Nine Years Among the Indians

Nine Years Among the Indians is Herman Lehmann's first-hand account of his capture by Apache Indians in 1870, when he was ten years old. The memoir details his transformation from a German-American settler child to an Apache warrior, and later, a Comanche warrior. Lehmann documents the skills, customs, beliefs and daily life of the Apache and Comanche people during a pivotal period in American frontier history. The narrative includes raids, battles, hunting practices, and spiritual ceremonies that Lehmann witnessed and participated in during his time with the tribes. Through his experiences across Texas and the southern plains, Lehmann provides perspective on both Native American and white settler life during the Indian Wars. His return to white society in 1878 marks a complex transition as he navigates between two worlds. The memoir stands as a rare document of cultural transformation and survival, raising questions about identity, belonging, and the nature of civilization itself. It offers an unfiltered view of a vanished era in American history through the eyes of someone who lived in both worlds.

Readers describe this as a raw, unvarnished first-person account that differs from romanticized captivity narratives. Many note its straightforward writing style captures Lehmann's voice and perspective without literary flourishes. Readers appreciated: - Direct, unpolished narrative style - Details about Comanche daily life and customs - Honest portrayal of cultural adaptation - Historical photos and documentation Common criticisms: - Abrupt transitions between events - Limited emotional depth or reflection - Some repetitive passages - Period-typical racial terminology Ratings: Goodreads: 4.2/5 (1,200+ ratings) Amazon: 4.5/5 (900+ ratings) Sample reader comment: "This isn't a polished memoir, but that's what makes it feel authentic. Lehmann tells his story matter-of-factly, without dramatization." Several readers noted the book provides unique insights into Comanche culture from someone who lived it, rather than from outside observers or historians.

Empire of the Summer Moon by S.C. Gwynne This historical account follows Quanah Parker and the Comanche tribe through their interactions with white settlers in Texas during the same time period as Lehmann's captivity.

The Captured by Scott Zesch Multiple narratives of German-American children taken by Comanche and Apache raiders in Texas provide context to Lehmann's experience through similar documented cases.

My Life as an Indian by James Willard Schultz A fur trader's first-hand account details his integration into Blackfeet society after choosing to live among them in the 1870s.

The Boy Captives by Clinton L. Smith Two brothers captured by Comanche Indians in Texas tell their story of survival and adaptation to tribal life in the late 1800s.

On the Border with Crook by John Gregory Bourke A military officer's memoir presents Apache customs and warfare from direct observations during the same era as Lehmann's captivity.

📚 Herman Lehmann was captured by Apache Indians at age 11 in 1870, and after living among them, he later became a warrior with the Comanche tribe. 🏹 During his time with the tribes, Lehmann completely forgot how to speak English and German (his native language), and had to relearn them upon returning to white society. 🌟 The book was originally published in 1927 and was written with the help of J. Marvin Hunter, as Lehmann struggled with writing in English after his return. 🐎 Lehmann became so immersed in Native American culture that when he was finally reunited with his family after nine years, he tried multiple times to escape back to his tribal life. 🤝 In his later years, Lehmann maintained friendships with both his Comanche brothers and his German-American family, often serving as a bridge between the two cultures at public events.