Or, if Peo was actually given the *choice* regarding whether he wanted to stay, or to leave, the Hiawatha Asylum for Insane Indians (unlike so many of the other Native Americans who had been "sentenced" to serve time in the institution), was this elderly Chief provided safe passage, to return to his family and community, on the Umatilla Reservation, in Pendleton, Oregon? If not, what became of him?
.
Questions...
that deserve answers.
.
*[BIOGRAPHY UPDATED January 26, 2015].
Note: Progress has been very slowly made, in uncovering additional facts regarding the fate of Chief Peo. Newly discovered information, which was shared with Cathy Porter-Maynard by a "kind-hearted" stranger (January, 2015), has unexpectedly opened the door to a new direction in my research -- and provided a window into Peo's last year of life:
In-Progress summary...
[ONGOING RESEARCH Of Cathy Porter-Maynard]:
Like the pieces of a jigsaw-puzzle slowly fitting together, bits and pieces of historical records reveal that Chief Peo was a respected and intelligent leader -- who, like many other Native Americans in this era, were victimized by the governmental agencies that benefited from removing them from their homelands. Law-breaking bootleggers also preyed upon Native Americans, further adding to the destruction of their lives and culture.
1905 newspaper articles provide documentation that Chief Peo, who was an outspoken advocate for the rights of Native Americans, was in actuality sentenced to the "Hiawatha Asylum for Insane Indians" in *1905* (!!!), which was several years EARLIER than had been indicated by 1910 & 1911 "institution" census records.
VICTIM BLAMING:
Historical records including old newspaper articles, etc., weave together different sides of a story -- some of which 'blame' Chief Peo (and other Native Americans who had been herded onto 'government reservations') for their own plight or downfall. Other articles document that without just cause, Chief Peo had been 'removed' from his far-away home & community in Umatilla County, Oregon, and, sentenced to confinement in the "Hiawatha Indian Asylum," in Canton, South Dakota, which was the only "Insane Asylum" in the United States, for Native Americans. His true (unspoken) 'crime' was that of being a bold advocate for his people -- and Chief Peo had waged a bitter fight against governmental authorities who sought to remove the Indians from their native homelands, or to rob them of even more of their property.
The 'excuse' that was used by local and government officials to sentence Chief Peo to an insane asylum for Indians far from his home and community, was an addiction to "fire water." The resulting 'insanity' due to alcoholism was given as the primary reason to permanently incarcerate (and, silence) this once proud and respected leader, in an insane asylum where he would likely die. However, the (January 2015) discovery of additional old newspaper articles document that a severe blow to the head of Chief Peo (by a local "official"), likely contributed to his impairment.
Nearly all men, women, and children who were sentenced to the Hiawatha Asylum for Insane Indians never left this facility -- and, died there under horrific conditions. Very few, if any, were 'insane'. Descriptions of the children at the Insane Asylum indicate that many of them had developmental disabilities (for example, autism), or cognitive impairments. Some had epilepsy. A number of the adults at the asylum had, in one way or another, dared to "speak out" against injustice in their own far-away communities -- and, as a result, were 'sentenced' to the Canton Insane Asylum. Chief Peo, who, in earlier years, had traveled to Washington, D.C. on numerous occasions with other Native American leaders, to advocate for the rights of Native Americans, was amongst those who had 'spoken out.'
The "Hiawatha Asylum for Insane Indians" was typically a "death" sentence from which few were spared, or could escape.
However, Peo was the father of at least two daughters; who, like Chief Peo, dared to "speak out."
IN MAY OF 1905, JUST A FEW MONTHS AFTER THEIR ELDERLY FATHER WAS REMOVED FROM HIS HOME AND COMMUNITY AND SENT TO THE SOUTH DAKOTA INSANE ASYLUM, JENNIE [LOWREY] VANPELT, YOUNGEST DAUGHTER OF CHIEF PEO, PETITIONED FOR THE APPOINTMENT OF A "GUARDIAN" FOR HER FATHER, AND LEE MOORHOUSE WAS APPOINTED BY THE COUNTY JUDGE, TO FILL THIS ROLL. This action may have possibly provided Chief Peo with a degree of protective 'oversight' within the insane asylum, that most of the Native American inmates did not have access to.
