The Oatman Massacre: A Tale of Desert Captivity and Survival

by Brian McGinty

The Oatman massacre is among the most famous and dramatic captivity stories in the history of the Southwest. In this riveting account, Brian McGinty explores the background, development, and aftermath of the tragedy.
Roys Oatman, a dissident Mormon, led his family of nine and a few other families from their homes in Illinois on a journey west, believing a prophecy that they would find the fertile “Land of Bashan” at the confluence of the Gila and Colorado Rivers. On February 18, 1851, a band of southwestern Indians attacked the family on a cliff overlooking the Gila River in present-day Arizona. All but three members of the family were killed. The attackers took thirteen-year-old Olive and eight-year-old Mary Ann captive and left their wounded fourteen-year-old brother Lorenzo for dead.
Although Mary Ann did not survive, Olive lived to be rescued and reunited with her brother at Fort Yuma.
On Olive’s return to white society in 1857, Royal B. Stratton published a book that sensationalized the story, and Olive herself went on lecture tours, telling of her experiences and thrilling audiences with her Mohave chin tattoos.
Ridding the legendary tale of its anti-Indian bias and questioning the historic notion that the Oatmans’ attackers were Apaches, McGinty explores the extent to which Mary Ann and Olive may have adapted to life among the Mohaves and charts Olive’s eight years of touring and talking about her ordeal.

Genres: History, Nonfiction, Biography, Native American, Westerns, American History, True Crime

255 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2005

Reviews

[Amanda · Rating 3 out of 5]

From the way McGinty tells it, this story attempts to present a less biased view than Royal Byron Stratton's Life among the Indians: or, The Captivity of the Oatman Girls Among the Apache & Mohave Indians. For that, I can appreciate it.

The writing in this book is straightforward and easy to follow. It gives reader a background on the Oatman family and the patriarch's decision to follow an off branch of the Church of Latter Day Saints that resulted from the appointment of Brigham Young as the church's new leader. I appreciated the chronological flow of the narrative.

After Olive's re-entry into white society, she seemed torn between the adopted family and culture she left behind and the society she had been asked to re-enter. Many of her actions post captivity seem to betray the time she spent living in the Southwest. However, knowing she was a single woman with no family to care for her, I can see that economic stability and acceptance by society may have been powerful motivators for her.

So much of this story is lost to time, differing accounts, and possible subterfuge that it seems almost impossible to sift the facts from the lies. While McGinty tries to represent the reasoning behind the decisions of the native cultures that shaped Olive's future, I felt he went a bit overboard in defending them. Whenever he wanted to defend a party in the book, he used quotation marks to cast doubt as to the veracity of claims. He went to great lengths to insert his own viewpoints into the book.

McGinty spent a lot of time speculating about things that couldn't be proven one way or another (ie Olive obtaining a husband and giving birth to 3 children while captive). If an author wants their nonfiction work to be taken seriously, they shouldn't be speculating over gossip and unproven claims. I wish he had been more objective in his writing.

[Zella Kate · Rating 4 out of 5]

2nd book in a row I have read on Olive Oatman. A lot of the material between this book and The Blue Tattoo overlap and both authors are good writers who have done extensive research, though I do think this book has an easier-to-follow narrative. It also includes a lot more information on the dissident Mormon background of the Oatmans. Based on some of my own family history, that is very interesting to me.

Nonetheless, I thought the other book was much more informative on Mohave life and culture and also did a better job of discussing the pop culture/societal legacy of the Olive Oatman story. I also agree more with Mifflin's conclusions on whether or not Oatman was married to a Mohave and had children while with the tribe. McGinty is very convinced she likely was and did, but I agree with Mifflin that there would be a Mohave oral tradition if that was the case.

However, I do agree with both authors that Oatman's adoption into the tribe likely means she joined in their more promiscuous sexual activity, which she then hid once she returned to a world ruled by Victorian morality, and that Oatman seems to have had far more mixed feelings about leaving the Mohave than she publicly admitted to, which again makes sense within the context of the society she returned to. She didn't want to be publicly excoriated like Sarah Wakefield for appearing to be too sympathetic to her captors.

Both books are worth reading, in my opinion, if you find the Olive Oatman story interesting.

[Michael · Rating 3 out of 5]

If you have any interest in American Indians or American history, this is a good book. I have always had a interest in this subject and enjoyed this book. It's well written and quite educational. Definitely worth reading. A good addition to any American history/American Indian book collection. And personally, I dig her tattoo too.

[Jeannie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fascinating, compelling, saddening.

Interesting facts and biases on LDS Church by author himself—seemed like there was a bit of undermining tone that I didn’t like—esp how polygamy is discussed as “sexual practices that not only offended prevailing moral principles but also violated Illinois law” by Joseph Smith, Jr. (p.23). It was also referred to as “the principle…” I am always amazed at what other people feel are the most important to write about. I would have to do my own research, but it sounds like these dissident Mormons left the Church when he was martyred and did not name a successor, not when they had this (or possibly other issues) with him.

