USA > Illinois > Bureau County > Reminiscences of Bureau county [Illinois] in two parts > Part 6
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REMINISCENCES OF BUREAU COUNTY.
FOUR TRAVELERS ARRIVE.
On the wedding eve, preparations were made to celebrate the nuptials with a dance; and, in order to have music on the occasion, a fiddler was brought from Peoria. The store room was converted into a dancing hall, and the dancers were a motley set, consisting of French, Indians, and half-breeds. The bride and groom took part in the dance, enjoying themselves very much. being the centre of attraction, and were the gayest of the gay. In addition to the invited guests, Bulbona had sent invitations to many of his Indian friends, to visit the house on the wedding evening, for the purpose of receiving presents, a treat, etc. And as soon as it was dark, the cabin was surrounded by some fifty Indians, who were furnished with all the whisky they could drink, and many of whom soon became drunk and noisy.
It was now after dark, being a beautiful September night, and the wedding party at Bulbona's was about to commence the dance, when a light covered wagon was drove up to the door, and the travelers, four in number, requested entertainment. Bulbona did not keep a hotel, but as his residence was a half-way house between Boyd's and Thomas', travelers sometimes stopped with him. The host informed the guests that his house was full, and he could not entertain them: but seeing by
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FOUR TRAVELERS ARRIVE.
their uniform that they were army officers, he invited them in to take something to drink, and see the wedding party. The invitation was accepted, and the party entered the house, where they remained several hours. For the names and description of the travelers. and what was done at Bulbona's house, the writer is indebted to Mr. Kilgore, who was one of the party. being along with them as teamster. Mr. Kilgore was at that time living near Peoria, but at the present time lives, or was a few years ago, living west of Dixon. The travelers were dressed in United States uniform, and the straps on their shoulders showed their rank to be as follows : A Lieutenant. a Captain, and a Colonel. The Colonel was a middle aged man, heavy set, broad shoulderes, dark complexion, prominent nose, under lip projecting. which indicated a person of great decision and force of character. This man was Zachariah Taylor, late president of the United States. The Lieutenant was a young man, tall and slim, with a high forehead, a large Roman nose, irregular. but prominent features, and had the appearance of a man with fine mental faculties. This young man was no other than Jeff. Davis, ex-president of the late Southern confede- ration. The Captain, whose name was Smith, belonged to Col. Taylor's regiment, at Prairie du Chien, but nothing is known of his history. These officers were en a leave of absence, in order to visit friends at the south, and were now on their return to their regiment. then quartered at Prairie du Chien. There were but
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few steamboats running on western rivers in those days. and the party had ascended the Illinois river, as far as Peoria. in one of these. Here they employed Mr. Kilgore to carry them, in a two-horse wagon, to Galena. from which place they intended to take a boat for their destination, which was a common way of traveling from south to north in those days. Bulbona was always very polite to strangers, but on the present occasion he was unusually so, introducing the officers to the wedding guests, and presenting them with various kinds of drinks, which had been prepared for the occasion, and the officers, as well as the wedding party, were soon under its influence.
THE DANCE AND TRAGEDY.
The style of the dance was partly French and partly Indian, and with the dancers, all was joy and mirth. Above the sound of the violin, and the merry langhs of the guests, the dancers' feet were heard to rattle on the rough puncheon floor. The Indians, on the outside of the house, fronting the doors and windows, becoming animated by the music within, carried on a dance in their own way. jumping up and down, and yelling at the top of their voices. Lieut. Davis took part in the dance, and soon became the leading spirit of the party. His tall form was conspicuous among the dancers. sometimes imitating the French style of dancing, then the Indian, then again going it on his own footing, like at an old-fashioned Kentucky hoe-down.
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THE DANCE AND THE TRAGEDY.
