History of Shawnee County, Kansas, and representative citizens, Part 1

Author: King, James Levi, 1850-1919, ed
Publication date: 1905
Publisher: Chicago, Ill., Richmond & Arnold
Number of Pages: 648


USA > Kansas > Shawnee County > History of Shawnee County, Kansas, and representative citizens > Part 1


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Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42 | Part 43 | Part 44 | Part 45 | Part 46 | Part 47 | Part 48 | Part 49 | Part 50



Gc 978.101 Sh2k 1214164


M. L


GENEALOGY COLLECTION


ALLEN COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARY 3 1833 01103 1850


THE WEAR COAL CO.


0000


PANORAMIC VIEW OF TOPEKA


HISTORY


OF -


SHAWNEE COUNTY, KANSAS


AND


REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS


EDITED AND COMPILED BY JAMES L. KING TOPEKA, KANSAS


"History is Philosophy Teaching by Examples"


PUBLISHED BY RICHMOND & ARNOLD, GEORGE RICHMOND; C. R. ARNOLD. CHICAGO, ILLINOIS, 1905.


Preface


1214164


The aim of the publishers of this volume has been to secure for the his- torical portion thereof full and accurate information respecting all subjects therein treated, and to present the data thus gathered in a clear and impartial manner. If, as is their hope, they have succeeded in this endeavor, the credit is mainly due to the diligent and exhaustive research of the editor of the his- torical statement, James L. King, of Topeka. In collecting and arranging the material which has entered into this history, it has been his aim to secure facts and to present them in an interesting form. His patient and conscien- tious labor in the compilation and presentation of the data is shown in the historical portion of this volume. The record gives an interesting description of the aboriginal inhabitants, the natural features and the early society of this section, the story of its settlement and a comprehensive account of the organi- zation of Shawnee County and the city of Topeka, giving the leading events in the stages of their development and the growth of their industries to the present time. as set forth in the table of contents. All topics and occurrences are included that are essential to the usefulness of the history. Although the original purpose of the author was to limit the narrative to the close of 1904. he has deemed it proper to touch on many matters relating to the current year.


The reviews of resolute and strenuous lives, which make up the biographi- cal department of the volume, and whose authorship is wholly independent of that of the history, are admirably adapted to foster local ties, to inculcate patriotism and to emphasize the rewards of industry, dominated by intelligent purpose. They constitute a most appropriate medium of perpetuating personal annals and will be of incalculable value to the descendants of those commemo- rated. They bring into bold relief careers of enterprise and thrift and make manifest valid claims to honorable distinction. If "Biography is the only true


6


PREFACE.


History," it is obviously the duty of men of the present time to preserve in this. enduring form the story of their lives in order that their posterity may dwell on the successful struggles thus recorded, and profit by their example. These sketches, replete with stirring incidents and intense experiences, will naturally prove to most of the readers of this book its most attractive feature.


In the aggregate of personal memoirs thus collated will be found a vivid epitome of the growth of Shawnee County, which will fitly supplement the historical statement; for the development of the county is identified with that of the men and women to whom it is attributable. The publishers have endeav- ored in the preparation of the work to pass over no feature of it slightingly, but to give heed to the minutest details, and thus to invest it with a substantial accuracy which no other treatment would afford. The result has amply justified the care thus exercised, for in our belief no more reliable production, under the circumstances, could be laid before its readers.


We have given special prominence to the portraits of representative citi- zens, which appear throughout this volume, and believe they will prove a most interesting feature of the work. We have sought to illustrate the different spheres of industrial and professional achievements as conspicuously as possi- ble. To those who have kindly interested themselves in the successful prepara- tion of this work, and who have voluntarily contributed most useful informa- tion and data, we herewith tender our grateful acknowledgement.


THE PUBLISHERS.


CHICAGO, ILL., July, 1905.


Mote


All the biographical sketches published in this volume were submitted to, their respective subjects or to the subscribers, from whom the facts were pri- marily obtained, for their approval or correction before going to press; and a reasonable time was allowed in each case for the return of the typewritten copies. Most of them were returned to us within the time allotted, or before the work was printed, after being corrected or revised ; and these may, there- fore, be regarded as reasonably accurate.


A few, however, were not returned to us; and, as we have no means of knowing whether they contain errors or not, we can not vouch for their accu- racy. In justice to our readers, and to render this work more valuable for- reference purposes, we have indicated these uncorrected sketches by a small asterisk (*), placed immediately after the name of the subject. They will all. be found on the last pages of the book.


RICHMOND & ARNOLD.


Contents


CHAPTER I.


"The Shawnee Indians in Kansas-Various Treaties with the Tribe-Indian Villages in the County-Kaw and Pottawatomie Reservations-The Kaw Half-Breeds and Their Descendants-Scenes and Incidents of the Early Settlements. .. .. . . . 19-27


CHAPTER II.


