In January of 1856, news of an impending Indian attack on Seattle reached the Governor of Washington Territory, Isaac Stevens. On January 21, Governor Stevens arrived in Seattle aboard the USS Active. Stevens was unconvinced of the validity of the rumored attack and quickly left. But less than an hour after having sailed away from Seattle, new information came to light about an imminent Indian threat. The source of this information has been credited to Princess Angeline, her father, Chief Si’ahl and Chief Sucquardle.
On January 26, 1856, Seattle came under attack from a band of Indians. The residents were prepared for the assault. The Battle of Seattle lasted a mere day. With the aid of artillery fire and assisted by Marines of the Navy sloop of war, the Decatur, the Indian assault was repelled. Only two settlers were killed in the day-long battle. Angeline’s safety from the attack was credited to Henry L. Yesler, a local businessman and politician.
In 1891, Benjamin Harrison, the twenty-third president of the United States, visited Puget Sound. Angeline greeted him in her native language, Lushootseed. “Kla-how-ya,” she said as she shook his hand. Although Angeline knew many English phrases she simply refused to speak the language of the settlers. Despite the reality of the ever-changing world in which she was finding herself, Angeline continued to honor her culture and heritage by staying true to her Native American roots.
By 1896, the now elderly Angeline’s health was deteriorating and as a result, she had begun to stay in her cabin for days at a time. When the church ladies came around to check on Angeline, they noticed that she was wheezing and had a deep cough. They realized that she needed medical attention. Angeline finally relented and went to the local hospital and was examined by a doctor who advised that she remain and receive treatment and care. But Angeline would not stay.
Despite her poor health and crippling arthritis, Angeline continued to work, going to the shore to dig for clams. It was there that the renowned photographer and ethnologist, Edward Sheriff Curtis saw her. While Curtis stood and watched Angeline digging for clams, he felt as if he was looking into the past. To a time before the white settlers arrived. He knew that this was an image he needed to capture before the opportunity was gone.
Curtis was well aware of who Angeline was. She was the most famous person in Seattle. Her image decorated china plates and other souvenir items for tourists to buy while visiting Puget Sound. Angeline was wary of Curtis as he approached. Curtis spoke in Chinook jargon, a primitive trading language of the time. He opened his leather case which revealed lifelike portraits he had taken and gestured to Angeline that she allow him to take her photograph. Finally, he produced some coins and Angeline agreed to his request, receiving a dollar for her time.