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Left by the Indians: Story of My Life
Left by the Indians is an eyewitness account of the Utter-Van Ornum wagon train massacre on the Oregon Trail.
Includes an introduction by Ethan E. Harris for the updated version.
Includes an introduction by Ethan E. Harris for the updated version.
27 pages, ebook
First published January 6, 1892
207 people are currently reading
255 people want to read
About the author
Ethan E. Harris
27 books9 followersEthan E. Harris earned a BA in Theology from Corban University, a Masters of Theology, having attended Reformed Theological Seminary while ministering with RC Sproul at Ligonier Ministries, occasionally writing for TableTalk Magazine, and also graduated with a Masters of Education from Kansas University. He is an author and a retired Army Medic, having served with the 82nd Airborne in Iraq. He is an amateur "audiophile" and is a certified pistol instructor.
A Pacific Northwest native, he has traveled throughout the United States and the Middle East. Having studied linguistics as a graduate student at Kansas University and Haskell Indian Nations University, he has demonstrated an aptitude in languages, chiefly Greek, French, and Cherokee.
A Pacific Northwest native, he has traveled throughout the United States and the Middle East. Having studied linguistics as a graduate student at Kansas University and Haskell Indian Nations University, he has demonstrated an aptitude in languages, chiefly Greek, French, and Cherokee.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
July 13, 2012
I grew up in Portland Oregon and because of this, I was exposed to many different stories about the Oregon Trail. However, I have never read anything this powerful.
The book is a little short, but who cares. This is an eye witness account of the tragedy of the Utter-Van Ornum wagon train. Which I have to say, I've never heard of before this book. Since then, I've been on google learning everything I can about it.
I highly recommend this book for anyone wanting a different view of the Oregon Trail than what they were taught in school.
5 Stars!
The book is a little short, but who cares. This is an eye witness account of the tragedy of the Utter-Van Ornum wagon train. Which I have to say, I've never heard of before this book. Since then, I've been on google learning everything I can about it.
I highly recommend this book for anyone wanting a different view of the Oregon Trail than what they were taught in school.
5 Stars!
September 19, 2016
Short, horrific and apparently true
This was a very interesting account not of the author's whole life but mainly about her family's trek out west, her subsequent survival after various Native American encounters that decimated the small wagon train.
How she and a few survivors managed to live when the Indians must have known where they were is a mystery, since they were starving, shoeless and without warm clothing. I won't do any spoilers but believe me, you would not have wanted to be there. The Calvary were portrayed as both feckless, in that they refused to accompany some of the wagon trains, and ultimately saviors of this pathetic band. An amazing account. One wished for a longer account of her life with more detail but it was obviously painful to recall even years later and we are lucky to have any of the story.
This was a very interesting account not of the author's whole life but mainly about her family's trek out west, her subsequent survival after various Native American encounters that decimated the small wagon train.
How she and a few survivors managed to live when the Indians must have known where they were is a mystery, since they were starving, shoeless and without warm clothing. I won't do any spoilers but believe me, you would not have wanted to be there. The Calvary were portrayed as both feckless, in that they refused to accompany some of the wagon trains, and ultimately saviors of this pathetic band. An amazing account. One wished for a longer account of her life with more detail but it was obviously painful to recall even years later and we are lucky to have any of the story.
March 11, 2023
A BIG TOPIC IN A SHORT READ
If you are interested in the war-like relations between Native Indians and white settlers during the time of white settlement in Indian traditional territoriesof the northwest, this very brief fisrt-person account by an elderly widow will shock you. The story of her family's tragic wagon trek to the West to find a new home is told plainly and brutually in this journal.
The writer's entire family were attacked,mercilessly tortured, scalped and killed by angered Sioux Indians trying to preserve their ancient homelands. It is forgvable, I think, that throughout this essay the writer portrays Indians as barbaric heathen murderers. But hers is a rather mean and incompassionate portrayal of native peoples. Afterall, the Indians' ancient way of life hunting and camping in their sacred Black Hills land was being pre-empted and, yes, stolen by European settlers greedy to tame the wilderness that had succored the Indians lifestyle for untold millennia.
This writer has no pity for the plight of the Indians. This read is harsh and illiberal to our modern way of thinking about the Old West.