Organization of the County-Township Divisions-Physical Aspects of the County- Rivers and Streams-First Efforts in Agriculture-Topeka and Tecumseh Contest for the County-Seat-Territorial Elections, Judicial System, Roster of Senators, Representatives and County Officers-First Land Transactions-Bridging the Kansas River-County Buildings-Growth in Population-Assessed Valuation, Live Stock and Farm Statistics-Nursery and Creamery Industries-Post Offices and Rural Delivery Routes-A Prominent Landmark. .28-43


CHAPTER III.


History of the County by Townships-The Pioneer Settlers-Organization and Names of Townships-Hardships of Frontier Life-Historic Towns and Villages-Dis- possessing the Indians-Missionary Labors-Incidents of Home-Making and Agri- cultural Development ...... 44-53


CHAPTER IV.


Continuation of Township History-Sketches of Soldier, Tecumseh and Topeka Town- ships-Names of the Early Settlers-General Sherman's Pioneer Experience- Rival Towns and Their Promoters-Famous Farms and Their Owners-Present Day Conditions 54-62


CHAPTER V.


A Glance at the History of Kansas-Early Expeditions Across the Plains-The Slavery Contest-The Struggle for Statehood-Roster of Governors and United States Senators-Population, Resources and Institutions of the State-Business and Educational Statistics .63-72


CHAPTER VI.


Shawnee County in the Border Troubles-John Brown and His Followers-The Siege of Lawrence-Foraging Upon the Enemy-Gen. James H. Lane and the Free-State


9


CONTENTS.


Cause -- John Ritchie's Arrest-The Kansas Emigrant Route-Enlistments in the


Civil War-Campaigns Against the Indians 73-83


CHAPTER VII.


Repelling the Price Raid-Second Kansas State Militia-Preparations for War in Topeka-The Home Guards-The Battle of the Blue-Colonel Veale's Regiment in the Conflict-Capt. Ross Burns and His Famous Battery-The Gage Mon- timent 84-91


CHAPTER VIII.


Shawnee County and the War With Spain-The Famous 20th Kansas Regiment- Its Battles and Glory-List of Dead and Wounded-Enlistments and Service in Other Regiments-Their Record in Cuba and Elsewhere-Praise from President McKinley and Secretary of War-The Colored Troops .92-100


CHAPTER IX.


State Officials from Shawnee County-Record of Their Appointment, Election and Service-United States Senators and Congressmen-Federal Positions Filled- Prominent Railroad Men-The Press of Shawnee County-Newspapers of Early Days-List of Papers now Published-The Mortality Sheet. .101-116


CHAPTER X.


The Beginning of the City of Topeka-A Farm Changed to a Town-Site-Names of the Pioneers and Their Followers-The Chase Cabin-Organization of the Town Com- pany-Reminiscences of the Early Settlers-The First Fire-Description of the Country-Marking the Site of the First Building. 117-126


CHAPTER XI.


Dividing the Town-Site-The First Survey-Transactions in December, 1854-Title Acquired by Means of an Indian Warrant-Claim Jumping, and Rival Town Organizations-How Topeka Was Named, and Its Significance-The Street and Avenue Plan-Early Buildings and Schools. 127-136


CHAPTER XII.


County-Seat Location-Movements for the State Capital-Locations at Fort Leaven- worth, Shawnee Mission, Pawnee, Lecompton, Lawrence, Minneola and Topeka -The Several Constitutional Conventions-Free-State and Pro-Slavery Contests- First State Legislature-History and Description of the Finished Capitol. . 137-145


CHAPTER XIII.


Drought of 1860-Depression Resulting from the War-How the City Appeared in 1862-Prominent Business Firms and Professional Men-The Growth from 1865 to 1870-Renewed Activity in Real Estate Transactions-The Railroad Situation -Wagon Routes from Topeka-Association of Old Settlers. 146-150


CHAPTER XIV.


The Railway System-Four Trunk Lines at Topeka-Mills and Factories-Commercial and Banking Institutions-Public Utilities-Finances of the City-Parks and


IO


CONTENTS.


Resorts-Assessed Valuation, Bonded Debt and Financial Resources-Present City Officers and List of Former Mayors-The Commercial Club. . 151-164


CHAPTER XV.


The Decade from 1880 to 1890-Results of the Boom-Territory Added to the City- Population for Fifty Years-Immigration from the South-Prohibitory Liquor Laws and Their Enforcement-Early Work in Behalf of Temperance-Activity of Women in Civic Affairs 165-173.


CHAPTER XVI.


Public Institutions and Buildings, Federal State and Municipal-Post Office Locations and Postmasters-City Hall and Auditorium-Free Public Library-Charitable Associations and Hospitals-Halls and Opera Houses-Prominent Hotels and Their History-Political and Social Incidents-The Topeka Cemeteries. . 174-188.


CHAPTER XVII.


Topeka's Educational Facilities-Public Schools, Colleges and Other Institutions -- High School and Manual Training Departments-The City's Churches and Their His- tory-Early Pastors and Those of the Present Time-Religious Societies, Fra- ternal Orders and Club Organizations. 189-206


CHAPTER XVIII.