Among the wedding party was a niece of Mrs. Bulbona, a young squaw of great attraction, and she danced in her Indian style with much grace. Lieut. Davis was fascinated with her charms, and danced with hier in almost every set. Being under the influence of liquor, he would do many remarkable things; some- times changing the order of the dance, to suit his fancy. When quadrilles were danced, he would change it into a waltz, so he could have his arm around the waist of the young squaw. Then freeing himself from her, he would dance with all his force, causing his tall form to wriggle as it swayed to and fro ; sometimes 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 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 was now under the influence of liquor. and being fascinated with his fair partner in the dance, made to her a dishonorable proposition, which was resented with contempt. Notwithstanding this resent- ment, the Lieutenant took improper liberties with her : such liberties as politeness will not tolerate in a ball room. The young squaw considered herself insulted, in the presence of the company, and told her brother of the insult. Her brother, who was a tall, athletic Indian, was very angry on account of the insult to his sister, and was determined to punish the offender. Being quite drunk, and his brain frenzied by anger, he
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went up to Lieut. Davis, and in broken English, accused him of insulting his sister; and, at the same time, pulled his nose. Lieut. Davis, who never lacked courage, pushed the Indian from him, and drew forth a pistol. The Indian, with a fiendish smile, drew his long knife. The dancing stopped, the women screamed, and all was confusion, as it was expected in a moment 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.
It was no doubt from acts like the one above narrated. that caused Col. Taylor to denounce Jeff. Davis as a wild, unscrupulous profligate, and unfit to be a husband for his daughter. But notwithstanding the Colonel's dislike to Davis, forbidding him ever again to enter his house, in less than one year from that time, he ran off with, and married his daughter. In this act, Davis left his regiment, forfeited his commission in the army, and settled in the State of Mississippi. Col. Taylor did not become reconciled to the conduct of Davis, and for fifteen years they never met or corresponded.
On the battle field of Buena Vista, Davis at that time commanding a regiment of Mississippi volunteers. stormed and took possession of the Mexican batteries, and thereby saved the battle. Then, for the first time since Davis left Prairie du Chien, Gen. Taylor rode up to him, and taking him by the hand. expressed his approbation of his heroic conduct, saying after all his daughter was a better judge of his ability than himself.
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THE DANCE AND THE TRAGEDY.
After the trouble between Lieut. Davis and the Indian, the travelers left Bulbona's for Henry Thomas'. which was on their road, and about six miles distant. Here they remained over night, and next morning they continued their journay towards Galena. At the com- mencement of the Black Hawk war, Bulbona left the grove, and never returned to it again, but settled in the eastern part of the State. in Kankakee county, at a grove which stills bears his name.
The little hump-backed Frenchman, who married Bulbona's daughter, was a successful Indian trader, and accumulated a large fortune. Soon after his marriage. he went to St. Paul, where he continues to live, and by whom many of the incidents related in this story will be confirmed.
CHAPTER XIII.
MILITARY FORCE ORGANIZED.
Forty years ago Putnam county was not such a diminutive affair as it now is, but included within its boundaries the territory which at present constitutes Bureau, Stark, and Marshall counties. Within this vast territory, there was not over five hundred inhabi- tants, who were scattered along the principal groves, known as settlements. But two towns had been surveyed within the limits of Putnam county-Hen- nepin and Columbia, (now Lacon); each of these contained but a few log cabins. Not one frame building, school or meeting house, nor one surveyed road could be found within the limits of Putnam county. On two occasions only the placid waters of the Illinois river had been ruffled by a steamboat, its commerce having been carried on by keel boats and bateaux. Such was the state of affairs at the commencement of the Black Hawk war, when people were compelled to leave their cabins, rude though they were, and take refuge in block houses, called forts, by courtesy.
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MILITARY FORCE ORGANIZED.
Governor Reynolds issued a proclamation, notifying the frontier settlers that they must defend themselves, as all volunteers would be needed in active service.
In accordance with this proclamation, runners were sent to the different settlements in the county, notifying all persons fit for military duty, to meet at Hennepin. on the 20th of May, to organize military companies. Previous to this meeting, John Strawn had received a colonel's commission, and had been notified to call for volunteers, under the militia law. On the day ap- pointed, people from various parts of the county appeared at the place of rendezvous, all of whom were clothed in their working dresses. and carrying guns on their shoulders. Col. Strawn made his appearance among them, in full military dress, wearing a laced coat with epaulets on his shoulders, and a cocked hat of the Bonaparte pattern. Volunteers were numerous. and three companies of rangers were organized, among whom were many of the early settlers of Bureau county. Col. Strawn made a speech to these volun- teers, exhorting them to deeds of bravery, and threatened to shoot down the first man that turned his back on the painted foe. For the first time in Putnam county was heard the fife and drum, and much enthu- siasm was manifested among the rangers, some of whom sang patriotic songs. Dave Jones passed through the crowd, slapping his hands on his thighs, and dancing "Jim Crow." The rangers were all mounted on horseback, finding their own horses, arms, provisions.
