Oatman, Olive Ann (c. 1838–1903)

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Oatman, Olive Ann (c. 1838–1903)

American Indian captive. Born c. 1838, in Whiteside Co., IL; died Mar 20, 1903, in Sherman, TX; dau. of Royse Oatman and Mary Ann (Sperry) Oatman; m. John B. Fairchild, Nov 1865; children: 1 adopted daughter.

While on wagon train with family, attacked and captured by Yavapai or Mohave Apache Indians in New Mexico Territory (Mar 18, 1851); along with sister Mary Ann (died c. 1853), forced to work by Yavapai Indians and year later sold to Mohaves; through efforts of sole surviving brother Lorenzo, was returned to Fort Yuma by Yuma Indians (1856); had story told by Rev. Royal B. Stratton in Life Among the Indians; Being an Interesting Narrative of the Captivity of the Oatman Girls (1857); lectured with Stratton on captivity and Indian life (from 1859).

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