Tso-ay
Apache warrior (c. 1853–1933)
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Tso-ay, also known as Panayotishn or Pe-nel-tishn, today widely known by his nickname as "Peaches", (c. 1853 – December 16, 1933) was a Chiricahua,[1] Western Apache warrior, who also served as a scout for General George Crook during the Apache Wars.[2] Tso-ay was wounded while fighting alongside Geronimo and Chihuahua against Mexican troops, who had ambushed them after the Apache had crossed the border while being pursued by American troops.[3]
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Tso-ay | |
|---|---|
Tso-ay in 1885 | |
| Nickname | Peaches |
| Born | c. 1853 Chiricahua country |
| Died | December 16, 1933 |
| Allegiance | Chiricahua Apache Indians |
| Service years | 1880–1886 |
| Rank | Scout |
| Conflicts | Apache Wars |
| Other work | rancher |
Early life
Before serving as a scout for the army, Tso-ay rode with Chatto in a raid. The raid consisted of twenty six men and they traveled 400 miles. They covered between seventy five and one hundred miles a day and killed twenty six settlers. During the raid, Tso-ay, deciding he had had enough of raiding, left the war party to return to the San Carlos Apache Indian Reservation.[4] Following this Tso-ay was captured by Lieutenant Britton Davis who was accompanied by thirty scouts and some Tonto Apache.[5] Davis sent a telegram to Crook notifying him of the capture of Tso-ay, and Crook requested that Davis enlist Tso-ay as a scout, if Tso-ay was willing. Tso-ay joined and was sent to meet with Crook at Willcox, where he was given the nickname "Peaches",[6] because of his fair complexion and the smoothness of his skin.[7] Tso-ay led Crook and his men into the upper Rio Bavispe and brought them to the camps of Chato and Benito.[8]
Tso-Ay was one of Crook's primary scouts and played a major role in leading the army into several of the strongholds the Apache had in Mexico.[9] Although Tso-ay had served loyally he was exiled with Geronimo to Florida following the Apache wars.[7]
He retired in Cibecue and shortly before his death in 1933 he converted to Christianity.[10]
Legacy
Tso-Ay has been mentioned in Valdez is Coming, a western novel by Elmore Leonard.[11]