AND, IN 1912, TWO OF THE DAUGHTERS, MRS. CHARLES "JENNIE" VANPELT AND MILDRED PEO, PETITIONED THE COURT FOR THE *RELEASE* OF THEIR ELDERLY FATHER, to be returned to his own community in Pendleton, Umatilla, Oregon, as he neared the end of his life, so he could be cared for by his own loving family members. Thanks to his daughters, this truly amazing "release" occurred in January of 1912, empowering Peo to be returned to his home, in Umatilla, Oregon.
.
..."Haggard and gray and bent with the weight of his 75 years and the mental affliction he has been suffering for years, old Chief Peo, a one time strong man of the Umatilla reservation is back among his people. He arrived yesterday via the Northern Pacific from the federal asylum in Canton, S.D., and on the trip he was accompanied by Dr. Hummer, Superintendent of the asylum." [Excerpt from the "East Oregonian," published Feb. 26, 1912]. ...
..."After seven years of confinement in a South Dakota asylum, Chief Peo of the Umatilla is back among his people to spend his remaining days in peace and quiet with his two daughters, Mrs. Charlie [Jennie] VanPelt and Mildred Peo. The once wealthy and powerful chieftain is but a shell of his former self and the sight of his bent body, his snow white hair and blanched and haggard face moved stolid [?] red people to tears when they met him Sunday on his return. His reason which he lost by excessive use of "fire water" and a blow [to the head] from a local officer's club has returned in part but his mind still wanders at times.
Peo was once one of the most influential Indians on the local reservations and his displeasure was feared as his favor was cherished...
Seven times he made the trip to Washington, D.C., to confer with the great white father relative to the adjustment of 'land problems' on the reservation. When Rev. J.M. Cornelison, Presbyterian missionary at Tutuilla, first came to take up his work thirteen years ago, he found Chief Peo in the management of a large number of acres which properly lay in the jurisdiction of the church. The missionary began immediately to *wrest* this land from the chief and for more than three years, the two men waged a bitter war over it, the red leader using all of his power and influence to oppose the white minister. Gradually, however, his hold began to weaken and it was then that he began to give free rein to his unquenchable thirst for "fire water." Finally, during a spree he was placed under arrest here in Pendleton and in subduing him, the officer was forced to wield his club. The blow is said to have cracked his skull which together with some poisonous liquor which he drank affected his reason and he became violent. When he became unmanageable, his committment to the Canton, South Dakota asylum was secured where he has responded partly to treatment. The authorities of that institution have issued a warning to his daughter that if he is ever allowed any more liquor, all of the *treatment* of the past seven years will have gone for naught. His wants are summed up in three words, 'eat, sleep, smoke,' and, inasmuch as several thousand dollars have accumulated in his name during his absence, he has sufficient to supply the wants for his remaining years." Excerpt from the "East Oregonian," published Feb. 27, 1912]. ...
Chief Peo died a year later, in January of 1913, in his own community.
.
-- -- -- -- --
.
1913 OBITUARY: "Chief PEO LAID TO REST."
NEWSPAPER: "East Oregonian." Evening Edition. (Pendleton, Umatilla County, Oregon).
Publication Date: January 11, 1913. [Newspaper article transcribed January 26, 2015, by Cathy Porter-Maynard].
"CHIEF PEO LAID TO REST. With a great body of his people present to look their last upon their leader, the body of Chief Peo was laid to rest at noon today in the cemetery at Tutuilla mission. Services were conducted by J.G. Dickson in the church which the dead chieftain hated bitterly and later came to respect." [End].
-- -- -- -- --
.
Rest in peace, Chief Peo.
-- -- -- -- --
NEWSPAPER: "East Oregonian." Evening Edition. (Pendleton, Umatilla County, Oregon).
Publication Date: January 29, 1913. [Newspaper article transcribed January 26, 2015, by Cathy Porter-Maynard].
"CONTRIBUTORY MURDER. Within recent months at least four Indians of the local reservation have gone to their Happy Hunting Ground through the liquor route. Three of the Indians, John Wallatsi, Eli Parr and Anthony Sumpkin were suicides. Old Chief Peo died while insane but his malady was due to whiskey. Each case was a case of murder and the crimes may be laid at the feet of the local bootleggers who supply Indians with whisky in violation of law. If on Judgment Day those fellows are brought to the bar their hands may be found on the robes of officials who have failed to throw the protection of the law around a people who because of their backwardness need such protection sadly." [End].
