Lone Wolf the Younger, also known by his Kiowa name Mamadayte, stands as a significant figure in the history of the Kiowa people. Born in 1843 in what is now Oklahoma, his life spanned a period of immense transformation for Native Americans, witnessing both fierce conflict and forced adaptation. He died on August 11, 1923, in Hobart, Kiowa County, Oklahoma, leaving behind a legacy as a warrior, a leader, and a symbol of resilience in the face of overwhelming odds. His story is a testament to the enduring spirit of the Kiowa and their struggle to maintain their identity in a rapidly changing world. The name Lone Wolf the Younger evokes a sense of solitary strength and determination, qualities that defined his life and leadership.
Early Life and Warrior Days
Before ascending to the position of Chief, Mamadayte earned a reputation as a formidable warrior. His early life was steeped in the traditional ways of the Kiowa, a nomadic Plains tribe known for their equestrian skills, hunting prowess, and fierce independence. He participated in raids and skirmishes, defending Kiowa territory and resources against rival tribes and the encroaching presence of the United States military.
One of the defining moments of his early life was his participation in the Battle of Washita in 1868. This devastating attack by General George Armstrong Custer on a Cheyenne village led by Chief Black Kettle marked a turning point in the Indian Wars. While the battle was a tragic defeat for the Cheyenne, Mamadayte survived, demonstrating his courage and resourcefulness under fire. This experience undoubtedly shaped his perspective on the conflict between Native Americans and the United States government.
Another significant event in his early life occurred on December 23, 1873. While riding in South Texas, the only son of Chief Lone Wolf the Elder, 19-year-old Tau-Ah-Kia, was killed. Accompanying him was his boyhood friend, Mo-ma-day (the future Lone Wolf the Younger). Mo-ma-day bravely retrieved his fallen friend’s body and buried him according to Kiowa custom, a testament to his loyalty and respect for tradition.
In 1874, Lone Wolf II participated in his last battle against the United States in Greer County, leading a band of Comanche warriors against Major William’s men under the command of Col. G. F. Buel. Auxiliary chiefs who fought alongside him included Gotebo, Komalty, Ahtape, and Spotted Bird.
Adoption and Ascent to Chief
In 1879, a pivotal moment arrived when he was adopted by the elder Chief Lone Wolf (GUI-PAH-GO), recognizing his bravery and leadership qualities. This adoption signified a passing of the torch, positioning him as the heir apparent to lead the Kiowa people.
In 1883, following the death of Lone Wolf the Elder, Mamadayte officially became Chief of the Kiowa. He inherited a tribe facing unprecedented challenges. The buffalo herds, the foundation of their traditional way of life, were decimated. The United States government was actively pursuing a policy of assimilation, forcing Native American children into boarding schools and attempting to dismantle tribal structures.
Leadership During a Time of Transition
As Chief, Lone Wolf the Younger faced the daunting task of guiding his people through this period of immense transition. He understood the need to adapt to the changing realities while striving to preserve Kiowa culture and identity. He sought to balance the demands of the United States government with the needs and desires of his people.
One of his most significant acts as Chief was his involvement in the landmark legal case, Lone Wolf v. Hitchcock. In 1901, he filed a lawsuit on behalf of several tribes, challenging the government’s policy of opening Indian Territory to white settlement. He argued that these actions violated the Medicine Lodge Treaty, which had guaranteed the Kiowa certain rights and protections.
The case ultimately reached the Supreme Court in 1903, where the court ruled against Lone Wolf and the Kiowa. The court’s decision affirmed the plenary power of Congress over Native American affairs, effectively granting the government broad authority to manage tribal lands and resources.
Despite the legal setback, Lone Wolf’s efforts in Lone Wolf v. Hitchcock are remembered as a courageous attempt to defend Native American rights and challenge the government’s policies of forced assimilation. The case remains a significant legal precedent, highlighting the complex and often fraught relationship between the United States government and Native American tribes.
Undeterred, Lone Wolf traveled to Washington, D.C., to personally appeal to President McKinley in hopes of preventing the opening of the lottery. Unfortunately, the president declined to intervene, and the Kiowa were eventually allotted 160-acre parcels along the Elk Creek bottom lands. He witnessed the shrinking of his people’s domain, which once encompassed Oklahoma, Kansas, Texas, and parts of Old Mexico, to a mere individual allotment.
Legacy and Remembrance
Despite the challenges and setbacks he faced, Lone Wolf remained committed to his people. He encouraged them to adapt to the changing world while preserving their cultural heritage. He oversaw the transition from a nomadic, buffalo-hunting society to a more settled, agricultural way of life.
He saw a way of life end and a new way of life beginning to take root. In boyhood Lone Wolf II saw U. S. soldiers forbid the Sundance and the Kiowa warriors withdrawn from the banks of the Wichita River. Their medicine lodge was deserted and their sacred Sundance tree left standing alone. That aborted Sundance held in 1884 is still known to the Kiowas as “The day the forked poles were left standing.”
Lone Wolf served as Chief for an impressive 40 years, until his death in 1923 at the age of 76. The Democrat newspaper in Hobart, Oklahoma, published his obituary, detailing his life and contributions to the Kiowa people. He is remembered as a skilled warrior, a respected leader, and a symbol of Kiowa resilience.
The town of Lone Wolf, Oklahoma, is named in his honor, a testament to his enduring legacy. The town of Lone Wolf, Texas, in Mitchell County, is named after Lone Wolf I (GUI-PAH-GO).
His gravestone bears the inscription QUO-PAH-KO, which refers to the band of Kiowa Indians who were present for the signing of the Treaty of Little Arkansas, a reminder of the promises made and broken by the United States government.
Chief Lone Wolf I was a signer of the Treaty of Little Arkansas. Lone Wolf I died of malaria the same year and lies buried in an unmarked grave on the north side of Long Horn Mountain east of Kiowa County, Oklahoma.
Even though he lost the law suit, a landmark case, he led his people in adapting peacefully to the white man’s culture. He was the last of the recognized chiefs of the Kiowa. After his death there were no real chiefs.
The story of Lone Wolf the Younger is a reminder of the complex and often tragic history of Native Americans in the United States. It is a story of conflict, adaptation, and resilience. It is a story that deserves to be remembered and understood.
His wife, Akeiquodle (1850 – 1938), and daughter, Sarah Ahtape Lone Wolf Kauahquo (1886 – 1958), survived him, carrying on his legacy of strength and cultural preservation. The name Lone Wolf the Younger continues to resonate with the Kiowa people, symbolizing their enduring spirit and commitment to their heritage.
