It was a strange sight. Down the Main Street of Virginia City, Nevada paraded a group of Paiute Indians. Townspeople were used to seeing them in their little shacks of willows and sagebrush at the edge of town. At the head of the procession was an elderly stately old man with a crown of feathers and a crescent above his head of red, white and blue strips of ribbon. Riding behind him on his horse was a young girl. Another girl was riding a pony beside them. They stopped in front of the International Hotel and addressed the assembled crowd. The girl riding the pony, in fluent English, introduced Chief Winnemucca, her father, and the girl behind him as her sister Elma. Sarah Winnemucca was in the spotlight as she interpreted the words spoken by her father. In essence she said, "They were all friends of the white people but poor and hungry. A show would be put on that night at the Sutcliff Music Hall. Everyone was invited." The hat was passed around and proceeds given to the chief. The stage drew a large crowd of curious people who saw Indian dances, along with bits of dialogue explaining them. The old-timers kept their guns handy in this year of 1864. The hat was passed around again.
Now it was on to the big time in San Francisco and the Metropolitan Theatre. Before their stage performances, the three Winnemuccas road up and down the nearby streets in carriages along with six painted Paiute warriors in buckskins and headdresses. Their program and act had little to do with Paiute's real life, but it made a good show. Chief Winnemucca pitched his plea for funds to buy food and blankets for his poor, starving people. Sarah was the interpreter. The cost of renting the theatre, traveling expenses, hotel rooms, meals and pay for their promoter ate up most of the money collected. It seemed the public just didn't care about starving Indians. The Winnemuccas returned home.
Sarah was born about 1844 in the vicinity of Humboldt Lake, Nevada. She was the fourth child and second daughter of Chief Winnemucca. He had two wives. Her grandfather, Truckee, took her with the family when they migrated south to work on the ranches of the settlers. They visited Stockton, California where Sarah, for the first time, saw large buildings and white mens’ houses. From her contacts with local workers she learned Spanish before she was ten. Several years later the Paiute's were working at Genoa, Nevada where Sarah worked in the household of major and Mrs. Ormsby. This is where, at the age of 13, she learned to read and write English.
In 1861 she was sent to the Convent of Notre Dame in San Jose, California. For the three years she was there she was subjected to much ridicule and discrimination as she was a poor Indian girl. This was a school for the wealthy! Back to the Great Basin she went to her people and home.
After her stint in show business, Sarah live in an Indian camp at Dayton, Nevada. Her father, with some braves, went on a hunting trip to Carson Sink - northeast of Reno. A group of U.S. Cavalry rode through the area looking for Paiutes who had allegedly killed to white miners up north, near the Pyramid Lake Reservation. Coming upon a Paiute camp of old men, women and children, they killed them all, including Chief Winnemucca’s two wives. This started the Pyramid Lake War, which resulted in the deaths of hundreds of Indians and the breakdown of peaceful relations. Sarah moved to the reservation to live with her brother, Natchez, and his family. There was little to eat at the reservation and many days Sara went hungry, along with the other 600 Paiute camped there.
Chief Winnemucca was hiding in southeastern Oregon with his small band. They hadn't harmed anyone and the military wanted them to go to a reservation.
In the hot summer of 1868, Sarah was employed by the military camp at Camp McDermitt to be their interpreter at a salary of $65 a month. Her brother was paid $5 a day to go look for his dad, the Chief, and his band.
In July, 490 Paiute, with the Chief and Sarah's brother, Natchez, arrived at Camp McDermitt. They were exhausted, hungry and their clothing was in tatters. The soldiers found clothing for them and gave them food. Tents were provided for living quarters. Sarah and Natchez were employed as scouts to bring in other wandering bands. Soon there were over 800 Paiute to feed and clothe at McDermitt.
Major Henry Douglass, the Indian Superintendent of Nevada, received a letter from Sarah detailing the problems of the Indians and the reservation system. He forwarded it to the Commissioner of Indian Affairs in Washington D.C. It was printed in Harper's Weekly and a popular book of the times, " A Century of Dishonor."
