Tracing one’s ancestry, especially when it intertwines with the complex history of Native American tribes, can be a challenging yet deeply rewarding journey. This article delves into a query regarding the lineage of a Shoshone individual seeking to understand their connection to Chief Washita and the renowned mountain man, Jim Bridger. The exploration uncovers historical complexities, potential misidentifications, and the enduring legacy of the Shoshone people.
The initial inquiry, submitted by someone believing they are a descendant of Chief Washita through his daughter Little Fawn, who married Jim Bridger and bore Mary Elizabeth, highlights a common hurdle in genealogical research: the potential for misinterpretations and inaccuracies that often arise when relying on oral histories and fragmented records. The questioner, residing in Oklahoma and identifying as Shoshone, seeks clarification on their tribal origins, specifically mentioning the Duck Valley Reservation in Wyoming or the Wind River Reservation as possible ancestral homelands. This demonstrates the desire for a deeper understanding of their heritage and a connection to their Shoshone roots.
Chief Washita and the Washita River: A Potential Misunderstanding
The provided answer initially suggests a possible confusion regarding the name "Washita." While "Washita" is indeed associated with a geographical location – a river and region in Oklahoma – it is primarily known for its tragic historical significance. The Washita River was the site of a devastating massacre on November 27, 1868, where Lieutenant Colonel George Armstrong Custer led an attack on a Cheyenne village led by Chief Black Kettle. Black Kettle and his wife were killed in this attack, even as they approached Custer’s command with a white flag, an act of peace. This tragic event is often referred to as the Battle of the Washita River.
The answer posits that the inquirer might be thinking of Chief Washakie (originally Whoshakik), a prominent leader of the Eastern Shoshone tribe. Chief Washakie played a pivotal role in the history of the Shoshone people, navigating complex relationships with the U.S. government and advocating for the well-being of his tribe. Understanding the distinction between the geographical location of the Washita River and the historical figure of Chief Washakie is crucial in unraveling the accuracy of the family history.
Jim Bridger and His Family: A Complex Web of Relationships
Jim Bridger, a legendary figure in the history of the American West, was a fur trapper, scout, and guide. His life was intimately intertwined with various Native American tribes through both trade and marriage. The article mentions that Bridger had seven children from three different Native American wives.
His first wife was the daughter of Insala, chief of the Flathead Nation, often referred to as Little Chief. They married around 1834 and had three children: Mary Ann, born in 1835, Felix, born around 1841, and Josephine, born around 1845-46. Mary Ann was tragically captured during the Whitman Mission Massacre in 1847 and died a few months after being rescued. Bridger’s first wife died giving birth to Josephine.
Around 1848, Bridger married a Ute woman, who died on July 4, 1849, giving birth to a daughter named Virginia Rosalie.
Chief Washakie’s Daughter: Mary (Little Fawn) and Her Lineage
The article then focuses on the key figure in the original question: Chief Washakie’s daughter, Mary, also known as Little Fawn Lightfoot. She took on the role of caretaker for Bridger’s children and eventually became his third and last wife in 1850. Together, they had John Little Fawn Bridger, born around 1855, and Mary Ann "Elizabeth" Bridger, born on June 27, 1856. There is also a mention of a son named Leander Ethan Zane, whose birth is potentially linked to Mary’s death. Mary Bridger died in 1858, leaving her children in the care of a family in Little Santa Fe, Missouri.
The existence of multiple names and the lack of definitive records can make tracing ancestry particularly difficult. The article mentions possible other names for Mary, such as Mary Ann Zane or Maryann Zane, which can further complicate the research process.
Unraveling the Mystery of Mary Elizabeth Bridger
The article presents conflicting information regarding the lineage of a Mary Elizabeth Bridger who married a Hollice P. Clark in Alamo, Crockett County, Tennessee, in 1882. It questions whether this Mary Elizabeth was the daughter of Jim Bridger. An update from Alma King clarifies that this particular Mary Elizabeth Bridger was not Jim Bridger’s daughter, but rather the daughter of Benjamin C. and Cinthia Tyler Bridger. Her husband’s name was also corrected to Hiram P. Clark. This highlights the importance of verifying information through multiple sources and correcting inaccuracies as they are discovered.
However, a subsequent update from Julia A. Byrd claims that Mary Elizabeth Bridger was the daughter of Little Fawn and Jim Bridger. Julia Byrd states that Mary Elizabeth married Abraham Carroll and had several children, including her grandmother, Bonnie Anna Carroll. Julia Byrd shares her family tree, tracing her lineage back to Jim Bridger and Little Fawn, asserting that the original questioner is likely related to her through the Zane family, descendants of Nell Carroll. This familial connection places the original inquiry squarely within the line of Chief Washakie’s daughter and the famous mountain man.
Julia Byrd also confirms that the family’s reservation is the Wind River Reservation in Wyoming, supporting the Shoshone roots of the person who asked the question.
The Eastern Shoshone and the Wind River Reservation
The Eastern Shoshone, under the leadership of Chief Washakie, historically occupied a vast region stretching from the Wind River Mountains to Fort Bridger. Today, the majority of their descendants reside on the Wind River Reservation in Wyoming. This information is crucial for the individual seeking to understand their Shoshone heritage. Knowing that their ancestors likely originated from this region provides a tangible connection to their tribal roots.
Do You Know Anything About Chief Washita’s Family?: Conclusion
The journey to trace ancestry, especially within the context of Native American history, can be a complex and often challenging endeavor. Do You Know Anything About Chief Washita’s Family? highlights the importance of careful research, critical evaluation of sources, and a willingness to correct inaccuracies along the way. While the initial question contains a potential misidentification of "Chief Washita," the subsequent information and updates provide valuable insights into the lineage of Jim Bridger and his wife, Little Fawn, daughter of Chief Washakie. The conflicting information surrounding Mary Elizabeth Bridger emphasizes the need for continued research and verification. Ultimately, the article underscores the enduring legacy of the Shoshone people and the importance of understanding one’s connection to their rich and complex history. Further research using the provided names and locations may help the original inquirer to fully connect with their heritage. Understanding your history is a rewarding journey of discovery.