.
-- -- -- -- --
"Do unto others as you would have others do unto you".
Forgive us, God, for our sins against humanity.
-- -- -- -- --
-- -- -- -- --
.
INDIAN NAME: Peo ("Chief").
ENGLISH NAME: "Clouds."
DATE OF BIRTH: Between 1834-1840
PLACE OF BIRTH: Prob. Pendleton, Oregon.
RESIDENT OF THE HIAWATHA INDIAN ASYLUM, Canton, Lincoln County, South Dakota, from 1905 to 1912.
DATE OF DEATH: January 9, 1913.
PLACE OF DEATH: Pendleton, Umatilla County, Oregon.
INDIAN TRIBE: Umatilla
SPOKEN LANGUAGE: Umatilla.
NATIVITY: Pendleton, Oregon (Chief).
.
Primary source(s) for data, above:
1) THIRTEENTH CENSUS OF THE UNITED STATES--1910 Indian Population. [Location of birth is from other records].
2) Historic "East Oregonian" Newspaper(s), Pendleton, Umatilla Co., Oregon; numerous dates.
3) Other newspaper accounts, etc., referencing Chief Peo.
4) INDIAN CENSUS ROLLS, numerous dates.
.
NOTE: According to other sources, Peo was born "on the banks of the Umatilla River, a few miles above the city of Pendleton, Oregon."
-- -- -- -- --
.
[Research of Cathy Porter-Maynard]:
.
1910 & 1911:
HIAWATHA INDIAN ASYLUM.
Canton, Lincoln County, South Dakota.
.
Lincoln County, [S.D.], "census" records for the Canton asylum show that a very elderly full-blood Umatilla Indian by the name of "Peo" was an inmate in the "Hiawatha Asylum for Insane Indians" during the years of 1910 and 1911. The brief remarks on the original census records describe Peo as a "Chief" of the Umatilla Tribe. Pendleton, Oregon, is referenced as his place of origin. (SEE: Original 1910 & 1911 "Hiawatha Indian Asylum" census records, attached).
• 1910 CENSUS--Indian Population:
The 1910 Census was enumerated May 13, 1910; and, is comprised of two separate sections. The FIRST SECTION on the 1910 Census consists each person's name, race, approximate year of birth, tribe, spoken language, etc. The SECOND SECTION, entitled "SPECIAL INQUIRIES RELATING TO INDIANS," is on the lower half of the same page.
The 1910 census data for "Peo" is listed on *LINE 11*, for both the upper and lower sections of this census page.
• 1911 U.S., Indian Census Rolls:
The two-page 1911 census was enumerated July 3, 1911; and, was completed and signed by Dr. Harry Reid Hummer, Superintendent of the Hiawatha Insane Asylum. "Peo" is listed on page 2 of the 1911 census document.
.
Hundreds of Native Americans from across the country were imprisoned/confined (without a valid reason or "just cause"), in the Insane Asylum in Lincoln County, South Dakota, which had been developed by the United States Government, solely for Native Americans. Upon entering the doors of the facility, many of the "inmates" never again returned to their communities, or families.
The institution was established in the early 1900's; and, was closed in the early 1930's, after an investigation revealed the horrific neglect and maltreatment of the very people the agency was charged with serving.
.
And, it is known that "at least" 121 men, women and children are buried in the Hiawatha cemetery, in unmarked graves.
.
At the present time [2011], the burial place of Chief Peo is unknown. His listing on the 1910 Census (as an inmate at the Hiawatha Indian Asylum), reports that he was then approximately 70 years old. Peo is again shown on the Asylum census the following year, in 1911. What became of Peo after this time??
.
Why was Chief Peo transported far from his community and culture, to spend the last years of his life, in a barbaric Insane Asylum? Did Peo die at the institution? If so, was this gentleman given a proper burial, giving due respect to his beliefs and culture?
.
