YALE UNIVERSITY
LIBRARY

8HADBENA.

'k

[ '

MEMORIES

SHAUBENA

INCIDENTS RELATING TO INDIAN WARS AND
THE EARLY SETTLEMENT OP
THE WEST,

WITH FULL PAGE ILLUSTRATIONS.

ET. MATSOH",
Tuxi a» Iroun or lujtan fcn*'

8EC0NTJ KDITIOH.

CHICAGO:
DONNELLEY, GA88ETTE & LOYD, PRINTERS.
1880.

PREFACE.

oorroovT
Bt DAVID u. OOOH.
A.D. J878.

In this book the reader will find various articles relating
to pioneer settlements, border wars, with personal rem-
iniscenses, unerabellished by fiction, or flights of fancy,
but consist of a true story, plainly told. Every incident
herein narrated — with a few exceptions — were obtained
direct from persons who figured in them, while state
ments not well authenticated have been excluded from
these pages; but it would be improper to assume that no
errors have escaped detection.
In the Fall of 1836, Shaubena and his band were
encamped on Main Bureau creek, at the crossing of the
Peoria and Galena road, where they remained a number
of weeks, engaged in hunting and fishing. This camp
was near my father's residence, and being interested in
these strange people, I visited it almost daily. During
these visits I had many long interviews with the chief,
and learned much of his history, also various items re
lating to Western Indians, Black Hawk war, etc
Although Shaubena spoke and understood English very
imperfectly, by the assistance of his son, Smoke, a
bright, intelligent lad of about fifteen years of age, I
was able to comprehend his story, and have therefore
given it according to my recollection.
The memory of Shaubena should be preserved, and
a record of his beneficent deeds go down to posterity, so
that coming generations may learn to honor the name of

PB2EFAGS. i
this noble red man. Through his persistent labor and
influence, a union of the different tribes for the purpose
of making war on the frontier settlements was pre
vented, and people are now living whose lives were
saved by this tawny philanthropist.
While early pioneers were at work on their claims, .
their wives engaged in household affairs, with innocent,
prattling babes playing around them, a band of ruthless
savages were on their way to murder these defenceless
people. Shaubena, at the risk of his life, mounted his
pony, riding at the top of his speed to sound the alarm,
and by this means the settlers escaped the horrible fate
awaiting them. To keep in remembrance this, and simi
lar acts of Shaubena, is my only apology for offering
this volume to the public, leaving the reader to judge of
its merits or demerits.*
Some of the incidents given in this volume were
published a few years ago, in the " Reminisoenoes of
Bureau County," but as that book had only a local cir
culation, it was thought best to revise, correct, and re
publish them.
A number of artioles that appeared in the first
edition of thiB book has been omitted in this one, but
the vacancy is filled with new matter, also a few addi
tional illustrations have been added.
N. M.
Chicaoo, February, 1880.

OOlTTEtfTS.

CHAPTER L tab*,
Bhanbena's Birth — Meeting with Tecmnseh, etc. — Ts>
cumseh visits Shaubena's Village — Black Partridge
and Sauganaah — Shaubena goes to War — Death of
Tecumseh.  IV
CHAPTER n.
Indian Traditions — The Fur Traders and Disappearance
of Buffalo — Treaty with the Indians — Old Indian
Boundary Line — A Wild Country — Early Settle-
merits.  - SB
CHAPTER HI.
The Mackinaw Boat Crew — The Rescue — Gen. Cass
among the Pottawatomiea  - 43

CHAPTER IV.
Winnebago Emissaries — The Peace Messenger — The Cap
tive's Return — Hoosiers to the Rescue of Chicago.

51

CHAPTER V.

Fox River Mission — Pioneer Settlements — Bulbous, Col.
Taylor, and Jeff. Davis — Dance and Tragedy —
Shaubena's Religion — Shaubena as a Temperance
Lecturer — Settlers Council with Shaubena • - - <B

14

CONTENTS.

CHAPTER VL

Indian Council — Black Hawk's Emissaries — First Tidings
of Approaching War — Shaubena Meeting the Disaf.
fected Warriors.  80
CHAPTER VIL
Black Hawk on the War Path — Last Interview Between
Black Hawk and Shaubena  80

CHAPTER VHX
Shaubena Attacked by Rangers— The Council Broken Up
by Still man 's Army — Waubonsie — Flight and Disat
feet ion of Pottawatom i es — The War Dance — Shaubena
Reproved by an Old Priest— Settlers Notified of
Danger — Flight of Settlers — Death of Samuel Tappan
— Mohekee, a Pottawatomie Warrior  108

CHAPTER IX
Rev. James Sample and Wife — Flight and Capture —
Execution. -  128

CHAPTER X.
Meau-eus, an Indian Chief— Indian Creek Settlement —
Davis and Hall Warned of Their Danger. - • - 187
CHAPTER XI.
Indians in Camp — Indian Creek Massacre — Fifteen Per
sons Killed and Two Girls Captured. ¦ - • - 148

CONTENTS. 15
CHAPTER XIL
Capture of Sylvia and Rachel HalL . . . ... 168
CHAPTER 'TTTT.
The Two Indian Prisoners— Flight of Fox River Settlers —
Panic at Fort Begga  m
CHAPTER XTV.
Rev. Adam Payne — Murder of Rev. Adam Payne — Gen.
Scott and the Volunteer.  176
CHAPTER XV.
Killing of St Vrain and Others — Gov. Reynolds' Dispatch
— Flight of Gen. Atkinson's Escort — Bhanbena's
Pony — Shaubena in Pursuit of Black Hawk — The
Unscrupulous Half-breed.  197
CHAPTER XVI.
Settlers Attacked by Indians— Phillips Killed and Ament's
Cabin Attacked — Hostilities Threatened. ... 206

CHAPTER XVH.
Rochelle's Departure for the West — The Band Compelled
to go West — Death of Pypegee and Pyps— Neopope
in the Garb of a Squaw — Shaubena with Gen. Scott 
The Missionary — The Old Chief on his Nerve. - 281

16 CONTENTS.
CHAPTER XVUL
The Reservation — The New Home — Shaubena's Family. 284
CHAPTER "fr"*"*.
Visiting among White People — Person and Character of
Shaubena — Shaubena's Death and Burial — A Word
to the Reader — Conclusion.  248

LLLUSTEATIOK'S.

Portrait of Shaubena, .... Facing THle.
Shaubena's Encampment on Bureau, - - • 17
Shaubena's Escape from Big Foot, ...»
Dance at Bulbona's; Jeff Davis Waltzing with a Squaw, - 71
Shaubena Meeting the Disaffected Warriors, - - 87
Last Interview Between Black Hawk and Shaubena, - »
The War Dance, ...... Ill
Flight of Settlers,  1M
Burning of Rev. James Sample and Wife, . - - 1»
Indian Creek Massacre, ------ »*•
Captivity of Sylvia and Rachel Hall ... 155
Murder of Rev. Adam Payne,  "*"¦
Flight of Gen. Atkinson's Escort, - - - - MS
Shaubena with His Warriors in Pursuit of Black Hawk, - 201
Phillips Killed and Ament's Cabin Attacked, - - 211
Shaubena's Ovation at Hennepin, .... 24R

CHAPTER I.

SHAUBENA'S* BIBTH — MEETING WITH TECCMSEH, ETC

Shanbena, according to his statement, was born
in the year 1775 or 1776, at an Indian village on the
Kankakee river, now in Will county. His father
was of the Ottawa tribe, and came from Michigan
with Pontiac, about the year 1766, being one of the
small band of followers who fled from their country
after the defeat of that noted chief. He was a war
chief and one of the commissioners representing his
tribe at Wayne's treaty at Greenville in 1795, made
a speech on that occasion which shows him to have
been a person of more than ordinary ability. This
speech has been preserved by tradition, a copy of
which was furnished me by Shaubena's nephew,
Rev. D. K. Foster. While in infancy, Shaubena's
parents went with him to Canada, stopping at an
Indian village twenty miles east of Detroit, where
•The aim nf Shanbena la spelled In msnj different ways by for tl adore
and Indlaa scent*, scarcely no two of them agree. In four treaties whore
his signature appears, the orthography T»ri<-\ and each of his edoeatad eost-
¦ectlons spells the name d'fferent. I hare in my possession, either written or
¦tinted, seventeen different wsys or spelling Shanbena. Some of then* areas
¦alike that a is hard to believe they were intended for the sax
B

18

MEMORIES OT SHAUBENA.

they lived a number of years, but finally returned
to their former home on the Kankakee river.
Shaubena was seven years old when he returned
from Canada and continued to live at his native
village until grown. In his youth he married a
daughter of a Pottawatomie chief named Spotka,
who had a village on the Illinois, a short distance
above the mouth of Fox river. At the death of
this chief, which occurred a few years afterwards,
Shaubena succeeded him as head chief of the band.*
Soon after Shaubena became chief, the band left
the Illinois river on account of sickness, and made
a new home thirty miles north of their old one at a
grove of timber now in De Ealb county, where they
were found in the early settlement of the county.
This grove, which still bears the name of the chief,
is a fine belt of timber near the head waters of Big
Indian creek, and surrounded by high rolling
prairie. Here, at this grove, was a good spring, a
sugar camp, an excellent place for cornfields, the
country healthy and abounding in game. At this
grove the band lived nearly half a century, and,
according to the statement of their chief, they were
a happy people.
Shaubena, while young, was employed by two
•It hsa been frequently stated that Shanbena was a native of Canada, as be
ofttlmes spoke of eomlng from that country. About twenty years before his
death he made application to the British government, through the war depart
ment at Quebec, for a pension, baring served In the Indian department of the
army during the war with the United States, and from which he had a corus
cate of discharge. But be failed to get a pension, because he was not a native
of CaonU, sua bad never boon a cltUen of the British dominion.

TECTJMSEH VISITS SHAUBENA'S VILLAGE. 19
Ottawa priests, or prophets, who instructed the
Indians in a new system of religion, and with them
he traveled extensively through the West. By
these travels he acquired a knowledge. of the coun
try, and made the acquaintance of many noted
chiefs belonging to different tribes. In the Summer
of 1807, Shaubena was on the Wabash, and spent
some time with Tecumseh at the Shawnee village,
which, in all probability, was his first acquaintance
with that noted chief.
TECTJMSEH VISITS SHAUBENA'S VILLAGE.

Tecumseh, after meeting Gen. Harrison in council
at Vincennes, in August, 1810, came West for the
purpose of enlisting the different tribes in a war
against the frontier settlements. He visited Black
Partridge, Comas, Senachwine, and Como, all of
whom refused to become his allies.
On a warm day in the early part of Indian Sum-
mer, while Shaubena and his friends were playing
ball, Tecumseh, accompanied by three chiefs, all
mounted on spirited black ponies, arrived at the
village. On the following day a favorite dog was
killed, a feast made for the distinguished visitors,
and the night spent with songs and dances.
Shaubena. accompanied his visitors to a number
of villages on the Illinois and Fox rivers, and lis
tened to Tecumseh's stirring eloquence in behalf of
his great scheme of uniting all the tribes of the

20

MEMOB1ES OF SHAUBENA.

West in a war against the whites, and thereby repel
the encroachments of civilization.
After visiting many villages among the Pottawa-
tomies, they went north, up Rock river, among the
Winnebagoes and Menomonees, visiting Green Bay,
Prairie du Chien, and other places at the North.
From here they descended the Mississippi to Rock
Island, and visited the villages of Black Hawk and
Wapello. At this place Shaubena parted with the
chiefs, and left for home, while Tecumseh and
friends continued south in the direction of St.
Louis. The following Summer, Shaubena accompanied
Tecumseh to Vincennes to meet Gen. Harrison the
second time in council, and listened to their angry
speeches. Neither Gen. Harrison nor Tecumseh
were willing to make any concession, and the coun
cil ended as the former one — without reconciliation.
Next day after the council at Vincennes, Tecum
seh, accompanied by Shaubena and two Shawnee
chiefs, left for the South, and spent some months
among the Creeks, Cherokees, and Choctaws in the
Southern States. The eloquence of Tecumseh had
a migic effect on those tribes and they too made pre
parations for war. Late in the Fall, about two weeks
after the battle of Tippecanoe, they returned to the
Wabash, and saw the remains of soldiers that had
been resurrected by the Indians and scattered over
the battle-field in shapeless masses. Some with
heads cut off and stuck on' poles or hanging from

BLACK PABTBXDGB AND 8AUGANA8H.

21

limbs of trees, while other remains were so muti
lated that they could scarcely be recognized as
belonging to a human being.
BLACK PABTBIDGE AND 8AUGANA8H.
In the Summer of 1812 runners from Tecumseh
visited many villages along the Illinois river, inform
ing the inhabitants that war had been declared
between the United States and England, and offer
ing them large sums of money to fight for the latter.
These emissaries wished to raise a large band of
warriors to capture Fort Dearborn before the garri
son was aware that war existed, and for that pur
pose many braves from different bands volunteered.
Shaubena intended to remain at home and take no
part in the war, but on learning that a large party of
warriors from other villages, as well as a few from
his own, had left for Chicago, he mounted his pony
and followed them.
In the afternoon of the fatal day, a few hours
after the massacre, Shaubena, accompanied by a few
warriors, reached Chicago, when they were horrified
at the blood and carnage around them. Along the
beach of the lake, where the battle had been fought,
lay forty-two dead bodies, the remains of soldiers,
women and children, all of them scalped and more
or less mutilated. The body of Captain Wells lay
in one place, his head in another, while his arms
and legs were scattered around over the prairie.
These remains were gathered up by Black Partridge t

22

MEM0BIE8 OP SHAUBENA.

and buried near where they were found, but the
bodies of all others slain lay on the prairie for four
years until the rebuilding of Fort Dearborn in 1816,
when Captain Bradley had the bones gathered up
and buried.
The prisoners who had escaped the massacre were
taken to the Indian camp, which was near the
present crossing of Jackson and State streets, and
closely guarded to prevent their escape. John
Kinzie, whose residence stood on the north side of
the river opposite the fort, had been trading with
the Indians here for eight years, and among them
he had many friends. By special favor he was
allowed to return to his own house, accompanied by
his family, and the wife of Lieut. Helm, his step
daughter, who was wounded.
In the evening after the battle, a council of chiefs
was called to decide the fate of the prisoners, at
which it was agreed to deliver them up to the Brit
ish commander at Detroit in accordance with the
terms of capitulation. After dark many warriors
from a distance came in to the camp, who were
thirsting for blood, and appeared determined to
murder the prisoners regardless of the stipulated
terms of surrender. Black Partridge, with a few of
his friends, surrounded Kinzie's house to protect the
inmates from the tomahawk of these blood-thirsty
savages. Shaubena, with a number of warriors,
were standing on the porch with their rifles crossing
the doorway, when a large party of hostile savages.

BLACK PABTKIDGE AND SAUGANASH.

28

with their faces painted, rushed by them, forcing
their way into the house. The parlor and sitting-
room were filled with Indians who stood with their
tomahawks and scalping knives in their hands
awaiting the signal from their chief to commence
the work of death. Mrs. Kinzie with her children
and Mrs. Helm, sat in their little bed-room weeping
over their sad fate, expecting every moment to be
their last, when Black Partridge said to them, " We
have done everything in our power to save you, but
now all is lost; you and your friends, together with
the prisoners at the camp, will be slain." At that
moment a loud whoop was heard at the river, when
Black Partridge ran to see what it meant, and in
the darkness tried to make out the occupants of an
approaching canoe, and at the same time shouting
to the new comer, " Who are you, friend or foe ? "
In the bow of the canoe stood a tall manly person
whose head was adorned with a wreath of eagle
feathers, with a rifle in his hand, and as the craft
struck the shore, he jumped off on the beach, ex
claiming in a loud clear voice, the musical tones of
which rang forth on the still night air, ** I am
Sauganash." Then, said Black Partridge, " Hasten
to the house, for our friends are in danger and you
alone can save them." Billy Caldwell,* for it was
•Billy Caldwell was a son of Col. Caldwell of the British Army, who for
many years was stationed at Detroit His mother was a squaw of hoanty aa4
Intelligence, a connection of Tecumseh, some say a sister. He was known by
the nnme of Sauganash, which In the Pottawatomie language meana u
Englishman. Billy Caldwell had a good education, was very popular as a
chief, and bad great Influence over his tribe. He lived In Chicago about twenty -

24

MEMORIES OF SHAUBENA.

he, ran to the house, entered the parlor, which was
full of hostile Indians, and by threats and entreaties,
prevailed on them to abandon their murderous
designs, and by him Kinzie's family and the pris
oners at the camp were saved from massacre.
It was afterwards ascertained that a young girl, a
half-breed, who had been in Kinzie's family for some
time, and who afterward married a Frenchman
named Joseph Pathier, seeing the hostile savages
approach the house ran to Billy Caldwell's wigwam,
telling him of their danger, when he hastened to the
rescue as above stated.
8HAUBENA GOES TO WAB.
Late in the Fall after the Chicago massacre, as
Shaubana and his band were about to leave
home for the winter hunt, two emissaries from
Tecumseh, one of whom was a half-breed and
and the other a petty chief, arrived at the
village. They brought with them a package
of presents, consisting of rings, beads, and various
kinds of ornaments, intended principally for the
squaws. Tecumseh had sent the wampum to Shau
bena, asking him to bring his warriors and join his
forces, and for their services they were promised a
large sum of British gold. These emissaries said all
the Pottawatomies along the river, including the
six yean, his cabin being located on the north side of the river, near the pres
ent crossing of LaSalle and North Water streets. In June, 1836, he want
West with ti I j tribe, where he died some } ears afterwards.

SHAUBENA GOES TO WAB.

26

bands of Como, Black Partridge, Senach wine and
Comas, had pledged their support; also, that Thomas
Forsyth, a trader at Peoria, had raised a company of
French and half-breeds, and gone to the war. These
statements proved to be false. Not one of these
bands had agreed to take part in the war; and had
the true facts been known, Shaubena said he would
have remained at home.
The winter hunt was abandoned, and on the fol
lowing day Shaubena, with twenty-two warriors,
left for the seat of war. On their way to the
Wabash, they overtook Col. Dixon's recruits, con
sisting of a large body of warriors from different
tribes, under the command of Black Hawk. Shau
bena and Black Hawk had been friends for a number
of years, having met in councils and religious feasts.
Both of these chiefs, on account of their bravery, re
ceived medals from the British commander, and wore
them on their breast while in service.
After the Indians were repulsed at Fort Meigs
and Fort Stepheson, Black Hawk became discour
aged, and with some of his warriors returned home,
but Shaubena remained with his British allies during
the campaign.
On a bright day in September, 1818, the army
under Gen. Harrison, on board of Com. Perry's
fleet, sailed from Putin-Hay to the Canada shore,
where the troops were landed to march on Fort
Maiden. As the vessels came near the shore, two
horsemen were seen cantering their steeds along the

26

MEMOBEES OF SHAUBENA.

beach, and occasionally stopping to view the
approaching fleet. These horsemen, on leaving the
beach, ascended a high piece of ground in the rear,
and remained there, watching the invading army
until they reached the land, then wheeled their
horses and galloped away. These two horsemen
were Tecumseh and Shaubena, and their bold, dar
ing conduct was commented upon by Gen. Harrison
and his officers. Gen. Proctor, commander of the
British army, with his troops, fled on the approach
of the Americans, but the brave Tecumseh, with his
aid, lingered behind to ascertain the strength of the
invaders. Shaubena continued in service until the cloBe of
the war ; was aid to Tecumseh, and stood by his side
when he fell, at the battle of Thames. The old
chief revered the memory of Tecumseh, liked to talk
about him and the battle of the Thames, and it was
amusing to hear him describe this affair in all its
details. DEATH OF TECUMSEH.
Shaubena said that on the morning of the Thames
battle, Tecumseh, Billy Caldwell and himself were
sitting on a log near the camp-fire, smoking their
pipes, when a messenger came to Tecumseh, saying
Gen. Proctor wished to see him immediately. The
chief arose and went hastily to the general's head
quarters, but 60on returned, looking quite melan
choly but without saying a word, when Billy Caldwell

DEATH OF TECUMSEH.

27

said to him, " Father, what are we to do ? shall we
fight the Americans ? " To which he replied, M Yes,
my son, before sunset we will be in their smoke, as
they are now marching on us. But the general wants
you. Go, my son, I shall never see you again."
Tecumseh appeared sad, having a presentiment that
the impending battle would be his last.
Tecumseh posted his warriors in the thick timber
flanking the British line, with himself at their head,
and here awaited the approach of the Americans.
Soon the battle commenced, and the Indian rifles
were fast thinning out the ranks of the Americans,
when a large body of horsemen were seen approach
ing on a gallop. These troopers came bravely on
until they approached the line of battle, when
Tecumseh and his warriors sprang forward with the
Shawnee war-whoop to meet the charge. For a
moment all was confusion, being a hand-to-hand
fight, and many were slain on both sides. Tecum
seh, after discharging his rifle, was about to toma
hawk the man on a white horse (Col. Johnson),
when the latter shot him with a pistol. The toma
hawk, missing its deadly aim, took effect on the
withers of the horse, while Tecumseh, with a shrill
whoop, fell to the ground. Shaubena said he was
standing by the side of Tecumseh when he received
the fatal shot, and sprang forward to tomahawk the
slayer of the great chief; but, at that instant, the
horse reared and fell, being pierced with many bul
lets, and the rider, badly wounded, was thrown to

28

MEMOBEES OF SHAUBENA.

the ground, but rescued by his comrades. The war
riors, no longer hearing the voice of Tecumseh, fled
from the field, when the battle ended.*
That night, after the battle, Shaubena accompan
ied a party of warriors to the fatal field, and found
Tecumseh's remains where he fell. A bullet had
pierced his heart, and his skull was broken, proba
bly by the breech of a gun ; otherwise the body was
untouched. Near Tecumseh's remains lay the body
of a large, fine-looking warrior, decorated with
plumes and paint, whom the soldiers no doubt mis
took for the great chief, as it was scalped and large
portions of skin stripped from the body. On the
day of the battle Tecumseh was dressed in plain
buckskin, wearing no ornaments except a British
medal suspended from the neck by a cord.
Many years after this event, while Col. Johnson
was Vice President of the United States, Shaubena
visited Washington, and together they talked over
the stirring incidents of that eventful day. After a
long talk about the battle of Thames and death of
Tecumseh, the Vice President took the arm of the
old warrior and introduced him to many of his
friends. On leaving Washington, Col. Johnson gave
Shaubena a heavy gold ring, as a token of friendship,
which he wore on his finger until the day of his
death, and, by his request, was buried with him.
•At different times I heard Shsubens snd Dad Joe (Joseph Smith) convers
ing together about the killing <>f Tecumseh. bulb of whom were on the spot
when th<- chief fell, although flighting on different sides, 1 10 meter In a regi
ment of Kentucky volunteers that supported Col. Johnson's charge. Both of
these old soldiers believed the liullet lhatkllled Tecumseh was II red from Col.
Johnson's putol, and from all the circumstance* it IS quite probable.

INDIAN TRADITIONS.

29

CHAPTER H.

INDIAN TRADITIONS,

The Indians have many traditions relating to early
times, some of which extend back long before the
country was explored by the French pioneers. But
these accounts conflict, and with regard to some
events, each band has a tradition of its own. Shau
bena would spend hours in relating stirring events
of wonderful feats performed by noted warriors,
great chiefs, and of remarkable battles fought, an
account of which had come down through many
generations. Some of these events are so remarka
ble as to eclipse the most extravagant flights of
romance, while others are quite probable and carry
with them an air of truth. I have collected many
of these traditions, compared, revised and published
them in a book entitled " French and Indians of Illi
nois River." According to tradition, and also con
firmed by the early French explorers, the country
between the Wabash and Mississippi rivers at one
time was occupied by a powerful tribe of aborigines,
known as Illinois Indians. They were of the
Algonquin family, and consisted of six different
bands, or semi-tribes, named as follows : Kaskaskias,

80

MEMORIES OF SHAUBENA

Cahokias, Peorias, Tamaroas, Michgamias and Mia-
mias. The three former bands or tribes occupied
the country around the villages bearing their respec
tive names, while the three latter resided in the
upper Illinois country with their main village, called
LaVantum, on the north bank of the Illinois river,
near the present site of Utica. This town was called
by different names by the early French explorers,
and its size variously estimated, but all agree that it
was a large place, containing from four to six thou
sand inhabitants.
In the year 1682 LaSalle erected a fortification
on Starved Rock, known as Fort St. Louis, or Fort
LaRocher, the relics of which are still to be seen.
Here at this fort the Louisiana colony was estab
lished, and it remained here until 1718, a period of
thirty-six years, when the place was abandoned, but
had it continued, LaSalle county would have been
the oldest settlement in the valley of the Missis
sippi. According to tradition, Pontiac, after his defeat
in Michigan, came West with a small band of fol
lowers, and made a village on the Kankakee river.
This gave offense to the Illinois Indians, the owners
of the land, and a war followed ; but Pontiac, with
his remnant of Ottawas, was backed by the power
ful tribe of Pottawatomies who occupied the Wa
bash and Lake country. After a few battles a coun
cil was called at Mount Joliet to agree on terms of
peace, but while disputing about its terms, Pontiac

*IHE FUB TTtATVwL

81

was assassinated by Kinneboo, the head chief of the
niinoisians. Thus perished this great chief, by the
hand of an assassin, instead of being killed at
Cahokia in a drunken row as stated by historians.*
A bloody war followed the assassination of Pon
tiac, and all the surrounding tribes raised the toma
hawk to avenge his death. A war of extermination
was inaugurated, and the niinoisians being defeated
at every point, were finally exterminated, the last of
them perishing ou Starved Rock, about the year 1768.
After the Illinois Indians were annihilated, the con
querors took possession of the country. The Potta
watomies, from the Wabash and Michigan countries,
came West, and made villages on the Illinois river
and its tributaries, where they were found in the
early settlement of the country.

THE FUB TBADE AND DISAPPEARANCE OF BUFFALO.
The French controlled the fur trade of the Illinois
country from the year 1682 until 1812, when they
were driven away from Peoria — a period of one hun-
• Historians differ In relation to the time and manner of PonUaol death.
Still all agree that In avenging his death, a war followed which resulted In the
annihilation of the Illinois Indians, but fall to show any connection between
the two events. In the Summer of 1767. a large Ottawa Indian dressed in a
French uniform came to St. Louis, snd Introduced himself to Lieut. Ange the
commander of the fort as Pontlso, A few days afterwards this Indian went to
Cahokia passed himself off for the great chief, and was killed Ins drunken
row. Pontiac himself was assasslnsted the following year while attending an
Indian council, which accounts for the error In history.
The Cahokia and Kasksskla bands of the Illinois Indians were not engaged
In the war following the death of Pontine. They continued to live In the country
for fifty years afterwards and the remnants of these bands are now living In the
I ndlan territory, south |ot Kansas. Additional accounts of PontlaCs death can
be found In a book entitled French and Indians of Illinois river.

82

MEMORIES OF SHAUBENA.

dred and thirty years. Peoria was the center of the
fur trade for ninety-four years, supplying the Indians
with goods between the Wabash and Mississippi
rivers. The principal traders at Peoria, when it was
destroyed, were Antoine Des Champs, Michael La
Croix, Felix Fontain, and Thomas Forsyth. The
latter had been appointed government agent a short
time before the place was burned by troops com
manded by Captain Craig, in November, 1812.
From 1812 to 1816 there was no trade on the
Illinois river, and those bands only that signed the
treaty of December, 1818, were at liberty to carry
their furs to St. Louis.
A Frenchman named Du Pin occupied John
Kinzie's house at Chicago after the destruction of
Fort Dearborn, and for three years traded with the
Indians. In 1816 the American Fur Company established
trading posts at different places along the Illinois
river, and for a number of years monopolized the fur
trade. Antoine Des Champs was general agent of
the Fur Company and succeeded by G. S. Hubbard.
At a later period Indian traders located at different
places on the Illinois river and did business in oppo
sition to the Fur Company.
The trade in buffalo robes ceased about the year
1790, and that of elk skins thirty years afterward.
Shaubena said, in his youthful days he chased buffalo
across the prairies, but while he was still young they
all disappeared from the country. A big snow, about

TBEATT WITH THE INDIANS.