Despite the amount of research and use of citations in the book, pages 19-24 (Chapter 1: The Family) don’t seem to have reliable cited sources nor enough of them; where did the author get this info? Seems like anti-Mormon literature—even from these early days pressing into our days now—truly amazing to me!

I also wasn’t aware of the history of Pres Young versus Strang or some other person—was only aware of the reorganized church and of Rigdon’s leaving the Church… must’ve been a confusing time for these people.

The massacre of the family is saddest and made me cry; can people really be so cruel? Even today, I am afraid. And for three children to have lived through it; I hope Lorenzo, Olive and Mary Ann found their peace and their forgiveness. Especially Olive, who might have really born a child or more during her captivity with the Mohave Indians; her heart must have ached all those years. (I believe she must have.) The tattoos were likely not only a reminder of her time there but of the people around her and relationships that were formed, ultimately reminders of her abandoned children.

Life must have been tough, despite being back in “civilization” and while she lectured, it seems as if this could have the only thing that kept her mind busy and occupied. When she was off the lecture circuit, her mind was idle and caused her to worry and possibly incur physical ailments. It doesn’t say why she adopted—perhaps she did not want to bear any more children herself after leaving her others?

Page 200-201 is beautiful in describing “captivity,” how we all are captive in one way or another, physical, emotional, social, religious, racial, etc. Something for each of us to ponder--how are we each held in captivity?

[Jolinda Van · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a true story of the massacre of the Oatman family who were traveling to California in 1851 in a covered wagon with their seven children. They were attacked by Indians and all the family members were killed except for one son who was left for dead and Olive and Mary Oatmam who were captured. Mary died in captivity and Olive lived a tribe for five years until found and returned to her brother, Lorenzo. The book is actually based on a book written about and with Olive Oatman by a Methodist minister with whom Olive and Lorenzo received help from when Olive rejoined society. It critiques the many problems with the book due to the anti Indian attitudes of the times especially that of the Author, Rev. Sutton. Also Olive seems to with hold information about her captivity (with good reason given the times) and is vague about times and places. It was interesting and informative but it left me wanting more information on Olive Oatman and the Native American tribes of that era.

[Jeff Cuneo · Rating 5 out of 5]

The book is excellent and well researched though as some have said its not a novel with alot of flowery story telling. At the time of the writing the route north to the "first camp of captivity" was not known--only the rough idea of direction and distances within 50 or so miles--and only a wide range of possible directions. Now that the exact location of the first camp and route to it are known--a person can now use that information as a sort of "Rosetta stone". Now that times and distances and locations are known those first days of the trek-and the camp-a person then can compare to Olives spoken word and ascertain what was exaggerated, simple mistakes and miscalculations for her age, where she may have been dishonest and why and so on. For example the first escape and trek northward in which Olive elaborates at great length about the cut feet etc--they in fact had not traveled 7 miles! Once this "code of times and distances"--is unlocked a person can read ALL of Olive Oatman books including this one and the original Stratton book with new eyes. This new information combined with Brian McGintys excellent research in which he does not "jump to far reaching conclusions"--make this a very accurate book to read. The very start in which there is alot of depth of every conceivable family member and generations going back hundreds of years--is a bit tedious however and could have been shortened. The book does invest heavily in the Mormon angle though in my opinion it could have dealt more with what they did as pioneers and what Olive went through being thrust from a strict religious lifestyle--into a totally different world living in the desert--where she eventually was adjusted and was happy--then was thrust YET AGAIN--back into a "strict old fashioned white society". Any reader would not only enjoy this book but upon finishing will find the are thankful for some things in their modern lives but envious of some of the things they had then and the spirit that built the country.

[Kirk Astroth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another well-researched book on the Oatman saga. Good footnotes and details about what happened to the Brewsterites that the Oatmans and others followed to the rumored paradise of Bashan located where present-day Yuma is located. An example if the gullibility of people to religious charlatans and how it can lead to tragic circumstances. The author reflects at the end on how this episode was a broader reflection of racism and prejudice in America.

[Chcalac · Rating 5 out of 5]

History comes alive again!

Very interesting, well written and well researched. I had not heard of the Oatman tragedy until this book was recommended. One more story of survival and overcoming tragedy that was so common on the trails west.

[Sherry · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had not heard of this historic event until I picked up this book. I'm glad the author did not play sides but tried to present the story in a neutral way that was fair to all involved.

[Amber · Rating 3 out of 5]

While the details seem to be well researched, the author's own anti Mormon bias is quite heavy handed. This is a fascinating and heartbreaking story.

[Karen · Rating 3 out of 5]

A dry read. Mormon history, Native American history and western geography mixed in. You'll get the big picture with this book. Interesting story of Olive Oatman.

