History of Early Pioneer Families of Hood River, Oregon.
Compiled by Mrs. D.M. Coon
GEORGE TOMILECK CHINIDERE
A pathetic but familiar figure, old Indian George, has
traveled our streets for many years. Almost blind, he manages, with the aid
of his cane, to reach the homes of the white people who have befriended
him.
His appreciation of their friendship is very marked and
he is happy to have them talk with him. At the pioneer Reunion, in 1915,
he was the guest of Hon. E.L. Smith and was literally swamped with good things
to eat, but he came off more than conqueror, saying, "Heap good dinner, but
no pie". Mt. Chinidere of Hood River county was named for the father of Indian
George, our weather prophet.
D.MC.
From the Portland Journal:
Hood River, Oregon, June 25, 1917
Indian George Tomileck Chinidere, reputed to be the oldest
Indian of the Columbia River tribe and said to be near 100 years old, was
found dead near this city Sunday morning beside the railroad track of the
O.W.R.N. where the body had been cut in twain by a train.
George had a bank account and signed cheeks by thumb
print. The funeral services were attended by several hundred whites and Indians
front the reservation who are here picking strawberries. Rev. E.H. Strongbrake,
pastor of the U.E. church preached the funeral sermon."
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© Jeffrey L. Elmer