88

five feet deep, fell, and froze so hard on the top that
people walked on it, causing the buffalo to perish by
starvation. Next Spring a few buffalo, poor and
haggard in appearance, were seen going westward,
and as they approached the carcasses of dead ones,
which were lying here and there on the prairie, they
would stop, commence pawing and lowing, then start
off again on a lope for the West. Forty years ago
buffalo bones were found in large quantities on the
prairies; in some places, many acres were covered
with them, showing where a large herd had perished,
and their trails, leading to and from watering places,
were plain to be seen.
TREATY ¦WITH THE INDIANS.
In the Summer of 1816, R. Graham, Indian agent
for the Territory of Illinois, sent runners to all the
Indian villages between the Illinois and Mississippi
rivers, and those southwest of Lake Michigan,
requesting the principal chiefs to come to St. Louis
on the 20th of August. At the appointed time
there was a large collection of Indian chiefs, repre
senting all the principal bands in the contemplated
district. On the 24th of August, 1816, a treaty was
signed between the United States Government and
these Indians — Gov. Ninian Edwards, Gen. William
Clark and August Chouteau, commissioners on the
part of the Government, and twenty-eight Indian

84

MEMORIES OF SHAUBENA.

chiefs, twenty-three of whom were Pottawatomies,
three Ottawas, and two Chippewas. A number of
Sacs and Fox and Kickapoo chiefs were present and
signed the treaty as witnesses. In this treaty the
Indians sold all their lands between the Illinois and
Mississippi rivers, known as the Military Tract, and
also a large district south and west of Lake Mich
igan. Shaubena was present and signed the treaty, but
on running the boundary line they found his village
•was not in the tract purchased, still it included his
hunting grounds, and the band drew their share of
the annuities.
The^north boundary of this purchase was intended
to be a parallel of the line dividing Michigan from
Ohio and Indiana, but in going due west on that line
it would include lands belonging to the Winneba-
goes, and not purchased by the Government, there
fore Rock Island was made the western terminus.
The country north of this purchase, including Fort
Dearborn, belonged to the territory of Michigan,
but, on adopting the State Constitution two years
after the purchase, the delegate in Congress, Mr.
Cook, seeing the great advantage of including the
mouth of Chicago river in the State of Illinois, fixed
the north boundary line at lat. 42.80, and being no
opposition, it became a law.
Many years afterwards, in 1840, this question
was agitated by the people of Wisconsin, and they

OLD INDIAN BOUNDARY LIKE

85

claimed for that State all territory north of Ohio and
Indiana parallel under the ordinance of 1787.
OLD INDIAN BOUNDARY LINE.
An order was passed for the survey of the north
boundary of the purchase soon after signing the
treaty, but owing to dissatisfaction among the In
dians it was deferred for three years. Notwith
standing most of the chiefs had signed the treaty
and accepted their pay, a large party of warriors
opposed the sale of their land, and notified the In
dian agent that they would not allow surveys nor
settlements on the purchased tract.
In the Spring of 1819, John C. Sullivan, under
the direction of Graham and Phillips, commission
ers appointed by the President of the United States,
made a survey of the north boundary line in accord
ance with the treaty. The surveyors were accom
panied by a file of soldiers from Fort Dearborn, and
care was taken to avoid a collision with the disaf
fected warriors. Gov. Clark advised the commis
sioners to procure the services of Shaubena, as he
was known to be a true friend of the whites, and
could be relied on in case of trouble. Lieut. Meek,
accompanied by a half-breed, went to Shaubena's
village for the purpose of securing his services, but
on their arrival found him, with a part of his band,
gone for a hunt on Robinson's river (now Bureau
creek), and, accompanied by an Indian boy, they
went in search of them. On reaching Shaubena's

36

MEMORIES OF SHAUBENA

camp they found him absent, having gone on a visit
to Senachwine's village, some miles distant A
messenger having been dispatched for the chief, in a
a short time afterward he was seen coming at a dis
tance, with his pony on a gallop.
Shaubena, with his band, were employed by the
surveyors, and he accompanied them over the whole
route, while his hunters supplied them with meat.
The surveyors had wagons drawn by mules, and they
carried with them provisions, arms, tools, etc.
Instead of commencing on Lake Michigan, at the
Ohio and Indiana parallel, which would be near the
mouth of Calumet river, the surveyors began at
Giosse Point, nine miles north of the mouth of Chi
cago river, for the purpose of including the purchase
made in Wayne's treaty at Greenville in 1795.
From Grosse Point they ran southwest 48 miles
to town 35, range 8, near the southwest corner of
Kendall County, from thence a few degrees south of
west to Rock Island. This boundary became a
standard line in the surveys of the State making
fractional tracts north and south of it.
A WILD COUNTRY.
For many years after settlements were made in
the southern part of the State, the country north of
the Illinois river remained a wild, unsettled region,
explored only by hunters and fur traders, and was
in the possession of roving bands of Indians. This
country, while in a state of nature, presented a

c
09

Z>

o >z
Vs

>c

EARLY SETTLEMENT. 89
beauty of landscape scenery seldom witnessed by
explorers of the West, and by them it was styled
the red man's paradise. Here were vast prairies,
high and rolling, covered during the Summer with
'grass and flowers, with here and there a grove of
timber where the woodman's ax had never fallen,
constituting land-marks to guide the lonely traveler
while crossing these great savannas of the West.
Here, too, were streams of water as clear as crystal
at all seasons of the year , no plowman had yet
broken the soil to muddy them.
This country was also a paradise for -the brute
creation, where they lived in their native element,
undisturbed by the near approach of civilization.
Buffalo and elk, that once roamed in vast herds on
these prairies, had now disappeared, but the country
abounded in smaller game, such as deer, turkeys, etc.
Here, in large groves, lurked the bear and panther,
and here prowled the savage wolf, and the shrill
notes of the lynx and catamount were frequently
heard. Along the streams were found otter and
mink, with other animals whose furs are so much
valued in commerce. Every brook was filled with
fish, and in every grove wild honey was found in great
abundance, furnishing a supply to the Indians, as
well as the hunter, the explorer, and early pioneer.
EARLY SETTLEMENT OF NORTHERN ILLINOIS.
For many years the whole State of Illinois was
in two counties, St. Clair and Randolph, the north-

40

MEMORIES OF SHAUBENA.

ern portion including Wisconsin, being under the
jurisdiction of the former.* Afterwards the north
part of the State was in Madison County, next in
Pike, then in Fulton, and lastly in Peoria. In 1825
Peoria County was organized and divided into four
precincts, known as follows: Peoria, Galena, Fox
River, and Chicago. The first election in Chicago
precinct was held at the house of John Kinzie, and
had twenty-one voters and fourteen tax-payers. Fox
River precinct had ten voters and six tax-payers, and
the election was held at the residence of Elder Jesse
Walker, in Ottawa. The largest tax-payer in the
county (no real estate taxable), was Col. John Beau-
bien, of Chicago, whose property was appraised at
11,000; the next largest on the list was William
Holland, of Peoria, valued at $800. The former
was an Indian trader, and the latter the government
blacksmith, who worked for the Indians. For two
years the miners in Galena 'precinct refused to pay
tax to the authorities of Peoria County, and the
sheriff could not collect it.
In 1824, Abner Eads, then sheriff of Fulton
County, appointed Amherst C. Ranson deputy col
lector at Chicago, who collected all he could, put the
money into his pocket, and made no returns.

* In Cahokia an action having been brought before a Justice of the t
foracow.and a Judgment for $18 obtained; the case was appealed to the Cir
cuit Court. The sheriff having a summons for the defendant and subposnas for
witnesses, who bad moved to Prairie du Chlen, and being an Indian trader,
fitted out a boat stocked with goods for the Indian market Being thus prepared
for the expedition, the sheriff proceeded to serve the papers, returning 400
miles, traveling fees on each of which amounted to over ItOO. and this
money U still unpaid.

ST. a stl.v mci-ri.smmiT.

At the first election of Peoria County, in 1825, it
was thought best to get the votes of the miners
about Galena, in order to defeat some aspirant for
county office. Consequently Captain Abner Eads
went on horseback to Galena by the only traveled
road, which ran by the way of Rock Island, called
the miners together, held an election, and on the fol
lowing day was ready to return to Peoria with the
poll-books. But here a difficulty arose, the law
required returns to be made at the county seat on
the third day after the election, and he could not
reach Peoria in time by the roundabout way of
Rock Island. Therefore he started direct for Peoria
through a wild, uninhabited country, without road
or Indian trail, distant one hundred and sixty miles,
thereby saving fifty miles travel, and reached the
county seat in time to make legal returns.

42

MEMORIES OF SHAUBENA.

CHAPTER HI.

THE MACKINAW BOAT OBEW.

In the Summer of 1824, John Kinzie, was on his
way from St. Louis to Chicago with a Mackinaw
boat loaded with goods for the Indian trade, and had
proceeded up the Illinois river as far as the lower
rapids, when a remarkable incident occurred. Ac
companying Kinzie as boatmen, were two young men,
Edward G. Ament and Theodore Beaubien, the lat
ter a son of Col. J. B. Beaubien, an Indian trader
at Chicago. As Kinzie's boat was proceeding slowly
up the rapids of the Illinois river, opposite Starved
Rock, the boatmen part of the time in the water
pushing their craft forward against the swift current,
when they were hailed by a half-breed named George
Forqua, who wished to know where the boat was
going to and of what its cargo consisted. After
obtaining the necessary information Forqua returned
to camp, and informed his comrades of this discov
ery The camp where the half-breed belonged was
located at a spring by the bluff near the presentsite
of Utica. At this camp was a white man, a murder
ous out law named Mason, with ten Indian warriors
as unscrupulous as himself. Mason proposed cap-

THE RESCUE.

48

turing Kinrie's boat, murdering the crew, and con
fiscating the goods, and to this proposition all of hi»
comrades agreed except Forqua. After a consulta
tion between Mason and the Indians, it was decided
to attack the boat during the dead hour of the night
while the crew were asleep, kill all on board, secure
the goods, and burn the craft, so as to destroy all evi
dence of their crime.
Night coming on the boat was run ashore in a
little bayou on the north side of the river near Buf
falo Rock, and tied to a tree. After a hard day's
work the boatmen retired to their bunks at an early
hour, and were soon sound asleep unconscious of
the danger that awaited them.
A scout having been sent by Mason to watoh the
boat, and see where it landed for the night, and
after doing so he returned to camp with the required
information. At the Indian camp all was bustle and excite
ment. Mason and his comrades were engaged in
making the necessary preparations for attacking the
boat. Knives were sharpened, the priming of their
guns examined, and everything made ready for the
execution of their bloody work.
THE RESCUE.
There was one link lacking in the chain to com
plete the arrangement of the murders, and this
absent link defeated their plans. George Forqua
was not a murderer at heart, and all the argument of

44

MEMORIES OF SHAUBENA.

his comrades could not induce him to take part with
them. Although he favored robbing the boat he
opposed killing the crew, and would not consent to
stain his hands with human blood. Finding himaftlf
overruled by his companions, he decided on a plan
to thwart their designs and thereby save the lives of
the boatmen.
At that time Shaubena with a part of his band
were encamped at a spring near the mouth of Fox
river, where they had been a number of dayB en
gaged in hunting and fishing. Soon after dark Forqua,
without the knowledge of his comrades, mounted
his pony and put him on a gallop for Shaubena's
camp. On arriving at camp he found the Indians
asleep in their bunks before their camp-fire, the
night dark and raining, the ponies loose on the
prairie, and everything unfavorable for Forqua's mis
sion. But on making his errand known, Shaubena
promised to rescue the boatmen, and set about mak
ing the necessary preparations as no time was to be
lost. Notwithstanding the rain and darkness the
chief and his braves caught and mounted their
ponies and piloted by Forqua hastened to the rescue.
On arriving in the vicinity of the boat they tied
their ponies to trees, secreted themselves in a clus
ter of willows, and here awaited the coming ot the
murderers. The rescuing party had scarcely time to hide
themselves in their ambuscade when the assassins
came forward with great caution, Mason, with his

THE RESCUE.

45

rifle in his hand, leading the van, followed by the
Indians in single file. As they came near the boat
Shaubena sprang from his hiding-place and caught
Mason by the arm, when the cowardly cut-throat
shook all over with fear while begging for his life.
When the Indians found themselves confronted by
Shaubena's braves they fled at the top of their speed,
followed by their bloodthirsty leader when released
from the strong arm of the chief. Fearing Mason
and his comrades might return during the night to
execute their original plans the rescuing party
remained at their post until morning, and then
returned to camp.
On the following morning the boatmen continued
their journey, not aware of their providential escape
from death the night before. With sail and oar the
craft was forced up stream against the strong cur
rent, and in this way the boatmen continued their
journey towards Chicago. On reaching the upper
rapids near the present site of Marseilles they found
the river so low as to make it impossible to proceed
further with the boat, and were compelled to lay too.
Here Kinzie left the boat in charge of the young
men, Amert and Beaubien, and alone proceeded to
Chicago after ox teams to haul the goods thither.
After the rescue, at Buffalo Rock, Shaubena
detailed eight of his young braves as a guard to
protect the boatmen from harm while ascending the
river, and these braves remained camped near the
boat at the upper rapids until Kinzie returned from

46

MEMORIES OF SHAUBENA.

Chicago with the ox teams. Mr. Kinzie and his
companions remained ignorant of this attempt on
their lives, and could not account for the eight
Indians following them up the river, and camping
each night near where the boat landed. Shaubena,
knowing the prejudice and ill-feelings the whites
had towards the Indians, and if this attempt to
murder the boat's crew was known it would injure
his people, therefore he resolved to tell it to no one,
and for many years it remained a secret.
More than thirty years had passed away since
this incident occurred, Kinzie and Shaubena were
both in their graves, but the memory of them was
still fresh in the minds of every Western pioneer.
CoL J. H. Kinzie, a son of the old Indian trader,
kept the government revenue office in Chicago, and
on account of his father's popularity, Indians from
the West frequently called on him. A delegation of
Western Indians, while on their way to Washington,
stayed over night in Chicago, when one of them
came into Kinzie's office and narrated to him the
above story, saying that he was one of the eight
young braves who guarded his father's boat while
ascending the Illinois river.
GEN. CASS AMONG THE POTTAW ATOMIES.
On a bright warm morning in the Summer of
1827, while the family of John Kinzie, with a num
ber of guests, were eating breakfast, a loud musical
voice was heard upon the river. As the song pro-

I

GEN. CASS AMONG THE POTTAWATOMTES.

47

gressed the singer became more animated, and one
said to another, is that the voice of Robert For-
sythe ? when all agreed that it was none other. The
party left their meal unfinished, and on reaching the
front porch they saw a canoe coming down the river,
the oarsmen propelling it forward at a great speed,
while the songster continued his musical notes on a
high key. On landing at the Fort the occupants of
the canoe were found to be Gen. Cass, Robert For-
sythe, his private secretary, a nephew of John Kin
zie, with a number of Indians, who acted as oarsmen
and interpreters. Gen. Cass and party had come
from Jefferson Barracks to Chicago in a bark canoe,
having descended the Mississippi river from Prairie
du Chien to that place in a keel boat.
At that time the Winnebago Indians were at war
with the settlers in the mining regions and Upper
Mississippi country, and it was thought the Potta-
watomies were about to join them. Gen. Cass
being the general Indian Agent of the Northwest,
made this tour through the Pottawatomie country
to pacify them, and prevent them, if possible, from
becoming allies of the Winnebagoes. The arrival of
Gen. Cass in Chicago brought to the citizens the first
intimation of the Winnebago war, which caused
much alarm among them, as they were without any
protection, as no troops were stationed at Fort Dear
born at that time.
In the Winter of 1855, while in conversation
with Gen. Cass, he said that his voyage up the Iili-

48

MEMORIES OF SHAUBENA.

GEN. CASS AMONG THE FOTTAWATOMIES.

49

noLs river was the most pleasant part of all his trav
els in the West. His canoe was of Indian structure,
made of bark, large, light and strong, and rowed by
a number of Indians, giving it speed almost equal to
a steamboat. He said the Indians along the river
treated him with much respect, supplying his party
with venison, fish, honey, etc. Gen. Cass spoke of
a number of Indian chiefs with whom he met, espe
cially of Senach wine and Shaubena — the former he
considered a great orator.
Gen. Cass stopped at a number of places on the
Illinois river, sending messages to Indian villages,
requesting the chiefs and warriors to meet him in
council. He had many talks with the Indians, gave
them silver medals with other trinkets, as a token of
friendship, and they all promised to remain at peace
and take no part in the Winnebago war.
Gen. Cass met a party of Indians at the mouth
of Spoon river, and met others at Comoa village on
the present site of Chillicothe. While at this village,
he employed two young warriors to visit a number
of villages, asking the chiefs to meet him on the fol
lowing day at the mouth of Robinson's river (now
known as Bureau creek). These runners visited
the villages of Senachwine, Autuckee, Shaubena,
Waba and Waubonsie. All of these chiefs, on being
notified, mounted their ponies and started for the
place of meeting.
After a talk at Comos village. Gen. Cass and party

.

ascended the river to a trading house belonging to
the American Fur Company, where they remained
over night and part of the following day, awaiting
the arrival of the Indian chiefs.
A meeting was held on the west side of the river,
on a high piece of ground, where the trading house
of DeBeuro formerly stood, and since known as
Hickory Ridge. Speeches were made by a number
of chiefs in reply to Gen. Cassv address, the best
of feeling prevailed, and medals were distributed
among them.
Gen. Cass, and party stayed over night at the
residence of Dr. David Walker at Ottawa, and gave
the inhabitants there the first news of the Winne
bago trouble. This report of Indian hostilities
alarmed the people very much, and they Set about
building a fortification. At that time there were but
three cabins in Ottawa, all of which were on the
south side of the river, but south and east along the
river timber, a number of claims had been taken by
early pioneers. These settlers commenced building
a fort so they could protect themselves in case the
Pottawatomies should take part in the war. A high
knoll on the prairie, one-half mile south of the river,
was selected, and a fort commenced, but after erect
ing palisades on three sides the work was aban
doned. This fort was on a farm now occupied by
Col. D. F. Hitt, and relics of it can still be seen in
his field.

50

MEMORIES OF SHAUBENA.

After meeting Gen. Cass in council Shaubena left
for Chicago, to consult with his friends CaldweU and
Robinson, on the'best plan of preventing their peo
ple from taking part with the Winnebagoes.

WINNEBAGO EMISSARIES.

51

CHAPTER IV.

WINNEBAGO EMISSARIES.

In the Summer of 1827, two Winnebago chiefs,
one of whom was a son of Winneshiek, and the other
a brother of Red Bird, accompanied by a few Potta
watomie warriors and petty chiefs, arrived at Shau
bena's village, for the purpose of enlisting him in the
impending war. On their arrival, a dog was killed, a
feast made according to the Indian custom, and a day
spent in social intercourse, with songs and dances.
Shaubena, accompanied by his warriors, conduct
ed his visitors to a shady place in the grove, and
there listened to speeches made in favor of a union
of all the tribes of the West, for the purpose of
checking and driving back the tide of emigration.
In reply to these speeches, Shaubena said : " In my
youthful days I have seen large herds of buffalo on
these prairies, and elk were found in every grove ;
but they are here no more, having gone towards the
setting sun. For hundreds of miles no white man
lived ; but now trading-posts and settlers are found
here and there throughout the country, and in a few
years the smoke from their cabins will be seen to
ascend from every grove, and the prairies covered
with their cornfields. Like elk and buffalo, the red '
3 D

52

MEMORIES OF SHAUBENA.

man must leave the land of his youth, and find a
new home in the far West. The armies of the
whites are without number, like the sands of the
sea, and ruin will follow all tribes that go to war
with them."
After listening to these speeches, a vote was
taken, when all the warriors raised their voices in
favor of remaining in peace. The Winnebago chiefs
were very much disappointed at the result of this
conference, knowing that Shaubena had much in
fluence over the different bands, and expected to en
list him in their cause; but failing in this, they
mounted their ponies and left for other villages.
THE PEACE MESSENGER.
During the Winnebago war, in the Summer of
1827, the frontier settlers were very much alarmed,
as it was thought the Pottawatomies were about to
take part in it, causing a general uprising among the
Indians of the West. Emissaries from the Winne-
bagoes visited many of the Pottawatomie chiefs,
some of whom agreed to take part in the war. Shau
bena not only refused to join the hostile bands, but
mounted his pony and rode through the country,
visiting almost every Pottawatomie village in the
State, explaining to the chiefs the folly of going to
war, and in many cases his arguments were success
ful. Big Thunder, who had a village on the Kish*-
waukee, near the present site of Belvidere, had
agreed to go to war ; but when Shaubena visited

THE PEACE MESSENGER.

58

him and pointed out the impossibility of conquering
the whites, he changed his mind, returned the wam
pum which the Winnebagoes had sent him, and con
cluded to remain at peace.*
Shaubena also visited Big Foot's village at Big
Foot lake, but with this chief his mission proved a
failure. Big Foot was in favor of a union of all the
Western tribes for the purpose of making war on
the frontier settlers, and drive them from the coun
try. He had promised the noted Winnebago. chief,
Red Bird, to join his forces, and should take up the
tomahawk when the proper time came.
Soon after this interview with Shaubena, Big
Foot, with his band, came to Chicago, for the pur
pose of drawing their annual payment from the
Government, and while here their conduct was such
as to alarm the citizens. The night after drawing
their money some of the Indians painted their faces
red, danced around the Agency House, singing war
songs, and occasionally yelling at the top of their
voice. On the following night Fort Dearborn was
struck by lightning, and set on fire, when a number
of buildings were burned. Big Foot and his band
stood by as idle spectators, and refused to render
any assistance in extinguishing the flames.
The Indians were encamped among the scatter-

*The dried and mouldering remains of the famous Indian chief. Big Thun
der, were, as late as the Bummer of 1840. a conspicuous object on the height
near the City of Belvidere, the remains being surrounded by palisades, and by
the side of them were a rile, tomahawk, knife, pipe, and a quantity of tobacco.
(History of DeKalbCounty.)

54

MEMORIES OF SHAUBENA.

SHAUBENA A PRISONER.

55

ing trees north of the river, and appeared shy and
unfriendly, avoiding conversation with the whites
as much as possible. The warriors were frequently
noticed engaged in earnest conversation with each
other, and when other Indians approached, they
would stop talking, showing that they had secrets
which they kept to themselves.
After a few days the band left for their village,
but going away secretly during the night, and their
strange conduct while here, caused people to thina-
they meditated eviL
A few days after Big Foot's band left Chicago,
the citizens called a meeting, which was attended
by whites, half-breeds, and Indians, when matters
pertaining to their safety were discussed. At this
meeting it was agreed to send messengers to Big
Foot's village to get an explanation of the strange
conduct of the band, and ascertain, if possible, what
they intended to do. Shaubena and Billy Caldwell
were selected as messengers, and on the following
morning they started on their mission.
SHAUBENA A PRISONER IN BIG FOOT'S VILLAGE.*
Big Foot lake (now known as Geneva lake) on
account of its fine scenery, has of late become a cel
ebrated watering place, but it was none the less beau-
* The following account of Shaubena's adventure with Big Foot differs ha
some points f rem t he statement of CoL B. a Hubbard, but I And different ver
sions of almost every Incident connected with the old chiefs life. The ¦¦¦ let
here given or Shanbenaa Imprisonment, liberation and escape, la trews the)
statement of his nephew, who was raised by him, and beard his ancle repeat
the story at different I

tiful while in a state of nature. Its picturesque
scenery and its romantic surroundings will remind a
person of the upper end of a lake, bearing the same
name in Switzerland. At some places the bold,
rocky bluff, covered with evergreens, extends to the
water's edge, while at other points it recedes back,
forming in front a beautiful plateau, where the clear
blue water of the lake is reached by a gravelly beach.
At the head of the lake, on 'a strip of table-land,
consisting of rich prairie and partly surrounded by
timber, stood Big Foot's village, a place of much
note during the early settlement of the country.
Big Foot is described by those who knew him
well, as a large, raw-boned, dark visaged Indian, with
a countenance bloated by intemperance, and it is
said he ruled over his band with despotic sway, try
ing to make his will the law.
When Shaubena and Billy Caldwell came to the
top of the bluff, overlooking the village, they stop
ped to consult on a plan of proceedings, and it was
agreed that Caldwell should secrete himself among
a cluster of underbrush to watch the proceedings,
while Shaubena rode into town. The meeting of the
chiefs was not of a friendly character. Big Foot
accused Shaubena of being a friend of the whites
and a traitor to his tribe, saying had it not been for
him, Billy Caldwell, and Robinson, all of the Potta-
watomies would unite with the Winnebagoes and
take part in the war. In reply to this, Shaubena
said he could not assist the Winnebagoes in making

,

56

MEMORIES OF SHAUBENA.

war on the whites, as they were so strong that they
must eventually conquer, and the war would
result in their ruin. A large number of warriors had
collected around the two chiefs, listening to their
angry conversation, when Big Foot became so
enraged that he grasped his tomahawk and made an
attempt to kill Shaubena, but the warriors prevented
him from doing so. The warriors took away Shau
bena's rifle, tomahawk, knife and blanket, and after
binding his hands with buckskin thongs, led him
away a prisoner to an unoccupied wigwam, where
he was guarded by two warriors to prevent his
escape. THE OAPTTVE'B BETUBN.
»
Billy Caldwell, from his hiding place on the bluff,
watched the proceedings at the village, and when he
saw Shaubena stripped of his arms, bound and led
away, probably for execution, he became alarmed,
fearing he might meet a like fate, consequently he
mounted his pony and left for Chicago. On arriving
at Chicago and reporting Shaubena either killed or
a prisoner at Big Foot's village, the people were
greatly alarmed, as their worst fears were now con
firmed. Shaubena had been known by the people
at Chicago for along time, being held in high estima
tion by both whites and Indians, and all were grieved
at his loss. But while the excitement was at its
height, Shaubena, with his pony covered with foam,

HOOSIERS TO THE BESCUE OF CHICAGO.

57

appeared among them, causing much rejoicing on
account of his safe return.
The night following Shaubena's captivity a coun
cil was called to decide the fate of the prisoner. At
this council the warriors came to the conclusion that
it would be unsafe to keep Shaubena a prisoner, as
his band and other bands, as well as the whites at
Chicago, would come to his rescue, and if executed
his death would be avenged. Big Foot was in favor
of executing the prisoner, but the warriors decided to
set him free. Next morning Shaubena was liberated,
his pony, arms, etc., returned, when he left in haste
for Chicago. As Shaubena mounted his pony a
friend whispered in his ear, telling him to make all
haste, for he would be followed by Big Foot and
killed if overtaken by him. Soon after Shaubena
left, Big Foot, with four warriors, started in pursuit
of him ; putting their ponies on a gallop, they fol
lowed his trail many miles, but the chief being
aware of pursuit, and mounted on a fleet pony, suc
ceeded in making his escape.
HOOSIERS TO THE RESCUE. OF CHICAGO.
Fort Dearborn was vacated in the Fall of 1828,
and not permanently occupied again with troops,
until the third of October, 1828, consequently, for
five years, the citizens of Chicago were without pro
tection. The fort was in the care of Dr. Alexander
Wolcott, the Indian agent, who lived in the officers'

58

MEMORIES OF SHAUBENA.

quarters, while some of the block houses were used
for dwellings, by traders and hunters.
The inhabitants of Chicago consisted principally
of French, and half-breeds, with a few Yankee
adventurers, who were engaged in the fur trade.
The citizens had always been on good terms with
the Indians, and were in the habit of exchanging
friendly visits ; but now war existed between the
whites and Winnebagoes, and it was not known
how soon the Pottawatomies would join them. Big
Foot's band was ready to take up the tomahawk,
and it was feared other bands would follow suit. It
was known that the bands controlled by Billy Cald
well, Robinson and Shaubena, were loyal, but the
country for two hundred miles, in all directions, was
in the possession of the Indians, who were liable to
raise the tomahawk at any time. Shaubena offered
to bring his warriors to Chicago, and guard it, if it
became necessary, and his proposition the people
hailed with much enthusiasm.
While the people were greatly alarmed on ac
count of their exposed condition, a meeting was
called at the Agency House, for the purpose of de
vising some plan of relief. After much discussion,
it was agreed that a messenger should be sent forth
with to the Wabash settlement, to obtain assistance.
Col. G. S. Hubbard was selected for this mission,
but some of the citizens objected to his leaving at
that critical time; if they should be attacked by
savages, no one was so capable of controlling the

HOOSIERS TO THE RESCUE OF CHICAGO. 61
Indians as he.* But as no other person appeared
fitted for the mission, Mr. Hubbard filled his saddle
bags with provisions, mounted his horse, and left for
the Wabash settlement, which he reached on the
third day. On arriving at Danville, and making his
errand known, messengers were dispatched to dif
ferent neighborhoods, calling for volunteers, when
the hardy backwoodsmen responded to the call,
picked up their rifles, mounted their horses, and
hastened to the rescue.
Ten days after Col. Hubbard left for the Wa
bash, he returned to Chicago with about one hun
dred volunteers, armed and equipped for service.
But soon after their arrival, an express came through
from Galena, bringing the good tidings that the
Winnebago war was over, peace made, and Red
Bird a prisoner.
'In the Summer of 1818. Gordon a Hubbard, then a youth of sixteen years
of age. came In an Indian canoe from St. Joseph to Chicago. At that time but
two white families (except the garrison) were living In Chicago, John Kimie's
and Antoine Onllmerte's. For a number of years, Mr. Hubbard belonged to the
American Fur Company, having charge of different trading posts on the Illinois
and Kankakee livers. While engsged In the fur trade, he made Chicago his
hes.i -quarters, and located here permanently In the year 1834, where be still
Uvea, in the enjoyment of h—llh and vigor.

62

MEMORIES OF SHAUBENA.

CHAPTER V.
FOX RIVER INDIAN MIBSION.
Probably the most energetic minister and mis
sionary among the Indians, and early pioneer set
tlers, was Elder Jesse Walker, of the Methodist
church. Elder Walker was a short, heavy set man,
very dark skinned, walked erect, with an independ
ent, pompous bearing, and possessed great energy
and force of character. He was a bold, undaunted
missionary, bearing the standard of the cross tri
umphantly in the wilds of the West, among red
men as well as white, making proselytes wherever
he went. In 1806, Elder Walker, accompanied by
Bishop McKendree, came to Illinois, and for many
years traveled in the southern part of the State,
holding camp meetings, and establishing churches.
He established the first church in Peoria, the first
one in Chicago, and with great success preached to
the Indians, and early pioneers along the Illinois
river. Elder Walker was appointed by the Methodist
Conference a missionary among the Indians, and in the
Fall of 1824 he built the first cabin on the present Bite
of Ottawa. This was in the center of the Indian
country, and far away from any permanent settle-

FOX RIVER INDIAN MISSION.

63

ment. Some of the Indians appeared unfriendly to
Walker, being displeased with him for building a
cabin among them, and gave him to understand that
he was not welcome. The Elder became discouraged,
thinking his mission a failure, and was about to
abandon the enterprise when a circumstance occurred
which gave him fresh courage, and finally led to his
success. One morning, while the Elder was at prayer,
with his household kneeling around the family altar,
an Indian rapped lightly at the door with the end of
his ramrod. He was a tall, fine looking Indian,
dressed in a ruffled buck-skin hunting shirt, with a
wreath of eagle feathers around his head, a rifle on
his shoulder, a tomahawk and scalping knife in his
belt. Elder Walker met the Indian at the door,
who grasped his hand, pressing it in a friendly man
ner, and at the same time exclaiming " Me Shau
bena." Walker invited his visitor into the house,
and entered into conversation with him, but his En
glish being bad, he understood but little. As
Shaubena left the cabin for his camp, which was
about one mile distant, he gave the Elder to under
stand he would be back soon. In a short time
Shaubena returned, bringing with him a quarter
of venison and a wild turkey, as a present to his
new found friend, and accompanied by a half-breed,
named George Forqua, who spoke good English, and
acted as an interpreter.
Elder Walker told Shaubena that he had come

64

MEMORIES OF SHAUBENA.

among his people to preach Christianity, and in
struct them in the ways of civilization. Although
Shaubena took no stock in this new religion, believ
ing that of his father's preferable to any other,
nevertheless he was willing to assist the Elder in es
tablishing a mission by introducing him to his peo
ple. The Elder ^accompanied Shaubena to his camp,
where he was introduced to the squaws and hunters
present, and an hour or more was spent in singing
and praying. On the following day, Elder Walker,
accompanied by Shaubena and George Forqua, made
a tour through the country, in search of a suitable
place to establish a mission. They visited a num
ber of places along the Illinois and Fox rivers, call
ing at several villages, Shaubena giving Elder
Walker an introduction to his friends. A place
was finally selected at a point of timber east of Fox
river, and about sixteen miles from its mouth, now
known as Mission Point. Here a mission was es
tablished, consisting of a chapel, a school house, and
two or three dwellings occupied by teachers and
employes of the institution. At one time a large
number of Indian children attended school here, and
each Sabbath the chapel was filled with Indians to
hear preaching. John Dew, James Walker, and
Pearce Hawley, were connected with the mission as
teachers and religious instructors, and called around
them a large number of converts. For a time, it
was a success, but in 1830 the chapel burned down,
when the mission was abandoned.

I

PIONEER SETTLEMENTS.

65

i

On the 4th of July, 1829, there was a celebra
tion at the mission, consisting of a few whites, with
a large number of Indians. An old chief, named
Sheatee, became very patriotic, made a speech to
his warriors, and sang a number of war songs. Be
had two old flags of revolutionary times, one Bntosb,
the other American. The American flag was raised
on a high, straight pole, while the British flag was
by the side of it, on a short, crooked, leaning one,
representing the eagle triumphing over the Uonand
unicorn. PIONEER SETTIiEMENTB.
At the time of the Black Hawk war all the north
part of the State was an unbroken wilderness, ex
cept a few trading posts and the mining settlement
about Galena. The country was in the possession of
Indians ; had not been surveyed by the Govern
ment, nor explored to any great extent by the hun
ter or early pioneer.
In 1827, a road was opened direct from reona
to Galena, connecting the mining region with the
settled part of the State, and known as Kellogg s
trail. This road soon became a great thoroughfare,
over which passed a daily mail coach, and crowds of
people going to and from the lead mines. A few
persons located on this road in advance of the settle
ment for the purpose of entertaining travelers, and
keeping stage teams. Joseph Meredith built a cabin
on Senachwine, Charles S. Boyd at Boyd's Grove,

66

MEMORIES OF 8HAUBENA.

