Page:Oregon Historical Quarterly vol. 1.djvu/334

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322
H. S. Lyman.
Tlas-kani—A point in Nehalem Valley reached either by way of Young's River, or the Clatskanie; and hence the name "Claskanine" for the branch of Young's River, and "Clatskanie" for the stream above Westport. In saying- "tlastani," the Indians meant neither of those streams, but merely the place where they were going toor coming from; but with usual carelessness the whites applied it to both.
There were two lakes on Clatsop plains, one of which was called O-mo-pah, Smith's Lake; and the other, much larger, Ya-se-ya-ma-na-la-tslas-tie, which now goes by the name of an Indian, Oua-i-cul-li-by, or simply Culliby.
The name of Cape Hancock was Wa-kee-tle-he-igh; Ilwaco, Comcomley, Chenamas. Skamokoway, Kobaiway, Tostam, and Totilhum, were chiefs.

These chiefs' names illustrate some of the peculiarities of Indian pronunciation. Kobaiway, who was the Clatsop chief when Lewis and Clark came, was called by them Comowool; Tostam was sometimes called Tostab; and Totilhum, "a powerful man of the people,' had the Columbia River called after him by some whites. Seeing some Indians coming down the great stream with camas, etc., they asked where they obtained this : "From Totilhum," was the reply; meaning that they had been on a visit to the chief. Then thinkingthey had made a great discovery, the whites announced that the Columbia was called Totilhum. Totilhum was chief of the Cathlamets, who originally had their village on the Oregon side, near Clifton.

INDIAN NAMES OF PLACES IN THE WILLAMETTE VALLEY—SOME CHIEFS.

Ni-a-koiv-kow—St. Helens. A noted Indian chief here was Ke-as-no. He was made a friend by the Hudson's Bay Company, was given fine presents, and entrusted with the duty of firing a salute to the company's vessels as they came in sight up the river.
Nah-poo-itle—A village just across the river from Niahkowkow. The name of the chief was Sha-al, who was very large sized.
Nah-moo-itk—A point on Sauvie's Island.
Emulihnomah—A point a little above.