USA > Illinois > Grundy County > History of Grundy County, Illinois > Part 6
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Ile traveled constantly, going from northi to south; from the south to the north, everywhere urging the Indians to this step. IIe was a matchless orator, and his burning words had their effect.
Gen. IIarrison, then Governor of Indiana, by watching the movement of the Indians, became convineed that a grand conspiraey was forming, and made preparations to de- fend the settlements. Teenmseli's plan was similar to Pontiac's, elsewhere described, and to the cunning artifice of that chieftain was added his own sagaeity.
During the year 1809, Tecumseh and the prophet were actively preparing for the work. In that year, Gen. Harrison entered into a treaty with the Delawares, Kickapoos, Pottawatomies, Miamis, Eel River Indians and Weas, in which these tribes ceded to the whites certain lands upon the Wabash, to all of which Teenmseh entered a bitter protest, averring as one principal reason that he did not want the Indians to give up any lands north and west of the Ohio River.
Teenmseh, in Angust, 1810. visited the General at Vineennes and held a council relating to the grievances of the Indians. Becoming unduly angry at this conference
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he was dismissed from the village, and soon after departed to incite the Southern Indian tribes to the conflict.
Gen. Harrison determined to move upon the ehiet's headquarters at Tippecanoe, and for this purpose went about sixty-five miles np the Wabash, where he built Fort Harri- son. From this place he went to the prophet's town, where he informed the Indian; he had no hostile intentions, provided they were true to the existing treaties. He encamped near the village early in October, and on the morning of November 7th, he was attacked by a large foree of the Indians, and the famous battle of Tippecanoe occurred. The Indians were routed and their town broken up. Teenm- sch returning not long after, was greatly exasperated at his brother, the prophet, even threatening to kill him for rashly precipitating the war, and foiling his (Tecumseh's) plans.
Tecumseh sent word to General IIarri- son that he was now returned from the Sonth, and was ready to visit the President, as had at one time previously been proposed. Gen. Harrison informed him he could not go as a chief, which method Tecumseh desired, and the visit was never made.
In June of the following year, he visited the Indian agent at Fort Wayne. Here he disavowed any intention to make a war against the United States, and reproached Gen. Harrison for marching against his people. The agent replied to this ; Tecum- seh listened with a cold indifference, and after making a few general remarks, with a haughty air drew his blanket about him, left the council house, and departed for Fort Malden, in upper Canada, where he joined the British standard.
Ile remained under this Government, doing effective work for the Crown while engaged in the war of 1812 which now opened. He was, however, always humane in his treatment of the prisoners, never allowing his warriors to ruthlessly mutilate the bodies of those slain, or wantonly murder the captive.
In the summer of 1813, Perry's victory on Lake Erie occurred, and shortly after active preparations were made to capture Malden. On the 27th of September, the American army, under Gen. Harrison, set sail for the shores of Canada, and in a few hours stood around the ruins of Ma'den, from which the British army, under Proc- tor, had retreated to Sandwich, intending to make its way to the heart of Canada by the Valley of the Thames. On the 29th Gen. Harrison was at Sandwich, and Gen. MeArthur took possession of Detroit and the Territory of Michigan.
On the 2d of October, the Americans began their pursuit of Proctor, whom they overtook on the 5th, and the battle of the Thames followed. Early in the engage- ment, Tecumseh who was at the head of the column of Indians was slain, and they, no longer hearing the voice of their chieftain, fled. The victory was decisive, and prae- tically closed the war in the Northwest.
Just who killed the great chief has been a matter of much dispute ; but the weight of opinion awards the act to Col. Richard M. Johnson, who fired at him with a pistol, the shot proving fatal.
In 1805 occurred Burr's Insurrection. Ile took possession of a beautiful island in the Ohio, after the killing of Hamilton, and is charged by many with attempting to set up an independent government. His
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plans were frustrated by the general gov- ernment, his property confiscated and he was compelled to flee the country for safety.
In January, 1807, Governor IIull, of Michigan Territory, made a treaty with the Indians, whereby all that peninsula was ceded to the United States. Before the elose of the year, a stockade was built about Detroit. It was also during this year that Indiana and Illinois endeavorel to obtain the repeal of that section of the compact of 1787, whereby slavery was ex- eluded from the Northwest Territory. These attempts, however, all signally failed.