Henry Thomas on Bureau, Dad Joe, at Dad Joe's
atTeU ^f™ at «*»'• ^rry, Mr. Mc^
at K Uogg s Grove, and Mr. Winter on Apple ri™
The largest settiement north of the Dlmois river was
on Bureau creek, consisting of about thirty families.
i m„ao were buUt north of the «"* Wto
he Illinois river, one on the site of Peru, two at
La Salle, eight or ten on Indian creek, five or six at
Holderman s Grove, and a number about Plainfield.
A few faunhes had settled on Fox river as high up
l!rfnlndtbereWa8 quite settlement mtS
vincity of Ottawa.
„JteABettleVBZeTe m08tly hard7 ^kwoodsmen,
Tome Trm6 ^^ ^ the PUrP°8e °f ««b**
nZ ?h*7™6 P°or« man7 of them possessed
nothing but their scanty household goods, a span of
horses, or a team of cattle. But the most of them
were in the prime of life, enterprising, bold and
daring, skilled in the use of a rifle, accustomed to
exposure and danger, being of that class of pioneers
found everywhere in the early settlement of a new
country. At the time of the Black Hawk war there
was a great panic among the settlers, who were un
prepared to defend themselves, consequently they
fled from their homes, some going to Hennepin, some
to Peoria, others to Ottawa or Chicago, while a few
left the country, never to return. A fort was built
by the settlers at Hennepin, one at Florid, one on
Sandy creek in the south part of Pntnam county.
Old Fort Clark at Peoria was repaired, and some of

BULBONA, COL. TAYLOR AND JEFF. DAVIS. 67
the citizens took refuge in it for a few days. Major
Baxter, with two companies of rangers from St.
Clair and Madison counties, built a fort at the resi
dence of Henry Thomas, on West Bureau, four miles
north of the present site of Wyanet. A fort was
built on the south side of the Illinois river, opposite
Peru, by State troops, and called Fort Wilborn, and
another was built at Ottawa by Major Pugh, who
came there with two companies of volunteers.
BULBONA, COL. TAYLOR AND JEFF. DAVIS.
Pierre Bulbona was an Indian trader, a French
man by birth, but had spent his youthful days
among the Indians in the wilds of the West. His
wife was a Pottawatomie squaw, with whom he had
lived many years, and raised a large family of half-
breed children. Mrs. Bulbona was a sister to the
wife of Antoine Ouilmette, who lived at Chicago at
the time of the massacre in 1812, and whose widow,
with Mrs. Bulbona, obtained from the Government
a reservation of land on the Kankakee river, where
some of the family still reside.
Nearly half a century ago Bulbona built a
double log cabin on the Peoria and Galena road,
two miles southwest of the present site of Wyanet,
at a grove of timber which still bears his name.
One of these cabins was occupied as a dwelling, and
the other filled with goods for the Indian trade.
Bulbona exercised much influence over the Indians,
was successful as a trader, and accumulated quite a

68

MEMORIES OF SHAUBENA.

fortune. Bulbona's wife was a cousin to Shaubena's
oldest squaw, and friendly intercourse existed be
tween the families, frequently visiting back and
forth, and probably from that cause he became
very popular among the Indians. A short time be
fore the Black Hawk war, one of Bulbona's daugh
ters was married to a French trader of Peoria, and
a large party of friends, both French and Indians,
were invited to the wedding, celebrating the nuptials
with a dance. At night, while in the midst of the
dance, a carriage containing four travelers arrived,
and asked for entertainment. Bulbona did not keep
a tavern, but as houses on the road were from
fifteen to twenty miles apart, travelers frequently
stopped with him. The host told the guests that he
could not entertain them, as his house was full, but
seeing by their uniform they were officers belonging
to the United States Army, he invited them in to
get something to drink, and see the wedding party.
The invitation was accepted, the travelers entered
the house, were introduced to the wedding party,
and feeling at home in pleasant company, they
remained there for several hours.
For the names and description of the travelers,
and what occurred at Bulbona's house, I am indebted
to Mr. Kilgore, who was one of the party. Three
of the travelers were dressed in United States uni
form, and the epaulettes on their shoulders showed
them to be a Colonel, a Captain, and a Lieutenant.
The Colonel was a middle-aged man, heavy set, with

THE DANCE AND TRAGEDY.

69

broad shoulders, dark complexion, prominent nose,
under lip projecting, and his face indicated a person
of decision and force of character. This man was
Zachary Taylor, late President of the United
States. The Lieutenant was a young man, tall and
slim, with a high forehead, a large Roman nose,
prominent but irregular features, and looked like a
person possessing fine mental faculties. This young
man was Jeff. Davis, ex-president of the late South
ern Confederation. The Captain's name was Smith ;
and belonged to Col. Taylor's regiment, but nothing
is known of his history.
These officers were on leave of absence to visit
friends in the South, and were now returning to
their regiment quartered at Prairie du Chien, Col.
Taylor being at that time commander of Fort Craw
ford, and the other officers belonged to his regiment.
At l'eoria they found the stage filled with pas
sengers, consequently they employed Mr. Kilgore to
carry them to Galena in his light, covered, spring
wagon. Bulbona was very polite to his visitors,
treating them to different kinds of liquor which had
been prepared for the occasion, and soon the officers,
as well as the wedding party, were under its influ
ence. THE DANCE AND TRAGEDY.
Soon after the officers arrived, the dance was re
sumed, and continued until a late hour of the night.
The style of the dance was partly French and partly
E

70

MEMORIES OF SHAUBENA.

Indian, and with the dancers all was joy and mirth.
Above the sound of the music and merry laughs of
the party could be heard the dancers' feet rattling
on the rough puncheon floor. The Indians on the
outside of the house, fronting the doors and win
dows, being animated by the music within, carried
on the dance in their own way, jumping up and
down, and sometimes yelling at the top of their
voice. Lieut. Davis took part in the dance, and
soon became the leading spirit of the party. His
tall manly form was conspicuous among the dancers,
sometimes imitating the French style of dancing,
then the Indian, then again going it on his own foot
ing, like at an old-fashioned Kentucky hoe-down.
Among the wedding party was a niece of Mrs.
Bulbona, a young squaw of great personal attrac
tion, who danced in her Indian style with much
grace. Lieut. Davis became fascinated with her
charms, and danced with her in almost every set.
Being now under the influence of liquor, he would
do many remarkable things, sometimes changing the
order of the dance to suit his fancy. When quad
rilles were danced he would change it into a waltz,
so he could have his arms around the waist of the
young squaw ; then again, freeing himself from her,
he would dance with all his might, cansing his tall form
to jerk and wriggle as it swayed to and fro, some
times jumping up and down in quick succession, and
yelling at the top of his voice, in imitation of the
Indians at the door. Col. Taylor and Capt. Smith

THE DANCE AND TRAGEDY. 73
took no part in the dance, but sat in one corner of
the room looking on, and almost splitting their sides
with laughter.
Lieut. Davis being under the influence of liquor,
and fascinated with his fair partner in the dance,
took improper liberties with her, which she resented
with contempt. The young squaw, feeling herself
insulted in the presence of the company, became very
indignant, and informed her brother of it. Her
brother, a tall, athletic Indian, was very angry on
account of this insult to his sister, and felt deter
mined to punish the offender. Being quite drunk,
his brain frenzied by anger and whisky, he went
up to Lieut. Davis, and in bad English accused him
of insulting his sister, at the same time pulling his
nose. Davis, who never lacked courage, pushed, the
Indian from him, and drew forth a pistol. The
Indian, with a fiendish smile, drew from its scab
bard a long scalping knife, and was prepared to meet
his antagonist in a deadly combat. The dance
stopped, the women screamed, and all was confu
sion and alarm ; every one expected to see the death
of one or both of the parties. But in an instant
Col. Taylor .sprang between the combatants, and
thereby prevented the effusion of blood. After this
tragical affair the travelers left Bulbona's residence,
and found entertainment at Henry Thomas', six
miles distant on their way.
No doubt, such acts as those above narrated caused
Col. Taylor to denounce Jeff. Davis as a wild, un-
4

74

MEMORIES OF SHAUBENA.

scrupulous profligate, unfit to be the husband of his
daughter. But notwithstanding Col. Taylor's dis
like of Davis, the latter ran off with and married* his
daughter. By this act Davis forfeited his commis
sion in the army, left the regiment, and located in
the State of Mississippi. Col. Taylor did not be
come reconciled with his profligate son-in-law, and
for fifteen years they neither met nor corresponded.
On the battle field of Buena Vista Jeff. Davis,
commanding a regiment of Mississippi volunteers,
stormed and took possession of the Mexican batter
ies, and thereby saved the battle. Then for the first
time since Davis left Prairie du Chien, Gen. Taylor
rode up to him, taking his hand, expressed hiB ap
probation of his heroic conduct, saying his daughter
was a better judge of his ability than himself, after
all. shaubena's religion.
According to the statements of Rev. D. K. Fos
ter, a nephew of Shaubena, and who was raised by
him, says the chief always adhered strictly to the
forms of religion as taught by his ancestors ; and he
was considered by his people an example of piety.
At seven years of age his parents gave him the first
religious instructions according to the laws of the
tribe. For two days and nights in each moon dur
ing the winter he fasted — neither eating nor drink
ing — and praying to the Great Spirit each night be
fore going to bed. In the morning his dreams were

SHAUBENA'S RELIGION.

75

told to his father, who interpreted them, according
to the rule laid down by the priest. The dreams
being good, his father said his little son would be
come an eminent warrior, and in these visions the
Great Spirit had promised to watch over and protect
him from the power of the evil one.
Missionaries among the Indians always found a
reliable friend in Shaubena, and his wigwam was
frequently their home. Although Shaubena assisted
Elder Walker in establishing his mission, and fre
quently listened to his preaching, he never joined
his church, nor became a convert to the Christian
religion. In the Summer of 1880 the Rev. Adam Payne,
while acting as a missionary among the Indians,
visited Shaubena's village, and for a number of days
preached to his band. Payne was accompanied by
an interpreter named Mike Girty, a half-breed, be
longing to the village of Indiantown, who did muoh
toward making his missionary labors a success.
Notwithstanding Girty was an unbeliever in Chris
tianity, a thief and cut-throat, he interpreted Payne's
sermons in a fervent manner, making many converts
wherever they went. Twenty-seven of Shaubena's
band were baptized, among whom were one of his
squaws and two of his daughters ; but all of Payne's
eloquence and persuasive arguments could not make a
Christian of the old chief. He thought the religion
of his fathers preferable to Christianity, and this
faith he adhered to until his death. In speaking

76

MEMORIES OF SHAUBENA.

of the Christian religion, Shaubena said he never
could understand the story of the cross ; how God
became an infant, a boy, a man, and permitted him
self to die an ignominious death on the cross.
Shaubena, according to the statements of those
who knew him well, was very pious, frequently
praying with his family and friends, and once a
year offered up sacrifices to the Great Spirit.
SHAUBENA AS A TEMPERANCE LECTURER.
In the Summer of 1829 an Indian trader, by the
name of George Whitney, a Connecticut Yankee,
came to Shaubena Grove for the purpose of trading
with the Indians. Whitney had a covered wagon
drawn by a span of mules, and his stock in trade
consisted of various articles of Indian traffic, includ
ing a barrel of whisky. With this trader was a
young half-breed named Spike, who was a good
natured, jolly fellow, performing the duties of teams
ter, cook, salesman and interpreter.
Whitney pitched his tent in the edge of the
grove, near the Indian village, turned out his mules
to feed on the prairie, and for a number of days he
had an excellent trade, especially in whisky, not
withstanding he watered the liquor and sold it
at an exorbitant price ; many of the Indians got
drunk on it, became noisy and abusive to their
families. Shaubena went to Whitney and forbid
him selling any more whisky to his people ; but re-

I

THE SETTLERS COUNSEL WITH SHAUBENA. 77
gardless of this warning he continued to deal out the
beverage to every one who had means to pay for it.
Shaubena became very angry at the trader for per
sisting in the sale of whisky, and on going to his tent
one morning told him if he did not leave the grove
that day he would be at the trouble of moving hunt
As soon as Shaubena left the tent, Whitney
asked Spike what the old chief said, to which he
replied, " If you are found here at sunset, your
scalp will be seen to-morrow morning hanging on
the top of that pole," pointing to a high pole, around
which the Indians had their crane dances.
At this announcement Whitney became terribly
alarmed, turning deathly pale and trembling all over
from head to foot. He ordered Spike to catch the
mules and hitch them on the wagon as soon as pos
sible, while he commenced taking down his tent and
packing his goods for a hasty departure. When every
thing was in the wagon, Whitney whipped his mules
into a gallop, causing his old go-cart to ru^ile and creak
as it passed swiftly over the prairies in the direction
of Chicago, and he was never seen in that part of
the country afterward.
THE SETTLERS COUNSEL WITH SHAUBENA.
In the Spring of 1831, on account of threatened
hostilities, the settlers on Bureau put their families
in wagons to leave the country, as they considered

78

MEMORIES OF SHAUBENA.

it unsafe to remain any longer at their homes. A
number of families in their flight met at Round Point
the present site of Princeton, and here they held a con
sultation, some in favor of continuing their journey
while others thoughtbest to wait a few days ; finally
all agreed to consult Shaubena, and abide by his
opinion. Two young men, Hezekiah Epperson and
Justus Ament, left for Shaubena's camp which at
that time was in Bureau timber, a few miles east
ward. On arriving at camp they found the chief
absent, but left word for him on his return to come
immediately to Elijah Epperson's cabin where his
friends awaited him.
The fugitives returned to Epperson's cabin about
one mile distant, turned out their oxen to feed on
the prairie, while men, women and children were
collected in the door yard talking of the past, and
the gloomy prospect for the future.. In the distance
they heard the clattering of horse's feet, and in a
moment Shaubena was seen to emerge from the
timber with his pony on a gallop. As he came up
to the settlers he raised his hand, exclaiming, Buza
Necons, which in English is " How do you do, my
friends." The settlers collected around Shaubena to learn
his opinion about the contemplated war, and if he
thought it safe for them to remain at their homes.
To these interrogations he replied, " A messenger
from Black Hawk says he will have his village or fight,

THE SETTLERS COUNSEL WITH SHAUBENA. 79

and I think there will be trouble. The young men
might stay and put in. a crop, but the squaws and
papooses must leave at once." The oxen were again
hitched on to the wagons, and the settlers fled
from the country.
4 0

80

MEMORIES OF SHAUBENA.

CHAPTER VI.

INDIAN COUNCIL.

In February, 1832, an Indian council, consisting
of Sacs and Foxes, Winnebagoes, and Pottawatomies,
was held at Indiantown. Black Hawk, Neopope,
Little Bear, The Prophet, with many other chiefs of
their tribe, were in attendance. Among the Potta
watomie chiefs at this council were Shaubena, Waba,
Shick Shack, Meommuse, Waseaw, Sheatee, Kalto,
Waubonsie, and Autackee.
The object of this council was to effect a union
of the different tribes for the purpose of making war
on the frontier settlements, drive back the tide of
emigration, and thereby retain their homes and hunt
ing grounds. The council lasted a number of days,
and many speeches were made for and against this
union. The Prophet was the leading spirit of the
council ; his zeal and fine oratory had much influ
ence over the other chiefs. In a speech he Baid, " If
all the tribes are united, their warriors will be like
the trees of the forest," to which Shaubena replied,
" Yes, but the soldiers of the whites will outnumber
the leaves on the trees."
Senachwine, the great advocate of peace, was
now in his grave, having died a few months before,
but there was one left to take his place ; this was

INDIAN COUNCIL.

81

f
i

Shaubena, styled by the Indians, " The white man's
friend." Shaubena was not a great orator, but his
reputation for honesty and good judgment atoned for
the lack of eloquence, and gave him great influence
over his brother chiefs. After the death of Black
Partridge and Senachwine no chief among the Pot
tawatomies exercised so much influence over the
warriors as Shaubena, and he did more than any
other one in preventing them from taking part in the
war. Black Hawk, while a prisoner at Jefferson
Barracks, in the Fall of 1832, said to Thomas For
syth, the former agent for the Sacs and Foxes, had
it not been for Shaubena, the whole Pottawatomie
nation would have joined his standard, and then he
could have continued the war against the whites for
years, and dictated his own terms of peace.
While in conversation with Shaubena, a few
years after the war, in reference to the past, he said :
" Had I favored the union of the different tribes,
the Pottawatomies would have formed an alliance
with the Sacs and Foxes, and a general war
followed." At the Indiantown council, all the Pottawatomie
chiefs except Waubonsie took part with Shaubena,
against the union of the different tribes, when the
convention broke up without effecting the object for
which it was called.
Some of the early settlers, living near Indian-
town, among whom were Leonard Roth and Amos
Leonard, noticed this large collection of Indians at

82

MEMORIES OF SHAUBENA.

their village, but did not know for what purpose
they had met. Mr. Roth describes the Prophet as
a large, fine-looking Indian, in the prime of life,
wearing a white buckskin head-dress, which was
raised high above the crown, and capped with a
bunch of eagle feathers. Around his ankles he wore
a wreath of small bells, which jingled at each step,
and in his nose and ears were large gold rings.
BLACK HAWK'S EMISSARIES.
When the Sacs and Foxes crossed the Mississippi
in April, 1832, a son of Black Hawk, and Little Bear,
a chief of some note, left the band at the mouth of
Rock River, and came East, visiting many Pottawat
omie villages for the purpose of inducing the warriors
to become their allies. These chiefs came to Indian-
town and had a talk with Autuckee, Meommuse,
and some of the principal warriors, all of whom re
fused assistance. They next visited Senachwine's
village, but met with no better success. Young
Kalto, then head chief, said that he promised his
father (Senachwine) before his death never to raise
the tomahawk against the whites.
At that time Shaubena with his whole band were
encamped at a point of timber two miles southeast
of the present site of Princeton, and here the hostile
chiefs met them. Joel Doolittle and C. C. Corse,
whose cabins stood near by, noticed these emissaries
with painted faces and peculiar head-dresses, in
Shaubena's camp, but could not account for the

TIDINGS OF THE APPROACHING WAR.

88

i

strange cbnduct of the Indians on theb arrival
Among the band there appeared to be great excite
ment, loud talk with rapid gestures, and amid the
confusion that followed the camp was broken up,
ponies caught and all left in haste for their homes. .
On the prairie about three miles north of Shau
bena's encampment, John Hall, one of the early set
tlers, with a loaded wagon, had stuck fast in a
slough, and while trying to get out, the band, con
sisting of warriors, squaws and papooses, with their
ponies on a canter, came up to him. Shaubena
stopped to assist Mr. Hall out of the slough, and as he
left, remarked that he had bad news and feared there
was trouble ahead.
Next day after Shaubena left Bureau, Indians
were seen riding across the prairies at full speed con
veying war tidings to different bands. On the fol
lowing night signal fires were lighted all over
the country, and in every grove where Indians were
encamped, the smoke of these fires was seen to as
cend, and within two days all the Indians had left
the neighborhood. The settlers had not heard of
Black Hawk's band crossing the Mississippi, but they
noticed this strange conduct of the Indians. Re
garding these signs as harbingers of evil, which
caused great alarm among them, and some fled from
the country without waiting for further warning.
FIRST TEDING8 OF THE APPROACHING WAR.
As soon as Shaubena learned that Black Hawk's
band had crossed the Mississippi he started on a

84

MEMORIES OF SHAUBENA.

mission among his friends to inform them of the
fact, and also to get them to use their influence to
prevent the Pottawatomies from taking part in the
impending war. For two weeks Shaubena traveled
over the country, visiting many villages, and advised
the chiefs and warriors to remain at peace. While
on this tour he called on Simon Crozier, at the
mouth of Big Vermillion, and on George E. Walker
at Ottawa, informing them that Black Hawk was on
the war path. Both of these men were Indian
traders; had much influence with the warriors, and
they used it to keep them from joining the Sacs and
Foxes. After visiting a number of Indian villages
on the Illinois and Des Plaines rivers, Shaubena
reached Chicago, and conveyed to the citizens there
the first inl< igence of Black Hawk's band crossing
the Mississippi river. Shaubena, accompanied by
Robinson and Billy Caldwell, called on Col. Owen,
the Indian agent at Fort Dearborn, who received
them kindly, and prepared a dinner for his distin
guished visitors. The day following Shaubena's ar
rival in Chicago, R. M. Young, Benj. Mills and Col.
Strode came here for the purpose of attending court,
the former acting as judge, and the two latter as at
torneys, practicing their profession. They came
from Galena, following an Indian trail from Dixon's
Ferry to Chicago and camping- out each night.
Judge Young and friends confirmed the report
brought by Shaubena the day before, that Black
Hawk's band was then ascending Rock river.

MEETING THE DISAFFECTED WARRIORS. 85
It was agreed between Shaubena, Robinson and
Caldwell that a council should be held on the fol
lowing week, at an Indian village on the Des Plaines
river, for the purpose of adopting a peace policy.
The three chiefs now set about making preparations
for this council by giving notice to chiefs and war
riors of the different villages, and by this means a
large attendance was secured. This council was at
tended by chiefs of different bands, among whom
were Shaubena, Billy Caldwell, Robinson and Wau
bonsie. George E. Walker, then sheriff of La Salle
county, and also an Indian trader, attended this
council by special invitation, and listened to
speeches made by different chiefs. After some de
liberation it was decided to remain at peace, and a
resolution passed, declaring any Pottawatomie
brave that joined Black Hawk's forces a traitor to
his tribe.

8HAUBENA MEETING THE DISAFFECTED WARRIORS.
Little Bear and Black Hawk's son, on visiting
the different bands, met with but little encourage
ment ; but on arriving at Meommuse's village they
were warmly received. Little Bear told them that a
large portion of the Pottawatomies and all the Win-
nebagos were going to war, and on being thus in
formed, the chief, with all his warriors, pledged
themselves to become their allies. All their pelts
and furs were carried to Hartzell's trading house

86

MEMORIES OF SHAUBENA.

and exchanged for munitions of war, and every pre
paration made to take up the tomahawk. The
squaws and papooses, with all the old, infirm Indians,
were to go west of the Mississippi river, while the
chief with his warriors would join Black Hawk's
forces. A number of young braves from neighbor
ing bands had joined them, so that Meommuse could
take the field with about fifty warriors. Every thing
was ready for the departure, and on the morrow they
intended to leave their village for the seat of war,
but a timely visit from Shaubena prevented them
from doing so.
On Shaubena's return from the council at Des
Plaines river, he learned that Meommuse's band was
about to join the enemy, and for that purpose would
leave their village on the following day. Without
resting from his long fatiguing journey, he again
mounted his pony, and accompanied by Pypcgee, his
son, left for the hostile camp. On Shaubena's arrival
at the village, the chief and warriors, armed and
painted for war, collected around him, admitted their
intention of going to war, and brought forth the
wampum given them by Black Hawk's emissaries.
Shaubena explained to them that the chiefs of most
all the bands had decided in council two days before
to remain at peace, and all Pottawatomie warriors
joining the Sacs and Foxes would be considered as
enemies to their tribe. On hearing these facts, the
chief and most of his warriors concluded to take no

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zoH X
PI

m pi•n ¦npi
O -I

> as53

MEETING THE DISAFFECTED WARRIORS.

89

part in the war, and accompanied the squaws and
papooses westward. But a few of the warriors
joined the hostile forces, two of whom were tried for
their lives at Ottawa the following year for the part
they took in a raid on the settlement.
4* F

90

MEMORIES OF SHAUBENA.

CHAPTER VH.
BLACK HAWK ON THE WAR PATH.
In the Spring of 1830, when Black Hawk's band
returned to their village after the winter hunt, in ac
cordance with their former custom, they found the
Government had sold the ground on which it stood.
The purchasers of this land were in possession of
their cornfields, and some of them living in their
wigwams. Black Hawk called on the Indian agent,
Thomas Forsyth, at Rock Island, and also on his
friends, Col. George Davenport and Antoine Le
Clair, for counsel and advice, all of whom advised
him to abandon his village and go west of the Mis
sissippi river. Black Hawk sent a messenger to St.
Louis, to see Gov. Clark, the general Indian agent
of the West, asking him to redress his wrongs ; but
the governor replied that he could do nothing for
him, giving the same advice as his friends at Rock
Island, " Go West."
Some years after this affair, while in conversation
with Antoine Le Clair, the interpreter for the Sacs
and Foxes, he said when Black Hawk found his vil
lage Was sold he cried like a child, blacked his face,
• and for three days prayed to the Great Spirit. Black
Hawk contended at that time, and also contended

BLACK HAWK ON THE WAB PATH.

91

until the day of his death, that he never had sold
his village, and to regain possession of it was now
the great object of his life.
From that time he became melancholy and mo
rose, brooding over the wrongs he had received from
the whites, and, according to the statement of
Samps, a half-breed, was seldom seen to smile after
ward. Black Hawk from that time meditated re
venge, and, like Tecumseh, tried to unite the tribes
of the West in a war against the whites. Runners
were sent among the different tribes, both east and
west of the Mississippi, persuading them to make war
on the frontier settlements.
In June, 1830, Black Hawk, accompanied by his
son and a chief named Wisshick, with a few warriora
left for Canada. Knowing that the Pottawatomies
would have a religious feast on Bureau about that
time, the old chief made arrangements to attend it.
In a speech made at this feast, he called on the Pot
tawatomies to assist him in maintaining his rights ;
but through the eloquence and influence of Senach
wine his plans were defeated.
From here Black Hawk and his friends went to
Maiden, and laid his case before the British com
mander of the garrison. The officer advised him to
remain peaceably on his lands, and if he had not sold
them he would not be molested. From Maiden he
went to Detroit to see Gen. Cass, who gave him the
same advice as the British officers'. After getting
the promise of Gen. Cass to do all he could for him

92

MEMORIES OF SHAUBENA.

in maintaining his rights, he left for the West.
Black Hawk, on his return, visited Shaubena, Waba
and Waubonsie, all of whom he had been associated
with in the war of 1812. Black Hawk remained
some time among the Pottawatomies, trying to enlist
them in his cause. He attended a great dance at In
diantown, and laid his wrongs before the chiefs of
different bands, receiving but little encouragement
from them. It was late in the fall when he arrived
at his village, and found his people all gone on their
winter hunt.
After the Sacs and Foxes were driven from their
village, in the summer of 1831, Black Hawk pro
posed to submit his case to the President of the
United States, and abide by his decision. Gov.
Clark promised to appoint commissioners to accom
pany the principal chiefs to Washington, and have
all matters in dispute settled ; but, from some cause
this plan was abandoned, and Black Hawk proceeded
with his original plans. Emissaries were now Bent
among the Winnebagoes, Kickapoos and Pottawa
tomies, to induce them to make common cause with
the Sacs and Foxes, and for a time they met with
success. In the latter part of September, 1831, the Gov
ernment made a payment to the Pottawatomies, at
Chicago, where about four thousand Indians were col
lected. Among these Indians was a delegation from
Black Hawk's band, consisting of two noted chiefs,
Wisshick and Neopope, with six warriors. The ob-

BLACK HAWK ON THE WAR PATH.

95

ject of their visit was for the purpose of laying their
wrongs before the Pottawatomies, and securing assist
ance m regaining their village, but, meeting with
little encouragement, they left for their home.
Among Black Hawk's counsellors was a Winne
bago chief, named White Cloud, but better known
as the Prophet, who had a village on Rock river,
near the present site of Prophetstown. This chief
was now in the prime of life, enterprising, bold and
sagacious, possessing superior physical and mental
powers, and as an orator had but few equals among
the Indians of the West. With his people he bore a
triple relation of prophet, priest and king, dictating
to them in spiritual as well as temporal matters. His
mother was a Sac, a relation of Black Hawk, and
probably this fact, as much as his hatred to the
whites, caused him to take part in the war. He had
great influence over the different tribes, and to him
more than any other Indian maybe attributed Black
Hawk's misfortune.
At the council at Indiantown, in February, 1882,
the Pottawatomies refused to take part in the war,
when Black Hawk regarded his scheme a failure, and
with a sorrowful heart mounted his pony, and left
for his home. But some of his friends were not 60
easily discouraged ; the Prophet, Neopope and Wis
shick left on a mission at the North, visiting many
villages on Rock river, and in Wisconsin. Some
of the chiafs accepted the wampum, promising their
support in case of war. On their return, they re-

96

MEMORIES OF SHAUBENA.

ported to Black Hawk that all the Pottawatomies at
the North, and many of the Winnebagoes, would join
him in a war, if he would come up in their country.
Black Hawk, deceived by these statements, made
preparations to prosecute his original plans. Accord
ingly, in April, he crossed the Mississippi, and as
cended Rock river, the squaws and papooses in
canoes, and warriors mounted on ponies, followed
along its banks. Nine miles below Rock Island they
were joined by the Prophet with a number of war
riors, who came to conduct them up to their village.
Before reaching Prophetstown, they were overtaken
by an express from General Atkinson, ordering them
to return west of the Mississippi, and if his order
was not complied with, he would follow them with
his troops. Black Hawk returned a message to At
kinson, saying he had no right to make such a de
mand ; and he would not comply with it ; that his
mission was a peaceful one, his friends having in
vited him to come up in their country to raise corn.
On arriving at Prophetstown, they were met by Col.
Henry Gratiot, agent for the Winnebagoes, and
White Crow, chief of Turtle village, with twenty-
four warriors. Black Hawk told Col. Gratiot that
he had no desire to fight — should not strike the first
blow, but if attacked by the troops, he would carry
the war into the frontier settlements, and tomahawk
every woman and child that came in his way. On
reaching Dixon's Ferry, Black Hawk went into Mr.
Dixon's house, made some presents, saying his mis-

BLACK HAWK AND SHAUBENA.

97

sion was a friendly one, he would commit no depre
dations on the whites. When Black Hawk reached
his destination, near Kishwaukee, he expected to
meet a large party of warriors, but he was doomed
to disappointment, and now discovered, when too
late, that Neopope and Wisshick had deceived him.
He was now at the mercy of the whites, and came to
the conclusion to make the best terms he could.
When Black Hawk found that he was pursued by
Stillman's troops, he sent a flag of truce, but the sol
diers disregarded it, took the bearers prisoners, and
put one of them to death. If this flag had been re
spected, according to the rules of war, there would
have been no fighting, and Black Hawk, failing in
the expected support, would have returned west of
the Mississippi. Black Hawk, while a prisoner at
Jefferson Barracks, 6aid to his friend, Thomas For
syth, that he did not expect to carry on a successful
war against the whites, but thought if the different
tribes joined him, the Government would be willing
to treat on favorable terms, and return to him his
village. LAST INTERVIEW BETWEEN BLACK HAWK AND
SHAUBENA.
Black Hawk's band ascended Rock river about
twenty-five miles above Dixon's Ferry, near the
present site of Byron, and from here they went east
into a grove of timber, on a stream since known as
Stillman's Run. Not meeting here a large body of

98

MEMORIES OF SHAUBENA.

warriors, as he expected, Black Hawk became dis
couraged and dispatched a runner for his old friends
in arms, Shaubena and Waubonsie. These chiefs,
on receiving the message, mounted their ponies and
started for his camp. On arriving in camp the two
chiefs were warmly greeted by the whole band;
chiefs, warriors, squaws and papooses collected
around the visitors, shaking hands and applying to
them the endearing terms of friends and brothers.
A dinner for the visitors was prepared at Black
Hawk's wigwam, and the Prophet, Neopope, Little
Bear, with other chiefs, were invited guests. Over
the wigwam waved the British flag, the one presented
to Black Hawk two years before by the commanding
officer of Fort Maiden. While at dinner the guests
were serenaded by a party of young, squaws with
songs and dances, with music of drums, and rat
tling gourds.
After dinner Black Hawk took his visitors off in
the grove away from the encampment for the pur
pose of having with them a private conversation.
The three chiefs seated themselves on the trunk of a
fallen tree, when Black Hawk told his friends the
story of his wrongs ; how he had been robbed of his
home and driven away from the village he loved so
well. Said he, " I was born at the Sac Village, and
here I spent my childhood, youth and manhood. I
like to look on this place with its surrounding of big
rivers, shady groves, and green prairies. Here is the
grave of my father and some of my children ; here I

BLACK HAWK AND SHAUBENA.