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camp equipage, &c., and were on duty about one month. Some twenty years after the war, these rangers received for their services, a military land warrant.
It was agreed at the first meeting of the rangers that the Illinois river should be the line of defense, and an order was issued, forbidding all persons crossing the river without permission from the proper officers. Hennepin was made the headquarters for military operations, and a fort was ordered to be built for that purpose. Hartzell's old trading house was torn down, and its timbers used in the construction of a fort. This fort was located on the river bank, opposite the ferry, (now Front street), and consisted of a two story block house. The upper story projected over the lower one. and above and below were port holes, so the inmates could fire on the enemy, in case they were attacked. Within this fort, or encamped around it, were the families of many of the first settlers of this county, among whom were the families of Dr. N. Chamberlain, Roland Moseley, John Musgrove, Joel Doolittle, and Widow Electa Smith.
FORT THOMAS.
About the 20th of May, two companies of mounted rangers. principally from St. Clair county, under the command of Maj. Baxter, came to Bureau, and built a fort. This fort was located on Henry Thomas' claim. and occupied the very spot where Thomas Vaughan's
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INDIAN SCARE AT HENNEPIN.
house now stands, being abont four miles north of Wyanet. Fort Thomas consisted of a block house. surrounded with barricades, which was constructed of puncheons, set into the ground, and about fifteen feet high. On the southwest angle of the fort. there was an entrance through the barricades, guarded by a heavy swing gate. While the fort was being built, a file of soldiers stood guard over the workmen, to prevent their being surprised by the Indians. The horses belonging to the rangers, were hobbled during the day time, while feeding on the prairie, and at night they were tied to posts around the fort. There were abont one hundred and forty men belonging to this battalion, and they remained here on duty until the war was over. During their stay, they killed and ate some of Thomas' cattle. used his crib of corn, and burned his rails for fuel. besides robbing the cabins of some of the settlers. It is said while here they drank two barrels of whisky. had seventeen fights among themselves, and returned to their homes without having seen an Indian.
SCARE AT HENNEPIN-A SEARCH FOR INDIANS.
It was near sundown, on the 25th of May, 1832. when a steamboat came down the river from Fort Wilburn, and landed at Hennepin. The captain and crew of the boat said, about two miles above, on the east side of the river, they saw a body of Indians run into the woods, and skulk behind trees. This report created
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a great panic among the people, and preparations were made for defense. The fort, at that time, was in an unfinished condition, and therefore would afford but little protection. The women and children were put on board of an empty keel boat, which lay at the wharf. with three men to manage it. The men having the management of the boat, were instructed to push it out into the middle of the stream, and let it float down stream, should the town be attacked. In this boat were the families of Mr. Moseley, Mr. Musgrove, Widow Smith, and others belonging to Bureau settle- ment. During the excitement, Mr. Blanchard and wife, unobserved by any one, went on board of a pirogue, and started down the river. After going a short distance, and hearing no fighting at the fort, they laid to; and about daybreak next morning, returned up the river to Hennepin. Those on board of the keel boat, heard Blanchard rowing his craft, and believed that the Indians were coming. Through the dim morning light they saw the red bow of the pirogue. which was mistaken for Indian blankets. The men prepared themselves for defense, while the women and children commenced crying, thinking their time had come. A challenge was given from the boat, but it was not heard by those in the pirogue ; a second one was given, and the men in the boat were about to fire. when Blanchard let himself be known.
For some days it was believed that the Indians were secreted in the river timber, and a company of rangers
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FORT WILBURN.
went in search of them. Some of the rangers ascended the river in canoes, while others pursued their way on horseback. After passing the mouth of Bureau creek. and seeing no Indians, nor Indian signs, the party in canoes concluded to fire off their guns, in order to frighten those on horseback, while the party on horse- back had conceived the same idea, and both parties fired almost simultaneously, to the great astonishment of each other. The joke was a good one, and both parties acknowledged that they were beaten at their own game.