Iu 1809 it was deemed alvisable to di- vide the Indiana Territory. This was done, and the Territory of Illinois was formed from the western part, the seat of govern- inent being fixed at Kiskasia. The next year, the intentions of Tecumseh mani- fested themselves in open hostilities, and then began the events already narrated.
While this war was in progress, emigra- tion to the West went on with surprising rapidity. In 1811, under Mr. Roosevelt of New York, the first steamboat trip was inade on the Ohio, much to the astonish- ment of the natives, many of whom fled in terror at the appearance of the " monster." It arrived at Louisville on the tenth day of October. At the close of the first week of January, 1812, it arrived at Natchez, after being nearly overwhelmed in the great earthquake which occurred, while on its downward trip.
The battle of the Thames was fought on October 6th, 1813. It effectually closed hos- tilities in the Northwest, although peace was not fully restored until July 22d, 1814, when a treaty was formed at Greenville, under the direction of General Harrison,
between the United States and the Indian tribes, in which it was stipulated that the Indians should cease hostilities against the Americans if the war were continued. Such, happily, was not the ease, and on the 24th of December, the treaty of Ghent was signed by the representatives of England, and the United States. This treaty was followed the next year by treaties with va- rions Indian tribes throughout the West and Northwest, and quiet was again re- stored in this part of the new world.
On the 18th of March, 1816, Pittsburgh was incorporated as a eity. It then had a population of 8,000 people, and was already noted for its manufacturing interests. On April 19th, Indiana Territory was allowed to form a State government. At that time there were thirteen counties organized, con- taining about sixty-three thousand inhabi- tants. The first election of State offieers was held in August, when Jonathan Jenn- ings was chosen Governor. The officers were sworn in on November 7th, and on Decem- ber 11th, the State was formally admitted into the Union. For some time the seat of government was at Corydon, but a more central location being desirable, the present capital, Indianapolis (City of Indiana), was laid out January 1, 1825,
On the 28th of December, the Bank of Illinois, at Shawneetown, was chartered, with a capital of $300,000. At this period all banks were under the control of the States, and were allowed to establish branches at different convenient points.
Until this time Chillicothe and Cincin- nati had in turn enjoyed the privileges of being the capital of Ohio. But the rapid settlement of the northern and eastern por- tions of the State demanded, as in Indiana,
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a more central location, and before the close of the year, the site of Columbus was se- leered and surveyed as the future capital of the State. Banking had begun in Onio as early as 1Sos, when the first bank was chartered at Marietta, but here as elsewhere it did not bring to the State the hoped-for assistance. It and other banks were subse- gently unable to redeem their currency, and were obliged to suspend.
In 1818, Illinois was made a State, and all the territory north of her northern limits was erected into a separate territory and joined to Michigan for judicial purposes. By the following year, navigation of the lakes was increasing with great rapidity and affording an immense source of revenue to the dwellers in the Northwest, but it was not until 1826, that the trade was extended to Lake Michigan, or that steamships began to navigate the bosom of that inland sea.
Until the year 1832, the commencement of the Black Hawk War, but few hostilities were experienced with the Indians. Roads were opened, canals were dug, cities were built, common schools were established, universities were founded, many of which, especially the Michigan University, have achieved a world-wide reputation. The people were becoming wealthy. The do- mains of the United States had been ex- tended, and had the sons of the forest been treated with honesty and justice, the record of many years would have been that of peace and continuous prosperity.
BLACK HAWK AND THE BLACK HAWK WAR.
This confliet, though confined to Illinois, is an important epoch in the Northwestern history, being the last war with the Indians in this part of the United States.
Ma-ka-tai-me-she-kia-kiah, or Black Hawk, was born in the principal Sac vil- lage, about three miles from the junction of Rock River with the Mississippi, in the year 1767. His father's name was Py-e-sa or Pahaes; his grandfather's, Na-na-ma- kee, or the Thunderer. Black Hawk early distinguished himself as a warrior, and at the age of fifteen was permitted to paint, and was ranked among the braves. About the year 1783, he went on an expedition against the enemies of his nation, the Osages, one of whom he killed and scalped, and for this deed of Indian bravery he was permitted to join in the scalp dance. Three or four years after, he, at the head of two hundred braves, went on another expe- dition against the Osages, to avenge the murder of some women and children belonging to his own tribe. Meeting an equal number of Osage warriors, a fierce battle ensned, in which the latter tribe lost one-half their number. The Sacs lost only abont nineteen warriors. He next attacked the Cherokees for a similar cause. In a severe battle with them, near the present City of St. Louis, his father was slain, and Black Hawk, taking possession of the " Medicine Bag." at once annonneed him- self chief of the Sac nation. He had now conquered the Cherokees, and about the year 1800, at the head of five hundred Sacs and Foxes, and a hundred Iowas, he waged war against the Osage nation and subdued it. For two years he battled successfully with other Indian tribes, all of whom he conquered.