101

expected to live and die and lay my bones by the
side of those near and dear unto me ; but now in my
old age I have been driven from my home, and dare
not look again upon this loved spot." Here the old
chiefs utterance was choked by a flood of tears, and
covering his face with a blanket, he remained for a
few moments weeping in silence. After wiping
away his tears he continued, " Before many moons
you too will be compelled to leave your home, the
haunts of your youth ; your villages, corn-fields and
hunting-grounds will be in possession of the whites,
and by them the graves of your fathers will be
plowed over, while your people will be driven west
ward toward the setting sun to find a new home be
yond the Father of Waters." Black Hawk, address
ing the chiefs, said, "We have always been as
brothers ; have fought side by side in the British
war ; have hunted together and slept under the same
blanket ; we have met in council and at religious
feasts; our people are alike and our interest the
same." Black Hawk said he was on the war-path, and if
his friends gave him their support, the whites would
treat on favorable terms and return to him his vil
lage. That runners had been sent to different vil
lages, notifying the chiefs to meet him in council,
and if united they would be so strong the troops
would net attack them, but would make overtures
for peace.
Shaubena, in reply, said he could not join him in

102

MEMORIES OF SHAUBENA.

a war against the whites ; that Gov. Clark and Gen.
Cass had made him many presents, some of which he
still retained as a token of friendship, and while in
possession of these gifts he could not think of raising
the tomahawk against their people.
During this interview Waubonsie sat near by,
smoking his pipe, taking no part in the conversation,
but on finding Shaubena so decided in the matter,
he too refused to take part in the contemplated war.
However, Waubonsie agreed to attend the council
of chiefs, but Shaubena said he would not be pres
ent, and after advising Black Hawk to return west
of the Mississippi as the only means of saving his
people, the two chiefs parted to meet no more.

SHAUBENA ATTACKED BY BANGERS.

108

CHAPTER VUL

SHAUBENA ATTACKED BY RANGERS.

The next day after the interview with Black
Hawk, Shaubena went to Dixon's Ferry to offer the
service of himself and warriors to Gov. Reynolds.
Mounted on his pony and alone, he arrived at Dix
on's Ferry the same day that Stillman's rangers
reached there, and by them he was treated in a brutal
manner, which can only be accounted for when all
the facts are understood.
With Gen. Whiteside's volunteers was a worthless
vagabond named George McKabe, who was em
ployed as a cook in one of the companies. This
McKabe had been with the Indians a number of
years, married a squaw, but being too lazy to either
work or hunt, he would lie around the village,
drinking whisky, and stealing from the settlers.
When the Indians were driven from their village,
McKabe went with them and also accompanied the
band on their return in the Spring of 1882.
Black Hawk thought McKabe might be useful
as a spy, and therefore advised him to stay with the
whites and apprise the band of approaching danger,
consequently he went to Fort Armstrong and offered
his services as a volunteer.

104

MEMORIES OF 8HAUBENA.

McKabe while strolling through Stillman's camp
at Dixon's Ferry, noticed Shaubena on his arrival
there and told some of the rangers that he was a Sac
Indian belonging to Black Hawk's band, and was there
as a spy. The rangers believing McKabe's story,
dragged Shaubena from his pony, took away his
rifle, knife and tomahawk, and abused him in a
shameful manner, telling him they had left home to
kill Indians, and he should be their first victim. In
vain he exclaimed in his bad English, " Me Shau
bena ; me Pottawatomie ; Ne con che mokaman"
(a friend of the white man). A large crowd had
collected around Shaubena, some crying out, toma
hawk him, scalp him, cut his throat, etc., while
others were pleading for his life, saying it was a
shame to murder a poor Indian in that way. While
these barbarities were being enacted,. a man ran at
the top of his speed to Dixon's residence, telling him
that the soldiers had Shaubena a prisoner and were
about to put him to death. On receiving these tid
ings, Mr. Dixon hastened to the rescue, where he
found the soldiers, who were under the influence of
liquor, about to stain their hands with innocent
blood. Mr. Dixon claimed the prisoner as his own, tell
ing the soldiers that he was an old friend, and taking
Shaubena by the arm, conducted him to his own
house, where khe remained his guest for two days.
Mr. Dixon introduced Shaubena to Gov. Reynolds,
Gen. Atkinson, Col. Taylor and others, and from

THE COUNCIL BROKEN UP.

105

that time he became a great favorite with both offi
cers and soldiers.
THE COUNCIL BROKEN UP BY STILLMAN'S ARMY.
Black Hawk's hand had made extensive prepara
tions for the contemplated council, where the Potta
watomie and Winnebago chiefs were to decide on
peace or war. For this occasion, they built a large
bower, decorating it with evergreens and flowers,
and prepared the ground around it for a war dance.
The country, far and near, had been explored by
hunters to obtain choice game, and a number of fav
orite dogs killed for the feast. Some of the chiefs
had already arrived, and others were expected dur
ing the night, so the morrow was to decide the fate
of Black Hawk's expedition.
While preparations for the council were being
perfected, a messenger arrived with his pony on a
gallop, bringing tidings of an approaching army.
Black Hawk immediately despatched two warriors,
with a white flag, to meet the army, and four others
to follow behind, to see what became of the flag-
bearers. In a few moments these messengers came
galloping into camp, followed by soldiers in close
pursuit, when Black Hawk, with his braves, mounted
their ponies, and hastened to their rescue.
As soon as the fighting commenced, the chiefs
who had come to attend the council, left in great
haste, and did not return again into camp. Wau
bonsie who had just arrived in camp, was eating his

106

MEMORIES OF SHAUBENA.

dinner when the fighting commenced ; leaving his
meal unfinished, he mounted his pony, putting it on
a gallop, and made no halt until he reached his vil
lage, at Paw Paw Grove.
The attack on Black Hawk's camp by Stillman's
troops dispersed all the friendly chiefs, and the coun
cil, for which great preparations had been made, never
took place.
About seven miles from Black Hawk's band were
encamped a large number of disaffected Pottawato
mies, belonging to different bands, who had col
lected here for the purpose of taking part in the war.
Immediately after the battle of Stillman's Run these
Indians raised the tomahawk, and with a few Sacs
and Foxes, scattered over the country, secreting
themselves in groves of timber, guarding the main
roads, and skulking around the frontier settlements.
Girty, with about seventy warriors, left for the Bu
reau settlement, while Shakee, a petty chief, led
another party to the settlement on Fox river. Little
Bear, with his warriors, went to the lead mines,
where they committed many depredations on settlers,
and a small band of the warriors from Black Hawk's
camp, were secreted for some time in Dad Joe
Grove, to intercept travelers on the Peoria and
Galena road. WAUBONSIE.
As the name of Waubonsie appears in connection
with many incidents given in this book, a short

WAUBONSIE.

107

sketch of him may interest the reader. This chief
was a large, fine-looking Indian, tall and straight ;
with broad shoulders, high forehead, an intelli
gent face, and in the latter part of his life became
quite corpulent. He had a proud, independent,
pompous appearance; overbearing among his peo
ple, and not very courteous toward the whites.
At the commencement of the late British war,
Waubonsie was only a common warrior, and went
with Shaubena to the Wabash, but soon after was
made a chief on account of the following act of
bravery. One day Waubonsie left camp to hunt in
the woods, and on coming near the Wabash river he
heard people talking. Approaching cautiously, he
discovered four soldiers cordelling a boat up the
river, loaded with stores for Fort Harrison. To
shoot one of the soldiers and make his escape would
have been an easy matter ; but this would not satisfy
his ambition, as a scalp could not be obtained in that
way. One man only was in the boat steering it,
while the others were ahead with the cordell-line. As
the boat came near the shore, Waubonsie jumped
aboard, tomahawked the man at the helm, took off
his scalp, and with it made his escape. For this act
of bravery he was made a war chief and became the
leader of a band. Waubonsie became very conspic
uous among the Indians, making long speeches at
their councils, and, according to the statements of
G. S. Hubbard, he was known by all the fur traders
along the Illinois river.

108

MEMORIES OF SHAUBENA.

At one time Waubonsie had a village on the Illi
nois river, near the mouth of Mazon creek, but in the
summer of 1824 his band went to Paw Paw Grove,
where they lived until the Government moved them
west of the Mississippi river.
This chief was in favor of forming an alliance
with the Sacs and Foxes, and at a council at Indian-
town in February, 1832, made a speech to that effect,
but receiving no support from his brother chiefs, he
joined Atkinson's army and fought against Black
Hawk. The last time I met Waubonsie was in the fall
of 1836, as his band, with other bands, were going
west; and his fine manly form was never seen in
this section of the country afterwards. The chief
was dressed in white buckskin, ornamented with
fringes and beads ; his face painted in various colors,
with a large red and white plume in his head-dress.
He was mounted on a beautiful spotted black and
white stallion, of the Rocky Mountain breed, and
being under the influence of liquor, rode back and
forth like a general in command of an army. To
those around him he narrated (in bad English) his
many heroic exploits while fighting with Tecumseh,
telling about leading his braves forward to victory
and glory, and the number of scalps he had taken
with his own hands. From a dirty pouch in his
buckskin hunting-shirt he drew forth two scalps:
one of which the hair was red, and the other black.
The red one, he said, was taken from the head of a

FLIGHT OF THE POTTAWATOMIES.

109

soldier at the battle of the river Raisin, and the black
one from a boatman on the Wabash. These trophies
he had carried about his person for more than twenty
years, to let the white people know (as he expressed
it) that he was a big Injun.
A short time after Waubonsie went West he was
killed by a party of Sacs and Foxes for having
fought against them during the Black Hawk war.
His scalp was taken off, his body mutilated and left
on the prairie to be devoured by wolves, while his
beautiful Rocky Mountain horse was ridden away by
one of his murderers.

FLIGHT AND DISAFFECTION OF THE POTTAWA
TOMIES.
When the Pottawatomies learned that Black
Hawk's band had crossed the Mississippi river, they
considered war inevitable, consequently most of
them fled from their homes. Some of them went
west of the Mississippi, others to Chicago or Ottawa,
for the purpose of seeking government protection,
while a number of warriors from different bands
joined the Sacs and Foxes. At Shaubena's request
Waubonsie's band left their village at Paw Paw, and
camped in his grove, so each band would be protec
tion for the other ; and here they remained some days
after the commencement of hostilities. Afterward
they sent their squaws and papooses, together with
the old, infirm Indians, to Ottawa, while the chiefs
s G

110

MEMOBIES OF SHAUBENA.

and warriors joined Atkinson's army at Dixon's
Ferry. A number of bands were encamped at Chicago
when news reached there of a battle having been
fought, and Black Hawk's band victorious. On re
ceiving this news, many of the young braves became
anxious to take part in the war, and it was with
great difficulty the chiefs restrained them. Billy
Caldwell informed CoL Owen, the Indian agent, of
this state of affairs, and advised him to call a coun
cil, in order to pacify these disaffected warriors. On
the following day a council was held under the shade
of a burr oak tree, north of Kinzie's residence, which
was attended by all the warriors camped at Chicago.
At this council, speeches were made by Col. Owen,
Col. R. Hamilton, Billy Caldwell and others ; also
by a number of Indian chiefs. Big Foot, who gave
the citizens of Chicago much trouble five years be
fore, again showed himself an enemy to the whites.
Being under the influence of liquor, and his brain
frenzied by a spirit of revenge, he said in a speech
that the Government had been unjust to the Potta
watomies in compelling them to sell their land for
half its value, and thought it a good time to redress
these wrongs. This speech of Big Foot's was much
applauded by the disaffected warriors, and some of
them became noisy and disorderly. In reply to this
speech. Col. Owen said if any of the warriors took
part with Black Hawk, the Government would
hold the chiefs responsible and punish them

THE WAB DANCE. 118
accordingly. This council had a good effect on the
disaffected young braves, and no more was heard
about going to war. THE WAB DANCE.
When Girty, with his band of desperadoes, ar
rived at Black Hawk's camp, they were met with
loud cheers and shouts of joy, being hailed by the
warriors as brothers and friends. That same night
preparations were made for a war dance, and all the
Sacs and Foxes, with the Pottawatomies, took part
in it ; even the old chief Julo, who had passed his
ninetieth winter, and was afterwards scalped by Dr.
Adison Philleo, appeared among the dancers. The In
dians stripped themselves of all clothing, except a
girdle around their loins, painted their faces blood-red,
and on their breast were crosses set in red, black
and yellow paint. Their head-dresses were orna
mented with eagle and turkey feathers, and the
same material decorated their breech clouts. The
warriors held a branch of red cedar in one hand,
with a tomahawk in the other, and in this way they
danced to the music of flutes, drums, and rattling
gourds ; sometimes jumping high in the air, running
around in a circle, while their wild whoops and
yells could be heard for miles away.
This dance at Black Hawk's camp is described by
an eye-witness, George McKabe, as excelling in spirit
and enthusiasm anything he had ever seen. Black
Hawk was divested of clothing, his face painted red,

114,

MEMOBIES OF SHAUBENA.

with a black star on each cheek, denoting his rank, in
accordance with Indian custom. Suspended from his
neck, and covering his breast, hung the insignia of
rank, on which were painted various devices, repre
senting the seven scalps taken with his own
hands. Although approaching three score and ten
years of age, the old chief excelled in dancing many
of the young braves, jumping higher and yelling
louder than the gayest of them.
SHAUBENA BEPBOVED BV AN OLD PBIEST.
It was after midnight, as Shaubena lay sleeping
on his couch, when a messenger arrived in great
haste, saying a battle had been fought, and Black
Hawk's band victorious. Shaubena, knowing that
war parties would be sent out immediately to murder
defenceless settlers, made a hasty preparation to notify
them of their danger. The chief sent Pypegee, his
son, and Pyps, his nephew, to Fox river and Holder-
man's Grove settlements, while he left for Bureau and
Indian creek. Early in the morning, before it was
light, the three messengers mounted their ponies and
started for the settlements, as there was no time to
be lost. Before Shaubena left on his mission of mercy he
went into the wigwam of Okee, the old priest of the
band, to tell him the news and receive his blessing be
fore entering on this perilous enterprise. The old
priest was much affected at this sad news, and wept
like a child. Shaubena, on leaving the wigwam,

SHAUBENA BEPBOVED BY AN OLD PBIEST. 116
mounted his pony, and was about to leave, when the
priest caught the bridle and attempted to speak, but
being overcome with emotion for a time, utterance
failed him. The old priest in his night-dress held on to
the "bridle of Shaubena's spirited pony, unwilling to
let him go ; the long gray hairs, whitened by the snows
of eighty winters, hanging in matted clusters around
bis shoulders, while big tears followed each other in
close succession down his furrowed cheeks, and ad
dressing the chief, he said : " My son, beware of
what you are about to do ; your mission will bring
evil on all of us — not on the warriors only, but
squaws, papooses and innocent suckling babes will
suffer for your acts. By showing yourself a friend
of the white man, not only Black Hawk's band, but
other bands will call you a traitor, and you will meet
the fate of one. My son, be true to your race, and
may the Great Spirit direct you in the right way."
Shaubena felt hurt at the old priest's reproof, and
for a moment was undecided what to do. For many
years Okee had been his spiritual adviser ; to him he
always applied for counsel in time of trouble, and
with his heart filled by sadness, he replied as fol
lows: "Father, for many years I have lived on
terms of friendship with the settlers. I have ate at
their table and trotted their little ones on my knee ;
they have taken me into their councils, advised with
me about fleeing from their homes or remaining in
the country. I have promised to notify them of ap
proaching danger. Can I remain at home in my

116

MEMOBIES OF SHAUBENA.

wigwam and let my friends be butchered ? No ; I
will go, if Black Hawk's whole band, in seeking re
venge, follows on my trail ! "
How true was the prediction of the old priest.
Shaubena and his band were denounced as traitors to
the Indian race. Pypegee and Pyps were slain for
the part they took in this affair, and their mutilated
bodies left on the prairie. Although Shaubena
escaped the fate of his son and nephew, for many
years afterward the assassin followed his track, and
at three different times his life was providentially
preserved. SETTLEBS NOTIFIED OF DANGEB.
The 15th of May was a clear bright day ; the sun
shining in all its brilliancy, without a cloud in the
sky. The prairies were now green with early spring
grass, intermixed with blue-bells, violets, and other
May flowers of various hues. The forest trees were
in full leaf, and the balmy air was fragrant with
blossoms of wild plums and crab apples. All nature
appeared clothed in her beautiful garment, while the
pleasant surroundings were calculated to fill the
pioneer's heart with bright prospects of the future.
The settlers on Bureau were busy with their
crops — plowing, sowing and planting, unconscious
of danger from the red foe, not knowing that a band
of savages were then on the road to murder their
wives and little ones. While the settlers were thus
engaged, a lone Indian was seen cantering his pony

SETTLEBS NOTIFIED OF DANGEB.

117

across the prairie, going in a south-western direction.
He was without a gun or blanket, and from bis
uncovered head locks of long hair were streaming in
the wind. His jet black pony was now white with
foam, and from its wide-extended nostrils came forth
loud puffs of breath. This lone Indian was Shau
bena, "the white man's friend," and he was now on
an errand of mercy.
The first house Shaubena came to was 'Squire
Dimmick's, who lived at Dimmick's Grove, near the
present site of La Moille. On notifying Dimmick of
his danger, he in reply said, " he would stay until
his corn was planted," adding, " he left the year be
fore, and it proved a false alarm, and he believed it
would be so this time." To this statement Shaubena
replied, " If you will remain at home, send off your
squaw and papooses, or they will be murdered before
the rising of to-morrow's sun 1 " Shaubena had now
mounted his pony, and on leaving, raised his hand
hi^h above his head, and in a loud voice exclaimed,
"Auhaw Puckegee"" (you must leave) ; and again his
pony was on a gallop to notify others. Shaubena's
last remark caused Dimmick to change his mind,
consequently he put his family into a wagon, and
within one hour left his claim, never to return to it
again. John L. Anient was planting corn when the tid
ings reached him ; putting his wife on a horse, and
mounting another himself, with his son Thomas, then
an infant, in his arms, and on a gallop, they left for

118

MEMOBIES OF 8HAUBENA.

McLean county, seventy miles distant. Shaubena
continued on his way through the settlement, giving
notice to Dr. N. Chamberlin, Eli and Elijah Smith,
Epperson, Moseley, Musgrave, Doolittle and others,
after which he left for Indian Creek settlement.
FLIGHT OF SETTLEBS.
When the settlers on Bureau creek learned that
hostilities had commenced they were greatly alarmed,
and immediately fled from their homes. People were
seen riding in haste across the prairie, conveying the
tidings from cabin to cabin, and within a few hours
not one person was left in the settlement. Some left
in wagons, some on horseback, others on foot. One
family, Ezekiel Thomas, whose wagon was broken,
left on a sled drawn by a yoke of oxen. It was well
they left in haste, for the sequel shows a few hours
of detention would, in all probability, have proven
fatal to many.
Some of the settlers went to Hennepin, some to
Peoria, others to Springfield, where they remained
until the war was over, while a few left the country
never to return.
During the night of the same day that Shaubena
notified the settlers, a band of about seventy war
riors, led by the notorious half-breed Girty, came to
Bureau and were surprised to find their intended vic
tims had fled. During the night this band of cut
throats visited almost every cabin, in some of which
they found the fire still burning on the hearth.

DEATH OF SAMUEL TAPPEN.

121

These Indians encamped at a spring on the edge of
the timber, immediately west of the present site of
Princeton, where they remained two days, sending
out scouts in search of victims. While at. this place
they captured and burned the Rev. James Sample
and wife, an account of which is given in the suc
ceeding chapter. i.
DEATH OF SAMUEL TAPPEN.
Samuel Tappen was a young man who graduated
at a law school in Massachusetts and came West to
practice his profession. In the spring of 1832 Tappen
landed from a steamboat at Peoria, intending to open
a law office at that place or at Lewiston. But before
his arrangements were completed, a call was made
for volunteers to meet Black Hawk's advancing war
riors, consequently Tappen invested his surplus
funds in a horse and rifle, enlisted in one of the com
panies that composed Stillman's army, and went
forth in defense of bis country.
At the battle of Stillman's run, Tappen became
separated from his comrades and wandered about all
night, not knowing what course to take in order to
reach Dixon's Ferry. When daylight came he
started southward, hoping to reach the settlement
alone, and thus escape from his perils.
Late in the afternoon, Tappen, tired, hungry and
bareheaded (having lost his hat in the flight), with
his horse jaded, reached Shaubena Grove. As he ap
proached the grove he saw two little Indian boys
5*

122

MEMOBIES OF SHAUBENA.

riding a pony, and on coming up with the boys, he
gave them some pieces of silver, and by signs and
motions gave them to understand that he wanted
something to eat. The boys conducted Tappen to
Shaubena's lodge, where the squaws prepared him
refreshments, while the little fellows led the horse
on the prairie to feed on the grass. While Tappen
was eating his dinner, a large body of Indians, led by
Girty, mounted on ponies, armed with rifles and
with their faces painted red, arrived at the village.
The squaws were very much alarmed at the ar
rival of these warriors motioning to Tappen to lie
down in one corner of the lodge, which he did, and
in great haste they covered him up with mats, deer
skins, etc. He had scarcely been secreted when
two warriors entered the lodge and were engaged in
loud and angry conversation with the squaws. These
Indians were from Black Hawk's camp, and on their
way to attack the settlements. By some means they
learned that Shaubena had gone to notify the settlers
of their danger, at which they were very angry, say
ing if their intended victims had fled, his life should
pay for theirs.
After the warriors left the village, the squaws un
covered Tappen when he got up, feeling thankful
for having escaped the scalping-knife of the hostile
band. The arrival of these hostile warriors caused great
excitement in the village ; groups of Indians were
collected around Shaubena's lodge engaged in con-

DEATH OF SAMUEL TAI'PEN.

123

versation, while some of the squaws were crying as
though they were bereaved of loved ones. Shaubena,
his son and nephew, were gone to warn the settlers
of their danger, and seventy warriors were now on
their track, and in all probability they would fall vic
tims to these blood-thirsty savages.
Some time after dark, Tappen again mounted his
horse to continue his journey, with the expectation
of reaching the settlement on the following day, but
these expectations were never realized. Shaubena's
son Smoke, a lad of eleven or twelve years of age,
with another boy about the same age, accompanied
Tappen to the south end of the grove, and gave him
directions as to the course he should take. The night
was dark and cloudy, and across the trackless prairie
Tappen pursued his way towards Peoria, but never
reached it, and for many years his fate remained a
mystery to his friends.
The Indians say, early in the morning, while en
camped in Bureau timber, they saw a lone traveler on
horseback making his way off the prairie to where there
was a small field fenced. The traveler continued on
his way until he came to a cabin, and reining up his
horse at the door, he called out " Halloo ; " receiving
no response he hallooed again and was answered this
time by the report of three rifles in the hands of In
dians, who had approached through the thick under
brush within a close range. The traveler wheeled
his horse and fled ; but having received a mortal
wound, fell to the ground and was tomahawked by

124

MEMOBIES OF SHAUBENA.

the Indians. The Indians took off his scalp and
clothing, leaving the remains unburied ; they also cut
out the heart and roasted it for breakfast, each of
the warriors eating a small slice in order to make
them brave. This victim is supposed to have been
Tappen, and although he was reported among the
slain at the battle of Stillman's run, his body could
not be found among the dead.
MEHOKEE A POTTAWATOMIE WABBIOB.
Those who were in the habit of visiting Shau
bena's encampment will recollect a tall, lean, dark
visaged Indian, with one hand disfigured by a wound.
Wherever Shaubena pitched his tent, the tent of this
Indian with his squaw and a number of small pa
pooses, was always found by the side of it. This In-.
dian's name was Mehokee, a brother of Shaubena's
young squaw, Pokanoka, and the same one who shot
at Dave Jones for killing his dog. There is a
history connected with this Indian which almost
rivals romance, and shows how easily a person may
be led astray by evil associations.
When the hostile band led by Girty from Black
Hawk's camp, on their way to attack the settlement
arrived at Shaubena's Grove, they learned that the
chief, his son and nephew, were gone to notify the
settlers of their danger, as previously stated. On
learning these facts this war party were enraged,
denouncing Shaubena as a traitor to his tribe, saying
his life should pay the forfeit. On the following

MEHOKEE A POTTAWATOMIE WABBIOB.

125

morning Mehokee left the village in search of Shau
bena, to notify him of these threats, so he might
escape the fate that awaited him. In seafching for
Shaubena Mehokee fell in with the hostile band,
stayed over night with them, and finally agreed to
join them in making war on the settlers. He remained
with the hostile Indians during the war, and was shot
in the hand at the battle of Wisconsin river, caus
ing it to be disfigured.
Mehokee was present at the Indian Creek mas
sacre, the killing of Phillips, and from him I learned
many facts relating to these events.

126

MEMOBIES OF SHAUBENA.

CHAPTER IX.

BEV. JAMES SAMPLE AND WIFE.
James Sample was a local Methodist preacher,
and for two years had been preaching occasionally in
different settlements near the Illinois river. In the
Fall of 1831, he married a girl named Lucy May, and
moved to Rock Island, where he made a claim and
built a cabin near the old Sac Village. Sample was
engaged in making a farm when Black Hawk's band
crossed to the east side of the Mississippi in April,
1832, and he, with other settlers, fled from their
homes and took refuge on the Island.
Sample was a young man of prepossessing appear
ance, tall and slim, with a pleasing countenance and
good address, but in education and intellectual cul
ture he was very deficient. He was quite zealous in
religious matters, and always ready to preach when
there were persons to hear him. Some of the early
settlers who are still living at Rock Island, among
whom is the widow of Col. George Davenport, recol
lect Sample's enthusiastic manner of preaching while
on the Island, and havo not forgotten the social,
agreeable qualities of his beautiful wife.
Sample and wife had been on the Island a num
ber of weeks, when they concluded to leave it and

BEV. JAMES SAMPLE AND WIFE.

127

return to their friends east of the Illinois river. Not
hearing of any depredations committed by the Indians,
it was thought perfectly safe to make the journey.
Accordingly they disposed of all their effects except
their two horses, and on them they left Rock Island.
Early in the morning Sample and his wife were fer
ried across from the Island, and started on their jour
ney eastward- It was a bright, clear morning, near
the middle of May, when the travelers left Rook
Island for Hennepin, about seventy-five miles dis
tant, but never reached their destination. Being
mounted on fine spirited horses, full of mettle,
as they cantered briskly across the prairie, the tour
ists expected to reach Bureau settlement before
night. The road traveled by them was the old Sao
and Fox trail, which extended from Rock Island to
the south end of Lake Michigan, being at that time
a great thoroughfare from East to West, and traveled
by both whites and Indians. There was no settle
ment along this trail between Rock Island and Bu
reau, a distance of about sixty miles, which made it
necessary to perform the journey in one day.*
About one mile north of the Indian trail, by the
side of the Peoria and Galena roads, and on West
Bureau timber, stood the residence of Henry Thomas,
* Over this trail, Ilia, k Hawk, with his warrior*, made annual trips for
many years, I u suing lo and from Canada, to receive their annuities from the
lirlibh Government. According to Indian tradition, this trail had been a
great highway from East to West forages, and traveled by roving bands of
savages. It ran almost on ;i strtght line across the State, In some places on the
high prairie It was worn down a foot or more below the surface. Although
more than forty years have passed away since It ceased to be used. It can still
be traced across many farms, by the color of grass and grain.

128

MEMOBIES OF SHAUBENA.

where the travelers intended to stay over night, but
on reaching the cabin, they found it deserted, and
the doors and windows barricaded with heavy pun
cheons. Finding no chance of entertainment at
Thomas's, they continued their journey eastward,
with the intention of staying over night at Smith's
cabin, six miles distant. What became of the trav
elers after leaving Thomas's, or where they spent the
night, is not known, but they must have encamped
in the grove, as Main Bureau creek was high, and
could not be crossed without swimming their horses,
which would be hazardous during the darkness of
the night. In the timber by the side of the trail,
and some distance from the creek, stood a double log
cabin, belonging to Eli and Elijah Smith. Here, no
doubt, the travelers intended to rest, dry their cloth
ing after swimming the creek, and get something to
eat.; but they found the cabins deserted, the in
mates having fled from their homes the day before.
Leaving the trail here at Smith's cabins, and going
one mile south through the grove, brought the trav
elers to the cabin of Elijah Epperson, which was also
found deserted. About one mile southeast of Ep
person's cabin, in the edge of the timber, and by
the side of a spring, where the residence of William
Knox now stands, were encamped about seventy
Indians, led by the notorious half-breed Girty. The
night before, these Indians had visited almost every
cabin in the Bureau settlement, and were much dis
appointed to find their intended victims had fled from

BEY. JAMES SAMPLE AND WIFE.

129

tiieir homes. They had sent out runners in different
directions in hopes of finding a lingering settler, or
a stray traveler, in order that they might obtain one
scalp to grace their expedition, and they had not long
to wait, as the sequel will show.
It must have been with heavy hearts that Sam
ple and his wife again mounted their horses at Ep
person's cabin, to continue their journey ; being fa
tigued, hungry, their clothing wet and their horses
tired and jaded. But on reaching the prairie, the
beautiful landscape scenery here presented must have
dispelled their gloomy feelings. The prairie was
now covered with early spring grass, intermixed
with flowers of various hues. The forest trees were
in full leaf, and the air was fragrant with blossoms
of wild fruit. Birds were singing among the branches
of trees, and around them were sporting meadow-
larks, filling the air with their musical notes ; while
in the distance was heard the chirping of squirrels,
and crowing of prairie chickens. The enchanting
scenery of the surroundings no doubt had a good
effect on the travelers, and must have dispelled any
forebodings of evil. Over sixty miles of the journey
had already been made, and a few hours more would
terminate it, when they would meet with kind
friends. Their jaded horses were slowly plodding
their way across the prairie, and over the very spot
where the city of Princeton now stands. The trav
elers, unconscious of danger, were, in all probability,
talking of the perils of the past night, and the happy
H

130

MEMOBIES OF SHAUBENA.

termination of their journey, when, all of a sudden,
they heard a noise behind them, and on looking back
discovered about twenty Indians pursuing them at
full speed. FLIGHT AND CAPTURE.
While Sample and his wife were at Epperson's
cabin an Indian discovered them, and he immediately
gave notice to his comrades, who mounted their ponies
and started in pursuit. The Indians approached
quietly without being discovered until within gun
shot of the travelers, when they raised the war whoop,
and put their ponies on a gallop. Many shots were
fired at the fugitives, one of which slightly wounded
Sample, and his wife was als6 wounded by a toma
hawk, thrown by one of the savages. The horses,
on getting their mettle up, went off at great speed,
leaving the Indian ponies far behind, but the savages
continued the chase, urging their ponies forward
under the whip, and yelling at the top of their voice.
The fugitives had so far outstripped their pursuers,
that they must have regarded their escape as almost
certain ; but an accident occurred which blasted
their fond hope, and caused them to fall into the
hands of the Indians. As they approached the timber,
Mrs. Sample's horse, while crossing a small branch,
stuck fast in the mud, and fell, throwing the rider
over its head. Mr. Sample, being so far ahead of the
Indians at the time, could have made his escape, but
unwilling to leave his wife to her fate, returned to

I

FLIGHT AND CAPTURE.