If you are interested in the war-like relations between Native Indians and white settlers during the time of white settlement in Indian traditional territoriesof the northwest, this very brief fisrt-person account by an elderly widow will shock you. The story of her family's tragic wagon trek to the West to find a new home is told plainly and brutually in this journal.
The writer's entire family were attacked,mercilessly tortured, scalped and killed by angered Sioux Indians trying to preserve their ancient homelands. It is forgvable, I think, that throughout this essay the writer portrays Indians as barbaric heathen murderers. But hers is a rather mean and incompassionate portrayal of native peoples. Afterall, the Indians' ancient way of life hunting and camping in their sacred Black Hills land was being pre-empted and, yes, stolen by European settlers greedy to tame the wilderness that had succored the Indians lifestyle for untold millennia.
This writer has no pity for the plight of the Indians. This read is harsh and illiberal to our modern way of thinking about the Old West.
June 11, 2021
Sad and Shocking
I have read about our countries history and with it about the Indians. I have a healthy respect and interest in native Americans. They got pushed it it their land when a more powerful and greedy people came to live. That being said, that very thing has been done since the dawn of history. It's nothing new to claim a new land as your own. However, it was done badly. The Indians tried to fight back and scare away the white men. This also was done badly.
I have never heard a more detailed and horrific amount of an Indian attack, a massacre, than this one. Sadly, it's this sure one of many accounts that just never got told. The mutilation and heartlessness are almost evil.
This is a story that all should hear. So the two sides of the story are understood.
I have read about our countries history and with it about the Indians. I have a healthy respect and interest in native Americans. They got pushed it it their land when a more powerful and greedy people came to live. That being said, that very thing has been done since the dawn of history. It's nothing new to claim a new land as your own. However, it was done badly. The Indians tried to fight back and scare away the white men. This also was done badly.
I have never heard a more detailed and horrific amount of an Indian attack, a massacre, than this one. Sadly, it's this sure one of many accounts that just never got told. The mutilation and heartlessness are almost evil.
This is a story that all should hear. So the two sides of the story are understood.
June 9, 2022
Bittersweet
I have read so many of these little vignettes. The sad yet poignant reflections of a young women cast into unbelievable conditions and surviving! How and WHY? So that old ladies such as I, one hundred years into the future, can give thanks for the sacrifices that were made , through the words that have been written.
I have read so many of these little vignettes. The sad yet poignant reflections of a young women cast into unbelievable conditions and surviving! How and WHY? So that old ladies such as I, one hundred years into the future, can give thanks for the sacrifices that were made , through the words that have been written.
May 7, 2018
A Crazy History Story I’ve Never Heard
3.5 out of 5 stars
I wanted to rate this book higher – but it was just a little too choppy for me. I understand that it’s just a firsthand telling of a massacre – it just felt like there wasn’t a lot of detail given. There were lines like (paraphrasing) “he ate so much fish he had hiccups and died”. In my head all I could think was “holy crap, I need to know more about eating so much fish that you die!” but – that’s all we get.
The story itself is crazy. I’m sad that my best friend passed away last year – I would definitely have him read this book and let me know if he learned anything about it during his 6 years studying for his Masters in History. I definitely heard about some insane things happening on the Oregon Trail – but this one seems to top them all.
A seemingly true tale that tells of a massacre that the Native Americans performed on settlers trying to head West. Left by the Indians is told by a survivor or an attack on her entire wagon group.
Overall, this was one of those books that I didn’t expect to ever read but now I’m glad that I did. I don’t think I’ll forget the story for a long time and I’ll probably even do some digging into similar stories from this time period.
3.5 out of 5 stars
I wanted to rate this book higher – but it was just a little too choppy for me. I understand that it’s just a firsthand telling of a massacre – it just felt like there wasn’t a lot of detail given. There were lines like (paraphrasing) “he ate so much fish he had hiccups and died”. In my head all I could think was “holy crap, I need to know more about eating so much fish that you die!” but – that’s all we get.
The story itself is crazy. I’m sad that my best friend passed away last year – I would definitely have him read this book and let me know if he learned anything about it during his 6 years studying for his Masters in History. I definitely heard about some insane things happening on the Oregon Trail – but this one seems to top them all.
A seemingly true tale that tells of a massacre that the Native Americans performed on settlers trying to head West. Left by the Indians is told by a survivor or an attack on her entire wagon group.
