Ponponio led raids and revolts from San Francisco down to San Luis Obispo and San Diego in the early 19th century. He stole weapons, food, and horses from missions and ranchos across the state. Many of the Indians living in the missions sympathized with Ponponio and snuck him food and provisions from the missions when he was camped nearby. The military attempted to apprehend Ponponio several times but were unsuccessful for years. During a raid, however, Ponponio killed a soldier, sparking a manhunt and marshaling more troops to help and catch him. Ponponio was caught in the early 1820s and sentenced to death by a council of judges. His death inspired several revolts against missions in southern California, including a rebellion in Santa Barbara consisting of 2,000 Indians.