181

assist her, and thereby sacrificed his own life.
While Sample was assisting his wife to remount her
horse, the Indians, with deafening yells, came up
with them. Knowing that escape was now out of
the question, Sample, thinking only of selling his life
as dearly as possible, drew forth a pistol and shot one
of the Indians dead on the spot. The Indians bound
their victims with strong cords, put them on their
horses, and carried them back to camp.
On arriving at camp, the warriors held a council
over their prisoners, and it was decided, in order to
avenge their dead comrade, they should be burned
at the stake. Sample was well acquainted with
Girty, the leader of the band, having met him a num
ber of times while on his ministerial excursions, and
offered him every thing he possessed as a ransom
for himself and wife. But it was all to no purpose ;
nothing but revenge could satisfy this bloodthirsty
savage. THE EXECUTION.
The following tragical story came principally
through Indian sources, and was unknown to the
early settlers. Although it was known that Sample
and his wife disappeared while traveling from Rock
Island to the Illinois river, and were supposed to have
been killed by the Indians, yet for thirty years the
manner of their fate remained a mystery. Shaubena
said the Indians burned a man and woman at the com
mencement of the Black Hawk war, but he did not

132

MEMOBIES OF SHAUBENA.

know their names, or where they came from. The
manner of capturing and executing the victims was
narrated to me a few years ago, by two Pottawato
mie chiefs, Half Day, and Girty, the latter a son of
the leader of the band.
A few rods south of what is now known as the
Knox graveyard, at the edge of the grove, stood,
thirty years ago, an old burr oak tree, isolated from
the forest, and surrounded by a beautiful grass plat.
Some of the early settlers had noticed this tree, and
still recollect it being burned at the root, as though
a camp fire had been built there. To this tree the
victims were bound with large deer-skin thongs ;
with their hands and feet firmly tied, and divested
of clothing, they stood awaiting their doom. A fire
of dry limbs was kindled around them, while the
Indians stripped themselves of their clothing, and
painted their faces in preparation for a dance. Every
thing being now ready for the execution, Girty took
his long knife and scalped the prisoners, saving the
scalps as trophies of war. Taking the scalp of Mrs.
Sample, and tying the long hair around his neck, he
left the bloody trophy to hang on his breast, and in
this way the chief, assisted by his comrades, danced
around their victims, jumping up and down, and
yelling like demons.
Mr. and Mrs. Sample being bound to the tree,
surrounded b)' burning faggots, their scalps taken
off, with the blood running down over their faces,
and covering their naked bodies with gore, formed

FLIGHT AND CAPTUBB.

136

a spectacle that must have sickened the hearts of
even savages. Mrs. Sample, whose youth and inno
cence ought to have moved the hardest heart, ap
pealed to Girty for mercy — to save her from this ter
rible death ; but these appeals were in vain ; noth
ing could change the purpose, or soften the heart of
this devil incarnate. Soon the flames began to take
effect on the victims, and in their agony they be
sought the Indians to shoot or tomahawk them, and
thereby terminate their sufferings. But the appeals
of the sufferers had no effect on the savage band, and
in wild revelry they flourished their tomahawks over
the heads of their victims, dancing, and yelling in
mockery of their agony. The prayers and shrieks
of the sufferers as the crackling flames crisped their
flesh, mingled with the loud whoop of the savages as
they danced around in fiendish glee, like demons
wild with rage, and held fire-brands against their
naked bodies, and threw hot coals on their scalped
heads, until life was extinct.. When the cords that
bound the prisoners to the tree had burned off, the
oodies fell lifeless to the ground, and roasted in the
flames. Then more faggots were put on the fire to con
sume the bodies, and a few whitened bones were the
only remains left of Rev. James Sample and his beau
tiful wife.
The next year after this tragedy occurred, James
Hays made a claim here, and built a cabin by the
side of a spring, where the residence of William
Knox now stands. Around the tree where Sample

136

MEMOBIES OF SHAUBENA.

and his wife were burned, Mr. Hays noticed many
human bones, and in a ravine near by, a skull was
found. But little was thought of this affair at the
time, as the bones found were supposed to be those
of Indians, it being well known that they buried
their dead, so near the top of the ground, that wolves
frequently dug up and devoured the corpses.
Nearly half a century has now passed away since
these murders were committed, and those who par
ticipated in them, in all probability, have gone to
the Indian's happy hunting grounds. This place,
with its surroundings, has undergone a great
change ; where timber once grew is now cultivat
ed land, and instead of a wild, uninhabited region,
marks of civilization are every where to be seen. To
the east, in plain view, lies the city of Princeton,
with its beautiful landscape scenery, with its parks,
shade trees, and its tall spires glittering in the sun
beams. The old burr oak tree where the victims
suffered, and around which the Indians danced, has
long since fell by the woodman's axe ; but its stump
still remains as a relic of the past. As you look
upon this stump and the scene around it, you will be
reminded of the awful tragedy which took place on
this spot.

MEAU-EUS, AN INDIAN CHIEF.

137

CHAPTER X.

MEAU-EUS, AN INDIAN CHIEF.
On Big Indian creek, near the head of the tim
ber, was a small Indian village, consisting of about
twenty lodges, and seventy or eighty inhabitants.
The chief of this village, named Meau-eus, was a
tall, raw-boned, savage-looking Indian, very envious
toward the settlers, and never known to visit their
cabins. It is said, in bis youth he had a presenti
ment that the whites would take possession of this
country, and drive away the Indians. As cabins were
built here and there on the north side of the Illinois
river, the old chief began to think the evil day near
at hand when he would be compelled to leave the
home of his youth and Beek a new one in the far
West. A number of settlers had made claims and
built cabins on Indian creek, below the village,
which was a great annoyance to Meau-eus, as he be
lieved the sound of their axes would drive away the
deer. In the spring of 1832 a dam was built across In
dian creek, about six miles below the village, by
William Davis, which prevented the fish from as
cending the stream. The old chief became very
angry at this, considering it a trespass on his rights,

138

MEMOBIES OF SHAUBENA.

and threatened to tear it down. He went to con
sult Shaubena and Waubonsie about destroying the
dam, but they advised him to let it alone.
At Meau-eus' village lived two young Indians,
named To-qua-mee and Co-mee, both of whom spoke
some English. They had spent some time at the
Indian mission near Fox river, engaged in hunting,
to supply it with meat, and doing errands for
the employes of the establishment. Co-mee pro
fessed Christianity, having been baptized by Elder
Walker some time before. These Indians at differ
ent times visited the residence of William Hall, who
had built a claim on a creek, a few miles below the
village, and at one time presented the family with a
quarter of venison. They took a great fancy to
Hall's daughters, Sylvia and Rachel, who were pre
possessing young women, and proposed to buy them
of their father, in accordance with Indian custom.
To-qua-mee was a fine-looking Indian, tall and well-
proportioned, with a graceful figure, but had an ugly
scar on his face. This scar formed an important -fea
ture in To-qua-mee's physiognomy, was noticed by
every one, and will figure hereafter in our story.
INDIAN CREEK SETTLEMENT.
As a number of families were massacred on In
dian creek at the commencement of the Black Hawk
war, it becomes necessary to give some of the facts
relating to it, so that the reader may understand this
affair. In the spring of 1830, William Davis made

INDIAN CBEEK SETTLEMENT.

139

a claim on Big Indian creek, twelve miles north of
Ottawa, and built his cabin close by the creek bank.
A few rods from his cabin he built a blacksmith shop,
being a blacksmith by trade, doing work for himself
and neighbors. He also commenced building a mill*
and a dam for that purpose was completed early in
the spring of 1832. In the vicinity of Davis* cabin
a number of people had located ; among these were
John and J. H. Henderson, Allen Howard, William
Pettigrew, and William Hall, all of whom had
families. On Indian creek, about six miles above Davis'
cabin, was an Indian village, and its inhabitants were
veiy angry at him for building the dam, as it pre
vented the fish from ascending the stream, as pre
viously stated. Each day the Indians of the village
were in the habit of coming down below the dam to
fish, and on one occasion they threatened to injure
Davis* family, if it was not removed so the fish
could come up to the village as formerly. A number
of days had now passed since the Indians were down to
fish, and their absence caused Davis to fear that they
meditated revenge for what they considered a tres
pass on their rights. In order to compromise the
matter, Mr. Davis, accompanied by J. H. Henderson,
went up to the village for the purpose of making the
Indians some presents, and thereby retain their good
will. But on arriving at the village they found it
deserted, and no Indians were seen in its vicinity.
From here they went to Waubonsie's village at Paw
6

140

MEMOBIES OF SHAUBENA.

Paw Grove, but found it deserted also, consequently
they left for home. On their return, night overtook
them. In the darkness they lost their way, and
were obliged to lie out all night. Mr. Davis not re
turning at night as expected, his family believed
that he had been murdered by the Indians, and next
morning, before daylight, they left for Ottawa.
When Davis came home and found his family gone,
he followed after, overtaking them in their flight,
and caused the fugitives to return.
A few days before this event, Shaubena, after
notifying the settlers on Bureau of their danger,
came to Indian creek and warned the people, like
wise Mr. Pettigrew. Mr. Howard, and the two
Hendersons, with their families, fled to Ottawa. Mr.
Hall, with his family, started for Ottawa, but by the
persuasion of Mr. Davis, he stopped at his house, as
he was made to believe the Indians would not molest
them. John Henderson and Albert Howard, leaving
their families at Ottawa, returned to their claims for
the purpose of planting corn, and for the better pro
tection against an attack from Indians they lodged
at Davis' cabin. William Pettigrew, with his wife
and two children, had been two days at Ottawa, but
believing there was no danger of Indian depreda
tions, returned with his family, arriving at Davis'.
house about noon of the same day of the massacre,
and their goods were in the wagon unloaded when
the Indians came.
Two young men, named Robert Norris and Henry

DAVIS AND HALL WABNED OF DANGEB.

141

George, were at Davis' house at the time of the
massacre, and consequently were among the victims.
Norris Uved with John Henderson, and on the fatal
day had changed work with Alex. Davis, the former
working in the blacksmith shop while the latter
planted corn. Henry George belonged to Bureau
settlement; had made a claim and built a cabin on
the present site of Bureau Junction, and at that
time was on a visit to Hall's family. Both Davis and
Hall had grown up sons, and with the other visitors
at the house, they considered themselves of sufficient
strength to repel an attack of the Indians.
DAVTS AND ttat.T. WABNED OF THETB DANGEB.
Pyps, after notifying the settlers on Fox river of
the commencement of hostilities, went to visit his lady
love at Rochell's village, south of the Illinois river.
After remaining a few days with Rochell's band, he
returned home by the way of Indian Creek settle
ment, and while on his way, about sundown, dis
covered a large body of Indians entering the timber.
On reaching home late at night, he told Shaubena
of seeing these Indians, and also of noticing some of
the settlers still at their cabins. Shaubena, knowing
these settlers would be likely to fall victims to sav
ages, therefore lost no time in warning them, the
second time of their danger.
About midnight, Shaubena, after giving some di
rections to his family and friends in case he should
meet his death, as he well knew his life would be

142

MEMOBIES OF SHAUBENA.

sacrificed if he fell in with the hostile band— mounted
his pony, and started for Indian Creek settlement.
On the fatal day, about sunrise, before people
were out of bed, Shaubena, with his pony in a foam
of sweat, reached Davis' cabin, and informed the in
mates of their danger. He told them that a large
band of warriors had been seen to enter the timber
about six miles above, on the evening before, and
unless they left immediately, in all probability they
would be killed. On receiving this inteUigence Hall
was in favor of leaving forthwith for Ottawa, but
Davis, being a resolute man, knowing no fear, op
posed it, saying he did not fear the Indians, and no
red skin could drive him from his home.

INDIANS IN CAMP.

148

CHAPTER XI.

INDIANS TN CAMP.
According to the statement of Shaubena, the
depredations on Indian creek were committed princi
pally by Pottawatomies, and this statement is con
firmed by others. The two Misses Hall, who were
taken prisoners, said they believed most of the war
riors at the massacre were Pottawatomies, two of
whom they recognized as belonging to the Indian
Creek village. While in conversation with Mehokee,
a brother of Shaubena's young squaw, Pokanoka, he
admitted that he was at the massacre, but denied
taking part in it; and from him I learned many
things relating to this affair.
When Black Hawk came up Rock river many
disaffected Pottawatomies went to his camp, and ac
companied by a few Sacs and Foxes, left for the set
tlement as soon as hostilities commenced. Girty
headed a guerilla band that ranged through the set
tlements during the war, and by these cut-throats
most of the depredations were committed. For a
number of days these Indians had been roaming
through Bureau and Fox river settlements, in search
of victims, but as the people had fled from their
homes, they met with poor success.

144

MEMOBIES OF SHAUBENA.

On the evening before the massacre, these Indians
encamped near the head of Big Indian creek timber,
and turned their ponies out to feed on the prairie.
It is said they had two kegs of whisky, taken from
Clark Hollenback's store, on Fox river, and as no
victims could be found, they all got drunk, and
spent the night in revelry. Next day a scouting
party came down to the settlement to see if they
could not get the scalps of some adventurers who
might return to look after their stock, which had
been left to run at large on the prairie, and they
were surprised to find a number of people at Davis'
cabin. These scouts secreted themselves in the
thick underbrush, and for some time watched the
movements of the whites, ascertained the number of
men, and probable means of defense, etc., after
which they returned to their comrades and reported
their discovery. On receiving this intelligence, the
warriors aroused from their drunken revelry, mount
ed their ponies, and followed down the creek, until
they came within a mile of Davis* cabin. Here in
the thick timber they dismounted, tying their ponies
to trees, and then proceeded on foot to carry out
their murderous designs, being conducted by two
Pottawatomie Indians, To-qua-mee and Co-mee,
who were raised on Indian creek, and were ac
quainted with the surroundings of Davis' house, and
who were afterwards tried at Ottawa for the part
they took in this affair. These Indians led the attack
ing party ferward with great caution, crawling along

INDIAN CBF.F.K MASSAOBE.

145

under the creek bank, until they came within a few
rods of the house, without being discovered by their
intended victims, and all the warriors were in the
door-yard before the alarm was given. Three war
riors remained mounted on their ponies following
close behind those on foof, so they could pursue the
fugitives if any should try to make their escape by
flight, and these mounted Indians were seen to
emerge from the timber as soon as their comrades at
tacked the cabin. INDIAN CREEK MASSAOBE.

About four o'clock in the afternoon of May 20th,
1832, while the men were at work in the blacksmith
shop, and the women busy with their household
affairs, unconscious of danger from their red foe, a
dog barked, when Mrs. Davis, on looking out at the
door, exclaimed, " My God, here are the Indians
now," as seventy painted savages entered the door-
yard. Mr. Pettigrew, with a child in his arms,
attempted to shut the door, but was shot down
while doing so, and fell backward on the floor. Part
of the Indians now rushed into the house, and with
knives, Bpears and tomahawks commenced killing
women and children, while others, with deafening
yells, attacked the men at the blacksmith shop. The
assault being so sudden the men were unprepared
to make a successful resistance, although their guns
were close at hand, but before these could be

146

MEMOBIES OF SHAUBENA.

brought into use, they were overpowered and killed.
William Hall was shot down instantly. Robert
Norris had seized his gun and while in the act of
shooting, he, too, was killed. William Davis, being
a large, resolute man, with remarkable physical
powers, defended himself for some time, using the
breach of bis gun (which was a heavy Kentucky
rifle) over the heads of the savages, breaking the
stock and bending the barrel in the fearful struggle,
but at last was overpowered and killed. Blood and
hair were found on Davis' gun barrel, and the
ground where his remains lay showed marks of a
fearful conflict. Near by was a pool of blood where
an Indian had lain, supposed to have been killed
and his remains carried off by his comrades. Hepry
George jumped into the mill-pond, but was shot
while swimming across it and his body taken out of
the water and scalped. One of Davis' sons, a lad of
fourteen years, named William, made his escape by
flight. John W., a son of William Hall, ran and
jumped off the creek bank as many shots were fired
at him. The Indians supposing him killed, did not
pursue, and by keeping close under the high creek
bank and out of sight, he succeeded in making his
escape. When the Indians entered Davis' house, they,
with loud yells, commenced killing the inmates;
some were shot down, others dispatched with spears,
knives, or tomahawks. Mrs. Davis, in her fright,

INDIAN CBEEK MASSACBE.

147

threw her arms around Rachel Hall, and when shot
down the muzzle of the gun was so close as to burn
the face of the latter to a blister. Mrs. Pettigrew
was found with her infant clasped in her arms, both
mother and child having their heads split open by a
tomahawk, and lying in a bloody gore. An Indian
took a small child belonging to Mr. Pettigrew, by
the feet, and knocked out its brains against a stump
in the door-yard. These Indians afterward said, in
fiendish glee, that the women and children squalled
like ducks when the steel entered their vitals.
Sylvia and Rachel Hall, in trying to escape from
the murderers, jumped on the bed, but were caught
by two Indians and dragged into the door-yard.
Three young men, Edward and Greenberry Hall and
Alexander Davis, were at work in the field, but on
seeing the Indians killing their people, unhitched
the oxen from the plow and fled in all haste for
Ottawa. A short distance from Davis' cabin, lived Allen
Howard, John and J. H. Henderson, who had taken
their families to Ottawa a few days before and
returned to work on their claims, as previously
stated. On hearing the firing of guns and yells of
savages at Davis' cabin, and knowing the Indians
were murdering their friends, they picked up their
rifles and ran to their rescue, but on seeing the
strength of the attacking party, knew assistance
would be useless, and only sacrificing their own
6» I

148

MEMORIES OF SHAUBENA.

lives, therefore they turned about -and fled to
Ottawa.
FIFTEEN PEBSONS KILLED, AND TWO GIBLS CAP-
TUBED.
After the Indians had completed their work of
horror, leaving fifteen dead bodies, scalped, and
some of them mutilated in a shocking manner, they
returned to the place where they left their ponies.
They took with them a number of horses belonging
to the murdered families, also, clothing, provisions,
and every thing they could use. They shot horses,
cattle and hogs ; even chickens in the barn-yard did
not escape their fury. Two daughters of William
Hall, Sylvia, aged seventeen, and Rachel, fifteen,
were taken prisoners and carried off into the Indian
country. They also took with them as a prisoner a
little son of William Davis, named James, a lad of
seven years of age, but finding he could not travel
so fast as they required, after going about one-half
mile, they killed him. The two Indians who had
him in charge, having hold of each hand, made him
stand up to be shot. Little Jimmy, as he was called,
pale as death, stood like a marble statue, without
moving a muscle, to receive the fatal shot, and while
struggling in the agonies of death, the savages took
off his scalp, leaving the body where it fell, to be
devoured by dogs or wolves.
When the massacre was completed, four warriors
took the two Misses Hall, one holding on to each

TWO GIBLS CAPTUBED.

151

arm, and hurried them off as fast as possible through
the woods to where their ponies were tied. Oil ax-
riving here the girls saw among the crowd of war
riors two Indians they knew, To-qua-mee and
Co-mee, who had frequently been at their house.
When the Indians arrived at the place where
their ponies were tied, they held a council over the
prisoners to decide on their fate. Girty, the leader
of the band, was in favor of killing the prisoners,
but the will of this cut-throat was overruled by a
majority of the warriors, who no doubt had in view
the large sum of money which would be paid for
their ransom. It was finally agreed that the Sac
and Fox warriors should take the prisoners to Black
Hawk's camp, about ninety miles distant, while the
Pottawatomies continued their scout through the
settlements in search of other victims.
The girls were mounted on horses, with two
Indians riding by their side holding the bridle reins
to prevent their escape, and in this position they
galloped away.
On the day of the massacre, Captain McFadden,
Wilber Walker, and a few others, were returning
from Dixon's Ferry, where they had been to get
Gov. Reynolds to furnish troops to protect the peo
ple at Ottawa. When this party were within three
miles of Davis' cabin, they heard the report of guns,
but did not know what it meant, as they believed
all the settlers had fled from their homes.
The next day after the massacre, a company of

iV

152

MEMOBIES OF SHAUBENA.

rangers, under Captains Naper and Brown, from Chi
cago, and also a party from Putnam county, visited
the scene of horror, and buried the dead. All the
slain were found except little Jimmy Davis, and his
fate was not known for some time afterward.
A few years ago, a fine monument was erected
over the remains of the murdered families, by their
surviving friends, on which are cut the names and
ages of the victims.

CAPTIVITY OF SYLVIA AND BACHEL HALL. 158

CHAPTER Xn.

CAPTIVITY OF SYLVIA AND BACHEL HALL.

The following account of the captivity of the two
Misses Hall, is principally taken from the statements
made to me by one of the captives (Rachel Hall),
a short time after the Black Hawk war. This
account is given in language as though narrated by
the captive, and, in some instances, her own words
are used.
After being placed on horseback, and guarded by
two Indians who rode by our side, holding on to the
reins of the bridles, as narrated in the preceding
chapter, we commenced our long, tedious journey.
Indians riding behind us would strike our horses
with their whips, so as to urge them forward at a
greater speed. We rode on a canter, sometimes on a
gallop ; the Indians frequently looking back to see if
they were followed by the rangers, who were at that
time roaming through the country. We continued
to travel at a rapid rate until near midnight,, when
we halted to let our horses rest. After resting about
two hours, we continued our journey, traveling all
night and next day until about one o'clock, when
we again halted. Here our captors turned out their
horses to graze, built a fire, scalded some beans, and

154

MEMOBIES OF SHAUBENA.

roasted acorns, of which they offered us to eat, but
we declined tasting it. We remained in camp a few
hours, and during the time some of the Indians were
engaged in dressing the scalps by stretching them on
small willow hoops. Among these scalps I recog
nized my mother's, by the bright color of the hair,
and the sight of it produced in me a faintness, caus
ing me to fall to the ground in a swoon, from which
I was soon after aroused so as to continue our
journey. A number of warriors left us for a short
time, and on their return appeared much excited, as
though something unusual had taken place, when
we all mounted our ponies and put them on a gallop.
Some of the warriors rode behind us, with their
spears drawn in a threatening manner, and we ex
pected every moment to be murdered by them.
It appears the Indians became frightened, believ
ing the whites were pursuing them, and rather than
give up their prisoners, they had prepared them
selves to kill them.
After the Indians got over their fright, we
traveled more leisurely until about nine o'clock at
night, when we reached Black Hawk's camp, near
the present site of Madison, Wisconsin, after riding
about ninety miles in twenty-eight hours.
Our arrival in camp caused great rejoicing, and a
large body of warriors collected around us, beating
on drums, dancing and yelling at the top of their
voices. Next morning our fear of massacre, or
torture, had somewhat subsided, and we were pre-

CAPTTVITY OF SYLVIA AND BACHEL HALL. J.5T
sented with beans and maple sugar, for breakfast.
They also offered us coffee (which had been taken
out of Davis' house) to eat, not knowing that it
required to be ground and boiled before using.
About ten o'clock the camp broke up, and we were
provided with ponies to ride, and behind us were
packed camp equipage, consisting of tents, kettles,
provisions, etc. After traveling five or six miles,
crossing a creek, we encamped on a high piece of
ground covered with timber, and near a large spring.
On arriving at our new camp, the Indians cleared
off a piece of ground about ninety feet in circumfer
ence, and placed in the center of it a white birch
pole, about twenty-five feet high. In the center,
near the pole, ten or fifteen spears were stuck into
the ground, on which were placed the scalps of our
murdered friends, together with three human hearts.
We recognized the scalps of father, mother, and
Mrs. Pettigrew, and the sight of these made us
heart-sick. About fifty warriors, divested of cloth-,
ing, and their faces painted red, danced around this
pole and scalps, to the music of drum and rattling
gourds. Every day during our stay with the Indians,
this pole and spears containing the scalps,. were
erected, and the dance repeated. One morning a
party of warriors came to our lodge and took us out,
placing in our hands small red flags, and made us
march around the encampment with them, stopping
and waving the flags at the door of each wigwam.
After this, we were taken to the dance ground, by

158

MEMOBIES OF SHAUBENA.

the white pole, and spears containing the scalps,
where a blanket was spread. After painting our
faces one-half red and the other black, we were made
to lie down on the blanket, with our faces to the
ground. The warriors now commenced dancing
around us, flourishing their tomahawks and war
clubs over our heads, and yelling like demons. We
thought our time had now come, and quietly await
ed our fate, expecting every moment to be our last.
When the dance was over, we were taken away
by two old squaws, (one of whom we afterward
learned, was the wife of Black Hawk,) and the
paint washed off our faces. By these squaws
we were adopted as their children, and although
separated, we were allowed to visit each other
frequently. Each day our camp was moved a few
miles away, the warriors always traveling in a circu-^
lar route, and the whole country through which we
passed appeared full of Indians. Along the trail, at
short intervals, the Indians would erect poles, with
tufts of grass tied on one side, showing the hunters
in what direction the camp could be found. Our
fear of massacre had now entirely subsided ; we were
adopted into the families of these squaws, and not
required to do any work, but closely watched to
prevent our escape.
One day a warrior took Sylvia up on a hill side,
about forty rods from the camp, where the Indians
were holding a council, and told her that she must
go with an old Indian who was blind of one eye, who

CAPTIVITY OF SYLVIA AND BACHEL BALL. 159
we afterward learned was White Crow, a Winnebago
chief. Sylvia said she could not go unless I went
along with her, but they would not agree to this.
White Crow made a long speech, talking very
loud, and appeared much excited, while all the
Indians listened to him with marked attention.
After this speech, Whirling Thunder, another
Winnebago chief, took me up where the council
was held, then the chiefs shook hands, and made
preparations to depart. A young warrior took his
scalping-knife and cut a lock of hair from over my
right ear, and another out of the back part of my
head. Another warrior cut a large lot of hair out of
the front part of Sylvia's head and placed it in his
shot-pouch. The Winnebago chief tried to make us
understand that they were about to take us to
white people, but we did not believe them, thinking
they intended to take us further from home and
friends, so we clung to the squaws, and refused
to go with them. The squaws with whom we were
staying, appeared much grieved at parting with us,
but contrary to their wish and ours, we were placed
on horseback, and with the two chiefs, and twenty-
six warriors, we left the encampment on a gallop.
We rode at a rapid rate all that day. Occasionally
the chiefs would look back, as though they expected
to be followed, and then would whip their ponies into
a gallop. We traveled at a great speed all that day
and part of the night, when we reached the Winne
bago camp on the bank of the Wisconsin river. Next

160

MEMOBIES OF SHAUBENA.

morning, before sun up, a party of Sac warriors,
some of whom were dressed in the clothing of
murdered white men, came into camp. These war
riors commenced talking to us, when Whirling
Thunder told us to turn away from them, and not
listen to what they said, which we did. After a
long parley, the Sac warriors with angry looks and
loud words, left the camp and rode away.
It was afterward ascertained that a petty chief,
who had captured the girls, was off bunting when
they were given up to .the Winnebagoes, and on
returning to camp, found the prisoners gone, and not
receiving his proportion of the ransom, started with
a w,ar party to recapture the girls, or kill them in the
attempt. But this war party did not overtake the
captives until they arrived safe at the Winnebago
camp, where they were secure from recapture.
After the Sac warriors left, our camp was broken up,
and we were placed in a canoe, and with about one
hundred Indians in like craft, we started down the
river. We traveled all that day until sundown,
when we encamped on the river bank. Next morn
ing, White Crow went around to the wigwams,
stopping at the door of each, having a gourd in his
hand partly filled with pebbles, which he shook vio
lently, and talking very loud, as if lecturing them.
After this the chief went away and remained absent
all day, but returned to camp about sundown, and
then for the first time spoke to us in good English.
He asked us if our father and mother, sisters or

OAPTIVrTY OF SYLVIA AND BACHEL HALL.

161

brothers, were living, to which we replied we be
lieved they were all killed at the time of our captiv
ity. On hearing this he shopk his head, appeared
sad, and after hesitating a moment said he would
take us home in the morning.
White Crow asked us if we thought the whites
would hang him if he took us to the fort, to which
we replied, they would not, but would give him
many presents for his trouble. Next morning the
two chiefs, accompanied by about forty warriors,
started with us for the fort at Blue Mounds.
Crossing the river we traveled southward all
day until after dark, when we camped for the night
by the side of a stream. Next morning, as soon as
it was light, we resumed our journey, traveling until
two o'clock, when we stopped for dinner and to let
our horses feed. For dinner we had some boiled
duck eggs which were about ready to hatch, and our
stomachs revolted at taking young ducks thus pre
pared, but the Indians regarded them a great delicacy.
After dinner we again mounted our ponies to con
tinue our journey, and late in the afternoon we
reached the fort at Blue Mounds. Before our arrival
thither, we 6aw wagon tracks, with other signs of
civilization, and were now convinced that our con
ductors were taking us to friends, and we had done
them great injustice. '
White Crow took the white handkerchief whioh
I wore on my head, tied it on a pole for a flag of
truce, and proceeded toward the fort, followed by

162

MEMOBIES OF SHAUBENA.

the rest of us. Before reaching the fort we were
met by a Frenchman on horseback, who addressed
the Indians in their own language. The warriors
now formed a circle, when the Frenchman rode into
it, and here they had a talk. White Crow was
unwilling to give us up until he had seen Col.
Gratiot, the Indian agent, who was absent at the
time ; but after being assured that we would be well
treated until his return, we were delivered up to the
troops, who were marched out to receive us.
Here at the fort we met two of our uncles,
Edward and Reason Hall, who were rejoiced at our
rescue. It was now the third of June and the thir
teenth day of our captivity.
A few days after the capture of the two Misses
Hall, their oldest brother, John W., went with a
regiment of volunteers marching north in pursuit of
Black Hawk. On reaching the lead mines, Mr. Hall
presented the case of his sisters' captivity to Col. H.
Gratiot, agent for the Winnebagoes, who employed
two chiefs, White Crow and Whirling Thunder, to
ransom the prisoners, and they left immediately for
Black Hawk's camp. On arriving in camp a council
was called, at which it was agreed to deliver up the
prisoners on the payment of two thousand dollars in
cash and forty horses, besides a quantity of blank
ets, beads, etc. After buying the girls of the Sacs
and Foxes, a difficulty arose which came very near
defeating their plans. A young chief claimed
Rachel as his prize, intending to make her bis wife,

CAPTIVITY OF SYLVIA AND BACHEL HALL. 168
and was unwilling to give her up, telling the Winne
bago chiefs- that he would tomahawk her rather than
let her go. After a long parley the matter was com
promised by giving him ten additional horses ; but,
on parting with her, he took his scalping knife and
cut off two locks of her hair, to keep as a trophy of
his warlike exploits.
A short time after this affair, Major Dement, in
command of a spy battalion, was attacked at Kel-
logg's Grove, by a large body of Indians, and com
pelled to take refuge in a block-house; A young
chief, while leading his warriors forward to take the
block-house, was shot by Governor Casey, and around
his neck was found a lock of braided hair, which
afterward was identified as that taken from the head
of Rachel Half.
When the captives were brought to the fort their
clothes were found to be torn almost to rags, and,
having no protection for their heads except hand
kerchiefs, they were badly sunburned. When taken
prisoners, Rachel's dress consisted of a red and
white calico, ruffled at the bottom, and Sylvia's dress
was made of blue cambric, but now they were so
dirty and torn, the material of which they were
made could scarcely be made out.
The girls were taken to the fort at White Oak
Springs, and from there to Galena, where they met
their brother John W., whom they supposed was
killed at the massacre.
An account of the captivity of the Misses Hall

164

MEMOBEES OF SHAUBENA.

was, at the time, heralded throughout the United
States, and people every where were much rejoiced
at their rescue. The returned captives were much
lionized by the people at Galena, and received from
them many presents, including fashionable dresses,
etc. After remaining here a few days they were put
on the steamer Winnebago, accompanied by their
brother, and carried to St. Louis, where they were
received and entertained by Governor Clark. While
at Governor Clark's residence money, amounting to
four hundred and seventy dollars, was collected for
them, besides many valuable presents. At St. Louis
they were met by the Rev. Erastus Horn, an old
friend of their father, who took them to his home in
Cass county, and for some time they lived with their
uncle Robert Scott. A short time 'afterward their
brother, John W. Hall, married and settled in
Bureau county, when the girls came to live with
him. The Legislature gave them a quarter section
of canal land near Joliet, and Congress voted them
money as a donation.
Sylvia married the Rev. William Horn, and is
now living at Lincoln, Nebraska. Rachel married
William Munson, and moved to Freedom, La Salle
county, near the place where she was captured, and
died there a few years ago.