In 1870, Sarah married an officer at Camp McDermitt, E. C. Bartlett, after a railroad ride to Salt Lake City. He was a gambler and drunkard, so it didn't work out. He spent Sarah's savings and pawned her jewelry. Her brother, Natchez, came and took her back to camp McDermitt. Meanwhile, Chief Winnemucca refused to have anything to do with her and moved to Steen’s Mountain area of Oregon with his small band.
In 1875, reunited with Sarah, along with her brother, Natchez, Chief Winnemucca went to San Francisco to interview General Schofield of The Bureau of Indian Affairs and advised him of the latest ambitions of the Paiutes. Their idea was to abolish the reservations because the agents abused their power and stole what rightfully belong to the Indians. They would rather be supervised by the military than live on a reservation. Winnemucca suggested that land be given the Paiutes near Camp McDermitt along with implements and seeds to farm with. Schofield said that he couldn't promise anything and they should go to Senator Jones in Gold Hill, Nevada, as he had influence and plenty of money. After talking to the Senator he promised to present their suggestions to Congress.
The Indians were still starving at McDermitt. The military had no money for allocation to the Indians for food and clothing. They were offered pork to eat, but it made them sick so they began leaving in search of food. Sarah was offered a job as interpreter at the Malheur Reservation in Oregon by Agent S. B. Parrish. She received a salary of $40 a month and her own room. The Indians were to have a school and to work earning a living by planting crops, gardens and digging ditches. They were paid for their labors and were very happy. Clothes and yard goods were distributed. General O.O. Howard, Military Commander of the Columbia area visited the reservation and was very impressed with Sarah and Agent Parrish. The new school opened in 1876 with Mrs. Parrish as teacher. She and Sarah sewed dresses for the girls in the school and skirts for the tribal women. Agent Parrish was very proud of the Paiutes and their accomplishments. When it was announced that a new agent would be coming, it caused much consternation to the inhabitants. On June 28, 1876 Major W. V. Reinhart arrived. Things changed! He told the Indians that they would be paid for their work, but he didn't tell them that their pay would be in goods, with prices on clothing, shoes and blankets. The school closed and Sarah was fired from her job as interpreter. Indians began leaving the reservation.
Chief Winnemucca, with his son Natchez, went to San Francisco to talk to General McDowell about establishing his own reservation. He was counseled to return to the Malheur Reservation. Agent Rinehart told him that since he didn't like the Pyramid Reservation nor the Malheur Reservation he could settle on the North Fork of the Malheur River - 14 miles away. Winnemucca’s band of disgruntled Indians had all left the area by morning.
Sarah took a job working for Mrs. Charles Cooley, who lived at the head of the John Day River near Prairie City, Oregon. In April 1876 nine Paiutes visited Sarah and informed her that the Malheur Reservation Indians were destitute and children were starving. They wanted her help. She returned with them and observed the pitiful conditions. Some Bannock Indians had moved onto the reservation and were causing trouble. At an Indian Council she agreed to go to Washington D. C. and lobby their cause. The hat was passed and $29.25 was collected. She offered to sell her horses and wagon at Elko prior to boarding the train. Her plans were put on hold when she learned that the Bannock's were on the warpath. Even agent Reinhart abandoned his reservation and fled to the John Day River area.
General McDowell contacted Chief Winnemucca and his son, Natchez, asking them to go to the Malheur Reservation and appraise the situation. There they met with a number of local ranchers and some Bannocks. All did not go well. Upon leaving, the hostile Bannocks took the Chief prisoner. Natchez managed to escape. Sarah heard of the uprisings and was advised to go to the Stone House where settlers had congregated for protection. Rampaging hostile Indians were killing all the settlers they could find. It was here that she learned of the kidnapping of her father and disappearance of her brother. With the aid of some couriers she made her way to the Sheep Ranch where Captain Bernard and his company were staying. He contacted General O. O. Howard with the information that Sarah had volunteered as a scout. Her offer was accepted. She was to contact the renegade Indians and secure the release of captive Paiutes. She was offered $500 and the company of two Paiutes for the mission. Captain Bernard gave her a note saying that anyone stopping her should offer any assistance necessary.