John Hall, with three hired men, had returned to his claim, to look after his crops, which had been neglected in consequence of the war. As Indians were reported to have been seen in the river timber, it was thought best to notify Hall and his men of their danger. Consequently, Williamson Durley and Mr. Simpson volunteered for that purpose. The messengers, in a canoe, ascended the river as far as Spring Lake, and from there they went on foot to Hall's cabin. It was after dark when they arrived, and were much surprised to find the cabin deserted. On holloing, they were answered by Hall and party, off' in the grove, who had taken quilts and were sleeping some distance from the cabin, so as to avoid being surprised, should Indians attack the cabin during the night.
FORT WILBURN AND AYRES' BLACKSMITH SHOP.
Many of the early settlers will recollect John Hayes. who kept a store in a log cabin under the bluff, where
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REMINISCENCES OF BUREAU COUNTY.
Peru now stands. Mr. Hayes had a farm here by the side of the river, and had occupied it for three years previous to the Indian troubles. When the war broke out, Hayes, Lapsley, and Burton Ayres, with others. commenced building a fort on the present site of La Salle; but on being notified of immediate danger. they abandoned it, boarded their canoes, and went down to Hennepin. A few days afterwards, Mr. Haves' two boys, Harrison and Jonathan, (the former now living in the town of Manlius), took a canoe, and went up to their farm to finish planting corn. Next day, about four o'clock in the afternoon, the steamer Caroline came up the river, with Capt. Wilburn's company of volun- teers on board. When the captain of the steamboat saw the boys at work in the field, he fired off a cannon. rounded to, and sent out a yawl to take them on board. The boat ascended the river as far as the mouth of Big Vermillion, where she lay all night, anchored in the middle of the stream, with steam up, and soldiers with loaded muskets promenading the deck. Next morning. the troops were landed on the south side of the river. and they commenced building Fort Wilburn.
William Tompkins and Sampson Cole, with their families, and John Cole, now a resident of Tiskilwa. were the only people at that time living in the eastern part of this county. When the war commenced, they became alarmed at their exposed situation, liable at any moment to be attacked by the Indians. Each tnigh they would take quilts and blankets, cross the river in
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FORT WILBURN.
their canoe, and sleep in the thick timber of the bottom. In the morning, they would return to their cabins, and spend the day at work on their claims; but at night. cross the river as before. After spending a number of nights in the woods, they became afraid to return to their homes, and in their canoes went down to Hen- nepin, where they remained for some days. As soon as Fort Wilburn was built, they took quarters in it, where they remained until the war was over.
On the north side of the river, ahnost opposite Fort Wilburn, now within the limits of La Salle, stood a log blacksmith shop, which was occupied by a young man named Burton Avres. For three years, Mr. Ayres had done a lucrative business here, as his shop occupied a central position between Bureau and Fox River settle- ment, and received the patronage of both. Mr. Ayres was a very industrious man, and had accumulated quite a sum of money for those days. On a warm spring morning, the day before the Indian Creek massacre, as Mr. Ayres was engaged in welding a plow share, Shan- bena called at his shop, and told him to flee for his life. or he would be killed by the Indians, probably before the setting of the sun. Mr. Ayres at once removed his anvil block, dug a hole in the ground, wrapped his money-which was all in silver-in his leather apron. and buried it ; then replacing his anvil block, and closing the door of his shop, he left on foot for the state of Ohio. About six months afterwards, Mr. Ayres re turned, resurrected his money, and continued his business as before.
CHAPTER XIV.
EXPLANATION.
It may be of interest to the reader to know by what means many of the facts relating to the Indians of this county were obtained, as some of them were unknown to the early settlers,-therefore an explanation of this matter becomes necessary :
A few years ago, while in the city of Washington, I inet a number of Pottawatamie chiefs, from Western Kansas, among whom was Col. Barrassa, an educated half-breed, and author of a book, entitled, "Indian Life and Customs." Through the politeness of Col. Barrassa. I was introduced to two other chiefs, and from whom many of the incidents related in this story were obtained. One of these chiefs was the well known Half Day, a son of Autuckee, and the other represented himself as a son of Girty, the outlaw. These chiefs said they were born on Bureau, but left it while in boyhood; nevertheless they had a distinct recollection of some of the early settlers, and described the personal
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EXPLANATION.
appearance of Michael Kitterman, Elijah Epperson. and others.