THE TWO INDIAN PBISONEBS.

165

CHAPTER Xm.

THE TWO INDIAN PBISONEBS.

In the spring of 1833 two young Pottawatomie
Indians, named To-qua-mee and Co-mee, were in
dicted by the court at Ottawa for being concerned
in the Indian Creek massacre. Sylvia and Rachel
Hall, the Indian captives, testified that they knew
these Indians, having seen them at their father's
house at different times, and saw them on the day of
the massacre, in company with the murderers. On
this testimony these Indians were arrested and
bound over to court, six chiefs belonging to different
bands, among whom was Shaubena, giving bonds for
their appearance. At the appointed time the bonds
men and prisoners were on hand, but the time of
holding court having been changed, they were not
tried. The prisoners, thinking they would not be
wanted at court, a short time afterward went west
with their band.
George E. Walker being at that time Sheriff of
La Salle county, it became his duty to hunt up and
bring back the prisoners. Walker was an Indian
trader ; understood the Pottawatomie language,
acquainted with the prisoners, and had much influ
ence with the band to which they belonged.

166

MEMOBIES OF SHAUBENA.

Therefore he went alone in search of the runaways,
and found them west of the Mississippi river, far
out in the Indian country. On arriving at their
home a council of warriors was called, at which
they decided that the accused should accompany
Walker to Ottawa, and stand trial in accordance
with the bonds. The two Indians bade farewell to
their friends, telling them they would never meet
again, as they expected to be executed on their
arrival in Ottawa, and, to all appearance, were
reconciled to their fate. For many days the Sheriff
with his prisoners traveled together through the
Indian country, camping out at night, and all sleep
ing under the same blanket. Sometimes the Indians
would go off on a hunt to supply the camp with
food, and could have made their escape at any time,
but they had pledged their honor to accompany
Walker to Ottawa, and not even the preservation of
their lives could induce them to forfeit it. At all
times the Sheriff was in their power, and it would
have been an easy matter to have killed him and re
turned to their people without fear of being sought
after; but such is Indian honor. On reaching Rook
Island the Indians requested Walker to stay behind
out of their company, so people would not know that
they were under arrest, and in this way they passed
through an Indian encampment.
As Sheriff Walker was returning with his prison
ers on the old Sao and Fox trail, they were met by
Peter Demot, an old pioneer hunter who had been

THE TWO INDIAN PBISONEBS.

167

many years among the Indians. The party were
mounted on ponies with rifles on their shoulders,
the Sheriff leading the way and the prisoners fol
lowing after in single file. Demot recognized
To-qua-mee as an old friend with whom he had
hunted two years before, and was pleased to meet
him again. To-qua-mee appeared dejected in spirits,
telling his friend that he was on his way to Ottawa
to die, saying he was willing to be shot as a
brave, but disliked to be hung by the neok like a
dog. Court came on, the Indians were tried, and
during the trial there was great excitement in
Ottawa as the friends of the murdered families col
lected arbund the court room with rifles in their
hands, threatening to shoot the prisoners if liberated.
There was no jail in Ottawa at the time, and the
Sheriff was obliged to guard the prisoners with a
posse of armed men to prevent them from being
assassinated by those seeking revenge.
At the trial, Sheriff Walker testified that he
never gave the prisoners any encouragement that
they would be acquitted, and their strict regard
for their honor in delivering themselves up volun
tarily for trial, caused many to believe them
innocent. When the prisoners came into court, To-qua-mee's
face was painted in such a way that the scar which
formed an important feature could not be seen, and
Co-mee's phiz was in so many colors that the two
K7

168

MEMOBTES OF SHAUBENA.

Misses Hall could not swear positively to the iden
tity of either of them, consequently they were
acquitted. On the acquittal of the prisoners, the friends of
the murdered families, instead of shooting them as
they had threatened, disbanded and left for home,
believing the Indians innocent, and that it was only
a case of mistaken identity.
After the Indians were liberated, their friends
made a feast for them at Buffalo Rock, three miles
below Ottawa, for the purpose of celebrating their
acquittal. To this feast Sheriff Walker, Colonel
D. F. Hitt, Wilber Walker and others who had
stood guard over the prisoners, were invited. A fat
deer had been killed and other choice game pro
cured for the occasion, and all had a good time.
When the paint was washed from To-qua-mee's
face, the ugly 6car which the Hall girls could not
discover was very plain to be seen, showing conclu
sively that he was guilty, and had saved his life by
ingenious painting. But they were now free and
could not be tried again for the same offense.
Although acquitted, they were in danger of being
killed by the friends of the murdered families,
consequently, during the night, they mounted
their ponies and left for their band in the
West. There is a sequel to this story not generally
known,and which explains some things that appeared
mysterious. Louis Ouilmette, a half-breed, who

FLIGHT OF FOX BTVEB SETTLEBS.

169

was well known among Indian traders, visited
Meau-eus' band in Iowa, three years after the Black
Hawk war, and had a conversation with To-qua-mee
and Co-mee about their trial in Ottawa. In this
conversation they admitted that they were present
at the Indian Creek massacre, as they were mad at
Davis for damming the creek. They also said that
it was through their influence the lives of the Hall
girls were spared, and on that condition only they
consented to take part in the massacre.
FLIGHT OF FOX BIVEB SETTLEBS.
The Indians appeared friendly, continued to visit
the settlers' cabins as formerly, and having decided
in their late council to remain at peace, people appre
hended no trouble with them. But many of these
Indians had ill-feeling toward the settlers, and were
ready to raise the tomahawk as soon as the Sacs and
Foxes commenced hostilities. The wife of David
Lawton, who was a Pottawatomie squaw, told one
of the settlers that some of her people were with
Black Hawk, and would make a raid on the settle
ment as soon as host ili ties commenced, but they did
not believe her story.
Next day after Stillman's defeat, Shaubena sent
Pypegee, his son, and Pyps, his nephew, to notify
the settlers of their danger, th« former going near
Ottawa and Holderman's Grove, and the latter high
up on Fox river. On receiving this notice, the
settlers were panic stricken, and left their homes

170

MEMOBIES OF SHAUBENA.

immediately, fleeing across the country in the direc
tion of Plainfield. George Hollenback, with his
family, left in a wagon, but Mr. Ackley, having no
wagon, himself, his wife and their two children, fled
on horseback. After going about one mile, Hollen-
back's wagon stuck fast in a slough, and he went
back to his house to get a pair of doubletrees, so
Ackley's horses could be hitched on the end of the
wagon tongue, to assist in getting out of the slough.
It was quite dark when Hollenback reached his
cabin, and as he came nigh he saw a bright light
shining through the cracks in the clap-board door.
A moment afterward, a person came out of the
house with a blazing torch in his hand, the light of
which showed that the door yard was full of Indians.
Mr. Hollenback being within a few yards of the
Indians was discovered by them, when he fled at the
top of his speed, while pursued by the savages.
Being smart on foot, acquainted with the ground,
and favored by the darkness of the night, he suc
ceeded in making his escape, but in his flight he lost
his reckoning, and rambled about all night in search
of his family and friends. Next morning he found
himself near the residence of his brother, Clark
Hollenback, and approached the house with great
caution. As he came near the house, he saw three
men on horseback approaching it, and not knowing
whether they were friends or foes, he secreted him
self to watch their movements. These three men
proved to be Kellogg, Cummings and Holderman.

FLIGHT OF FOX BIVEB SETTLEBS.

171

settlers at Holderman 's Grove. They had been
notified by Pyps the night before, but thinking there
was no immediate danger, had mounted their horses
at daylight, and rode over to Clark Hollenback**
who kept a store, to see if he had any news of
Indian troubles. As the men rode up to the house
they called out "halloo," which was answered by
about one hundred guns in the hands of Indiana
lying in ambush. Strange as it may appear, only
one ball took* effect, and that was in the neck of
Cummings' horse, producing only a slight wound.
The men wheeled about and fled on a gallop, while
the Indians pursued them on foot, yelling at the top
of their voice. The Indians in pursuit of the fugi
tives came near where Mr. Hollenback lay concealed,
but in their haste dicLnot observe him. The Indians
soon gave up the chase, and returned to the house
to watch for other settlers. Mr. Hollenback now
left his place of concealment, and in his flight east.
ward, came up with the wagon containing bis family
and friends, who supposed he had been killed the
night before — when they all continued their flight
toward Plainfield. Clark Hollenback kept a store
on Fox river, and when the Indians reached it, they
found plenty of whisky and tobacco, and instead of
pursuing the settlers, they got on a spree, turned
out their ponies to graze, and spent the night and
next day in drunken revelry — by this means the
settlers escaped with their lives.
When the settlers were notified of their danger,

172

MEMOBIES OF SHAUBENA.

Mr. Harris, with his two sons, were off hunting their
horses, which had strayed away the day before, and
the family had no means of flight, except on foot.
At that time old Mr. Combs, Mrs. Harris' father, was
living with the family, and being confined to his bed
with inflammatory rheumatism, could not accompany
them in their flight. The family regretted to leave
him thus, but Mr. Combs replied : " Flee for your
lives, and leave me to my fate ; I am an old man,
and can live but a short time at any rate." Mrs.
Harris, with her two children, left on foot, and being
joined by the Amenta and Clarke, and next day over
taken by Harris and his sons, they continued on to
Plainfield. Soon after Mrs. Harris with her children left, the
house was entered by a party of Indians, who, find
ing supper on the table, sat down and ate. While
eating, they talked about the flight of their intended
victims, and one said to the other, " Shaubena did
this." Instead of killing Mr. Combs, as might have
been expected, they administered to his wants, and
for nearly a week visited him daily, supplying him
with food and drink. Some days afterwards Harris'
cabin was visited by a company of rangers, who
found old Mr. Combs improved in health, and they
took him to Plainfield, and afterwards with his
friends to Chicago. PANIC AT FOBT BEGGS.
The settlers about Plainfield, being so far away
from other frontier settlements, were not notified by

PANIC AT FOBT BEGGS.

178

Shaubena of the commencement of hostilities, and
were surprised when the inhabitants from Fox river
came fleeing from the dreaded enemy, crying,
"Indians!" "Indians!" Some of the fugitives
were in wagons ; some on horseback, others on foot ;
many of them bareheaded and barefooted, having
left every thing behind in their flight.
On arriving at Plainfield they concluded to build
a temporary fortification and remain here during the
war. The cabin of Rev. S. R. Beggs was selected,
and around it they erected barricades constructed
of fence rails, logs from out-buildings, etc., and by
way of courtesy, called it Fort Beggs. Here in this
temporary fortification, without arms or means of
defense, the settlers remained a number of days.
But when the people of Chicago heard of their
exposed condition, they raised a company of twenty-
five mounted rangers, and thirty friendly Indians,
under the command of Captain Naper, and came to
their rescue.
On the following day Captain Naper, with his
rangers, went on a scout through the Fox River
settlement in search of Indians, while David Lawton,
with the friendly Indians, agreed to visit the Big
Woods, (now Aurora,) and meet at the cabin of
George Ilullenback. Lawton, after making his tour,
according to the programme, came to the cabin of
Hollenback, where he expected to meet Captain
Naper with the rangers. But instead of meeting
friends, he found himself surrounded by about a

174

MEMOBXES OF SHAUBENA.

hundred hostile Indians, who took him prisoner, and
threatened to put him to death. Lawton had been
with the Indians a number of years, married a
squaw, and by her obtained from the Government a
reservation of land near the present site of Tork-
ville. After a long parley, and through the inter
cession of his Indian friends, Lawton was liberated,
and as soon as free he and his companions put their
horses on a gallop for Plainfield. After stopping
there a few moments they continued their flight to
Chicago. Lawton believed that the rangers under
Captain Naper were killed, as they did not meet
him according to agreement. He said the country
was full of Indians, and the fort, in all probability,
would be attacked that night, advising the settlers
to leave it immediately and flee to Chicago. This
report of Lawton caused a great panic among the
settlers ; some were in favor of going in a body to
Chicago, others thought best to scatter through the
woods, but a majority decided to remain in the fort
and defend it if attacked. Bonfires were built and
kept burning all night around the fort, so that the
Indians could be seen if they approached it. James
Walker was elected Captain of the party, and all
remained at their post expecting to be attacked
during the night, but no enemy appeared.
Two days after this panic, Captain Naper with
his company of rangers returned to Fort Beggs and
reported the Indian Creek massacre, and of the
Indians burning houses and killing stock all through

PANIC AT FOBT BEGGS.

175

the settlements. Under the escort of the rangers,
the settlers left Fort Beggs the next morning for
Chicago and reached their destination without being
molested. It is said the Indians lay in ambush at
the crossing of Flag creek, but on finding the settlers
accompanied by an armed force, abandoned the in
tended attack.

176

MEMOBIES OF SHAUBENA,

CHAPTER XTV.

BEV. ADAM PAYNE.

The Rev. Adam Payne was born in Summerset
county, Pennsylvania, in the year 1781, and emi
grated to the Territory of Ohio in 1799, where he
lived about thirteen years. From Ohio he went to
Kentucky, and in 1820 located in Indiana. Payne,
being captivated with the Prairie State, moved his
family to Illinois in the Spring of 1831, and located
them on a claim near Fox river timber, five miles
west of Holderman 's Grove.
Payne was ordained an Elder in the Christian
church then called " New Lights," but soon after
dissolved his church connections, preaching inde
pendently of any organization. He traveled through
the country from the Gulf of Mexico to Canada,
and from the Eastern States as far west as the settle
ments extended, sending his appointments ahead,
and preaching mostly to large, out-door audiences,
on the plan of Lorenzo Dow. When it became nec
essary to have money for traveling expenses he
would take up a collection, but if the contribution
exceeded the required amount he would return the
surplus to the audience, to be appropriated to some
benevolent purpose.

BEV. ADAM PAYNE.

177

In the Summer of 1830, Payne, assisted by Mike
Girty, a half breed, who acted as an interpreter,
preached to a number of Indian bands with great
success; and under his assistance many of the war
riors embracing Christianity. Payne was not an
educated man, but his eloquence being of a high
order, gave him great notoriety, and he was known
by reputation every where throughout the country.
In the Spring of 1832 I heard Payne preach to a
large audience, on a publio square of a town in Ohio,
an! his peculiar personal appearance, and forcible
illustrations, formed a picture in my youthful imag
ination which never can be erased. His long, wavy
beard, as black as a crow, reached to his waist, cov
ering his breast, while the hair of his head, equally
long, hung in confused clusters down his back, with
his°high, white marble-like forehead, and bis tall,
manly form, gave him a very imposing appearance.
His eloquence and peculiar manner of address had a
magic effect on the audience, causing them to laugh
and cry alternately, and a number of hardened sin
ners were converted under his preaching.
Payne returned to Illinois about the middle of
May, 1832, to visit his family after a long absence,
and on his arrival in Chicago learned of the Indian
war. After remaining in Chicago a day or two, he
left for his home, which was about seventy miles dis
tant. People warned him of his danger in traveling
through a country in the possession of hostile sava
ges, but he believed the Indians would not molest

178

MEMOBIES OF SHAUBENA.

him, as he had been preaching among them, and was
known by many as Bu-zee Che-mo-ka-man (that is, a
hairy white man). On the morning the Rev. Adam
Payne left Chicago, by permission of CoL Owen,
who had charge of Fort Dearborn, he mounted a
store box which was standing at the farther end of
the military parade ground, now the corner of Water
street and Michigan avenue, and commenced singing
a hymn. His loud musical voice soon brought a
large crowd of listeners, including most of the
people then living in Chicago, and for two hours
they were held spell-bound by the eloquence of the
speaker. This was Payne's last sermon, and it is
described by one of his hearers as exceeding, in elo
quence and power, any thing he had ever heard.
The audience, consisting of citizens, traders, soldiers,
and half-breeds, at the conclusion of the sermon,
were left in tears.
Payne on his way home reached Plainfield with
out being molested, and remained over night with
the Rev. S. R. Beggs, in his cabin, at that time sur
rounded with pickets, and called Fort Beggs. Next
morning Fort Beggs was abandoned, and the settlers
who had been quartered there for a few days fled to
Chicago. The people tried to prevail on Payne to
accompany them to Chicago, telling him the country
westward was full of Indians, but believing they
would not harm him, he continued on his way,
expecting to find his family at his brother's, Aaron
Payne, who lived in Putnam county. Payne had a

MUBDEB OF BEV. ADAM PAYNE.

179

spy glass in his pocket, with which he could see an
Indian at a great distance, and had confidence in the
fleetness of his beautiful bay mare, and, prepared as
he was, thought he could make the journey in safety.
After bidding farewell to friends, he mounted his
horse, and as the noble animal cantered proudly
away, the people took their last look at this man of
God, as he met his fate that same day at the hands
of savages. MUBDEB OF BEV. ADAM PAYNE.
The following account of the murder of Payne
is taken from the statements of an Indian who par
ticipated in it, and, notwithstanding it conflicts with
a few apparently well authenticated facts, it is be
lieved to be correct in the main.
About two o'clock in the afternoon of a bright
May day, the Rev. Adam Payne was slowly pursu
ing his way by a skirt of timber near Holderman's
Grove, humming a favorite tune, unconscious of
danger — not aware that deadly foes were concealed
in a cluster of underbrush near by — when, all of a
sudden, the report of guns was heard, and he felt a
bullet enter his body. One ball lodged in Payne's
shoulder, while another pierced the body of his
horse, producing a mortal wound. On looking
around he discovered three Indians on horseback
coming out of the bushes and approaching him
at a gallop. Payne's horse was put at full
speed and for five miles the noble animal carried

180

MEMOBIES OF SHAUBENA.

its master swiftly* across the prairie, leaving the
pursuers far behind. But the horse, having received
a mortal wound, from loss of blood, gave out,
stopped, staggered, and fell dead under the rider.
In a few moments the Indians came up with their
victim, and in fiendish glee they danced around him,
yelling and flourishing their tomahawks in a threat
ening manner. Payne, with his Bible in one hand
and the other pointed heavenward, appealed to the
Indians for mercy, when two of the savages lowered
their weapons, but the third one buried his toma
hawk in his skull, and, with a groan, he fell to the
ground and expired in a few moments. One of the
Indians cut off Payne's head and taking the beard,
which was about two feet long, in his hand, threw
the bloody trophy over his shoulder, and in this way
carried it into camp. The Indians at the camp were
delighted with their prize, and, placing the head on
a pole, commenced dancing around it. Girty, the
leader of the band, with some of his warriors, were
at the time out on a scout, and on returning to camp
found their comrades rejoicing over their trophy.
This was food for their savage nature; and, imbibing
the enthusiasm of the other warriors, they, too, took
part in the dance. Around the pole they yelled and
danced, and danced and yelled, causing the woods
to ring with their wild whoops, and the sound re
echoed from the surrounding timber. Girty sup
posed the head on the pole around which they were
dancing to be that of a woman, mistaking the long

MUBDEB OF BEV. ADAM PAYNE. 188
beard for the hair of the head. But, on making an
examination, he recognized the head of Adam Payne,
his old friend with whom he traveled two years be
fore. On making this discovery he was much
grieved, and, with sighs and groans, he beat his
breast with his hands, and for a moment gave him
self up to feelings of remorse. Then, grasping his
tomahawk, he was about to slay the murderer of his
friend, but was prevented from doing so by the
interference of the warriors.
Girty ordered the head taken down from the
pole and buried near by, and over the grave he
burned a sacrifice, consisting of his most valuable
articles, in order to appease the wrath of the Great
Spirit. Some days after Payne's death a company of
rangers, among whom were George E. Walker, and
Colonel G. S. Hubbard, found his headless body on
the prairie between Holderman's Grove and Ottawa.
Near by they found Payne's pocket Bible with about
one hundred texts marked in it, and on his person
undisturbed were his papers, spy-glass, and fifty dol
lars in money, all of which were 6ent to his family.
The body was buried near where it was found, and
the place marked, and is now pointed out on the
farm of Martin Brundage, five miles northeast of
Marseilles. On the same day the rangers found a
human head stuck on a pole by the side of the road
at the west end of Holderman's Grove, which was
thought to belong to Adam Payne, as it had a long

184

MEMOBIES OF SHAUBENA.

black beard, but by decomposition and the picking
of buzzards the features could not be made out.
This head was carried to. Ottawa by a person whose
name is not recalled, and the putrid flesh taken off
with alkali. Some time afterward this skull was
sent to Aaron Payne, who had it buried in the grave
with his mother in the family cemetery of Aaron
Whitaker on Clear creek, in Putnam county.
It is now believed that the head found on a pole
by the rangers belonged to a Dunkard with a long
black beard, who was at that time on his way from
Chicago to Fulton county, but never reached it, and
supposed to have been killed by the Indians. The
head found here answers the description of the miss
ing Dunkard as well as Adam Payne, which makes
it quite probable that it belonged to the former, and
that the Indian account relating to the burial of
Payne's head is correct.
GEN. SCOTT AND THE VOLUNTEEB.
Aaron Payne, a brother of Adam, the murdered
man, lived on Clear creek, eight miles southeast of
Hennepin, in Putnam county. On receiving the
sad tidings of his brother's death, he, although a
minister of the gospel, and a man of wealth, shoul
dered his rifle, enlisted in a company of volunteers,
and went forth in pursuit of Black Hawk.
Payne, with others in his company, while in pur
suit of retreating Indians near Bad Axe, came up
with a squaw and a small Indian boy, crouched

GEN. SCOTT AND THE VOLUNTEEB.

185

behind a fallen tree, but thinking the party harmless,
passed on without molesting them. After the
rangers passed, the boy raised his gun and shot
Payne from his horse, and in return the boy
and squaw were riddled with bullets. Two balls
entered Payne's shoulder, lodging near the spine,
and he was thought to be mortally wounded.
When intelligence of Payne's fall reached his
family they mourned for his death, believing he was
then in his grave.
About three months after this event, Aaron
Payne, pale and emaciated, rode up to his cabin
door, and was hailed by his family and friends as
one risen from the dead.
The following sketch relating to Aaron Payne,
is taken from Gen. Scott's autobiography, a book
published many years ago.
The hero of Lundy's Lane and conqueror of
Mexico, after describing many things at Prairie du
Chien on his arrival there in the Summer of 1832,
continues: "While inspecting the hospital at Fort
Crawford, I was struck with a remarkably fine head
of a tall volunteer lying on his side and seeking relief
in a book. To my question, ' What have you there,
my friend?' the wounded man pointed to the title
page of ' Youngs Night Thoughts.' I Bat down on
the edge of the bunk, already interested in the
reader, to learn more of his history.
"The wounded volunteer said his brother, Rev.
Adam Payne, fell an early victim to Black Hawk's
L

186

MEMOBIES OF SHAUBENA.

band, and he (not in the spirit of revenge, but to
protect the frontier settlements,) volunteered as a
private soldier. • While riding in the battle-field of
Bad Axe I passed a small Indian boy, whom I might
have killed, but thought him a harmless child. After
passing, the boy fired, lodging two balls near my
spine, when I fell from my horse.' The noble vol
unteer, although suffering great pain from his wound,
said he preferred his condition to the remorse he
should have felt if he had killed the boy, believing
him to be harmless."
Aaron Payne is now living at North Yamhill,
Oregon, in the ninety-first year of his age, still in
the enjoyment of health and vigor, and to him I am
indebted for many items given in this book. Payne
is a minister of the gospel,- and for a number of years
was a member of the legislature of that new State.
The two balls still remain in his back, from which
he is a cripple and a pensioner.

KILLING OF ST. VRAIN AND OTHEBS.

187

CHAPTER XV.

KILLING OF ST. VBATN AND OTHEBS.

*
While the army lay at Dixon's Ferry it became
necessary to send a dispatch to Galena, and Felix St.
Vrain volunteered to carry it. St. Vrain was the
agent of the Sacs and Foxes, and lived at Rock
Island. At one time he was very popular with the
Indians, but of late they entertained ill feelings
toward him, believing that he had been instrumental
in driving them from their village.
St. Vrain was furnished with an escort of five
soldiers, and accompanied by three citizens named
Higginbotham, Floyd, and Hawley, the three latter
persons wishing to go through to Galena. Early in
the morning St. Vrain and party were ferried across
the river, and started on their journey for Galena.
Being well armed, mounted on fleet horses, and,
although it was sixty-five miles to Galena, they ex
pected to reach there before dark. The party proceeded
on their way unmolested until they reached Kel-
logg's Grove, forty miles from Dixon's Ferry. While
passing through the grove they discovered an Indian
cross the road and secrete himself among the thick
underbrush. The travelers became alarmed, think
ing the woods full of Indians, and most of them were

188

MEMOBIES OF SHAUBENA.

in favor of turning back, when St. Vrain said there
was no danger, as the Indians would not molest him
or his friends, if they should fall into their hands.
While consulting about what to do, they found them
selves surrounded by a large body of Indians, some on
foot, others mounted on ponies, all of whom collected
around the party with their guns raised in a threat
ening manner. St. Vrain addressed them in their
own language, saving, "Don't shoot, we are friends."
To which the chief replied, " We know no friends,"
and raising the war-whoop, the Indians fired on the
whites, killing five of the party, while those sur
viving urged their horses into a gallop, closely
pursued by the savages, yelling at the top of their
voices. The horse on which St. Vrain was mounted
received a mortal wound, and after running a few
rods, fell under him. In a moment he was sur
rounded by the Indians, who rejoiced at their good
success, and in wild glee danced around their victim,
flourishing their tomahawks over his head in a
threatening manner.
Little Bear, the leader of the party, had long
been a friend of St. Vrain, having adopted him as a
brother, being often at his house, ate at his table, and
trotted his little ones on his knee. To him the agent
looked for protection, but all in vain. When Little
Bear came up, the prisoner offered him his hand, but
he refused to take it, and with a withering scowl on
his face, ordered him to stand back. St. Vrain
appealed to the chief for mercy ; for the sake of his

KILLING OF ST. VBAJN AND OTHEBS.

189

wife and little ones, to spare his life ; but the claim
of former friendship was disregarded, and nothing
could change the purpose of this blood-thirsty
savage, saying to the prisoner he had been a traitor
to their tribe, and assisted General Gaines in driving
them from their village, and for that offense it had
been decided in council that he should die. While
St. Vrain was pleading for his life before the chief.
Little Bear, one of the warriors struck him on the
head with his tomahawk, when, with a groan, he
fell to the ground. Before life was extinct the In
dians cut off his head, feet and hands, and taking
out the heart, they roasted and ate it, to make them
selves brave. After dancing around the body, cele
brating their victory, the savages left it lying in the
road, where it was found next day by a party from
Galena. Mr. Hawley was mounted on a fleet horse
which left the Indian ponies far behind, but in his
flight he fell in with another party of warriors, who
captured him, and report says, he was burned at the
stake. Higginbotham and Floyd made their escape, and
reached Galena in safety, carrying thither the sad
tidings, when a company of armed men was raised
to visit the scene of blood. In this company was
George W. Jones, a brother-in-law of St. Vrain, who
represented Iowa in the United States Senate some
years afterwards. This party found the remains of
the dead, and buried them near where they fell by
the side of the road. The body of St. Vrain was

190

MEMOBIES OF SHAUBENA.

recognized by the dispatch in his coat pocket which
had not been disturbed.
GOV. BEYNOLDS' DISPATCH.
Governor Reynolds accompanied the volunteers,
commanded by General Whitesides, up Rock river
to Dixon's Ferry in advance of the regular army
under General Atkinson. Here the Governor
remained a number of weeks, making this place his
headquarters, and from here issued his proclamations,
and sent dispatches to different parts of the State.
As the time of enlistment of the volunteers under
Whitesides and Stillman was about to expire, the
Governor issued a proclamation, calling for three
thousand fresh troops. But all communication be
tween the army and settled part of the State, was
now cut off, as no mails could pass through the
country, consequently, it became necessary to send
the proclamation to Fort Wilborn on the Illinois river,
from which it would be forwarded to the capital and
settlements below.
The Governor found great difficulty in getting a
bearer of his dispatches, as the country was thought
to be filled with hostile savages, and every day
brought news of fresh depredations. Fifteen persons
had been killed on Indian creek. Rev. Adam Payne,
Mr. Durley, St. Vrain and party, with others, fell
victims to savages a few days before. Colonel
Taylor (late President of the United States) rode
through the encampment calling for a volunteer to

GOV. BEYNOLD8' DISPATCH.

191

carry the Governor's dispatch, but no one offered his
services; even veteran soldiers, who make war a
profession* could not be induced to undertake this
perilous journey. As Colonel Taylor was about to
despair of finding a volunteer to carry the papers,
Dad Joe, * who was dressed in a long gray hunting
shirt, with a large rope tied around his waist, and
speaking so loud as to be heard all over the camp,
sang out, " God bless you, Colonel, I'll have that
dispatch carried for you," and addressing bis son, a
lad of fifteen years of age, said : " Joe, put the
saddle on Pat, and carry these papers to Fort Wil
born." As the boy left on a canter, Dad Joe
shouted to him in a voice that could be heard for a
mile distant, saying : " Joe, keep away from the
timber, out of gunshot of the Indians, and see that
the saddle does not hurt Pat's back."
As young Joe approached Lost Grove on his way
to Fort Wilborn, he was discovered by two Indians
who hastened to give notice to their comrades. At
that time a band of Indians were encamped in the
grove, and on learning that a lone traveler had been
seen on the prairie, they mounted their ponies and
•Joseph Smith, but known everywhere by the name of Dad Joe. This man
was a Western pioneer, having lived at different places among the Indiana, and
was will acquainted with their customs and habits. Two yean before the
Black Hawk war he made a claim on the Peoria and Galena road, twenty mild
south or I>l ion's Forry.atagrove of timber which still bears his name. Dad Joe
was a thlrk. heavy set man. of crt-at physical power, and always clothed In a
lon.e garment, with a rope, or leather girdle around his loins. He had a heavy
hass voice, and In common conversation spoke so loud as to cause stranger! to
look at him with astonishment. His remarkable personal appearance, peculiar
manners, with his lion-like voice, gave him great notoriety, and there were but
few Western people In those days who had uot beard of Dad Joe.