Or, if Peo was actually given the *choice* regarding whether he wanted to stay, or to leave, the Hiawatha Asylum for Insane Indians (unlike so many of the other Native Americans who had been "sentenced" to serve time in the institution), was this elderly Chief provided safe passage, to return to his family and community, on the Umatilla Reservation, in Pendleton, Oregon? If not, what became of him?
.
Questions...
that deserve answers.
.
*[BIOGRAPHY UPDATED January 26, 2015].
Note: Progress has been very slowly made, in uncovering additional facts regarding the fate of Chief Peo. Newly discovered information, which was shared with Cathy Porter-Maynard by a "kind-hearted" stranger (January, 2015), has unexpectedly opened the door to a new direction in my research -- and provided a window into Peo's last year of life:
In-Progress summary...
[ONGOING RESEARCH Of Cathy Porter-Maynard]:
Like the pieces of a jigsaw-puzzle slowly fitting together, bits and pieces of historical records reveal that Chief Peo was a respected and intelligent leader -- who, like many other Native Americans in this era, were victimized by the governmental agencies that benefited from removing them from their homelands. Law-breaking bootleggers also preyed upon Native Americans, further adding to the destruction of their lives and culture.
1905 newspaper articles provide documentation that Chief Peo, who was an outspoken advocate for the rights of Native Americans, was in actuality sentenced to the "Hiawatha Asylum for Insane Indians" in *1905* (!!!), which was several years EARLIER than had been indicated by 1910 & 1911 "institution" census records.
VICTIM BLAMING:
Historical records including old newspaper articles, etc., weave together different sides of a story -- some of which 'blame' Chief Peo (and other Native Americans who had been herded onto 'government reservations') for their own plight or downfall. Other articles document that without just cause, Chief Peo had been 'removed' from his far-away home & community in Umatilla County, Oregon, and, sentenced to confinement in the "Hiawatha Indian Asylum," in Canton, South Dakota, which was the only "Insane Asylum" in the United States, for Native Americans. His true (unspoken) 'crime' was that of being a bold advocate for his people -- and Chief Peo had waged a bitter fight against governmental authorities who sought to remove the Indians from their native homelands, or to rob them of even more of their property.
The 'excuse' that was used by local and government officials to sentence Chief Peo to an insane asylum for Indians far from his home and community, was an addiction to "fire water." The resulting 'insanity' due to alcoholism was given as the primary reason to permanently incarcerate (and, silence) this once proud and respected leader, in an insane asylum where he would likely die. However, the (January 2015) discovery of additional old newspaper articles document that a severe blow to the head of Chief Peo (by a local "official"), likely contributed to his impairment.
Nearly all men, women, and children who were sentenced to the Hiawatha Asylum for Insane Indians never left this facility -- and, died there under horrific conditions. Very few, if any, were 'insane'. Descriptions of the children at the Insane Asylum indicate that many of them had developmental disabilities (for example, autism), or cognitive impairments. Some had epilepsy. A number of the adults at the asylum had, in one way or another, dared to "speak out" against injustice in their own far-away communities -- and, as a result, were 'sentenced' to the Canton Insane Asylum. Chief Peo, who, in earlier years, had traveled to Washington, D.C. on numerous occasions with other Native American leaders, to advocate for the rights of Native Americans, was amongst those who had 'spoken out.'
The "Hiawatha Asylum for Insane Indians" was typically a "death" sentence from which few were spared, or could escape.
However, Peo was the father of at least two daughters; who, like Chief Peo, dared to "speak out."
IN MAY OF 1905, JUST A FEW MONTHS AFTER THEIR ELDERLY FATHER WAS REMOVED FROM HIS HOME AND COMMUNITY AND SENT TO THE SOUTH DAKOTA INSANE ASYLUM, JENNIE [LOWREY] VANPELT, YOUNGEST DAUGHTER OF CHIEF PEO, PETITIONED FOR THE APPOINTMENT OF A "GUARDIAN" FOR HER FATHER, AND LEE MOORHOUSE WAS APPOINTED BY THE COUNTY JUDGE, TO FILL THIS ROLL. This action may have possibly provided Chief Peo with a degree of protective 'oversight' within the insane asylum, that most of the Native American inmates did not have access to.
