Guy (Redcorn) Nixon Livres

Born of mixed blood parents Bill's father died before he was born from a buffalo hunting accident. Adopted by his mothers new husband he would be educated and grow to be an Osage Warrior to fight for the rights of Native Americans and his families very survival. He would eventually be commissioned a Second Lieutenant and serve in the Army of General Stand Watie fighting for citizenship, Congressional Representation and the right to live in freedom. As Native Americans they were denied American Citizenship and the right to vote and even after the American Civil War they could still be legally owned as slaves. After the war he would work hard in the reconstruction of his people's homeland giving rise to the Osage Nation. Serving in law enforcement he would rise to become a judge. In his lifetime he went from participating on the buffalo hunts of his people to driving automobiles and the wonders of flight. However, the rights he and his fellow warriors fought for would not be achieved until his Great grandson was nearly 17 years old in 1948 when the last objective (the right to vote) would finally be achieved. His story is an American story, rarely told about the Native Americans from the Indian Territory now known as Oklahoma. A comprehensive work that brings the history to life with family pictures and the actual events that shaped America as we know it today.

Coppa Hembo was a fascinating historical figure. Born of a Maidu father and Washoe mother he would rise to become the primary Huuk (Chief ) for nearly 50 years over the Hill Nisenan band of the Southern Maidu, with authority over the Maidu and Washoe people living on the Divide between the forks of the Natoman (American) River. As a young man he had been attacked by a grizzly bear which he managed to kill, permanently disfigured by the mauling he was given the name Coppa Hembo (Grizzly Bear Killer). He would lead his people in battles against slave raiders but managed to keep his people out of both the First and Second Indian Wars of El Dorado County continuing to live in peace with the horde of invading miners. Coppa Hembo's leadership included arranging for his people to be vaccinated against small pox in 1852. His reputation for wisdom and impartiality found him serving as both a judge and keeper of the peace for both Indians and non-Indians. A staunch proponent of education he arranged to help the local school system during conflicts arising from the American Civil War. He would guide his people into full integration into the American society thus saving them from being rounded up and herded onto reservations. His is not a story of tragedy but instead one of triumph for a true American Hero.

The original inhabitants of the Lake Tahoe Basin the Washoe are a fascinating people. With a history in the Sierra Nevada stretching back 9000 years they are the oldest tribe in California. They have a fascinating history before and after the coming of the Americans. In American history the Washoe guided Kit Carson and Charles Fremont through the Sierra Nevada, later they were the first to bring food to the stranded Donner Party. The Washoe have tribal lore that speaks of the Si Te Cah tribe, long believed to be just an ignorant savage fantasy, recent discoveries have proven they are true. The Si Te Cah otherwise known as Sasquach or Bigfoot truly did exist and their mummified re-mains have been found in several locations. From a population numbering approximately 1,500 people who's homeland stretched from Mono Lake in the South to Honey Lake in the North the Washoe were reduced to only 500 people in 1866 with no land to call their own. They persevered and are still living in their homeland as friendly, hardworking, creative American citizens.

The environmental disaster of the Dust Bowl which turned days to nights in the far of cities of New York and Washington D.C. for Oklahoma tore families apart sending survivors to all corners of the country. For many people now trying to find their lost relatives and ancestors from Oklahoma the task is often more difficult than they expected. This is a compilation of my research of the Native American part of my families roots. Not only do I present my findings in their historical context but also where and how I looked to find them. I detailed the members of my family from the early 1700's to the present. A history you don't see in the school books that has fascinated me from little on. For those trying to find more about their Native American roots or those simply interested in American History from the Native American point of view this book is invaluable.