192

MEMOBIES OF 8HATJBENA.

started in pursuit, but on reaching the head of the
grove they found the traveler far in advance, and
mounted as he was on a fleet horse, -which without
doubt would distance their ponies, they abandoned
further pursuit.
As the lad came near Lost Grove he discovered
some flour which had been spilled, and fresh pony
tracks near by. This alarmed him, and he put his
horse on a gallop, which in all probability was the
means of saving his life.
This boy, unarmed and alone, traveled forty-five
miles through an unsettled country, without any
road, and before night delivered the Governor's
dispatch to the commanding officer at Fort Wilborn,
when the soldiers ' gave three cheers for the
bearer. Governor Reynolds frequently spoke of this
affair as one of the most heroic exploits of the Black
Hawk war.
FLIGHT OF GEN. ATKINSON'S ESOOBT.
Governor Reynolds, while at Dixon's Ferry, issued
a proclamation calling for three thousand volun
teers, who were to rendezvous at Beardstown and
Hennepin. Afterward, these volunteers were
ordered to Fort Wilborn, where they were mustered
into service. About the middle of June, General
Atkinson, Governor Reynolds, and Colonel Taylor,
with an escort of twenty-five soldiers belonging to
the regular army, left Dixon's Ferry for Fort Wil-

FLIGHT OF GEN. ATKINSON'S ESOOBT. 19S
born, to meet these volunteers and prepare them for
active service.
While this party were on their way to Fort Wil
born, and crossing the prairie near Perkins' Grove,
they encountered Captain Willis' company of
rangers from Putnam county. Each party mistook
the other for Indians, and both prepared for action.
After some maneuvering on both sides, the regulars
with General Atkinson at their head, gave way, and
were pursued by the rangers at the top of their
speed. The race continued for a number of miles
across the prairie in the direction of the Illinois
river. Both pursued and pursuers urged tiieir horses
forward under the whip. The rangers having gained
on the fugitives, discovered they were soldiers in
stead of Indians, when they blew a horn and raised
their blankets in order to stop them. At last the
regulars, finding their pursuers were not the painted
foe, as they had supposed, came to a halt, and sent
back two of their number to reconnoitre, when the
whole matter was fully explained.
Governor Reynolds and Colonel Taylor were in
camp dress with rifles on their shoulders, wearing
nothing to distinguish them from private soldiers;
but General Atkinson was in full uniform, with
a cocked hat of the Revolutionary pattern. The
General, being mounted on a fleet horse, which he
urged forward under the spurs, and, with his sword
raised above his head, kept in advance of bis com
rades, thinking, no doubt, of saving his own scalp.
8

194

MEMOBIES OF 8HAUBENA.

When Captain Willis came up with General At
kinson, he rebuked him for his cowardice, which had
given both parties so much trouble. Probably this
is the first time the Commander-in-Chief of the
Western army was reproved by a militia captain.
SHAUBENA'S PONY.
Many of the early settlers and fur traders must
recollect Shaubena's beautiful pony which he rode
for many years, and became almost as well known
as himself. This pony was about the medium size,
jet black, with a long neck, foxy ears, eyes like an
eagle, and was very fleet. Shaubena rode this pony
in making his escape from Big Foot, in notifying the
settlers of the commencement of hostilities, and also
while in pursuit of Black Hawk. Many interesting
incidents in connection with this pony are told by
rangers and early pioneers, but for the following one
I am indebted to the well known Indian fighter, Gen.
Whitesides. The army under Gen. Atkinson for a number of
days had followed Black Hawk's band up Rock
river, but having lost the trail, the troops went into
camp, waiting for the return of the Indian scouts
under Shaubena. The regulars and volunteers were
camped near each other, and the officers having a
good time in social intercourse, when Shaubena re
turned with his warriors bringing the information
that Black Hawk's band were secreted in the thick
timber and swamp near Four Lakes.

shaubena's pony. 197
Gen. Atkinson had brought with him from Fort
Armstrong a few demijohns of brandy which he
intended for himself and officers in his command, as
liquor in those days was considered indispensable.
On leaving Dixon's Ferry, this brandy, for safe
keeping, was intrusted to the care of Dad Joe, who
stored it away in his wagon, and, being a temperance
man, assured Gen. Atkinson that he would not drink
it. One of these demijohns was now brought out, and
the officers, Shaubena among the rest, drank freely,
and all had a jolly time while discussing the best
method of disposing of Black Hawk's scalp when
taken off. Among the officers collected here and
lying on the ground, in their dirty camp dresB, were
two young Lieutenants of no ordinary appearance.
One of them belonged to the regular army and the
other to volunteers, both of whom became noted in af
ter years. The former was tall and slim with a Roman
nose, an intelligent face, and named Jeff, but better
known of later years as ex-president of the late
Southern Confederation. The other lieutenant was
over six feet in height, very dark skin, long black
hair hanging in clusters around his neck, and with an
awkward unprepossessing appearance, whom every
body called Abe, but his witticisms and peculiar gift
in telling stories kept his comrades all the while in a
state of merriment. .This young man volunteered
as a private, but before the war ended was made a
captain, and thirty years afterwards became presi-

198

MEMOBIES OF SHAUBENA.

dent of the United States. His name was Abraham
Lincoln. Shaubena considered it unfair for the officers to
drink all the brandy, and insisted that his braves
should have one of the demijohns as they were very
dry. Gen. Atkinson did not like to part with it as
the stock was getting low and the campaign had
the appearance of being a long one, but said to Shau
bena that he would stake a demijohn on the speed of
his pony, and if the pony won, the brandy would be
. his, but if lost, himself and officers would drink it.
Shaubena having accepted the . proposition, a fleet
horse belonging to one Miller, was matched against
the pony. Gen. Whitesides and Col. Taylor were
selected as judges, the race ran, the pony won, and
the demijohn was handed over to the chief amid
shouts and laughter from the officers. When the
Indians found that the brandy belonged to them,
they came forward yelling at the top of their voice,
with the intention of having a big drunk, but Shau
bena appointed a commissary to deal out the liquor
in small quantities so as to prevent drunkenness
among his braves.
SHAUBENA IN PUBSUTT OF BLACK HAWK.
While the regular army under Gen. Atkinson lay
at Dixon's Ferry waiting for reinforcements to ena
ble them to pursue Black Hawk, a number of Potta
watomie warriors joined it, and were mustered into
service. Among these volunteers, Shaubena, Wau-

PUBSUTT OF BLACK HAWK.

199

bonsie and Billy Caldwell were the principal chiefs,
each of whom expected to be leader of the band.
Gen. Atkinson, after consulting with his officers and
other parties about the merits of the different aspi
rants, gave Shaubena the chief command of his In
dian allies. This offended Waubonsie and Billy
Caldwell, and they left the service soon after, taking
with them many of their warriors.
Shaubena and his warriors remained with the
army during the campaign, doing good service while
acting as scouts, by keeping Gen. Atkinson posted
on the movements of the enemy.

PUBSUTT OF BLACK HAWK.
Near Four Lakes the army came up with the
Sacs and Foxes who were secreted in thick timber,
partly surrounded by water and swamp. A neck of
the lake about one hundred yards in width separated
the contending forces ; an attempt was made to cross
this water by constructing rafts, but night coming
on, the work was abandoned. During the night
some of the Sacs and Foxes came in hearing distance
of the army, and hallooing over to the soldiers, said
in a braggadocio way, that Black Hawk's braves
could whip Atkinson's army, and their squaws could
whip Shaubena's warriors. At these taunting re
marks, Shaubena became very angry, and asked per
mission of Gen. Atkinson to take his warriors around
the head of the lake and attack the enemy during

200

MEMOBIES OF SHAUBENA.

the darkness of the night, but his request was not
granted. Next day the army went around the water and
swamp which lay between the contending forces and
made preparations to charge the Indians in their
hiding place. Shaubena with his warriors led this
charge ; putting their ponies on a gallop, and yell
ing at the top of their voice, they went through the
thick timber at full speed, but met with no resistance,
as the enemy had fled during the night.
After the battle of Wisconsin River, the Indians
became panic stricken, and in their flight the trail
was strewed with tents, camp-kettles, etc., while
many of the wounded, sick, or infirm were left be
hind. Old Julo, a petty chief, on account of old age,
hunger and fatigue, gave out and was, therefore, left
to his fate. On the approach of the troops the old
chief was found sitting at the root of a tree, singing
his death song, when a soldier put his gun to his head
and blew out his brains. Dr. Philleo dismounted
from his horse and took off the scalp, keeping it in
his office for many years as a trophy of his warlike
exploits. Shaubena, with his warriors, continued to harass
the enemy while the troops under Gens. Dodge
and Henry followed close in the rear. Black
Hawk finding it impossible to escape, sent, during
the night, a messenger carrying a white flag to Shau
bena's camp, offering to surrender, also with a prop
osition to meet the officers in council on the follow-

n>a aH

HBBs?

1
a 8a HO

c *B >•
r

PUBSUIT OF BLACK HAWK.

208

ing day. Shaubena conducted the flag bearer to
Dodge's headquarters, but the General believing it
a trick of the Indians to gain time, refused to accept
the proposition.
At the battle of Bad Axe some of the scouts at
tacked a party of squaws and papooses who had
taken refuge under the river bank, but when Shau
bena heard of it he hastened to the rescue, and com
pelled his warriors to desist, but the soldiers who
were more bloodthirsty than their red allies, com
pleted the slaughter of these defenceless beings.

THE STOLEN HAT.
In the Winter of 1831 and '32, Gov. Clark, of St.
Louis, general Indian Agent of the West, on hearing
that Shaubena had been instrumental in preventing
the Pottawatomies from becoming allies of Black
Hawk's band, sent him a number of presents, among
which was a fur hat, with a wide silver band. On
this hat band was engraved many devices represent
ing war and carnage on one side with friendship,
pipe of peace, etc., on the other. For safe keeping
Shaubena carried this hat to John M. Gay, who lived
a few miles north of the present site of Wyanet.
Mr. Gay put the hat in the garret of his cabin where
it would be safe until called for. But in the follow
ing Spring came the Black Hawk war, when Mr.
Gay, with his family, fled from the country, leaving
Shaubena's hat, with other things, in his cabin. On

204

MEMOBIES OF SHAUBENA.

returning home in the Fall he found that the Indians
had stolen most of his goods, and among other things
missing was Shaubena's hat; After the war Shau
bena called on Gay to get his hat, and was much
grieved to find it had been stolen.
It appears this hat was taken from Gay's cabin
soon after he left the country, by a party of Indians,
who carried it to the Sac and Fox camp, and it was
worn by Black Hawk at the great feast and council
held near Four Lakes. On the battle field of Wis
consin River this hat was found by one of Gen.
Dodge's rangers, who carried it to Galena, where it
was kept for some time as one of the trophies of
war. Some years after the war a half-breed recog
nized this hat as the one stolen from Gay's cabin,
and worn by Black Hawk at the council of Four
Lakes, as above stated
DEPBEDATIONS COMMrTTED BY POTTAWATOMIES.
In conversation with Shaubena, a few years after
the Black Hawk war, he said the depredations on
the frontier settlements were committed by Potta
watomies, and this statement has been confirmed by
other Indians with whom I have conversed. In
almost eveiy band there were some disaffected war
riors that took up the tomahawk to avenge some real
or imaginary wrongs received at the hands of settlers.
Two of Shaubena's band, one of whom was his
brother-in-law named Mehokee, joined the hostile
forces, taking part in the Indian Creek massacre and

DEPBEDATIONS OF THE POTTAWATOMIES. 206-
other depredations committed on settlers. These
disaffected Indians formed themselves into guerrilla
bands and hung around frontier settlements, some
times lying in ambush to shoot settlers as they
returned to look after their property.
A large band of warriors were encamped for some
time in the thick timber of Main Bureau, four miles
north of the present site of Princeton, and from them
small parties were sent out in search of victims.
After the war some of the settlers found places near
their cabins where Indians had lain in ambush
watching their return. Although the Indians burned
no houses on Bureau, they destroyed and stole vari
ous kinds of property, killed fat cattle, hogs,
turkeys, chickens, etc. On Fox river the Indians
burned almost every house, shot horses, cattle and
hogs, destroying all kinds of property, leaving the
country desolate, notwithstanding different com
panies of rangers made tours through the country,
but the Indians kept out of their sight.
Eight miles northeast of Ottawa the Indians
killed a man by the name of Schermerhorn, and pur
sued others, who made their escape by flight. On
Indian creek they attacked a party of whites while
picking strawberries, killed James Berrisford and
wounded Captain McFadden, who was shot in the
leg, and the same ball passed through the body of
his horse, producing a mortal wound. The horse
was put into a gallop, and, after running about one
mile, fell dead, but it -had carried the rider out of the
8* M

206. MEMOBXES OF SHAUBENA.
reach of the savages, who, therefore, escaped with
his life. THE UNSCRUPULOUS HALF-BREED.
The largest Indian village in the country was
located on Bureau creek, on the present site of Tis-
kilwa, and known as Indiantown. At this village
lived a half-breed by the name of Mike Girty who
was a cold-blooded murderjer and a fugitive from
justice. It is said that he was a son of Simon Girty,
a notorious outlaw who led the Indians during the
border wars of Ohio. Girty had a squaw and four
papooses at Indiantown, but he was absent most of
the time acting as interpreter for missionaries - and
fur traders. For the purpose of avenging an injury
done him by one of the settlers (Dave Jones), he
conspired with a number of warriors, as desperate as
himself, to attack and murder three families during
the dead hour of night, thinking the blame would
fall on a party of Sacs and Foxes who were en
camped in the neighborhood. But this plot was
discovered in time to save the lives of the settlers,
and the conspirators arrested by order of the head
chief Autuckee and punished for an attempt at
murder. A short time before the commencement of hos
tilities, Girty, with about seventy warriors, part of
whom belonged at Indiantown and part from neigh
boring bands, joined the Sacs and Foxes, and most
of the depredations committed on the settlers was

THE UNSCKTrPCLOUS HALF-BBEED.

207

done by these Indians. Girty was a large heavy set
man of great muscular power with a villainous coun
tenance, and his acts show that no crime was too
great for him to commit. A short time after the
Black Hawk war I met Girty, being attracted to his
camp in the thick timber by his loud coughing. I
found him sick and alone, very weak and emaciated,
being in the last stages of consumption. I assisted
in adjusting ou his back a gun, blankets, camp-ket
tle, etc., and with feeble strides he continued his
journey. At that time I knew nothing of his crimes,
but the expression of his face was more like a demon
than a human being, yet in his weak and helpless
condition I pitied him. A few days after this event
Girty died alone on the prairie, his carcass devoured
by wolves, and his bones, bleached white by sun and
rain, scattered here and there among the grass, could
be seen for many years afterwards.*
•For sd additional account of Girty am Kemlnlacencei of Bureau County.

208

MEMOBIES OF SHAUBENA.

CHAPTER XVI.
SETTLEBS ATTACKED BY INDIANS.
On the 17th of June, 1832, seven persons, named
Elijah Phillips, J. Hodges, Sylvester Brigham, John
L. Ameut, Aaron Gunn, James G. Forristall, and a
lad of sixteen by the name of Ziba Dimmick, left Hen
nepin for Bureau settlement to look after their cattle
which had been left to run at large on the prairie.
On arriving at Ament's cabin, which was situated in
the edge of the timber, one and a half miles north
of the present site of Dover, and on a farm now
occupied by Mathew Taylor, they prepared and ate
their dinner, after which, arrangements were made
to return to Hennepin. But it commenced raining,
so the party concluded to stay all night at the cabin,
believing it perfectly safe to do bo, as no Indian signs
had been seen in that vicinity. The Bettlers barri
caded the doors and windows of the cabin with
heavy puncheons, and, with their loaded rifles by
their side, lay down on the floor to sleep.
Immediately west of Ament's cabin lay the big
Indian sugar camp, a part of which was included in
his claim. For many years this sugar camp had
been a kind of headquarters for Indians, and here
lived, during the Winter and Spring of each year, a

SETTLEBS ATTACKED BY INDIANS.

209

petty chief named Meommuse, who had in his band
ten or twelve lodges, or families. These Indians and
their ancestors had made sugar here for forty-two
years in succession, and were very much displeased
with Ament for building his cabin so close to them.
A bad feeling existed between these Indians and
Ament, and, to make the matter worse, he shot one
of their dogs.
A party of Indians were now encamped at the
big sugar camp, one of whom discovered the settlers
as they came to Ament's cabin, and immediately
notified his comrades of the fact. While the whites
were eating their dinner, the Indians approached the
cabin cautiously, crawling on their hands and knees
among the hazel-brush, and, at short range, they lay
concealed, with the intention of shooting the settlers
as they came into the door-yard. After dinner some
of the party were in the cabin and others around it,
talking, laughing, and cracking jokes, unconscious of
danger, not knowing that a deadly foe was secreted
within a few rods of them. While thus engaged it
commenced raining, when the settlers went into the
cabin and seated themselves around a blazing fire.
Notwithstanding the rain, the Indians remained in
ambush until satisfied that their intended victims
would remain in the cabin all night, when they left
for their camp.
Among this band of warriors were a number of
Pottawatomies, who had been raised on Bureau, one
of whom was a son of Meommuse, the chief above

210

MEMOBIES OF SHAUBENA.

alluded to. This young warrior was well acquainted
with this party of settlers, two of whom, Sylvester
Brigham and James G. Forristall, he had received
presents from, and therefore wished to spare their
lives. But Girty, the leader of the band, whose
Bavage nature knew no difference between former
friends or foes, was in favor of killing all the
party, and to this proposition the warriors finally
agreed. PHILLIPS KILLED, AND AMENT'S CABIN ATTACKED.
The Indians had decided to make an attack
during the dead hour of the night, while the party
were asleep, set the cabin on fire, and kill all within,
but the rain continued, which defeated their plans.
For many hours the Indians remained around the
cabin, devising plans to murder the inmates without
endangering their own lives. The door and window
were examined and found so well barricaded they
could not enter without awakening their intended
victims. Next morning their moccasin tracks were
seen around the house, and mud was noticed on the
walls of the cabin where they had climbed up to
look through a crack between the logs. After hold
ing a consultation, the Indians decided to abandon
further operations that night, and returned to their
camp with the intention of attacking the settlers
next morning, as they would leave the cabin for
Hennepin. Early next morning the Indians concealed them-

AMENT'S CABIN ATTACKED*

218

selves in the thick hazel brush, as they had done the
day before, awaiting the exit of the settlers. Mr.
Phillips being the first one to leave the cabin, came
upon the Indians as they lay in ambush, and was in
the act of turning around to run back, when the re
port of many rifles was heard, followed by a shrill
war-whoop, and poor Phillips lay a corpse, pierced by
two bullets. The Indians, with deafening yells,
now rushed forth from their hiding places, toma
hawked their victim and surrounded the cabin.
The settlers in great haste closed the door, and
pointed their guns at the Indians through the cracks
in the wall. A gun in the hands of J. Hodges, com
ing in contact with Girty's breast, caused' him to
flee, and followed by his comrades, they took shelter
in the timber. Young Dimmick called a horse to
the window, caught, mounted and put it at full
speed for Hennepin, sixteen miles distant. Dim
mick's arrival at Hennepin with the sad tidings,
caused a great panic among the people, and some
believed that Black Hawk's whole band were about
to attack the settlement. On that day a part of two
companies of rangers were in Hennepin for the pur
pose of being mustered out of service, and among
them a call was made for volunteers to go to the res
cue. Timid men were in favor of leaving the settlers at
Ament's cabin to their fate, as an attempt to rescue
them would only result in a further sacrifice of life.
Some of the women commenced wringing their
hands and crying, beseeching the men not to leave

214

MEMOBIES OF SHAUBENA.

the-settiers to be tomahawked by the Indians, urging
their husbands and sons to go to the rescue, while
they sat about running pewter spoons into bullets, to
supply them with cartridges. About thirty persons
volunteered to go to the rescue, and after being
ferried across the river, they put their horses on a
gallop for Ament's cabin. When near the cabin
they called a halt, not knowing but it was full of
Indians, when Ament displayed a white cloth through
an opening which he had made in the clapboard •
roof— a signal that all was right. On arriving at
Ament's cabin they found the remaining five safe,
not having ventured out since the murder.
The body of Phillips, undisturbed since his
death, was lying in the door-yard, 'with his face
turned upward. One bullet had entered his breast
in the region of the heart, and another had pierced
his stomach. There were marks of tomahawk
strokes on his temples, and also on the neck, but
the savages, in their haste, had failed to scalp
him. The Indians remained in ambush, watching the
cabin until the rangers came in sight, when they
left in such haste as to leave some of their blankets '
at their hiding place. The Indians went about one
mile and secreted themselves in a thick cluster of
undergrowth, and here awaited the approach of the
rangers. The rangers remained at the cabin some time,
undecided what to do, but at last started in pursuit

HOSTILITIES THBEATENED.

215

of the Indians. They took the trail of the Indians
and followed it to the crossing of the creek, and
within a short distance of the ambuscade. Had
they continued on their way the probabilities are
that most of the rangers would have lost their lives,
as the Indians were so well secreted among the
thick bushes at short range, that but few, if any,
could have escaped. The rangers, having lost the
trail, returned to Ament's cabin, and taking with
them the remains of Phillips, left for Hennepin.
HOSTILITIES THBEATENED.
In the Spring of 1833, a large number of Potta
watomies and Winnebagoes met in council on Green
river, near the present site of New Bedford. Here
the policy of war or peace was discussed, but the
council broke up without coming to any definite
conclusion. The Pottawatomie and Winnebago
chiefs denounced Shaubena as a traitor to his race,
on account of having taken part with the enemy the
year before, saying in their speeches that he had
forfeited his life, and that the interests of both
tribes demanded his death, as no war against the
settlers could be successful as long as he lived. That
night, after the council, two warriors volunteered to
kill Shaubena, and left camp immediately for the
purpose of executing their bloody mission, which, in
all probability, would have been successful, had it
not been for a Providential circumstance.
A few miles distant from where the council was

216

MEMOBIES OF SHAUBENA.

held, Thomas Hartzell had a trading house, at that
time under the supervision of Louis Ouilmette, a
half-breed. To this trading house an old Indian,
who was in the secret hastened, and told the trader
.that two warriors were then on their way to kill
Shaubena. On receiving these tidings Ouilmette
sent a young Indian, one of his employes, to notify
Shaubena of his danger, so he might be on the alert.
Shaubena was pursuing his hunting as usual, ignor
ant of the Indian council on Green river, or that his
enemies had conspired to take his life, and that two
assassins were then secreted in the grove for that
purpose Early one morning while Shaubena was
out hunting, passing through the timber a short
distance from his home, two shots were fired at him
from a cluster of underbrush, the bullets whizzing
by his head, but the assassins being secreted in the
bushes could not be seen. On that same day two
suspicious-looking Indians were seen skulking in the
grove and trying to secrete themselves from observa
tion. Shaubena on being warned of his danger by the
messenger sent by Ouilmette, mounted his pony,
and started for Bureau settlement, as his life was
no longer safe at home. Calling on his friends, Wil
liam Hoskins and Amos Leonard, he told them of
his troubles, saying that chiefs in council had pro
nounced him a traitor to his race, and by them
assassins were sent to take his life, who were now
on his trail. With tears running down his cheeks

HOSTILITIES THBEATENED.

217

he said : " I have lived for a long time on terms of
friendship with white people. I love my white
friends and their children. I hate baby killers and
women scalpers, and for this offence I expect to die
by the hand of my enemies."
Shaubena stayed in Leonard's cabin two days,
after which he visited Rochelle's village, south of
the Illinois river, and remained secreted there for
some weeks.
A Winnebago chief, named Jerro or Sharro, who
had a village on Rock river, with thirty of his war
riors, visited Rock Island, and while there made
some hostile demonstrations. With painted faces
they entered the residence of Colonel George Dav
enport without knocking or speaking, and placed
themselves in a row around the room with the breech
of their guns on the floor, and in this way they stood
like marble statues without saying a word. The
family became frightened, expecting every moment
to be murdered by these Bavages, and sent one of
their number for Colonel Davenport who was at the
fort, when, in great haste, he returned to his house.
On entering the house, Davenport addressed the
warriors in their own language, and at the same
time offered them his hand, but they refused to take
it, remaining silent and motionless. Failing to make
them speak, Davenport went into his store and got
thirty small looking-glasses and gave one to each of
the Indians. The chief asked Davenport what they
were for, to which he replied, so they might see how

218

MEMOBIES OF SHAUBENA.

pretty they looked. At this incident Jerro laughed,
picked up his gun, and, followed by bis warriors,
marched out of the house, and immediately left the
island. The object the Indians had in thus acting, still
remains a mystery, but it is thought they had an evil
design. Some time afterward an Indian told
Colonel Davenport that it was Jerro's intention to
murder him and his family, and cany off the goods
in the store, but he was deterred from doing
so by finding a large number of soldiers at the
fort. An Indian trader named Smithson, accompanied
by a young half-breed, ascended Rock .river in a
canoe loaded with goods for the Indian trade, in
tending to stop at Jerro's village. The trader was
never heard from afterward, and people believed that
he was killed by the Indians and his goods confis
cated. During the Spring of 1833, the Indians on Rock
river, with Jerro at their head, held councils and
war dance, when the people became alarmed. John
Dixon sent his family to Peoria for safety, and for
some weeks people were afraid to travel to and from
the lead mine.
Indians were frequently seen riding across the
country on a gallop, supposed to be carrying tidings
from place to place, and groups of them collected
here and there and engaged in earnest conversation.
The Indians no longer visited the settler's cabin.

HOSTILITIES THBEATENED.

219

but appeared shy and unfriendly. It was noticed
that they did not return to their village after the
Winter hunt as formerly, and were planting no corn,
contrary to their former custom ; the fur and pelts
were exchanged for munitions of war instead of the
necessaries of life. The settlers noticed these indi
cations of war, became alarmed, some commenced
building a fort while others made preparations to
leave the country. While the excitement was at
its height, people, on the alert watching their red
foe undecided what to do, an incident occurred
which settled the matter at once. One Mike Leon
ard, living four miles west of Hennepin, put up his
hat'and shot two ball holes through it, then ran to
one of the neighbors, John Hall's, saying that he was
attacked by a large body of Indians, many shots
were fired at him, and in proof of which he exhib
ited his hat. The news of Leonard's marvelous
escape from death flew like lightning throughout the
settlement, and people in all haste fled from their
homes. Some took refuge in a fort east of the river,
while others left the country, leaving their farms to
grow up in weeds, and their stock to run wild on the
prairie. These acts of the Indians still remain a myBtery,
and their strange conduct has never been fully ac
counted for. Some think the Indians intended to
make war on the settlers, but the latter fled before
their plans were matured, while others believe differ
ent, as they made no hostile demonstrations. Sbau-

220

MEMOBIES OF SHAUBENA.

bena said the Indians, as a body, had no intention of
going to war. The trouble was confined to two
bands of Winnebagoes and Autuckee's band of Pot
tawatomies at Indiantown. The latter claimed that
four of their warriors were secretly killed by the
whites, and therefore meditated revenge. Two dead
Indians were found on Bureau, and two others dis
appeared mysteriously, supposed to have been shot
by a notorious character by the name of Dave Jones.
Some time before, Captain Jesse Brown had been
commissioned by the President to raise a company of
volunteers known as Brown's Rangers. These rang
ers were now quartered in the frontier settlement to
protect the inhabitants from Indian depredations,
and may have prevented hostilities and the effusion
of blood.

BOCHELLE'S DEPABTUBE FOB THE WEST. 221

CHAPTER XvTL

BOCHELLE'S DEPABTUBE FOB THE WEST.
In the latter part of the Summer of 1836, Capt.
J. B. Russell, the Indian agent, employed a French
half-breed named Leflambeaux to notify the different
bands that they must go west about the first of Sep
tember, and teams would be furnished at that time
for transportation. Rochelle, whose village was on
the south side of the river, on receiving this notice
mounted his pony and hastened to Shaubena's home
for the purpose of consultation and advice, and also
to obtain his assistance in this time of trouble.
Rochelle wished Shaubena to visit his white friends
and obtain from them a permit for himself and his
family to spend their days at their old home, as he
could not think of leaving it. He said that he was
a good Christian, converted and baptized by
Elder Walker with the understanding that his
religion would enable him to live and die among
white people, and be as one of them. Poor Rochelle
found out when too late that his Teligion did not
contain the siving clause, and in his old age he was
compelled to leave his home for one beyond the Mis
sissippi. Shaubena told his visitor that he could do
nothing for him, as the land on which his village

222

MEMOBIES OF SHAUBENA.

stood had been sold to white people, and he, with his
people, must find a new home in the far West.
With a sorrowful heart Rochelle returned to his vil
lage to inform his family and friends that they must
leave the country, and never more look on the land
of their youth.
When the time of departure came, Rochelle's
band left for the West, and as the wagons containing
their traps drove away, old and young, with tears
running down their cheeks, joined in a song of lam
entation. The old chief, with streaming eyes, looked
for the last time on his village — the river, bluffs, tim
ber and prairie, with all the surroundings of his
home — then left it forever.
Indians every where are attached to their home,
the land of their fathers, and this case of Rochelle
does not differ from many others that might be re
cited. This country had long been the home of the
red man, the scenes of their infancy, youth and man
hood. Here were held religious feasts, where prayer
and thanksgiving were offered up to the Great Spirit,
and here were their war dances, with songs, mirth,
and athletic sports. But the time came when these
Indians were compelled to leave their homes, hunt
ing grounds, and grave yards in the possession of the
whites, while their religious feasts, war dances, and
great councils held in this country live only in the
history of the past. Their wigwams have disap
peared from the groves, the smoke of their camp
fires no longer ascend above the trees, the crack of

THE BAND COMPELLED TO GO WEST.

228

their rifles and bay of their dogs are no more heard,
their canoes are not seen on the rivers and lakes,
and their once familiar war whoops have ceased to
echo through the timber. The sacred places of the
red man have been desecrated by the whites, and by
them the graves of their fathers have been plowed
over, and the guardian spirits watching over them
driven away. THE BAND COMPELLED TO GO WEST.
In the Summer of 1836, the Indian agent, Capt.
J. B. Russell, notified Shaubena that his band must
go West to lands assigned them by the Government,
in accordance with the treaty, as no one but himself
and family could remain on the reservation. Shau
bena said he did not like to leave his home where he
had spent most of his days, but could not think of
being separated from his people, whom he loved so
well, therefore he would go with them. The agent
offered to move the band at the expense of the Govern
ment, by furnishing teams to haul their baggage, but
Shaubena said he did not require it, as they had
plenty of ponies to pack all their tents, and the
hunters could supply them with food while making
the journey.
In September, Shaubena's band left their grove,
came to Main Bureau creek and camped at the cross
ing of the Peoria and Galena road, where they
remained about six weeks, engaged in hunting and
fishing. At that time the band consisted of one
9 N

224

MEMOBIES OF SHAUBENA.

hundred and forty-two persons, old and young, and
they had about one hundred and sixty ponies. Old
settlers who had known Shaubena for many years,
visited him frequently, and made him presents of
green corn, melons, squashes, etc., and in return he
would send them turkeys and venison.- At that time
Shaubena was afflicted with the ague, some days not
being able to leave his couch, and he appeared very
much pleased when his white friends visited him.
Shaubena said he had hunted on Bureau for thirty
years in succession, but this was his last hunt, as he
should go West in a few days, where he expected to
leave 1. nies, and never more visit the land of his
youth. I he young Indians were full of life and
mirth; but Shaubena at times appeared Bad, fre
quently expressing his regret at being compelled to
leave the country where he had spent his infancy,
youth and manhood, and now in his old age to seek
a new home in the far West.
At that time Shaubena's family consisted of his
two squaws, a number of bright looking papooses, a
young nmiden with a bright face and graceful form,
Smoke, a handsome lad of about fifteen years of age,
Pypegee, his son, and Pyps, his nephew, the two
latter were of mature age, tall and straight, being
noble specimens of their race. These two young
Indians 6poke good English, were jovial and witty,
liked to talk about their exploits in warning the set
tlers of danger, of which they were very proud, but
they did not know that these brave and noble acts

DEATH OF PYPEGEE AND FTPS.