These chiefs inquired if I was connected with any of the people killed by the Indians : and being answered in the negative, they went on to describe the manner of killing Phillips. Sample, and others. These acts were justified by the chiefs, contending that they were done in defense of their rights. On hearing these chiefs describe the manner of killing women and children on Indian creek, and burning at the stake of Squire Holly, as well as Sample and his wife, I said to them their people were really savage barbarians; to which they replied, " No act of their's was so barbarous as that of the soldiers at the battle of Bad Axe, all of which is a matter of history. When squaws, with infants in their arms, asked for quarter, their appeals were disregarded, being shot down like brutes. A soldier ran his bayonet through the body of an infant. holding it up above his head, on the end of his gun. while the child was screaming in the agonies of death. and this act of barbarity was applauded by his comrades. Many of the squaws, on finding no quarter could be obtained from the soldiers, threw themselves into the river, and there met a watery grave .* Eight or ten
* I have heard it stated by an eye witness, and it is also a matter of history, that a squaw named Ne-wa-se, n sister of a distinguished chief. during the hottest of the battle, wrapped a blanket around her infant. and holding it in her teeth, plunged Into the Mississippi, seized hold of the tail of apony, whose rider was swimming the river, and by thal means she was taken safely across.
M
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small children took refuge under the river bank, but were found by the soldiers, and murdered in cold blood."
SHAUBENA .*
A few years after the Black Hawk war, Shaubena. with his band of followers, consisting of about one hundred and forty in number, were encamped for some weeks on Bureau, near the crossing of the Dixon road. At that time the writer was living close by Shau- bena's encampment, and was frequently in his wigwam. and from him learned much of his history, as well as other facts relating to the Indians of this county. Shaubena said that he was of the Ottawa tribe, but in his youth he married the daughter of a noted Potta- watamie chief, whom he succeeded at his death, which occurred a few years afterwards, as one of the principal chiefs of the tribe. In 1811 he accompanied Tecumseh in his mission to the Creek Indians, in Mississippi, and was with him at the council of Vincennes. At the time of the British war, in 1812, he was made a war chief, was an aid to Tecumseh, and stood by his side when he fell at the battle of the Thames.+ Shaubena
This name has been spelled in various ways; such as Shaubena. Shabbona, and Shawbonee. The former mode of spelling has been adopted, on account of its appearing so in the Indian treaties.
ยก When Dick Johnson was Vice President, Shaubena visited Washi- ington, and had an interview with him, in relation to the killing of Tecumseh. After this interview, the Vice President took the old warrior by the arm, introducing him to the heads of the departments. On separating, Johnson gave Shaubena a heavy gold ring, as a token of friendship, which he wore on his finger until the day of his death.
SHAUBENA.
ou partici- .Il as the
ver forgave war to join
THE NEW YORK PUBLIC LIBRARY
ASTOR, LENOX TILDEN FOUNDATIONS.
med, on When Dic ington, and ha Tecumseh. warrior by th On separating of friendship,
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SHAUBENA.
was a fine looking Indian, tall and straight, with broad shoulders. a large head, and a stranger could see by his general appearance that he was no ordinary personage. He spoke the English language very imperfectly, and was not celebrated as a great orator in his native tongue. but his superior knowledge of men and things, gave him great influence over his people. After the death of Senachwine and Black Partridge, no chief between the lake and Mississippi exercised so much influence over the Indians, as Shaubena. His home was at Shaubena Grove, now DeKalb county: but for thirty vear- he had made Burean his hunting ground, and was well known by many of the early settlers. Shau- bena had two wives, one of whom was the partner of his youth, and by her he had many grown up children. At a later period, he had married a young squaw, and by whom he had three small children. Between the old and young squaw, quarrels were very common. some of which would result in open hostility. One day Shaubena said to the writer. it was strange that hi- squaws could not agree, as there were only two of them, while other chiefs could have a dozen or more. and all of whom would live together in perfect harmony.
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