The Arizona sentinel. [volume] (Arizona City [Yuma], Yuma County, A.T. [Ariz.]) 1872-1911, 1878-09-21

Pimas, took advantage OF the situation
and encroached upon their fields to sutl
an extent that the Pimas finally returned
to the Gila river valley, where they still
live. They never te-erected the stately
mansions of their forefathers, but humbleC
by defeat, were content to live in the lOwly
huts which are occupied by the Pimas o.
the present. Their women were 1irtuous
and strong, and in the lapse of time nu.
merOns children were born; the tribe in.
Creased in numbers, and, not many years
after their defeat by the Spaniards, the
Pimas were strong enough to cope with
the Apaches; against whom they have car.
ricd on a bitter warfare ever since. Al
one time they were very poor indeed
Owing TO the poverty of the tribe their
leaders never returned to the luxurious
| style of living of their former kings.
They were simply called "Chiefs," but the
supreme control of the tribe was still in
the hands Of the royal family, and de.
scended from father to son. These head
chiefs were brave warriors, and under
their leadership the Fimas achieved many
victories. At one time the Con1anche In
dians came from the east, but the Pimas
| repulsed them efter a bloody battle
which was fought near the present mail
station Sacaton. At last the reign de-
scended to Shon-tarl- kor-ly, (oid soldier
the last; in direct line, of the old royal
house. He was bold warrior, and highly
esteemed by the whole tribe. During his
reign the MaricOpa Indians, imposed upon
and prosecuted by the Yumas and Mo
haves, CAME to the country of the Pimas
in two different parties, one from the
southwest and the other from the north
west. The newcomers asked for home
and protection, promising to aid the
Pimas in their scouts against the 8paches.
Their request was granted, and when the
Yumas, who had given pursuit to the
Maricopas, appeared near the country OF
the Pimas, the latter turned out in force,
and, united with the Maricopas, defeated
present Maricopa Wells Since then the
Yumas have not dared to molest the Mari
copas. The latter remained with the
Pimas, were permitted to cultivate por-
ton of their land, and have been ever
since on friendly terms with them The
Marcopas OF to-day have two villages on
the reservation aud number about three
hundred and fifty. The Pimas have inter-
married with the Maricopas; still the lat
ter preserve their own language, which is
that Of the Yunias, Cocopas and Mohavts
At last Shon- l-kor-ly, the chief, was
fatally wounded by the Apaches, receiving
a musket bah in his forehead. Upon his
death bed, this old chief, who had no sons
to succeed him, recon mended that Stjo- |
e-teck-e-mus, one Of the sub-chiefs, who |
was renowned warrior should be elect |
ed head-chief. This was done, and Stjo-e- |
teck-e mus, who was the father of the |
present head chief, reigned for years, re- /
spected and beloved by all His tribe /
Young Antonio Azu, or A-ya-at-k$jo, |
(the man who lifts his leg,) as he is called
by the Pimas, accompanied his father, the
chief on all his scouts wlren he became
old enough to use arms, and at one time
went with him to Sonora, and visited
some of the Mexican towns. His father
led the Pimas many times against the
Apaches, WAS repeatedly wounded, but
finally died in consequence of sickness,
U pom his death Antonio Azul assumed
the position of his father, but dissensi6n
arose III the tribe. Many claimed that
Antonio had no title to the supreme COM
nand; that his father had been chosen
chief on account cf his boldless and wis
ION, that these virtues did not necessa-
lily descend from father to son, and that
he choice Of a new chief ought TO be left
o the warriors of the tribe. Some as
'erted that distant relative of the chief
proper was among the tribe, who, having
he royal blood in his veins, ought to goY-
IN.
TO be continuedJ