AND, IN 1912, TWO OF THE DAUGHTERS, MRS. CHARLES "JENNIE" VANPELT AND MILDRED PEO, PETITIONED THE COURT FOR THE *RELEASE* OF THEIR ELDERLY FATHER, to be returned to his own community in Pendleton, Umatilla, Oregon, as he neared the end of his life, so he could be cared for by his own loving family members. Thanks to his daughters, this truly amazing "release" occurred in January of 1912, empowering Peo to be returned to his home, in Umatilla, Oregon.
.
..."Haggard and gray and bent with the weight of his 75 years and the mental affliction he has been suffering for years, old Chief Peo, a one time strong man of the Umatilla reservation is back among his people. He arrived yesterday via the Northern Pacific from the federal asylum in Canton, S.D., and on the trip he was accompanied by Dr. Hummer, Superintendent of the asylum." [Excerpt from the "East Oregonian," published Feb. 26, 1912]. ...
..."After seven years of confinement in a South Dakota asylum, Chief Peo of the Umatilla is back among his people to spend his remaining days in peace and quiet with his two daughters, Mrs. Charlie [Jennie] VanPelt and Mildred Peo. The once wealthy and powerful chieftain is but a shell of his former self and the sight of his bent body, his snow white hair and blanched and haggard face moved stolid [?] red people to tears when they met him Sunday on his return. His reason which he lost by excessive use of "fire water" and a blow [to the head] from a local officer's club has returned in part but his mind still wanders at times.
Peo was once one of the most influential Indians on the local reservations and his displeasure was feared as his favor was cherished...
Seven times he made the trip to Washington, D.C., to confer with the great white father relative to the adjustment of 'land problems' on the reservation. When Rev. J.M. Cornelison, Presbyterian missionary at Tutuilla, first came to take up his work thirteen years ago, he found Chief Peo in the management of a large number of acres which properly lay in the jurisdiction of the church. The missionary began immediately to *wrest* this land from the chief and for more than three years, the two men waged a bitter war over it, the red leader using all of his power and influence to oppose the white minister. Gradually, however, his hold began to weaken and it was then that he began to give free rein to his unquenchable thirst for "fire water." Finally, during a spree he was placed under arrest here in Pendleton and in subduing him, the officer was forced to wield his club. The blow is said to have cracked his skull which together with some poisonous liquor which he drank affected his reason and he became violent. When he became unmanageable, his committment to the Canton, South Dakota asylum was secured where he has responded partly to treatment. The authorities of that institution have issued a warning to his daughter that if he is ever allowed any more liquor, all of the *treatment* of the past seven years will have gone for naught. His wants are summed up in three words, 'eat, sleep, smoke,' and, inasmuch as several thousand dollars have accumulated in his name during his absence, he has sufficient to supply the wants for his remaining years." Excerpt from the "East Oregonian," published Feb. 27, 1912]. ...
Chief Peo died a year later, in January of 1913, in his own community.
.
-- -- -- -- --
.
1913 OBITUARY: "Chief PEO LAID TO REST."
NEWSPAPER: "East Oregonian." Evening Edition. (Pendleton, Umatilla County, Oregon).
Publication Date: January 11, 1913. [Newspaper article transcribed January 26, 2015, by Cathy Porter-Maynard].
"CHIEF PEO LAID TO REST. With a great body of his people present to look their last upon their leader, the body of Chief Peo was laid to rest at noon today in the cemetery at Tutuilla mission. Services were conducted by J.G. Dickson in the church which the dead chieftain hated bitterly and later came to respect." [End].
-- -- -- -- --
.
Rest in peace, Chief Peo.
-- -- -- -- --
NEWSPAPER: "East Oregonian." Evening Edition. (Pendleton, Umatilla County, Oregon).
Publication Date: January 29, 1913. [Newspaper article transcribed January 26, 2015, by Cathy Porter-Maynard].
"CONTRIBUTORY MURDER. Within recent months at least four Indians of the local reservation have gone to their Happy Hunting Ground through the liquor route. Three of the Indians, John Wallatsi, Eli Parr and Anthony Sumpkin were suicides. Old Chief Peo died while insane but his malady was due to whiskey. Each case was a case of murder and the crimes may be laid at the feet of the local bootleggers who supply Indians with whisky in violation of law. If on Judgment Day those fellows are brought to the bar their hands may be found on the robes of officials who have failed to throw the protection of the law around a people who because of their backwardness need such protection sadly." [End].