Overall, this was one of those books that I didn’t expect to ever read but now I’m glad that I did. I don’t think I’ll forget the story for a long time and I’ll probably even do some digging into similar stories from this time period.
November 9, 2025
A true life story
This was a true life story, told from a young girls point of view. Sadly it doesn't say why the Indians were so aggressive. You have to feel sad for her as so many things happened to her. As a kid we knew a relative Ralyen Paine, who told a bit different story that the man leading them had made deals with the Indians in order for his family and himself to not be harmed. Was it true? I don't know, but he definitely believed it.
This was a true life story, told from a young girls point of view. Sadly it doesn't say why the Indians were so aggressive. You have to feel sad for her as so many things happened to her. As a kid we knew a relative Ralyen Paine, who told a bit different story that the man leading them had made deals with the Indians in order for his family and himself to not be harmed. Was it true? I don't know, but he definitely believed it.
November 30, 2020
A Short Tale of a Survivor of an Indian Attack in the West
The sad tale of a 13 year old girl who survived an Indian attack in the Oregon Territories. I had never heard her story before. I’m an aficionado of Oregon Trail stories having grown up in Oregon. Mercifully, she survived, though her life story was never easy.
The sad tale of a 13 year old girl who survived an Indian attack in the Oregon Territories. I had never heard her story before. I’m an aficionado of Oregon Trail stories having grown up in Oregon. Mercifully, she survived, though her life story was never easy.
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July 1, 2022Sad times
I enjoyed the story. Though heart wrenching; the narrator pulls u in. Having to digest your family to maintain life sounded horrific. My favorite character is the baby who lived 40 days because the narrator loved her so much. I definitely recommend this read,as you learn a lot without the lengthy tale it didn't need to be. Diannne Matthews
I enjoyed the story. Though heart wrenching; the narrator pulls u in. Having to digest your family to maintain life sounded horrific. My favorite character is the baby who lived 40 days because the narrator loved her so much. I definitely recommend this read,as you learn a lot without the lengthy tale it didn't need to be. Diannne Matthews
December 10, 2022
Left-wing By The Indians
This is a good book with a good story line about a young girl traveling West with a small wagon train,that was attacked by Indians.All of her family was killed by the Indians, except for. her two brothers and her little sister who died of starvation and exposure.
This is a good book with a good story line about a young girl traveling West with a small wagon train,that was attacked by Indians.All of her family was killed by the Indians, except for. her two brothers and her little sister who died of starvation and exposure.
April 27, 2025
Tough times
A great little read and reminder of hard times and perseverance. A rare true read. My great grandmother came to Oregon in covered wagon from Pennsylvania. She told me that Indians tried to take her on account of her light blonde hair, she was 5. She didn't really talk much about it. I can only imagine.
A great little read and reminder of hard times and perseverance. A rare true read. My great grandmother came to Oregon in covered wagon from Pennsylvania. She told me that Indians tried to take her on account of her light blonde hair, she was 5. She didn't really talk much about it. I can only imagine.
April 21, 2019
Very sad account of Indian trepidations and abuses against the settlers
This account points out that in some instances people moving West had little chance of success in their venture and failure was inevitable.
This account points out that in some instances people moving West had little chance of success in their venture and failure was inevitable.
February 24, 2021
Stories we need to hear
Just when life seems hard, or things aren’t going as planned, this story opened my heart to the goodness all around me and all the blessings God has given to all, Thank you for touching my heart,
Just when life seems hard, or things aren’t going as planned, this story opened my heart to the goodness all around me and all the blessings God has given to all, Thank you for touching my heart,
June 2, 2021
I would not call it a book. Just a sketch.
It was a little hard to follow but interesting enough. Checking other sources helped clarify her foggy memory.
Good information overall.
It was a little hard to follow but interesting enough. Checking other sources helped clarify her foggy memory.
Good information overall.
December 5, 2021
The story of Emeline Fuller who at the age of 13 travelled with her parents and 8 siblings on Oregon trail. She survives Indian attack, saves some of her siblings and walks until rescued by the soldiers. The tragic story indicates how much danger and hardship pioneers had to endure while settling the West.
April 21, 2022
Well that's a tough life!
Can't even begin to understand all the trials and tribulations this gal went through. Makes you wonder how anybody survived that time. Between illness and other things.