225

would, in a few months, cost them their lives, as
will be shown in the sequeL
On a windy day late in October, as the leaves
were falling fast, being blown hither and thither by
the strong gale, and the grove almost stripped of its
foliage, accompanied by others, I visited Shau
bena's camp, where we found every thing ready
for a departure — ponies loaded with tents, cooking
utensils, squaws, papooses, etc., and with a friendly
good-bye, they left for a home in the West.
DEATH OF PYPEGEE AND PYPS.
Shaubena, with his band, located on lands
assigned them by the Government in Kansas, and
here the old chief intended to end his days, but cir
cumstances caused him to do otherwise. Soon after
the band went West, the Sacs and Foxes were moved
from Iowa to that country, and located a village about
fifty miles from Shaubena's. Neopope, the principal
chief of Black Hawk's band, had frequently been
heard to say that lie would kill Shaubena, also his
son and nephew, for notifying the settlers of their
danger, and fighting against them in the late war.
Shaubena had been warned of these threats, but he
did not believe that Neopope would harm him.
In the Fall of 1837, Shaubena, with his two sons
and nephew, accompanied by five others, went on a
buffalo hunt about one hundred miles from home,
where they expected to remain for some time* Neo
pope thinking this a good time to take revenge.

226

MEMOBIES OF SHAUBENA.

raised a war party and followed them. During the
dead hour of the night, when all were asleep, this war
party attacked the camp, killing Pypegee and Pyps,
and wounding another hunter who was overtaken in
his flight and slain. Shaubena, his son Smoke, with
four other hunters, escaped from camp, but Neopope
was on their trail and followed them almost to their
home. After traveling over one hundred miles on foot,
without gun or blanket, and without tasting food, the
fugitives reached home on the third day. Shaubena,
knowing that he would be killed if he remained in
Kansas, left immediately, and with his family re
turned to his reservation in De Kalb county.
On a cold, wet day, in the latter part of Novem
ber, 1837, I discovered a few Indians crossing the
prairie, going eastward on the Sac and Fox trail.
On coming up with them, I found it was Shaubena
with his two squaws, children and grandchildren,
about twenty-five persons in all. The old chief
appeared pleased to meet me, holding on to my hand
for some time, and dismounting from his pony. He
inquired after many of his white friends, but said
he could not see them now, for his heart was
full of trouble. I inquired of him why he came
back to Illinois, to which he replied by saying that
he could not live in Kansas, the Sacs and Foxes had
killed his son and nephew, and hunted him down as
though he was a wild beast, and to save his life he
had fled from home dining the darkness of night.
The old chief continued : " Poor Pypegee and

NEOPOPE IN THE GABB OF A SQUAW. 227
Pyps, they were such good boys ; the pride of the
band ; but their bodies, scalped, disrobed, and muti
lated, are now lying on the cold ground, food for
wolves, while their spirits are in the happy hunting
grounds, where I shall meet them before many
moons." Here Shaubena ceased talking, wiped
away the tears with the corner of his blanket, and
for a moment gave himself up to feelings of sadness.
After remaining silent for a short time as though
engaged in meditation, he pointed to himself, his
6quaws, his papooses, and also to a suckling babe, all
of whom had large stripes of black paint on their
forehead, showing that they were in mourning for
departed loved ones.
NEOPOPE IN THE GABB OF A SQUAW.
In the Spring of 1838, some of Shaubena's fam
ily discovered an old decrepid squaw secreted in the
thick timber near the village. Her face was highly
colored with different kinds of paint, and partly con
cealed by a buckskin head dress. By her side lay a
rifle, knife and tomahawk, and near by was tied
a jaded pony. The old squaw could give no account
of herself; refused to tell where she came from, or
whither she was going ; appeared sullen and morose ;
but after being furnished with provisions, she
mounted her pony and left the grove. This old
sqimw was none other than Neopope, the great war
chief of Black Hawk's" band, who was there in dis
guise, for the purpose of assassinating Shaubena,

228

MEMOBIES OF SHAUBENA.

having made a journey of four hundred miles for
that purpose. The assassin failing in his mission,
being discovered in his hiding place, and fear of de
tection caused him to leave without accomplishing
his bloody work. The true character of the old
squaw found in the grove was unknown to Shaubena
until he visited Kansas, many years afterward,' when
Neopope was in his grave, and the incident was told
by some of bis friends.
SHAUBENA WITH GENEBAL SCOTT.
At the close of the Black Hawk war, George E.
Walker who had been acting as Captain of Scouts,
accompanied by Shaubena, were introduced to Gen
eral Scott. The General mistook Captain Walker
for Shaubena, as he was tall and straight, with long
black hair, very dark skin, and therefore made his
address to him accordingly. General Scott compli
mented him for his many noble acts : being a true
friend of the whites, keeping his people from taking
up the tomahawk against defenceless women and
children, saving the lives of settlers by giving them
timely notice of their danger, his valuable service to
the army while in pursuit of Black Hawk, etc., and
closed his remarks by saying that he was a noble
specimen of the red man.
Captain Walker while receiving the compliments
intended for another, enjoyed the joke very much,
but it 60on came to an end as the chief stepped for
ward, putting his hand on his breast exclaimed, " Me

THE MISSION ABY.

229

Shaubena." This exclamation of Shaubena con
vinced General Scott that he had been eulogizing the
wrong person, and Captain Walker was not the
great and good Indian chief he had taken him to
be. THE MISSIONARY.
In the year 1814 an old man named Wigby, with
long white hair hanging in clusters around his
shoulders, appeared among the Indians and preached
at different villages on the Illinois and Fox rivers.
But little is known of this man's history further
than be had been a missionary for many years among
the Indians on the Wabash, and spoke their lan
guage well. For a time the missionary succeeded in
making the Indians believe that there was no admis
sion into the happy hunting grounds beyond the
skies, without baptism and partaking of the sacra
ment. The priests became alarmed at Wigby's great
success, fearing the people would abandon the
religion of their fathers for Christianity, and to pre
vent further proselyting by this man they resolved
to put him out of the way. At that time a malady
prevailed among the papooses at Sheatee's village,
and many of them died suddenly. The village
priest said they were possessed of the evil one, and
the usual ceremonies of charms and incantation were
used to expel it, but without effect ; the little ones
continued to sicken and die. For the purpose of
inquiring into the cause of this malady, the priests
from the surrounding villages met in council, and,

280

MEMOBIES OF SHAUBENA.

after a short deliberation, they pronounced Wigby a
wizard (possessed of the devil), and that he
had caused the death of their loved ones. The
council in their wisdom, decided that the wel
fare of their people demanded the execution of
the missionary, and in order to prevent the evil
spirit from escaping and going to another per
son, he must be burnt alive. When the mission
ary learned that his death had been decided on, he
appeared before the council, calling on God to
witness his innocence of the charges brought against
him. Shaubena, with a few friends, were returning from
a hunt on the Kankakee river, when they learned
that a white man was about to be executed at
Sheatee's village, and they put their ponies on a
canter for that place. On arriving at that village
they found the missionary tied to a tree, with dry
fagots piled around him ready to be set on fire,
while the priests formed a circle around their victim,
chanting praises to the Great Spirit. Wigby, with
his long hair and beard as white as snow waving in
the wind, his hands raised in prayer, calmly awaited
his doom. Shaubena expostulated with Sheatee for
murdering an innocent man, but the chief in reply
said he could not resist the mandates of the priests,
as their decision was the law of the tribe, and his
warriors were only executing their decree. While
the ceremony which preceded the execution was in
progress, Shaubena, with a tomahawk in one hand

THE OLD CHIEF ON HIS NEBVB.

281

and a scalping-knife in the other, placed himself by
the side of the prisoner, and in a loud voice ex
claimed : " This outrage against justice I will not
permit, and before burning this man the murderers
will have to pass over my dead body." While the
priests and warriors stood still, paralyzed with aston
ishment at this bold speech, the chief, without any
opposition, cut the cords that bound the prisoner,
placed him on a pony, and with him galloped
away. Shaubena conducted the missionary to Senach
wine 's village, and put him under the care of that
good and wise chief. Under Wigby's preaching
Senachwine became a Christian and was baptized
by him, but he could not be persuaded to abandon
polygamy and put away his many wives.
A few years after coming here the missionary
died, and was buried on a high bluff overlpoking the
village of Senachwine, where his grave was pointed
out to 6ome of the early settlers.
THE OLD CHIEF ON HIS NEBVE.
In the Fall of 1856, Shaubena had some friends
come from Kansas to visit him, who remained his
guests for about two months. While here, both host
and guests went on a hunting expedition in the big
woods along the Kankakee river, it being the most
likely place to find deer. Shaubena was accompan
ied by his whole family, old and young, with the
intention of spending about two weeks in the woods.
9»

232

MEMOBIES OF SHAUBENA.

While Shaubena and his friends were off hunting
in the grove, the man who owned the timber where
they were encamped, came and ordered them to leave,
tore down one of the tents, and abused the squaws
by calling them hard names, etc. When Shaubena
returned to camp in the evening, and learned what
had taken place, he became very angry, but con
cluded to move his camp to some other part of the
grove on the following morning.
That evening, about sunset, the owner of the
timber, accompanied by two of his neighbors, re
turned to the Indian camp, when the old chief
offered them his hand, at the same time exclaiming,
"Me Shaubena." This kind of an introduction
always acted as a talisman among settlers, by giving
him a hearty welcome wherever his camp was pitched,
but with this man it failed of its magic effect. The
owner of the timber commenced swearing, telling"
the chief if he did not leave immediately, he would
destroy bis tents. Shaubena took out some pieces of
silver and offered them to him in payment for the
tent poles which had been cut, but this did not sat
isfy the angry man. Being in a terrible rage, his
voice raised to a high key, he told Shaubena that if
he did not leave his timber forthwith, he would move
him, and', in carrying out his threats, upset a kettle
in which their supper had been prepared. This was
too much for the old chief. With him forbearance
had ceased to be a virtue, therefore he took his toma
hawk and knife out of his belt, laying them on the

THE OLD CHIEF ON HIS NEBVB.

233

ground by the side of his rifle, and then, going up to
the man, said to him (in bad English) that if he did
not shut his mouth he would knock every tooth
down his throat.
Although Shaubena was past four score years,
bis figure was erect, his step firm, age had not
dimmed the fire of his eyes, nor dispelled the cour
age of his youth, and he was now prepared, notwith
standing his great age, to defend his rights in true
pugilistic style.
The owner of the timber disliked the looks of
the broad chest, strong arms, and determined will of
the old chief, fancying he saw before him the image
of a savage on the war path, and, without saying
another word, made a hasty retreat for a place of
safety, leaving Shaubena to move his encampment
when most convenient.

234

MEMOBIES OF SHAUBENA.

CHAPTER XVHT.

THE BESEBVATION.

In a treaty made at Prairie du Chien, July 29,
1829, between the Government and the Pottawato
mies, Ottawas and Chippewas, two sections of land
were reserved for Shaubena at his grove. At a sub
sequent treaty, made at Tippecanoe in October,
1832, this reservation was also confirmed. Again,
at a treaty made at Chicago in September, 1888, it
was provided that all reservations of lands to In
dians should be grants in fee simple, and could be sold
by the grantee the same as other lands. But this
provision of the treaty was rejected by the United
States Senate, leaving the lands as before— only res
ervations. In 1835 Shaubena concluded to sell his
land and go West with his band, and, for that pur
pose, Col. D. F. Hitt. of Ottawa, was employed to
survey it out in advance of the Government surveyB.
The tract was found to contain about twelve hun
dred acres of excellent timber, with some eighty
acres of prairie land. Wilber Walker, an Indian
trader at Ottawa, made arrangement with Shaubena
to take his land, but, from some cause, the trade fell
through, and a sale was not effected until some years
afterward. In 1845, Shaubena, ignorant of the re-

IHE BESEBVATION.

285

peal of that part of the treaty authorizing him
to transfer his land, sold his reservation (except
ing one hundred acres) to Azell and Orrin Gates.
This land was subdivided by the purchasers, and
sold in small tracts, at a high price, to settlers
who were making farms on the prairie. The land
which Shaubena" reserved for himself, included his
village, corn-fields and part of his sugar camp, was
intended to be his permanent home. On this tract
he had a large house built, the prairie broke and
fenced, which he rented out to other parties for a
share of the crops. The house he never lived in,
however, preferring a wigwam, using the former for
storage purposes only. Although Shaubena sold his
land for a large sum of money, he received but little
in .hand; the purchasers borrowed the purchase
monev, and agreed to pay him interest on the same.
In the Spring of 1849, Shaubena, with his family,
went to Kansas to visit his friends, and remained
there over two years, leaving bis farm in care of Mr.
Norton, who was to collect the rents and save them
until he returned.
As soon as Shaubena was gone, persons who had
learned of the repeal of that part of the treaty au
thorizing him to sell his land, made affidavits that he
had sold and abandoned his reservation, and gone
West to live. These papers were* sent to the Gen
eral Land Office at Washington, and the Commis
sioners decided that the transfer to A. and O.
Gates was void, and, by abandoning and giving pos-

236

MEMOBIES OF SHAUBENA.

session, Shaubena had forfeited his right to the res
ervation. In the Fall of 1849, the purchasers
of the land were surprised to find it advertised to
be sold at public sale at the land office at Dixon, the
same as other Government lands.
In the Fall of 1851, Shaubena, with his family,
returned to his home at the grove, after an absence
of two and a half years. On his arrival, he expected
to find the rents from his farm in the hands of Mr.
Norton, and the accumulated interest on the 6ale of
his lands in the hands of Gates, but was doomed to
disappointment, all was now gone, and he was left
destitute. When Shaubena found all his possessions gone,
he was broken down in spirit, and cried like a child.
For many days he gave himself up to sadness, re
fused to be comforted, and each night went to a
lonely place in the grove to pray to the Great Spirit.
The man who owned the timber where he encamped
cursed him for cutting camp poles, and burning some
dry limbs for cooking purposes, and ordered him
to leave his timber.
This grove had been Shaubena's home for nearly
fifty years ; here was the grave of his first squaw
and two of his papooses, and here he expected to lay
his bones. He had been a friend to the whites for
many years, having saved some of their lives at the
risk of his own ; lie had given up his position as
chief among his people, whom lie loved so well, to
spend the remainder of his days with his adopted

THE NEW HOME.

287

friends. He was now old — past three-score and ten —
no longer capable of getting a living by tile chase,
as in former days, and with a number of small grand
children depending on him for support. With a scr-
rowful heart, Shaubena looked for the last time
upon the graves of departed loved ones, and then
left the grove forever.
Shaubena never could understand why he was
dispossessed of his reservation, and continued to be
lieve, until the day of his death, that the Government
had been unjust to him. In dispossessing Shaubena
of his property, the Government committed an act of
ingratitude, which is without a parallel in the history
of Indian affairs.

THE NEW HOME.
After Shaubena lost his possession at the grove,
he pitched his tent in the timber of Big Rock
creek, where he remained many days, undecided
what to do. Here he was visited by a number of
whites, who had been his friends in former days, and
from whom he received many valuable presents.
The citizens of Ottawa, at the solicitation of
George E. Walker, raised money to buy and improve
a small tract of land, on the south bank of the
Illinois river, two miles above Seneca, in Grundy
county. On this land they built a comfortable frame
dwelling, with out-building, fencing, etc., and pre
sented it to Shaubena for a home. This house was
pleasantly situated, with a commanding view of the

ZCSS

MEMOBIES OF SHAUBENA.

river, making a delightful home, but Shaubena pre
ferred living in a wigwam ; in such he was born and
raised, using the dwelling for a storehouse only.
Shaubena had an annuity from the Government
of two hundred dollars for his services in the Black
Hawk war; this fund, with contributions from
friends, kept him from want. A large portion of his
time was spent in traveling through the country,
visiting friends and acquaintances, among whom he
was lionized and honored with public ovations.
Shaubena, in old age, was a fine portly-looking
man, with an intelligent face, and distinguished for
his mild disposition and social qualities. Probably
no Indian in the United States was so highly es
teemed and so much honored by the whites as Shau
bena, receiving marked attention wherever he went.
shaubena's family.
Shaubena, in his youth, married a daughter of a
Pottawatomie chief named Spotka, and by her he had
two children-. A few years afterward, this squaw
and children died, and were buried at the grove and
a pen built of small timbers marked their resting
place. In later years, Shaubena was in the habit of
taking visitors to the burying ground and pointing
out the graves of his loved ones, while tears would
trickle down his tawny cheeks.
After the death of his first squaw, Shaubena
married another, named Mi-o-mex Ze-be-qua, and
by her he had a number of children. In accordance

shaubena's family.

289

with Indian customs, some years afterward he mar
ried another squaw, and for a time lived with both
of them. The latter was a young squaw of great
personal attractions, named Pok-a-no-ka, and by her
he had a large family of children. The old and
young squaw did not live together harmoniously,
and their quarrels would sometimes lead to open
hostility. On visiting Shaubena's wigwam one morn
ing, I found his squaws in trouble, both of wh6m
showed large combativeness, while the old chief was
trying to pacify them. After effecting a reconciliation,
he said to me it was strange his squaws could not
agree, as there were only two of them, while other
chiefs have a dozen or more and all live together in
perfect harmony. On account of these disagree
ments, Pok-a-no-ka in later years left the family and
went to live with her people in Kansas.
The oldest son of Shaubena, whose Indian name
was Pypegee, but known every where among the
early settlers as Bill Shaubena, was a fine, intelligent
youth, spoke English quite well, and, like his father,
frequently visited the cabins of settlers. He tried
to court the daughter of one of the early settlers, and
it appeared to have been the height of his ambition
(as he expressed it) to marry a white squaw. In the
Fall of 1837, Pypegee was killed in Kansas, by a party
of Sacs and Foxes, on account of his fidelity to the
whites, as previously stated.
Shaubena's second son, named Smoke, possessed
a fine commanding figure, very handsome, and was a
O

240

MEMOBIES OF SHAUBENA.

great favorite among the whites. In 1847, Smoke,
while returning from Kansas, where he had been on
a visit, was taken sick in Iowa and died among the
whites, and by them received a Christian burial
The youngest son, Ma-mas, became dissipated,
and is now living with his band in Kansas.
Shaubena had many daughters, two of whom
were young and unmarried at the time of his death.
One of his daughters married a Frenchman named
Beaubien, who lived near Chicago, but Ze-be-qua
was his beautiful daughter who at one time was the
belle of the settlement.
Shaubena's family, while at the grove, consisted
of twenty-five or thirty persons, including his two
squaws, children, grandchildren, nephews, nieces,
etc. He would frequently take the little ones to
church with him on the Sabbath day, and take much
pains to keep them quiet during the service.
While at the grove, Shaubena had a niece living
with him, a young squaw of about fifteen years of
age and of prepossessing appearance, but, like other
daughters of Eve, she was not free from faults. For
some indiscretion she was punished in accordance
with Indian custom, which the following story, told
by an early settler, Isaac Morse, will illustrate : One
morning Mr. Morse, on going into the timber to
work, noticed a high pen built of poles around a
large burr oak tree, in which was this Indian maiden.
He asked her many questions, to which she made no
reply, appearing sad and ashamed of her situation.

shaubena's family.

241

At noon he offered her some of his lunch, but she
would neither eat nor speak. Next morning, finding
her still in the pen, Mr. Morse again tried to con
verse with her, and commenced pulling down the
pen from around her. She then said that she was a bad
Indian, consequently must stay there another day,
and commenced repairing the pen around herself.
Shaubena had a grandson named Smoke, a bright,
intelligent lad, about thirteen years of age at the
time of his death, and to him was bequeathed the
chieftainship of the tribe. Smoke went to Kansas
after his grandfather's death, and is said to be chief
of the band.
Shaubena had a nephew, a half-breed, named
David K. Foster, who received a college education,
and is now a Methodist preacher at Bradley, Allegan
county, Michigan. Also another nephew, a half-
breed and a college graduate, by the name of Col.
Joseph N. Bourassa, now living at Silver Lake,
Kansas. From each of these men I have received
many letters, and to them I am indebted for various
items given in this book.
A few years before Shaubena's death, he gave all
his family Christian names, in addition to their In
dian names, assuming the name of Benjamin himself.

242

MEMOBIES OF SHAUBENA

CHAPTER XIX.
VISITING AMONG WHITE PEOPLE.
At different times Shaubena was selected by the
Pottawatomie nation to represent their interest to
the General Government, and for that purpose he
made many trips to Washington. On his last visit
to Washington, Gen. Cass introduced him to the
President, some of the heads of departments, mem
bers of Congress, and others. A large crowd of
people had collected in the rotunda of the capitol,
to see Shaubena, when Gen. Cass introduced him to
the audience by making a Bhort speech, in which he
said, "Shaubena is the greatest red man of the
West; he has always been a friend of the whites,
and saved many of their lives during the Black
Hawk war." At the conclusion of this speech, peo
ple came forward to shake hands with the chief, and
many ladies met him with a kiss.
While in Washington, Shaubena received many
presents from his friends, among which was a fash
ionable suit of broadcloth clothes. On returning
home his people were surprised to see him dressed
like a white man, and his little grandchildren re
fused to make up with him. This made Shaubena
feel sad, consequently he left his fine suit at the

VISITING AMONG WHITE PEOPLE.

248

house of a friend for safe keeping, and again assumed
his Indian garb.
Shaubena had an extensive acquaintance among
the early settlers of the West, to whom he made
frequent visits. Sometimes by special invitation he
would remain their guest for several days, receiving
marked attention, presents, etc. A short time before
Shaubena's death he came to see me, and an old ac
quaintance of more than twenty years' standing was
again renewed. Not having visited this part of the
country for many years, he inquired after a number
of bis old friends, and, on learning that some of
them were in their graves, he bowed his head, and
after repeating a few words in his own tongue, he
said, " Before many years I shall meet my friends
in the spirit land."
In September, 1858, Williamson Durley, of Put
nam county, called on Shaubena at his residence near
Seneca, and gave him a special invitation to visit at
his house.
Mr. Durley commenced the mercantile business
at Hennepin in 1831, and for a number of years
Shaubena traded with him, buying goods for himBAlf
and band on credit and paying for them in furs.
Their business relations were very pleasant, and
Shaubena always regarded Mr. Dudley among his
best friends.
When the appointed time came for Shaubena to
visit Mr. Dudley, he arrived with four of his family.
The old chief with his grandson, a lad twelve years

244

MEMOBIES OF SHAUBENA.

of age, named Smoke, in a light wagon drawn by
two ponies, and three daughters (two of whom were
maidens) on horseback. Shaubena remained Mr
Durley s guest for,a number of days, and during his
stay gave him a history of Western Indians, as it is
handed down by tradition through many generations.
While at Mr. Durley's residence, Shaubena with
his three daughters and grandson, Smoke, dressed
themselves in full Indian costume, with beads, rings,
paint and feathers, all mounted on horseback, and in
this way they visited Hennepin, where they attracted
much attention. The citizens, men, women and
children, turned out en masse to honor their presence,
and gave them a hearty reception.
PEBSON AND CHABACTEB OF SHAUBENA.
Shaubena was above the medium size, being six
feet in height, a figure well proportioned, very
straight, with broad shoulders, a large head, high
cheek bones, and a face of more than ordinary in
telligence. His movements were graceful, his address
pleasing, and his appearance commanding, so that a
stranger could see at a glance that he was no ordin
ary Indian. Fur traders who knew Shaubena while
in the prime of life, speak of him as a very handsome
Indian, excelling in horsemanship, dancing, and all
kinds of athletic sports. In the latter part of his
life he became quite corpulent, but at four-score he
was straight and active, his head covered with black
locks, and retained much of the vigor of manhood

PERSON AND CHABACTEB OF SHAUBENA.

247

Shaubena was affable in his manners, fond of
society, and very popular among both whites and
Indians. His word was always good with fur traders,
and on his promise he would purchase on credit,
each year, a large quantity of goods for his band,
and these contracts were always complied with.
As early pioneers came into the country, Shau
bena became a frequent visitor at their cabins, and
was known every where as the white man's friend.
During the years 1831, 1832 and 1833, the settlers
at different times were alarmed by reports of threat
ening hostilities. Shaubena was frequently con
sulted with regard to their safetyv if they should
remain in the country, and his advice was generally
followed. Fur traders, Indian agents, and early
pioneer settlers, all agree that Shaubena was truth
ful, honest, kind and benevolent almost to a fault,
and every where he received the appellation of the
good chief.
Shaubena's travels throughout the West gave
him an extensive knowledge of the country, and he
could draw a pretty correct outline map of rivers,
lakes, mountains, etc. His association with differ
ent tribes afforded him a good opportunity of learn
ing their history, as handed down by tradition, and
his knowledge of past events was very remarkable.
While at the head of his band Shaubena was
temperate, seldom drinking liquor, and used his in
fluence to keep it away from his people, but in the
latter part of his life his association with white peo-

248

MEMOBIES OF SHAUBENA.

pie had a bad effect on him, and sometimes he drank
too much. Shaubena, physically, intellectually and
morally, was a noble specimen of his race, possessing
many of the virtues and but few of the vices com
mon to red men. His friendship for the whites, as
shown by persistent labor in their interest, giving
them timely notice of danger so they might escape
the tomahawk of ruthless savages, has endeared his
memory to every pioneer throughout the West, and
a record of his beneficent acts should be perpetuated
for coming generations.
Beneath the tawny skin that wrapped his strong limbs and ample
breast,
Was as noble a soul as any pale Saxon ever possessed.
Many incidents are given, both by whites and
Indians, illustrating the character of this noble chief,
but probably the most remarkable is the following
one : After the battle of Frenchtown, in January,
1813, a number of wounded prisoners were confined
in a vacant cabin, and guarded by two British sol
diers. Among these prisoners was a young man
named George Selby, a nephew of Governor Selby
and a lieutenant in a Kentucky regiment. During
the night a party of savages overpowered the guard,
rushed into the cabin and in cold blood commenced
killing the wounded, unarmed prisoners. The groans
and Bhrieks of the victims were heard by Shaubena,
as he lay before a camp fire some distance off, when
he hastened to the rescue, rushing in among the
murderers, throwing one this way and another that,

PERSON AND CHABACTEB OF SHAUBENA. 249
causing them to desist from their bloody work. But
the struggle for life was over with the prisoners, ex
cept one, who lay exhausted and bleeding from a
number of fresh wounds ; he was carried by Shau
bena to the army hospital, and finally recovered.
This rescued prisoner was Lieutenant Selby, above
referred to, and during his illness he was Visited
almost daily by his benefactor.
More than twenty years had passed away since
the occurrence of the event above narrated, and the
chief was now in Washington, a representative of
his tribe. While Shaubena, with other Indian
chiefs, were standing on the east portico of the
capitol engaged in conversation, a fashionably dressed
man came up, and, after looking at the chief for
some moments, came forward and offered him his
hand, saying le believed they had met at French-
town. This nan was Lieut. Selby, who, notwith
standing nearlj a quarter of a century had passed
away, still remembered the mild, expressive face of
his benefactor, and he threw his arms around the
chief, feeling as though he had found a lost brother.
Shaubena accompanied Lieut. Selby to the United
States hotel, wh«re he was stopping, and was here
introduced to his family and friends, as the person
who saved his lfe at Frenchtown. The chief re
mained Lieut. Silby's guest during his stay in
Washington, and on his departure for the West re
ceived from him a lumber of valuable presents.
Billy Caldwell, a half-breed, and a commissioned

250

MEMORIES OF SHAUBENA.

officer in the Indian Department of the British army,
during the war of 1812, certifies that Shaubena was a
faithful companion of his during the war with the
United States. On different occasions he witnessed
his bravery in battle, and humanity to prisoners who
fell into his hands. That he joined Tecumseh on
the Wabash in 1807, and was the friend and com
panion of that celebrated chief from the commence
ment of hostilities until his death, at the battle of
the Thames, October, 1813.
This paper is dated at Amherstburg, Canada,
August 1, 1816, and signed by Billy Caldwell, Cap
tain Indian Department of the British army. This
certificate is written on a half sheet of foolscap,
bearing the English water mark of 1813. For more
than forty years Shaubena carried this paper on his
person, secured, with other mementoes, in a buck
skin pouch. A few years before his death, he gave
it to William Hickling, an old friend, now a resident
of Chicago, who still retains it in his possession, and
through his politeness, I have been allowed to make
these extracts. SHAUBENA'S DEATH AND BURIAL.
Shaubena died at his residence on the Illinois
river, July 17, 1859, aged eighty-fcur years, and was
buried with much pomp and ceremony in Morris
Cemetery. His remains were deposited on Lot 69,
Block 7, donated by the cemetery, but neither stone
nor stake marks the spot. In tie Spring of 1861, a

shaubena's death and btjbial. 251
subscription was started in some of the river towns,
to raise funds for the purpose of erecting a monu
ment over his remains, but the war breaking out,
caused the enterprise to be abandoned, consequently
there is nothing to mark the long restdng-place of
this friend of the white man. There are some facts
connected with the death and burial of Shaubena,
not generally known, which will explain why the pub
lic has failed to raise a monument to his memory.
When tidings of the chiefs death reached Ottawa,
George E. Walker and William Hickling left in all
haste for the home of the deceased, while people
made preparations to bury the dead with military
honors. But on arriving at the house it was found
that the citizens of Morris claimed the body and was
unwilling to give it up, consequently this created an
ill feeling which still exists. Had Shaubena been
buried at Ottawa, where so many of his wealthy
friends live, the probabilities are they would have
erected a fine monument to his memory at the time
of his death.
Shaubena's oldest squaw, Mi-o-mex Ze-be-qua,
together with Mary Oquaka, a little granddaughter
four years of age, were drowned in Mazon creek, in
" Grundy countj, Nov. 30, 1864, and are buried by the
Bide of Shaubena.
There are eight of Shaubena's family buned on
the same lot in Morris Cemetery, five of whom were
his children or grandchildren.
A few years after Shaubena's death, his family

252

MEMOBIES OF SHAUBENA.

went West to join their band in Kansas, and the
land owned by him is held by the County Court in
trust, for the benefit of his heirs.
A WOBD TO THE BEADEB — CONCLUSION.
For more than forty years the attention of the
writer has been directed to the many stirring events
connected with the settlement of this country, and
the importance of preserving an account of them is
apparent to every person. Most of the actors in
these events have long since passed away, without
leaving any written statement of them, and to col
lect, revise and prepare a correct account of the
past, has been attended with much labor. Neither
money nor emulation causes the performance of this
irksome task, but a motive more laudable— that of
doing justice to the old Indian chief, Shaubena, and
preserving an account of past events, so they may form
a part of the early history of the country. Many of
the incidents given in this book were known only to
the writer, and justice required that they should
be given to the public. In preparing this work,
neither time nor labor have been spared, in order
that it may be relied on for future reference. How
well this task has been performed is left for the de
cision of others ; and should this little volume meet
with public favor, the object for which it was written
will be accomplished.

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