Old Schonchin – Modoc Chief and Warrior
Schonchin, often distinguished as Old Schonchin or referred to as Skonches, stands as a significant figure in the history of the Modoc people. He was the recognized head chief during the tumultuous period of the Modoc War of 1872-73, a conflict that tested the resilience and spirit of his tribe against the encroaching tide of American expansion. His life, marked by both leadership and tragedy, offers a valuable lens through which to understand the complex dynamics of Native American-white relations in the 19th century. This article delves into the life and times of Old Schonchin, exploring his rise to prominence, his role in the Modoc War, and his ultimate legacy.
Born around 1797 near the shores of Tule Lake in California, Schonchin’s early life unfolded amidst the traditional lands and customs of the Modoc people. Tule Lake, a vast and shallow body of water teeming with wildlife, was a central resource for the Modoc, providing sustenance and shaping their cultural identity. The Modoc, a tribe known for their fierce independence and skilled horsemanship, had long inhabited the region, navigating the challenges of survival in the rugged landscape.
Schonchin’s ascent to the position of chief was not based on hereditary succession, but rather on his demonstrated abilities and unwavering dedication to his people. His qualities of leadership shone through, earning him the respect and loyalty of his fellow Modoc. However, the fact that he wasn’t a hereditary chief meant his authority was sometimes questioned, revealing the internal complexities of Modoc tribal governance. Despite these challenges, by 1846, Schonchin commanded approximately 600 Modoc warriors, a testament to his influence and strategic capabilities.
The encroachment of white settlers into Modoc territory brought increasing friction and conflict. Old Schonchin played an active role in these early hostilities, openly acknowledging his efforts to defend his people and their lands. The Modoc, like many other Native American tribes, faced the daunting reality of displacement and cultural disruption as settlers claimed their ancestral territories. These initial clashes set the stage for a long and bitter struggle for survival.
The years leading up to the Modoc War were marked by intermittent periods of conflict and uneasy peace. In 1864, a significant turning point occurred when Old Schonchin, along with his younger brother Schonchin John, negotiated a treaty that placed the Modoc on a reservation alongside the Klamath Indians. This treaty, intended to bring an end to the hostilities, proved to be a source of further tension and resentment.
Despite his initial commitment to the treaty, Schonchin faced difficulties in maintaining order and unity among his people. He led his people to the reservation and initially honored the terms of the treaty. However, the forced cohabitation with the Klamath Indians, a tribe with whom the Modoc had a history of conflict, created an environment of distrust and animosity. The reservation system, designed to assimilate Native Americans into white society, often failed to address the underlying grievances and cultural differences.
One of the most significant challenges Schonchin faced was his inability to control Kintpuash, more widely known as Captain Jack. Captain Jack, a charismatic and defiant leader, embodied the growing frustration and resistance to the reservation system. His refusal to accept the conditions of reservation life ultimately led to the outbreak of the Modoc War in 1872.
Following Captain Jack’s lead, Schonchin John withdrew from the reservation and returned to his old home on the Lost River, a move that signaled a complete rejection of the treaty and a willingness to resort to armed conflict. Old Schonchin attempted to persuade Captain Jack to return to the reservation, but his efforts were unsuccessful. Captain Jack remained steadfast in his refusal, citing the impossibility of living peacefully with the Klamath Indians.
In an effort to mitigate the growing unrest, Schonchin worked to divide the reservation into distinct districts, with a separate area designated exclusively for the Modoc. This attempt to create a more autonomous space for his people met with limited success. While some of Captain Jack’s followers returned to the new district, others, including Schonchin John, refused to compromise and fled to the formidable lava beds, a rugged and desolate landscape that would become the Modoc’s last stronghold.
From this strategic position, the renegade Modoc waged a destructive war against the United States Army. The lava beds, with their intricate network of caves, crevices, and volcanic formations, provided a natural defense against the superior firepower of the U.S. military. Schonchin John, known for his fiery temperament and unwavering commitment to resistance, played a pivotal role in sustaining the conflict. It is believed that Schonchin John, more than any other member of the tribe, was influential in keeping up the strife. He repeatedly advised continuing the fight when even Captain Jack would have made peace, and he was considered responsible for many of the inhuman acts committed.
In 1873, a peace commission was appointed to negotiate a settlement with the Modoc Indians. A meeting was arranged for April 11, with the understanding that both sides would send an equal number of unarmed representatives. Despite warnings of potential danger, General Edward Canby and Reverend E. Thomas, two members of the commission, insisted on proceeding with the meeting, believing it was their duty to seek a peaceful resolution.
The meeting took a tragic turn when, at a signal from Captain Jack, the Modoc warriors ambushed the peace commissioners. General Canby and Reverend Thomas were killed, Commissioner Dyar managed to escape, and Commissioner Meacham was severely wounded. This massacre shattered any remaining hopes for a peaceful settlement and reignited the conflict with renewed intensity. Schonchin John shot Meacham five times but he survived.
The massacre of the peace commission triggered a full-scale military response. After several bloody engagements, Captain Jack and his followers surrendered on June 1, 1873. A military trial was held, and several of the renegade leaders, including Captain Jack and Schonchin John, were found guilty and sentenced to death. They were hanged at Fort Klamath on October 3, 1873.
Old Schonchin attended the execution of his brother, a moment of profound sorrow and reflection. He addressed Schonchin John, not with farewells, but with a harsh assessment of his courage and judgment. He said he came “not to bid you farewell, but to see if you die like a man. I see you lack courage; I see tears in your eyes. You would not and did not listen to me, so now I say I cast you to the four winds. You are no brother of mine…, so now die. I cast you away.” This poignant exchange reveals the complex relationship between the two brothers and the deep divisions that had emerged within the Modoc tribe.
Following the Modoc War and the execution of Captain Jack and Schonchin John, Old Schonchin continued to live on the reservation. He witnessed the further erosion of Modoc autonomy and the ongoing challenges faced by his people. He lived to the age of 95, passing away in 1892. His life spanned a period of immense change and upheaval for the Modoc people, from their traditional way of life to the forced assimilation of the reservation system. Old Schonchin remains a significant figure in Modoc history, a leader who navigated the complexities of a changing world while striving to protect the interests of his people. His story serves as a reminder of the resilience and strength of the Modoc people in the face of adversity.