.
-- -- -- -- --
"Do unto others as you would have others do unto you".
Forgive us, God, for our sins against humanity.
-- -- -- -- --
.
INDIAN NAME: Peo ("Chief").
ENGLISH NAME: "Clouds."
DATE OF BIRTH: Between 1834-1840
PLACE OF BIRTH: Prob. Pendleton, Oregon.
RESIDENT OF THE HIAWATHA INDIAN ASYLUM, Canton, Lincoln County, South Dakota, from 1905 to 1912.
DATE OF DEATH: January 9, 1913.
PLACE OF DEATH: Pendleton, Umatilla County, Oregon.
INDIAN TRIBE: Umatilla
SPOKEN LANGUAGE: Umatilla.
NATIVITY: Pendleton, Oregon (Chief).
.
Primary source(s) for data, above:
1) THIRTEENTH CENSUS OF THE UNITED STATES--1910 Indian Population. [Location of birth is from other records].
2) Historic "East Oregonian" Newspaper(s), Pendleton, Umatilla Co., Oregon; numerous dates.
3) Other newspaper accounts, etc., referencing Chief Peo.
4) INDIAN CENSUS ROLLS, numerous dates.
.
NOTE: According to other sources, Peo was born "on the banks of the Umatilla River, a few miles above the city of Pendleton, Oregon."
-- -- -- -- --
.
[Research of Cathy Porter-Maynard]:
.
1910 & 1911:
HIAWATHA INDIAN ASYLUM.
Canton, Lincoln County, South Dakota.
.
Lincoln County, [S.D.], "census" records for the Canton asylum show that a very elderly full-blood Umatilla Indian by the name of "Peo" was an inmate in the "Hiawatha Asylum for Insane Indians" during the years of 1910 and 1911. The brief remarks on the original census records describe Peo as a "Chief" of the Umatilla Tribe. Pendleton, Oregon, is referenced as his place of origin. (SEE: Original 1910 & 1911 "Hiawatha Indian Asylum" census records, attached).
• 1910 CENSUS--Indian Population:
The 1910 Census was enumerated May 13, 1910; and, is comprised of two separate sections. The FIRST SECTION on the 1910 Census consists each person's name, race, approximate year of birth, tribe, spoken language, etc. The SECOND SECTION, entitled "SPECIAL INQUIRIES RELATING TO INDIANS," is on the lower half of the same page.
The 1910 census data for "Peo" is listed on *LINE 11*, for both the upper and lower sections of this census page.
• 1911 U.S., Indian Census Rolls:
The two-page 1911 census was enumerated July 3, 1911; and, was completed and signed by Dr. Harry Reid Hummer, Superintendent of the Hiawatha Insane Asylum. "Peo" is listed on page 2 of the 1911 census document.
.
Hundreds of Native Americans from across the country were imprisoned/confined (without a valid reason or "just cause"), in the Insane Asylum in Lincoln County, South Dakota, which had been developed by the United States Government, solely for Native Americans. Upon entering the doors of the facility, many of the "inmates" never again returned to their communities, or families.
The institution was established in the early 1900's; and, was closed in the early 1930's, after an investigation revealed the horrific neglect and maltreatment of the very people the agency was charged with serving.
.
And, it is known that "at least" 121 men, women and children are buried in the Hiawatha cemetery, in unmarked graves.
.
At the present time [2011], the burial place of Chief Peo is unknown. His listing on the 1910 Census (as an inmate at the Hiawatha Indian Asylum), reports that he was then approximately 70 years old. Peo is again shown on the Asylum census the following year, in 1911. What became of Peo after this time??
.
Why was Chief Peo transported far from his community and culture, to spend the last years of his life, in a barbaric Insane Asylum? Did Peo die at the institution? If so, was this gentleman given a proper burial, giving due respect to his beliefs and culture?
.
Or, if Peo was actually given the *choice* regarding whether he wanted to stay, or to leave, the Hiawatha Asylum for Insane Indians (unlike so many of the other Native Americans who had been "sentenced" to serve time in the institution), was this elderly Chief provided safe passage, to return to his family and community, on the Umatilla Reservation, in Pendleton, Oregon? If not, what became of him?
.