Black Hawk does not at any time seem to have been friendly to the Americans. When on a visit to St. Louis to see his " Spanish Father," he declined to see any
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of the Americans, alleging as a reason, he did not want two fathers.
The treaty at St. Louis was consummated in 1804. The next year the United States Government erected a fort near the head of the Des Moines Rapids, called Fort Ed- wards. This seemed to enrage Black Hawk, who at once determined to capture Fort Madison, standing on the west side of the Mississippi above the month of the Des Moines River. The fort was garrisoned by abont fifty men. Here he was defeated. The difficulties with the British Govern- ment arose about this time, and the War of 1812 followed. That government, ex- tending aid to the Western Indians, by giving them arms and ammunition, in- dneed them to remain hostile to the Amer- ieans. In Angust, 1812, Black Hawk, at the head of about five hundred braves, started to join the British forees at Detroit, passing on his way the site of Chicago, where the famous Fort Dearborn Massaere had a few days before ocenrred. Of his con- neetion with the British Government but little is known. In 1813, he with his little band descended the Mississippi, and attack- ing some United States troops at Fort Iloward, was defeated.
In the early part of 1815, the Indian tribes west of the Mississippi were notified that peace had been declared between the United States and England, and nearly all hostilities had ceased. Black Hawk did not sign any treaty, however, until May of the following year. He then recognized the validity of the treaty at St. Louis in 1804. From the time of signing this treaty in 1816, until the breaking out of the war in 1832, he and his band passed their time in the common pursuits of Indian life.
Ten years before the commencement of this war, the Sac and Fox Indians were urged to join the Iowas on the west bank of the Father of Waters. All were agreed, save the band known as the British Band, of which Black Hawk was leader. Ile strennonsly objected to the removal, and was induced to comply only after being threatened with the power of the Govern- ment. This and various actions on the part of the white settlers provoked Black Ilawk and his band to attempt the eap- ture of his native village now occupied by the whites. The war followed. IIe and his actions were undoubtedly misunder- stool, and had his wishes been acquieseed in at the beginning of the struggle, much bloodshed would have been prevented.
Black Hawk was chief now of the Sae and Fox nations, and a noted warrior. He and his tribe inhabited a village on Rock River, nearly three miles above its conflu- ence with the Mississippi, where the tribe had lived many generations. When that portion of Illinois was reserved to them, they remained in peaceable possession of their reservation, spending their time in the enjoyment of Indian life. The fine situa- tion of their village and the quality of their lands ineited the more lawless white set- tlers, who from time to time began to eneroach upon the red men's domain. From one pretext to another, and from one step to another, the crafty white men gained a foothold, until through whisky and ar: ifice they obtained deeds from many of the Indians for their possessions. The Indians were finally indneed to cross over the Father of Waters and locate among the Iowas. Black Hawk was strenuously opposed to all this, but as the authorities
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of Illinois and the United States thought this the best move, he was forced to comply. Moreover other tribes joined the whites and urged the removal. Black Hawk would not agree to the terms of the treaty made with his nation for their lands, and as soon as the military, ealled to enforce his removal, had retired, he returned to the Illinois side of the river. A large force was at onee raised and marched against him. On the evening of May 14, 1832, the first engagement occurred between a band from this army and Black Hawk's band, in which the former were defeated.
This attack and its result aroused the whites. A large force of men was raised, and Gen. Scott hastened from the seaboard, by way of the lakes, with United States troops and artillery to aid in the subjuga- tion of the Indians. On the 24th of June, Black Hawk, with 200 warriors, was re- pulsed by Major Demont between Rock River and Galena. The American army continued to move up Rock River toward the main body of the Indians, and on the 21st of July came upon Black Hawk and his band, and defeated them near the Blue Mounds.