Can't even begin to understand all the trials and tribulations this gal went through. Makes you wonder how anybody survived that time. Between illness and other things.
May 3, 2022
Review
IF EVER A PERSON DESERVED HEAVEN. I'M GLAD FOR HER. THERE ARE GOOD AND BAD PEOPLE OF ALL RACES, IN THIS CASE THEY WERE RED. KILLING CHILDREN CAN'T BE JUSTIFIED NO MATTER HOW WRONGED THEIR KILLERS WERE.
IF EVER A PERSON DESERVED HEAVEN. I'M GLAD FOR HER. THERE ARE GOOD AND BAD PEOPLE OF ALL RACES, IN THIS CASE THEY WERE RED. KILLING CHILDREN CAN'T BE JUSTIFIED NO MATTER HOW WRONGED THEIR KILLERS WERE.
May 29, 2022
Gross
There wasn't a single part of this book that didn't repulse me! There wasn't anything real about the depiction of the Natives and even the title blames them for this so called (Recovered Texts) story of the character's Life!?! I don't believe a word of it!
There wasn't a single part of this book that didn't repulse me! There wasn't anything real about the depiction of the Natives and even the title blames them for this so called (Recovered Texts) story of the character's Life!?! I don't believe a word of it!
December 2, 2022
Hated to hear all the bad Indian stories and nothing about the white people doing wromv
Also it was difficult to read about the cannabilism.
I am glad it was short. Would not recommend this book
Also it was difficult to read about the cannabilism.
I am glad it was short. Would not recommend this book
December 31, 2018
Interesting read
This was a nice short story. Much like other wagon trains that were attacked by indians. Nothing exceptional about this story. It was, however, sad.
This was a nice short story. Much like other wagon trains that were attacked by indians. Nothing exceptional about this story. It was, however, sad.
November 7, 2020
Important book
This tragic story is simple and easy to read. A sad but true tale, it made me want to know more about what happened.
This tragic story is simple and easy to read. A sad but true tale, it made me want to know more about what happened.
November 30, 2020
A Sad Story
A true story of the reality of how things were. Not romanticizing anything. We get Dances with Wolves in the movies, but rarely anything like this. A shame.
A true story of the reality of how things were. Not romanticizing anything. We get Dances with Wolves in the movies, but rarely anything like this. A shame.
November 4, 2021
Such Bravery from small children!
The reality that was in this story gave me chills. To go thru such tragedy and still be able to move forward. A real insiratio
The reality that was in this story gave me chills. To go thru such tragedy and still be able to move forward. A real insiratio
January 9, 2022
Awesome
True account, authentic writing. Parts of it very hard to read. Other parts delightful. My appreciation those who made it possible for us to read this first hand account.
True account, authentic writing. Parts of it very hard to read. Other parts delightful. My appreciation those who made it possible for us to read this first hand account.
February 28, 2022
Tragic story
This is a heartbreaking story. It was very well written and I enjoyed it very much. I would recommend this one.
This is a heartbreaking story. It was very well written and I enjoyed it very much. I would recommend this one.
September 27, 2022
very easy read. Sad story but very interesting.
January 27, 2023
A crazy survival story that was a realistic snapshot of the trials the westward settlers faced.
October 29, 2023
Not enough detail
I thought this was going to be a fascinating read, and it was, but as it was written by a child it was very short.
I thought this was going to be a fascinating read, and it was, but as it was written by a child it was very short.
October 31, 2025
I couldn't stop until I was finished.
I felt like I was there, it was so captivating.
The best short story I have had the priviledge to read.
I felt like I was there, it was so captivating.
The best short story I have had the priviledge to read.
October 23, 2015
Unimaginable Strength
This is one of the most interesting stories of the settlers moving west and the hardships of those that survived the hardships and brutality of the Indians that I have ever read. Mrs. Fuller does not leave out anything no matter how brutal and heart breaking it was for her. I recommend this book for anyone interested in the horrors of the Indian controlled west.
This is one of the most interesting stories of the settlers moving west and the hardships of those that survived the hardships and brutality of the Indians that I have ever read. Mrs. Fuller does not leave out anything no matter how brutal and heart breaking it was for her. I recommend this book for anyone interested in the horrors of the Indian controlled west.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews