New-York tribune., 1889-12-25
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QUEEN OF THE BLUE VALLEY.
AN ANCIENT INDIAN LEGEND CONCERNING
THE MILFORD SPRINGS.

HE MILF OnD S1 lsL'p'o'
Lincoln, Neb, Dec. (speciaD aD.-While wandering
about TIE Lithium Springs, just at the edge Of the
little village of Milford. one day last summer. the
writer remarked the large number OF Indians IN the
vicinity. An inquiry developed the fact that the
regenerated savages of the Omaha, Otoe and Pawnee
tribes pay frequent visits to that locality and always
carry of with them jugs and bottles OF the water.
The sight OF halfdonar and little persistent ques-
tionng induced ugly warrior, with si1-word
name tell why they far from their reserva
tons partake Of the water His story is one of the
legends Of the tribe and was as follows. minus the
broken language used:
Many years ago the Otoes and Pawnees were
united under one tribal organization and were pre-
sided over by wise cheftain, named 0uenchaqua"
Under his leadership happiness and prosperity reigned
Their villages were surrounded by feds Of corn and
their huts filed with the skins of the buffalo and
antelope. The Omahas in time became strong allies
Of the united tribes and together they wascd successive
wars on the murderous Sioux and Cheyennes, when
occasion required permitted and that was not un-
frequent for the Cheyenne braves who occupied the
territory northwest and west Of the Otoes and
Pawnees were wont 10 invade the hunting grounds OF
the latter on frequent occasions. The buffalo herds
travelling in long files the prares to the salt
basins were preyed upon by the Cheyennes ever
year until the latter were driven of by the triple
alliance.
the faircst and sweetest OF the prairie flowers The
trophies of the chase adorned her wgwam and she was
known and honored for her beauty far and wide.
Among the young chetains Of the allied tribes none
more assiduous in their attentions to the fair
young princess than Kalhama, Of the Pawnees, and
Popone Of the Ooes. Both Of these youthful warriors
were brave and noble, warriors 60. and for long
time shogo unable to mako distinction In her
affections between them. AT last. however she d.
cided in her inmost heart that while
She was very fond OF PopOtne, she
liked Kahama better In this comparative Judgment
te aged chieftan Quenchaqua conceded As Is ever
the case, the course of true love did not run smooth
and trouble ensued between the hitherto friendly tribes
very soon after the espousal OF kalhama and shogo
A division OF territory became necessary and the
Ooes were given the land east Of the Big Blue River
and the Pawnecs broad expanse OF territory west
Of the river The prairie each side Of the river
for quite a width remained neutral Experience
promptly proved the folly Of separation, and, while
maintaining individual organizations, the TWO tribes
again came TO an amicabe understanding, whereby,
In OF invasion, union of forces was assured
This treaty continued in effect until the death Oh
Quenchaqua which. according TO the most authentic
accounts must have occurred some time prior to the
time when the Spanish General Coronado entered the
territory now known as Nebraska in quest OF the
cities of Cibolo and the magnificent capital
Of the far-famed King Tartarnax
The death OF the great chieftan was followed by
several years Of estrangement Finally Popotne sent
a swift messenger to the camp OF Kalhama and re-
quested him 20 meet the otoes in council assembled
at the Salt Licks for the purpose of an amicable
adjustment of the difficulty. The Pawnee chiettan,
ever ready to form union with his powerful brother,
Obeyed the request. and taking with him few OF mis-
wise counseors wended his way toward the rising
sun to the appointed place Of meeting, buoyed on by
the thsome Shogo whose queenly bravery, as she
rode her spotted pony toward the scene OF her early
childhood dispelled any dark forebodings that might
have lurked in the breast of Kahama as he thought
Of meeting his old rival. Arriving at the designated
spot, the weary travellers quenchcd their thirst at
the bubbling springs and exchanged greetings With
their brother braves The presence Of their oeauteous
shogo aroused dormant feeling OF Jealousy in the
Otoe chieftain, and despite his good intentions the
preponderance Of native treachery Inspired him 70
deal steathy blow at Halhama, who succumbed to
the unlocked for attack The deed was done but
the avenging spirit of the aged Quenchaqua arose
from the spring and slew Popotne and put TO flight
his warriors who were about 10 follow the example
of their leader in waging a war Of annihiladon on
their deienceless guests The spirit Of Ouenchaqua'
seizng the tomahawk Of the dead slayer washed the
blood stains away in the waters which were i'm
nodiaely turned to bitterness II was decreed by the
outraged spirit that the water should be unfit for
man or beast until many summers and winters had
passed away.
Then. turning with the weeping Shogo and her
followers. the party sorowfuly departed in the
direction of the setting sun. One-half days travel
brought them TO rapidly flowing stream where waters
spared over rocky beds, shadowed by gigantic trees
and winding vines. Proceeding to the western bank
II the river the spirit Of Quenchaqua Smoe the rock
under a huge elm tree and out sprang
crystal fountain Of pure water. over which The SAD
hearted ShOgo presided. healing the wounded aud cur
ing the sick Of the nation until the Big Melicne Water
he regarded by the savages as panacea fOf all
ETtcOo WIS
Blue Valley Her good deeds and Selfsacrlnclng de
vOOn 10 her people rsOunded throughout the nation.
and she was the recipient Of many honOrs and wor
shipped as one who had direct communication with the
hundred yards south Of the Big Medicine Water.
adorned BY stately oaks and overlooking Kcgo Rapide
" here the waters OF the river wash the sepuchred
banks. the quiet retreat Of ShOgo as she watched
rising and appeared TO hold secret communion
with the departed Prince Kalhama- This habit gave
prominence 10 her supposed supernatural powers and
this picturesque elevation was held sacred by her
people clad in helmets ard armor Of brass. from
The south Ia portion OF General COrOnadOs army and,
hearing the sad story Of the Indian Queen persuaded
her that the she mourned Inhabited the happy
hunting grounds many hundred miles 10 the southwest
beyond mountains and streams. They told her that
hey sent as special messengers 10 carry her to
no realm of delight Their strange lar Iage and gor
-eOus array unknown but in the mythical raditons
n her peope added plausibty 10 their rers senta
Ions and coincided with her dreams for the future
She was willing undergo the hardshps OF dresry
march for the sake Of joining the companion Of her
10 accompany the cavaliers with few trusted fol |
lowers and after the sacrifice OF spotted fawn on the
pomontory and the dedication Of the SPRING TO the
ctcd of her nation, she bade them farewell forever
never more TO be seen, but woShipped As the |
guardian spirit; Thus ends the legend
Milford and the place where the rudciv awakened
,pr OF Qucnchaqua turned the waters into bitterness
T a. :he site upOn which Lincoln now stands Even !
% this day the Indians make frequent visits 10 Queen
,hogos realm az Milford hut not one Of them can be
era,,ed 10 taste of the water from the sulphur well
(.ptraw teutE