The trio traveled 15 miles to Owyhee crossing where they found citizen scouts who gave them fresh horses and food. Farther on they crossed the trail of the renegade Bannocks. They passed by burned out settler’s ranch buildings. The trail was strewn with personal effects. Miles further on they spotted someone. It turned out to be Sarah's half-brother, Lee. It was a tearful reunion as he related the captives’ story. Their brother, Natchez had escaped. Sarah and formed Lee of the letter she had from General O. O. Howard for delivery to her father.
In the valley below were 327 lodges and about 450 hostile Indians. Sarah painted her face and wrapped herself in a blanket. Down the mountain they went. Lee knew where the Chief’s tent was. Sarah slipped in. The Chief was pleasantly surprised. Plans were made for the escape. Winnemucca’s followers were to go out to gather wood with their babies securely fastened on their backs. The men were to catch as many horses as they could after dark and head toward Juniper Lake. In two attempts they got most of the Paiutes out into the mountains. The hostile Bannocks followed in pursuit.
Sarah, with her sister-in-law, jumped on their horses and headed for Sheep Ranch where Captain Bernard and his troops were. A military detachment retraced the girls’ steps and brought Chief Winnemucca and his band to safety. They were escorted to camp McDermitt. Sarah was proud to have helped her father and band to escape. It had been a grueling two days and nights, over rough terrain - a ride of 223 miles on horses.
When the Bannock War of 1878 started, Sarah Winnemucca, with her sister-in-law, Mattie, volunteered as scouts for the U. S. Army, under the command of General O.O. Howard. Hostiles were located up the John Day River. The Army chased them to the top of the Blue Mountains where a battle ensued. The two girls witnessed the confrontation with the general handling the Gatling gun. Sarah remarked that he shot many bullets, but never saw him hit an Indian.
The Umatilla Agency buildings were burned by hostile Bannocks, about fifty Columbia River renegades and some Umatilla Indians. The Umatillas, realizing their mistake, offered to deliver the head of Chief Egan in return for their pardon. He had been forced to go along with the hostiles. The chief was ambushed and killed.
Sarah and Mattie, along with their two brothers and the military, rounded up small parties of Paiutes for movement to the Malheur Reservation. Plans changed. All Indians had left that Reservation. They were ordered to the Yakima Reservation. It was winter and cold. The Indians were hungry and freezing. They passed by the Malheur Reservation but Agent Rinehart refused to give them food, clothes or blankets, even though he had lots of supplies and no Indians.
Mattie fell from her horse. She was paralyzed and could only be moved by wagon. There were 543 Paiutes moved to the Yakima Reservation. Many did not survive, including Mattie.
Chief Winnemucca paid a visit to the Indian Affairs office in San Francisco. He explain the situation at the Yakima Reservation to General McDowell. He sympathized with the chief, but said he could do nothing. The chief returned to Nevada.
Meanwhile, Sarah had 60 Paiutes students in school at Yakima. She finally received her compensation as a scout and courier during the war.
The Yakima Paiutes were sick and dying. She decided to go to Vancouver to see her old boss, General Howard and tell him of the misery of her people. Sarah volunteered to go to Washington D. C. to plead her cause. The general gave her letters of introduction to officials and wished her well. She was on the next steamer to the " City by the Bay."
In San Francisco she was met by her brother, Natchez. They decided to give a few lectures at Platt’s Hall on Montgomery Street. The press had a heyday. It was the same old appeal for justice, food and clothing for her people. They boarded the train for Washington D. C. At Lovelock, Nevada a U.S. Special Agent from the U.S. Interior Department boarded the train looking for Sarah. She gave them an earful.
