Modoc War

Presented here is a list of Native Americans, Army soldiers, volunteers, civilians and scouts known to have died during the Modoc Indian War of 1872 through 1873. This list includes deaths that occurred from the opening day of the Modoc War on Nov. 29, 1872, through the execution of four Modoc leaders on October 3, 1873. It does not include victims of violence that occurred in the years leading up to the war.

The 89 names shown here include:
  • 15 Modocs, including four executed at Fort Klamath, and four murdered at Adams Point
  • 49 soldiers, including Brig. General E.R.S. Canby
  • 12 Tule Lake settlers killed on the opening day of the war by a small band of Modocs
  • Civilians, scouts, and state militia volunteers who died in battle or as the result of other hostilities
Our appreciation goes to Ryan Bartholomew, president of the Malin Historical Society, for compiling this list, relying to a significant degree on work performed by Francis "Van" Landrum and preserved by James Compton.

Listed is the individual’s name, followed by status, circumstances surrounding the death, and death date.
  1. Last Name A - C
  2. Last Name D - J
  3. Last Name L - R
  4. Last Name S - Z
  • Albin, James, private, U.S. Army, Hardin Butte battle, April 26, 1873.
  • Alexander, R., civilian, Tule Lake settler murders, Nov. 29, 1872.
  • Banner, John, private, U.S. Army, First Battle of Stronghold, Jan. 17, 1873.
  • Benham, William, private, U.S. Army, Hardin Butte battle, May 6, 1873.
  • Benson, John, private, U.S. Army, First Battle of Stronghold, Jan. 17, 1873.
  • Big Ike, Modoc, Second Stronghold battle, April 15, 1873.
  • Black Jim, Modoc, executed, Oct. 3, 1873.
  • Bloom, Louis, private, U.S. Army, Hardin Butte battle, April 26, 1873.
  • Boddy, William, civilian, Tule Lake settler murders, Nov. 29, 1872.
  • Boston Charley, Modoc, executed, Oct. 3, 1873.
  • Boyle, William, private, U.S. Army, Hardin Butte Battle, April 26, 1873.
  • Branner, John, private, U.S. Army, First Battle of Stronghold, Jan. 17, 1873.
  • Brotherton, R., civilian, Tule Lake settler murders, Nov. 30, 1872.
  • Brotherton, W.K., civilian, Tule Lake settler murders, Nov. 30, 1872.
  • Brotherton, William, civilian, Tule Lake settler murders, Nov. 30, 1872.
  • Brown, private., Oregon Volunteer, First Battle of Stronghold, Jan. 17, 1873.
  • Brown, James, private., Oregon Volunteer, First Battle of Stronghold, Jan. 17, 1873.
  • Canby, E.R.S., Brigadier General, U.S. Army, Peace Tent, April 11, 1873.
  • Captain Jack (Keintpoos), Modoc, executed, Oct. 3, 1873.
  • Collins, John, private, U.S. Army, Hardin Butte Battle, April 26, 1873.
  • Cranston, Arthur, first lieutenant, U.S. Army, Hardin Butte Battle, April 26, 1873.
  • Cravigan (Boddy) Richard, civilian, Tule Lake settler murders, Nov. 29, 1872.
  • Cravigan (Boddy) William, civilian, Tule Lake settler murders, Nov. 29, 1872.
  • Crooks, Jeremiah, California Volunteer, First Battle of Stronghold, Jan. 17, 1873.
  • Curley Headed (Haired) Jack, Modoc, suicide, June 8, 1873.