Historic Hood River
George Chinidere
6-21-2011
Notes
George Tomileck Chinidere, also known as “Indian George” was a well known figure on the streets of Hood River. He is seen here at the offices of the Davidson Fruit Company circa 1912. He was believed to be well into his 90’s at that time, and mostly blind. But his eyes saw the entire history of the settlement of “Hood River.”.
George Chinidere met a tragic end when he was hit by a train at Hood River in 1917, at nearly 100 years of age.
Charlott
Up over looking Wahtum lake is Mt. Chinidere and Tomlik (not sure of the spelling.. Chinidere was named for Indian George’s father and Tomlik was named for him. They were of the Wasco tribe. They must have spent time up in that area, probably picking huckleberries for winter use.
Have no idea where he was buried, but my guess would be Memeloose Island. He no doubt had become a Christian as Rev. E. H Strongbrake performed his funeral service, which was attended by large numbers of both whites and indians.
l.e.
When I sometimes feel sad about the changes that take place I think of the changes Indian George’s people saw.
I see that there is a Chinidere Mountain and Tomlike Mountain in the Cascade Locks area that were named for Indian George and his father.
l.e.
Oooops. Sorry Charlott for the repeat. Your comment wasn’t there when I was typing.
Anyone know what the building is in the window reflection?
Arthur
If I’m right about the location of this doorway (N. end of 3rd Street) then the reflection is the Hood River Box Company (presently Elks parking lot). They manufactured the boxes across the street from the cold storage with its railroad frontage. An efficient operation.
Charlott
The Portland Journal
Hood River, Oregon June 25, 1917
Indian George Tomileck Chinidere, reputed to the the oldest Indian of the Columbia River tribe and said to be 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 half by a train.
George had a bank account and signed checks by thumb print. The funeral services were attended by several hundred whites and indian from the reservation who are here picking strawberries. Rev. E. H. Strongbrake of the E. U. church preached the funeral service.
Ginger
I’m so happy to look at this website. It fills in another generation to my family tree. I went back as far as Tomlikt, and lo and behold Chinedere, Tomlikt’s father shows up. These were both Wasco Chiefs on the Columbia River, and their descendants now live at Warm Springs. Thanks to Hood River for preserving this invaluable history.
Jeffrey Bryant
See Find A Grave Memorial# 105192746
http://www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=gr&GRid=105192746
He is believed to be buried in Idlewilde Cemetery, but may be buried in the Knights of Phythias Cemetery in Hood River.
charlott
He had a wife/woman named Te-Mow-E-Ne (white name was Susan)..They were together for some 30 years before they parted company over some other woman. She was probably a relative of Taswatha (Ellen Underwood) who was Chief Chenowith’s daughter, as she is buried in Chris-Zada with the Underwoods at the age of around 100.
She was apparently blind in one eye,as she was called by some as "One Eyed Susan."