Before this action, Gen. Henry, in com- mand, sent word to the main army by whom he was immediately rejoined, and the whole crossed the Wisconsin in pursuit of Black Hawk and his band who were fleeing to the Mississippi. They were overtaken on the 2d of August, and in the battle which followed the power of the Indian chief was completely broken. Ile fled, but was seized by the Winnebagoes and delivered to the whites.
On the 21st of September, 1832, Gen. Scott and Gov. Reynolds coneluded a treaty
with the Winnebagoes, Saes and Foxes, by which they ceded to the United States a vast traet of country, and agreed to remain peaceable with the whites. For the faith- ful performance of the provisions of this treaty on the part of the Indians, it was stipulated that Black Hawk, his two sons, the prophet Wabokieshiek, and six other chiefs of the hostile bands should be re- tained as hostages during the pleasure of the President. They were confined at Fort Barracks and put in irons.
The next spring, by order of the Seere- tary of War, they were taken to Washing- ton. From there they were removed to Fortress Monroe, " there to remain until the conduct of their nation was such as to justify their being set at liberty." They were retained here until the 4th of June, when the authorities directed them to be taken to the principal eities so that they might see the folly of contending against the white people. Everywhere they were observed by thousands, the name of the old chief being extensively known. By the middle of August they reached Fort Arm- strong on Rock Island, where Black Hawk was soon after released to go to his country- men. As he passed the site of his birth- place, now the home of the white man, he was deeply moved. Ilis village where he was born, where he had so happily lived, and where he had hoped to die, was now another's dwelling place, and he was a wanderer.
On the next day after his release, he went at once to his tribe and his lodge. His wife was yet living, and with her he passed the remainder of his days. To his credit it may be said that Black Hawk always remained trne to his wife, and
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.
served her with a devotion uncommon among the Indians, living with her upward of forty years.
Black Hawk now passed his time hunt- ing and fishing. A deep melancholy had settled over him from which he could not be freed. At all times when he visited the whites he was received with marked atten- tion. He was an honored guest at the old settlers' reunion in Lee County, Illinois, at some of their meetings, and received many tokens of esteem. In September, 1838, while on his way to Rock Island to receive his annuity from the Government, he con- traeted a severe cold which resulted in a fatal attack of bilions fever which termina- ted his life on October 3d. Ilis faithful wife, who was devotedly attached to him, mourned deeply during his sickness. After his death he was dressed in the uni- form presented to him by the President while in Washington. He was buried in a grave six feet in depth, situated upon a beautiful eminence. "The body was placed in the middle of the grave, in a sitting posture, upon a seat constructed for the purpose. On his left side, the cane, given him by Henry Clay, was placed upright, with his right hand resting upon it. Many of the old warrior's trophies were placed in the grave, and some Indian garments, to- gether with his favorite weapons.
No soorer was the Black Hawk war con- cluded than settlers beyan rapidly to pour into the northern parts of Illinois, and into Wisconsin, now free from Indian depredations. Chicago, from a trading post, had grown to a commercial center, and was rapidly coming into prominence. In 1835, the formation of a State Govern- ment in Michigan was discussed, but did
not take aetive form nntil two years later, when the State became a part of the Federal Union.
The main attraction to that portion of the Northwest lying west of Lake Michi- gan, now included in the State of Wiscon- sin, was its alluvial wealth. Copper ore was found about Lake Superior. For some time this region was attached to Michigan for judiciary purposes, but in 1836 was made a Territory, then ineluding Minnesota and Iowa. The latter State was detached two years later. In 1848, Wisconsin was admitted as a State, Madison being made the capital. We have now traced the vari- ons divisions of the Northwest Territory (save a little in Minnesota) from the time it was a unit comprising this vast territory, until circumstances compelled its present division.
OTHER INDIAN TROUBLES.
Before leaving this part of the narrative, we will narrate briefly the Indian troubles in Minnesota and elsewhere by the Sioux Indians.
In August, 1862, the Sioux Indians liv- ing on the western borders of Minnesota fell npon the unsuspecting settlers, and in a few hours massacred ten or twelve hun- dred persons. A distressful panie was the immediate result, fully thirty thon- sand persons fleeing from their homes to districts supposed to be better protected. The military authorities at once took netive measures to punish the savages, and a large number were killed and captured. About a year after, Little Crow, the chief, was killed by a Mr. Lampson near Scattered Lake. Of those captured thirty were hung at Mankato, and the remainder, through
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fears of mob violenee, were removed to Camp MeClellan, on the outskirts of the City of Davenport. It was here that Big Eagle came into prominence and secured his release by the following order:
" Special Order, No. 430. "WAR DEPARTMENT, "ADJUTANT GENERAL'S OFFICE,
" WASHINGTON, Dec. 3, 1864.