Questions...
that deserve answers.
.
*[BIOGRAPHY UPDATED January 26, 2015].
Note: Progress has been very slowly made, in uncovering additional facts regarding the fate of Chief Peo. Newly discovered information, which was shared with Cathy Porter-Maynard by a "kind-hearted" stranger (January, 2015), has unexpectedly opened the door to a new direction in my research -- and provided a window into Peo's last year of life:
In-Progress summary...
[ONGOING RESEARCH Of Cathy Porter-Maynard]:
Like the pieces of a jigsaw-puzzle slowly fitting together, bits and pieces of historical records reveal that Chief Peo was a respected and intelligent leader -- who, like many other Native Americans in this era, were victimized by the governmental agencies that benefited from removing them from their homelands. Law-breaking bootleggers also preyed upon Native Americans, further adding to the destruction of their lives and culture.
1905 newspaper articles provide documentation that Chief Peo, who was an outspoken advocate for the rights of Native Americans, was in actuality sentenced to the "Hiawatha Asylum for Insane Indians" in *1905* (!!!), which was several years EARLIER than had been indicated by 1910 & 1911 "institution" census records.
VICTIM BLAMING:
Historical records including old newspaper articles, etc., weave together different sides of a story -- some of which 'blame' Chief Peo (and other Native Americans who had been herded onto 'government reservations') for their own plight or downfall. Other articles document that without just cause, Chief Peo had been 'removed' from his far-away home & community in Umatilla County, Oregon, and, sentenced to confinement in the "Hiawatha Indian Asylum," in Canton, South Dakota, which was the only "Insane Asylum" in the United States, for Native Americans. His true (unspoken) 'crime' was that of being a bold advocate for his people -- and Chief Peo had waged a bitter fight against governmental authorities who sought to remove the Indians from their native homelands, or to rob them of even more of their property.
The 'excuse' that was used by local and government officials to sentence Chief Peo to an insane asylum for Indians far from his home and community, was an addiction to "fire water." The resulting 'insanity' due to alcoholism was given as the primary reason to permanently incarcerate (and, silence) this once proud and respected leader, in an insane asylum where he would likely die. However, the (January 2015) discovery of additional old newspaper articles document that a severe blow to the head of Chief Peo (by a local "official"), likely contributed to his impairment.
Nearly all men, women, and children who were sentenced to the Hiawatha Asylum for Insane Indians never left this facility -- and, died there under horrific conditions. Very few, if any, were 'insane'. Descriptions of the children at the Insane Asylum indicate that many of them had developmental disabilities (for example, autism), or cognitive impairments. Some had epilepsy. A number of the adults at the asylum had, in one way or another, dared to "speak out" against injustice in their own far-away communities -- and, as a result, were 'sentenced' to the Canton Insane Asylum. Chief Peo, who, in earlier years, had traveled to Washington, D.C. on numerous occasions with other Native American leaders, to advocate for the rights of Native Americans, was amongst those who had 'spoken out.'
The "Hiawatha Asylum for Insane Indians" was typically a "death" sentence from which few were spared, or could escape.
However, Peo was the father of at least two daughters; who, like Chief Peo, dared to "speak out."
IN MAY OF 1905, JUST A FEW MONTHS AFTER THEIR ELDERLY FATHER WAS REMOVED FROM HIS HOME AND COMMUNITY AND SENT TO THE SOUTH DAKOTA INSANE ASYLUM, JENNIE [LOWREY] VANPELT, YOUNGEST DAUGHTER OF CHIEF PEO, PETITIONED FOR THE APPOINTMENT OF A "GUARDIAN" FOR HER FATHER, AND LEE MOORHOUSE WAS APPOINTED BY THE COUNTY JUDGE, TO FILL THIS ROLL. This action may have possibly provided Chief Peo with a degree of protective 'oversight' within the insane asylum, that most of the Native American inmates did not have access to.
AND, IN 1912, TWO OF THE DAUGHTERS, MRS. CHARLES "JENNIE" VANPELT AND MILDRED PEO, PETITIONED THE COURT FOR THE *RELEASE* OF THEIR ELDERLY FATHER, to be returned to his own community in Pendleton, Umatilla, Oregon, as he neared the end of his life, so he could be cared for by his own loving family members. Thanks to his daughters, this truly amazing "release" occurred in January of 1912, empowering Peo to be returned to his home, in Umatilla, Oregon.
