Scarface Charley – Celebrated Modoc Warrior
Scarface Charley, a name etched in the annals of the American West, stands as a significant figure in the history of the Modoc people. He was a celebrated warrior and, for a time, a chief, inextricably linked to the dramatic events of the Modoc War of 1872-73 and the leadership of Captain Jack, also known as Kintpuash. His life, marked by both conflict and adaptation, offers a glimpse into the complex dynamics between Native Americans and the expanding United States during the 19th century.
To his own people, Scarface Charley was known by the name Ch’kckam-Lupalkuelátko, a descriptive moniker translating to "wagon scar-faced." This name stemmed from a childhood accident, a collision with a mail stage that left him with a visible scar, a permanent mark that distinguished him to both his tribe and the encroaching white settlers. The incident, though unfortunate, inadvertently provided him with the name by which he would become widely recognized in historical accounts.
The exact origins of Scarface Charley are somewhat shrouded in conflicting accounts. While Captain Jack considered him a relative, other narratives suggest a different lineage. Some claim he was a Rogue River Indian, belonging to the band of Tipsoe Tyee, the "Bearded Chief." Regardless of his precise tribal affiliation, he joined Captain Jack’s group some years before the outbreak of the Modoc War in 1873, around the age of 22.
During the tense period leading up to the Modoc War, Scarface Charley played a crucial role in shaping the Modoc’s response to the encroaching U.S. government. He was among those who vehemently opposed any peace treaty with the white soldiers, urging Captain Jack to resist any attempts at negotiation. His staunch stance reflected the growing resentment and frustration within the Modoc community, fueled by broken treaties, land encroachment, and the erosion of their traditional way of life.
The complexities of Scarface Charley’s character are further revealed in his actions during Judge Steele’s visit to the Modoc in the lava beds. Despite the escalating tensions and the anger of the Modoc people, Scarface Charley, alongside Captain Jack, took it upon himself to protect Steele’s life, guarding him throughout the night. This act of restraint and protection showcases a sense of honor and a recognition of certain boundaries, even amidst the growing conflict.
However, this restraint was not always present. When Odeneal and Dyar visited the Modoc on January 27, 1873, representing the Commissioner of Indian Affairs, Scarface Charley’s anger flared. He reportedly wanted to kill them immediately and was only prevented from doing so by the intervention of Captain Jack. This incident underscores the volatile atmosphere and the deep-seated distrust that characterized the relationship between the Modoc and the U.S. government representatives.
The eruption of the Modoc War was, in many ways, inevitable. And Scarface Charley played a key role in the war’s beginning. On January 28, 1873, when U.S. troops attempted to arrest Captain Jack’s band, it was Scarface Charley who fired the first shot, igniting the Battle of the Lost River. This single act of defiance marked the beginning of a bloody and protracted conflict that would have lasting consequences for the Modoc people.
Following the Modoc War and the subsequent capture of the Modoc warriors, a dark chapter unfolded. Captain Jack and three of his warriors were tried and executed for the murder of Major General Edward Canby and Reverend Eleazer Thomas, casualties of the intense fighting. The executions were intended to serve as a warning and to break the spirit of the remaining Modoc people.
In the aftermath of these tragic events, Colonel Frank Wheaton appointed Scarface Charley as chief of the Modoc. This appointment came with the grim responsibility of leading his people into exile, as they were to be sent to Oklahoma as prisoners of war. The journey to Oklahoma represented a profound loss for the Modoc, severing their ties to their ancestral lands and forcing them into an unfamiliar environment.
Scarface Charley’s tenure as chief in Oklahoma was relatively short-lived. After a year, he was replaced by Bogus Charley, primarily due to Bogus Charley’s superior English language skills. This change in leadership highlights the challenges faced by the Modoc in adapting to their new circumstances and the importance of communication in navigating the complex relationship with the U.S. government.
Following his removal as chief, Scarface Charley embarked on a new path, demonstrating a remarkable capacity for adaptation and entrepreneurship. He began developing a line of domestic furniture, drawing inspiration from traditional Modoc designs and craftsmanship. This venture suggests an attempt to preserve his cultural heritage while also engaging in the economic realities of his new environment.
Scarface Charley’s life came to an end on December 3, 1896. His story is a testament to the resilience, complexity, and tragic fate of Native American leaders during a period of intense conflict and cultural upheaval. He embodies the struggle for survival, the tension between resistance and adaptation, and the enduring legacy of the Modoc people.
His memory lives on as a celebrated Modoc warrior who tried to do the best for his people in difficult and trying times.