Walkara
Ute horsethief and slave trader(1808 - 1851)
Walkara, born about 1808 was the son of a Ute chief. This was a time when the Spanish kept the indians in check by promoting raids and violence between tribes that may well have united against them.
Walkara, described as being over six feet tall with enormous physical strength and stamina. He had intimidating angular features and piercing eyes that earned him the nickname "Hawk of the Mountains." Speaking Spanish, English and several native languages, he became a skilled negotiator. He was vain, cruel and an excellent marksman.
Four of his brothers along with renegades from Paiute, Shoshone and Ute peoples were handpicked for toughness and bravery. Leading his band of followers with his talents and intimate knowlege of the southwest became "the greatest horsethief in history." He is credited with stealing over 3,000 horses in one raid on ranchos throughout southern California.
When he found that he could trade slaves for horses, he turned to raiding mostly docile Indian people, but would prey on any tribe and was feared by all.
The Mormons, in 1851 declared they would arrest and prosecute slave traders, however, this did not deter Walkara, who continued his vicious activities until he died in 1855.
Also see:
Cajon Pass
The horses bred on the ranchos in the south were beautiful, strong, and well-fed creatures bringing 10 times the price in New Mexico and much more than that in Missouri than could be had for them in Los Angeles. This was attractive to horse thieves ...Old Spanish Trail
Horse and mule theft was common, both by regular traders and adventurers. Americans claiming to be beaver trappers, fugitive Indians from the missions, Indians from the frontiers, and New Mexicans were teaming together to ...Indian Slave Trade
The institution of slavery has had wide distribution in time and geography and in technique. It has existed throughout the world, involving ...Other Facets of this Indian Slavery:
Indian Slave Trade(24) Walkara definitely made two trips into California and perhaps made many more ... From the following Lorton quote, it might be assumed that Walkara also ...Vanyume Indians
1851 Juan Maria Lugo and Indian cowboys ambushed near Cacameat by Ute horse thieves under Chief Walkara, Ignacio Palomares and other rider were ambushed ...Smith, Thomas L. - Mojave Desert
In one incident, Smith guided around 150 Utes under the leadership of Walkara across the Sierra Nevada, stealing at least several hundred horses from ...Cronology/timeline, Cahuilla Indians
The Mountain Band also lent support to a U.S. Army expedition led by then Lieutenant Edward Fitzgerald Beale, defending the party against attacks by Walkara ...
Walkara and his Brother Arapeen
The cloud of dust from the stolen animals could be seen for 50 miles
I've heard there are only 3 seasons in the desert, spring, summer and winter. From my observations I would say this is pretty much true.
Walkara, an Ute Indian known as the 'Greatest Horsethief in History,' was also a slave trader and chief of his own band of renegades (or outcasts). It would be in the autumn when he would steal 3,000 or more horses from the rancheros in the green valleys of southern California and drive them relentlessly through the passes and across the desert, kidnapping Piute men, women and children if they were handy along the way. This became known as the fourth season, when 'Walkara conducts his raids.'