Arriving in Washington D.C., they went directly to the Secretary of the Interior, Carl Schurz. He listened to her story. In his desk were letters from Indian Agent Rhinehart of the Malheur Reservation discrediting Sarah and her mission. The Paiute group were shuffled around the city but were not allowed to talk to reporters. The Secretary of the Interior gave them a letter stating that the Paiutes were to be given 160 acres of land on the Malheur Reservation for each family head. The Paiutes on the Yakima, Reservation were free to go to the Malheur Reservation, if they desired. They were to be given 100 canvas tents. The group was pleased with the letter.
The highlight of their eastern trip was a visit to the White House to meet the President of the United States R. B. Hayes. He asked if they got what they wanted and the reply was, "Yes."
Months went by and still no tents nor food for the starting Paiutes. Sarah and a sister-in-law decided to ride to the Yakima Reservation and show that agent the letter from the Secretary of Interior Schurz. Upon reading it, he became very angry and banned Sarah from the Reservation.
Again, Sarah turned to her old boss, General Howard at Vancouver for help. He hired her as a teacher for 18 Indian students confined there. President Hayes was on tour of military posts and, at Vancouver, Sarah cornered him, pleading for help for her people. He promised to do what he could, but help didn't arrive.
After receiving $500 pay from the Army for her scouting work, she took a trip to visit her sister, Elma, at Henry’s Fork, Idaho.
In 1881 Sarah married again, a gambler and drunkard. They spent a year at Elma’s place at Henry's Fork. During this time the Malheur Reservation was sold.
Chief Winnemucca, age 90, fell ill and Indian medicine couldn't help. He was in and out of a coma and finally died October 21, 1882.
Sarah and her husband went east to Boston in 1883. They were befriended by two influential, elderly ladies, who sympathized with Sarah's pleas for help. Arrangements were made for a lecture tour which would take them to Boston, New York, Connecticut, Rhode Island, Maryland, Massachusetts and Pennsylvania. Sarah was very impressive in her buckskins, beads and gold crown. She found time to write her autobiography. It was printed and she autographed copies at the end of her lectures.
After an appearance before a Senate sub-committee hearing, she hoped they would give her people a small reservation at McDermitt. Army influences voted down. She was told to take her people to the Pyramid Reservation. This had been an option since 1860.
Back to Nevada Sarah and her sick husband went she had to pay medical bills and his gambling debts before leaving. They existed for a time at Wadsworth, just outside the Pyramid Reservation boundaries.
In 1885 Sarah went on the lecture circuit again in San Francisco. At age 41 she still put on a good show at the Metropolitan Theatre. As a result of her exposure of the mishandling of Indian funds and supplies at the Pyramid Reservation, ample supplies were soon realized for the Indians.
At Lovelock, Nevada, Sarah's brother, Natchez received 160 acres of land from the railroad. The Peabody School was built on a corner and Sarah soon had 26 Paiute pupils. Eastern money from friends financed the venture, but the funds soon dried up and the school closed. In 1887 the Peabody School opened again, thanks to eastern donations, and she had 45 students.
Congress passed the Dawes Act, which stated that Indian children had to be educated in white, English-speaking schools. Anything relating to Indian religion, culture, or native language was repressed.
Sarah went off to Washington D.C. to plead for support for her Indian school, but to no avail. She met up with her husband who returned with her. He was sick and had to seek medical help in Oakland, California. He died in 1887.
The Peabody School lasted for four years until it ran out of money.
Sarah journeyed to her sister’s home at Henry's Lake. In 1889 her sister's husband died. For several years the two sisters enjoyed each other's company.
On October 17, 1891, after eating a large dinner, Sarah collapsed and died at the age of 47. She was buried in an unmarked grave nearby.
General Howard, in a short biography of Sarah, wrote, "She did our government great service, and if I could tell you but a tenth part of all she willingly did to help the white settlers and her own people to live peaceably together, I am sure you would think, as I do, they she should have a place beside Pocahontas in the history of our country."