The Hillsdale standard. [volume] (Hillsdale, Mich.) 1851-1909, 1854-12-19
i hns .nr From the Macoupin (Ili.) Statesman.
EIGHTEEN YEARS A CAPTIVE AMONG THE
70 81 . efte W INDIANS. afiw

~ "N" tN FROM tne macoupin tiii.1 o1otoS"'"'''
EIGHTEEN YEARS A CAPTIVE AMONG THE
We were visited, few days ago, by man
by the name of Joseph Barney, who says that
| he is in search of a son, whom he supposes to
live somewhere near Alton. He made his es
cape. on the 9th of last May from the Flat
Head Indians, near tho head of the Flat Head
river In Oregon. He stated that he had been
with this tribe of Indisns eighteen years. We
listened for some length of time to his history
many portions of which are truly thrilling
He was taken prisoner in 1886 on the Up
per Missouri river, while in the employ OF
a fur company. He is a native of Fran
ce, and speaks English but poorly; but We give
what he communicated to us as nearly as pos
sible. He was in company with man by the
name Of John Robertson, both of whom was
captured. They attempted to defend them
selves, and killed two Indians, but they were
overpowered-there being twenty -hve Indians
to contend with. They were secured hand
and foot, and placed on ponies, and started to
the northwestward, and travelled five weeks,
when they came to the hunting grounds OF the
tribe, where they were given up to the chief,
who shook hands with them, and manifested
much joy at their capture. The chief offered
them his two daughters if they would marry
and remain with tho tribe Finding escape ut
terly impossible for the time being, the terms
wore accepted, and the marriage took place.
The fruits Of this marriage were two children
both of which are still living, n daug hter six
teen, and son fourteen, both Of which he
left With the tribe. Two years ago, Robertson
attempted to escape, but was retaken, scalped
and burned alive, leaving three children with
the tribe. Seven years ago Barney attempted
to escape, but was recaptured and would have
been put to death but for the interposition of
his wife, who was the daughter of the chief
During tho time Of his captivity, Barney states
that he was engaged with his tribe in three
battles--two with tee Black Feet, and one with
tribe, tho name of which we do not know
in one of which he says over seventy Black
Feet were killed. -
The most of tho time Of his captivity he
lived on the head of the Columbia River and
at times as far up as tho head Of the Flat
Head river. During this eighteen years, he
saw neither salt, bread, potatoes, coffee, tea, or
anything of the kind; living upon meet of
moose. deer, skunk, rattle-snake, turkey, ,prarle
hens, &c. At the time no made his escape he
was near Lake Superior, about sixty miles from
trading post of the American Fur Company.
The chief. his father-in-law, was a doctor, and
on the 18th of May loft, and while he was
gone, Barney succeeded in making all the In
ulhnS uedO drunk WIFI tUe WHICH
just been received, giving one and a half pint
to each Indian. After they were asleep, he
took his bow and arrow, tomahawk. pipe, two
and half pounds tobacco flint and steel. and
two pounds of meat. being all there was in the
hut. He started and travelled all night. hav
ing his dog along; the next morning me killed
his dog, to prevent his returning to give clue
TO his track.
About III o'clock the same day. when about
35 miles, he was overhauled by his father-in-
laws tho ohinf's dog, ."h;eh i.o hiiiui Will "i~
bow and arrow, and carried his carcass away
from the path. and then concealed himself in
the brush; while he was thus concealed the
chief passed him: as he passed, the chief NUT
tered to himself, in his language-"I will pass
this mountain. and at tho foot of it will tai Q
the left hand" Cverhearng this, Barney
availcd himself Of the information Follow
ing the chief to tho foot of the mountain, he
found sure enough, he had taken the left hand
road. which he ascertained by the tracks Of
his pony. He continued his journey TO tho
east until about two hours before daybrcak on
the next morning, when he sat down fatigued
and hungry; after daylight he killed rattle
snake eight feet four inches in length. which
he roasted and ate for his breakfast. He kept
on the same direction when about O'Clock he
was everhaulod by his father-in-ow's dog,
which he killed Immediately and passed on
On the next day about o'clock, he was over
hauled by another dog belonging to tho tribe,
which ho dispatched in tho same manner as
the others; after which ho proceeded without
molestaton, travelling four days without dar-
ing to build fire in tho day time. ITc was
seven weeks travelling before he came to any
tribe of Indians. during which time ho had
spent one week in despair, not travelling er ex-
pectng ever to reach the habitation of whites.
At the end Of the above time he came to q
tribe which he called the Tomahawks. Ho
was kindly treated by them. For fear Of being
taken again, he assured them that he belonged
to the Flat heads, and was in search of two
crazy Indians who had made their escape
After asking some questions in English con-
corning the " crazy Indians" be departed, and
after nine miles travel. came to the Missouri
river. He made raft of logs and crossed
over. Travelling due east, he continued his
journey nine weeks before he arrived at White
Lake in Minnesota, during all of which timo
he had subsistcd upon game, which he killed
with his bow and arrow. He remained thero
three days, and sold his accoutrements for
clothing, and then made his way for this State.
He arrived here in the cars.
Barney is man Of considerable intelligence,
and seems TO have vivid recollection of nearly
all that passed during his captivity. Ho seems
familiar with Indian life, and gives many of
their signs for determining courses, cures for
diseases, Sc. He would like to 500 his chill
dren again, but would rather forego the pleas
ure than 90 back and remain with the tribe
He was married soon after he camo to this
country. and lived in Otsego county, Now
York. where his wife died; after which he was
employed by the Fur Company. He is SO
years old, but seems active and hardy. Ho
Al l. l. -
being the bandsomest he ever saw. Truly he
has seen the elephant" and If his story is
correct, he can tell of more trials, tribulations
and adventures than any one now living.
re- Three years In the penitentiary and
$1,000 fine is the punishment of George w.
Keyser. for seducing Sarah Ann Ashton. Of