[Erin Lindsay McCabe · Rating 4 out of 5]

The author has clearly combed the historical record related to Olive Oatman's captivity, not just relying on "her" published account (written mostly by Royal B. Stratton) but also including newspaper reports, letters, legislation, other people's remembrances and the like. This is a much more full history of the Oatman family and a more nuanced version of her captivity than Olive's own book. I especially appreciate McGinty's fairness toward the American Indian perspective and also the way McGinty puts Olive's/Royal's account side-by-side with Olive's first newspaper interviews and the cultural and geographical realities and Olive's own actions to reveal inaccuracies or exaggerations in the Stratton account. That said, having read both The Blue Tattoo and The Captivity of the Oatman Girls, there wasn't a lot of brand new information here. I think I would have been better served by starting with this book as it gives the best overview, though I do have misgivings about the way Olive's later years are portrayed in the final chapter. Was her husband really being "protective" by destroying every copy of her book he could get his hands on and forbidding anyone to ask about Olive's time with the Mohave, as McGinty states? Was Olive really plagued by simple ill health after her marriage, as McGinty says, or were her physical ailments actually symptoms of psychological maladies? I couldn't help but be reminded of the descriptions of patients during this time period suffering from hysteria when I read about Olive's symptoms, which seemed to have appeared after her marriage, as opposed to during the 7 years when she lectured about her experiences with the Mohave and lived a very public and (possibly?) independent life. It warrants a more subtle and focused feminist analysis that is mostly missing from this book. Still, if you want to know the history of the Oatman captivity as it has been told through primary sources this is the place to start. Probably a 3.5 star read for me, mostly due to my quibbles over that last chapter and because I had read other materials first.

[Megan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Being a history buff and having a degree in English I walk into a book store in a historic tourist trap town where I used to work and I'm happy. That is where I found this book. I had been looking at it for a couple summers all ready and finally bought the book, the summer I don't work there and can't get the local discount, sad. I do have to say it is an interesting story. How much respect do I have for Olive Oatman after the book? eh, it's mixed. I respect her for what she went through but she seemed to have some credibility issues, which she was kidnapped by Native Americans and was with them for 5 years something is bound to happen. It is a realively well written book. Would I read it again? I don't know.

[Rae · Rating 4 out of 5]

After the death of the Mormon prophet Joseph Smith, many families struggled with deciding which sect and prophet to follow. The Roy Oatman family decided to join the Brewsterites, who were led by a teenage boy who claimed to see visions and translate lost records. The Oatmans were on their way to the promised "land of Bashan" when their wagons were attacked by Indians (near the present-day Gila Bend, AZ). Two young girls were captured and all but one of the rest of the family were brutally murdered.

McGinty used diaries, letters, and other methods to flesh out the story of the captivity and homecoming. A good addition to both Mormon and Western history.

[Lisa Scheuplein · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow, an excellent read. Interesting to read about some of the early Mormon people and why they did what they did and what that reaped for them. The Oatman's were a prime example. Olive was an amazing woman, who unlike Cynthia Parker, was able to rejoin life with white people and do reasonably well. I would like to understand more about the every day life she had while with the Indians but I am again pondering how she was affectionate and happy with her life there...Well worth reading.

[Mary Follis · Rating 3 out of 5]

Though it's described as well-known, I've never heard of the Oatman Massacre or the kidnapping of two of the daughters, Mary Ann and Olive. There are ties, too, to the Mormon church involved here. The writing is dry and historical, but the story is of great interest. Mary Ann died while still with the Indians; Olive lives to be reunited with white society and what remains of her family. It is an interesting story.

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very interesting story of a father and husband obsessed with the morman church and it's varous leaders, that he took his family to their deaths. A story of religious fanaticism; the Native Americans anger and the results of the two coming together. I had never heard of this event in the West and this book gave a statling account of why such things happened.

[Claire · Rating 3 out of 5]

Details a fascinating story of the troubles that often faced the Western Pioneers... made even more fascinating as it outlines a whole part of the history of the Mormon Chruch that is often forgotten.

[Barbara · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a good book which traces a family's move to California. On the way, Indians kill most of the family and take 2 daughters away with them. The fact that it is a true story made it very interesting.

[Jessica · Rating 3 out of 5]

I've only recently learned of the Oatman massacre and found this book to be very interesting. Full of information, very well researched, and neatly written. Some may find parts of it to be dry, but well worth reading.

[Lisa · Rating 3 out of 5]

This gives some much-needed historical context and factual research for Stratton's book on the same subject. I would recommend reading both for a more complete understanding of the Oatman massacre and its aftermath.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very interesting read about this historic event.

[Diana · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good read. Sad story.

[Carie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pretty dry historical story. No story telling or character development.

[Brandy · Rating 2 out of 5]

That was a lot of information. Some interesting, some.... not so much.

[Ed Lake · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was an interesting book. Fascinating true story and unique characters. I like that the writer is honest on what facts are known and when he is speculating.

[Mike · Rating 4 out of 5]

nice little story of a morman family searching for bashon.

[Smith · Rating 3 out of 5]

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