.
..."Haggard and gray and bent with the weight of his 75 years and the mental affliction he has been suffering for years, old Chief Peo, a one time strong man of the Umatilla reservation is back among his people. He arrived yesterday via the Northern Pacific from the federal asylum in Canton, S.D., and on the trip he was accompanied by Dr. Hummer, Superintendent of the asylum." [Excerpt from the "East Oregonian," published Feb. 26, 1912]. ...
..."After seven years of confinement in a South Dakota asylum, Chief Peo of the Umatilla is back among his people to spend his remaining days in peace and quiet with his two daughters, Mrs. Charlie [Jennie] VanPelt and Mildred Peo. The once wealthy and powerful chieftain is but a shell of his former self and the sight of his bent body, his snow white hair and blanched and haggard face moved stolid [?] red people to tears when they met him Sunday on his return. His reason which he lost by excessive use of "fire water" and a blow [to the head] from a local officer's club has returned in part but his mind still wanders at times.
Peo was once one of the most influential Indians on the local reservations and his displeasure was feared as his favor was cherished...
Seven times he made the trip to Washington, D.C., to confer with the great white father relative to the adjustment of 'land problems' on the reservation. When Rev. J.M. Cornelison, Presbyterian missionary at Tutuilla, first came to take up his work thirteen years ago, he found Chief Peo in the management of a large number of acres which properly lay in the jurisdiction of the church. The missionary began immediately to *wrest* this land from the chief and for more than three years, the two men waged a bitter war over it, the red leader using all of his power and influence to oppose the white minister. Gradually, however, his hold began to weaken and it was then that he began to give free rein to his unquenchable thirst for "fire water." Finally, during a spree he was placed under arrest here in Pendleton and in subduing him, the officer was forced to wield his club. The blow is said to have cracked his skull which together with some poisonous liquor which he drank affected his reason and he became violent. When he became unmanageable, his committment to the Canton, South Dakota asylum was secured where he has responded partly to treatment. The authorities of that institution have issued a warning to his daughter that if he is ever allowed any more liquor, all of the *treatment* of the past seven years will have gone for naught. His wants are summed up in three words, 'eat, sleep, smoke,' and, inasmuch as several thousand dollars have accumulated in his name during his absence, he has sufficient to supply the wants for his remaining years." Excerpt from the "East Oregonian," published Feb. 27, 1912]. ...
Chief Peo died a year later, in January of 1913, in his own community.
.
-- -- -- -- --
.
1913 OBITUARY: "Chief PEO LAID TO REST."
NEWSPAPER: "East Oregonian." Evening Edition. (Pendleton, Umatilla County, Oregon).
Publication Date: January 11, 1913. [Newspaper article transcribed January 26, 2015, by Cathy Porter-Maynard].
"CHIEF PEO LAID TO REST. With a great body of his people present to look their last upon their leader, the body of Chief Peo was laid to rest at noon today in the cemetery at Tutuilla mission. Services were conducted by J.G. Dickson in the church which the dead chieftain hated bitterly and later came to respect." [End].
-- -- -- -- --
.
Rest in peace, Chief Peo.
-- -- -- -- --
NEWSPAPER: "East Oregonian." Evening Edition. (Pendleton, Umatilla County, Oregon).
Publication Date: January 29, 1913. [Newspaper article transcribed January 26, 2015, by Cathy Porter-Maynard].
"CONTRIBUTORY MURDER. Within recent months at least four Indians of the local reservation have gone to their Happy Hunting Ground through the liquor route. Three of the Indians, John Wallatsi, Eli Parr and Anthony Sumpkin were suicides. Old Chief Peo died while insane but his malady was due to whiskey. Each case was a case of murder and the crimes may be laid at the feet of the local bootleggers who supply Indians with whisky in violation of law. If on Judgment Day those fellows are brought to the bar their hands may be found on the robes of officials who have failed to throw the protection of the law around a people who because of their backwardness need such protection sadly." [End].
.
-- -- -- -- --
"Do unto others as you would have others do unto you".
Forgive us, God, for our sins against humanity.
-- -- -- -- --