" Big Eagle, an Indian now in confinement at Davenport, Iowa, will, upon the receipt of this order, be immediately released from confinement and set at liberty.
" By order of the President of the United States.
" Official : "E. D. TOWNSEND, Ass't Adj't Gen.
" CAPT. JAMES VANDERVENTER,
Com'y Sub. Vols.
"Through Com'g Gen'l, Washington, D. C."
Another Indian who figures more promi- nently than Big Eagle, and who was more cowardly in his nature, with his band of Modoc Indians, is noted in the annals of the New Northwest: we refer to Captain Jaek. This distinguished Indian, noted for his cowardly murder of Gen. Canby, was a chief of a Modoc tribe of Indians inhabiting the border lands between California and Oregon. This region of country comprises what is known as the " Lava Beds," a traet of land described as utterly impenetrable, save by those savages who had made it their home.
The Modocs are known as an exceedingly ferce and treacherous raee. They had, ae- cording to their own traditions, resided here for many generations, and at one time were exceedingly numnerons and powerin]. A famine carried off nearly half their num- bers, and disease, indolence and the vices of the white man have reduced them to a poor, weak and insignifieant tribe.
Soon after the settlement of California and Oregon, complaints began to be heard
of massacres of emigrant trains passing through the Modoe country. In 1847, an emigrant train, comprising eighteen souls, was entirely destroved at a place since known as " Bloody Point." These oecur- rences eansed the United States Govern- ment to appoint a peace commission, who, after repeated attempts, in 1864, made a treaty with the Modoes, Snakes and Kla- maths, in which it was agreed on their part to remove to a reservation set apart for them in the southern part of Oregon.
With the exception of Captain Jack and a band of his followers, who remained at Clear Lake, about six miles from Klamath, all the Indians complied. The Modoes who went to the reservation were under chief Schonchin. Captain Jack remained at the lake without disturbance until 1869, when he was also indneed to remove to the reservation. The Modoes and the Klamaths soon became involved in a quarrel, and Captain Jack and his band returned to the Lava Beds.
Several attempts were made by the In- dian Commissioners to induce them to re- turn to the reservation, and finally beeom- ing involved in a difficulty with the eom- missioner and his military escort, a fight ensned, in which the chief and his band were routed. They were greatly enraged and on their retreat, before the day elosed, killed eleven inoffensive whites.
The nation was aroused and immediate action demanded. A commission was at onee appointed by the Government to sce what could be done. It comprised the fol- lowing persons: Gen. E. R. S. Canby, Rev. Dr. E. Thomas, a leading Methodist divine of California; Mr. A. B. Meacham, Judge Rosborough, of California, and a Mr.
-
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Dyer, of Oregon. After several interviews, in which the savages were always argres- sive, often appearing with scalps in their belts, Bogns Charley came to the commis- sion on the evening of April 10, 1873, and informed them that Capt. Jack and his band would have a " talk " to-morrow at a place near Clear Lake, about three miles distant. Here the Commissioners, accom- panied by Charley, Riddle, the interpreter, and Boston Charley, repaired. After the usnal greeting the council proceedings com- menced. On behalf of the Indians there were present: Capt. Jack, Black Jim, Schac Nasty Jim, Ellen's Man, and Hooker Jim. They had no guns, but carried pistols. After short speeches by Mr. Mencham, Gen. Canby and Dr. Thomas, Chief Schonehin arose to speak. He had scarcely proceeded when, as if by a preconcerted arrangement, Capt. Jack drew his pistol and shot Gen. Canby dead. In less than a minute a dozen shots were fired by the savages, and the massacre completed. Mr. Meacham was shot by Schonchin, and Dr. Thomas by Boston Charley. Mr. Dyer barely escaped, being fired at twice. Riddle, the interpre- ter, and his squaw escaped. The troops rushed to the spot where they found Gen. Canby and Dr. Thomas dead, and Mr. Meacham badly wounded. The savages had escaped to their impenetrable fastnesses and could not be pursued.
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