The Disastrous Flood of 1903-Principal Events in North Topeka-How the Sufferers Were Rescued-Boats and Cables in Service-Loss of Life and Damage to Property -Systematic Relief Afforded-Strange Experiences and Odd Incidents-Major Harvey and His Salvage Corps-North Topeka Restored. .207-22I


CHAPTER XIX.


Brief Historical Notes of City and County-Some of the First Happenings in Topeka- Social, Literary and Musical Events -- Native Kansans in Shawnee County-Com- mercial Features of Fifty Years Ago-Accounts of an Early Flood-Col. Richard J. Hinton's Reminiscences-Two Morning Scenes in Topeka. .222-237


Biographical


Sketches of Representative Men of Shawnee County. .243-628-


NINTH STREET, LOOKING EAST


STATE CAPITOL


Index


Biographical


PAGE


Alkire, H. L., M. D. 614


Allen, Henry S. 395


Allen, Samuel


345


Allen, Stephen H., Hon. 367


Allen, William J.


337


Arnold, Andrew


J.


424


Aye, Charles


526


Baker, Floyd P., Hon. 594


Barnes, Ida C., M. D., (P) 423


Bates, Walter L.


398


Bedwell, Stephen A., Jr. 509


Bergundthal, William


S.


290


Berry, J. Albert., M. D. 588


Betts, Joseph Benjamin Burton, Hon.,


(P) 363


Biddle, Thomas C., M. D. 497


Binns, Richard.


427


Bird, Winfield Austin Scott, Hon. (P)


393


Blakemore, James F.


550


Bonebrake, Parkinson I., Hon


248


Bowman, Christian


346


Bowman, Thomas Elliott. 488


Bradshaw, Royal C ..


566


Bromich, Joseph (P) 373


Brown, Milton, Hon. 355


Bruce, William M. 340


Burgess, James, Col.


425


Burke, DeLou, Rev.


564


Campbell, Matthew Thompson, Hon. .. 519 Campdoras, Marie Antonin Eugene Jaques, M. D. 364


Clark, Julius Taylor. 604


Clemens, Gasper Christopher.


626


Clugston, John McNulty


470


Colburn, Foster Dwight, (P)


257


PAGE


Cofran, Roswell L., (P)


583


Coldren, Elza V., M. D. 530


Conant, Ernest B. 254


Coney, Patrick H., Capt. 280


Cook, Perry Ellis


512


Corning, Cyrus 414


Cowgill, Elias Branson. 263


Crane, David O., (P) 403


Crane, George W.


358


Crosby, Roller Milling Company 338


Curry, William S ..


419


Curtis, Charles, Hon 279


Cuthbert, James.


472


Dana, Alston W., Hon. 291


Dawson, Benjamin Franklin


517


Dean, John S. 615


Dean, Martin Guy, Rev. 5.31


Decker, Levi 'M. 353


Dickey, John.


481


Dickinson, Ansel E 390


Disney, Richard. 508


Downing, Charles S.


379


Duck, Daniel.


460


Dudley, Guilford.


490


Entsminger, Augustus L.


297


Fagan, Walter E., Hon., (P)


475


Farnsworth, Russell U.


428


Farrell, Joseph S., Hon. 439


Faxon, Thomas


186


Firestone, P. D.


418


First National Bank, The, Topeka. 405


Fish, William R.


522


Forbes, W. M ..


565


Foster, Cassius G., Hon.


253


14


INDEX.


PAGE


Foster, Perry T., (P)


455


Frost, John F


317


Gage, Guilford G ..


349


Gemmell, Robert Brown, (P)


515


Giles, Frye W


292


Glenn, Henry H.


479


Green, John, (P)


413


Guibor, C. H., M. D.


246


Guild, Edward B ..


609


Guthrie, John Hon., (P)


323


Hackney, Herbert


456


Hagan, Eugene.


260


Hammatt, Abram


286


Hayden, Francis M., Very Rev. 579


Hayden, Richard F., Hon.


335


Haycs, James.


624


Hawley, Charles E.


407


Heath, Hubert A.


598


Hibbard William S.


617


Hickey, James A.


597


Higgins, Elbridge


329


Hindman, Samuel


336


Hoch, Edward Wallis, Hon.


528


Holcomb, Myron.


627


Holcomb, O. A.


318


Horton, Albert Howell, Hon., (P)


301


Horton, Nathan P.


368


Howard, David Millington, Hon.


489


Howe, Samuel T., Hon., (P)


311


Hughes, James W. F., Gen ..


414


Humphreys, Dugarde Thomas


314


Hungate, Otis E ..


482


Huron, George A., Hon., (P)


333


Jewell, Charles E.


617


Jewell, Charles W. 616


Johnson, Alexander Soule, Col., (P) 449


Johnson, J. B., Hon. 245


Johnson, Timothy R


461


Jordan, John S.


440


Keck, Philip, (P)


525


Keith, Henry H., M. D.


492


Kellam, E. P.


360


Kellam, Thomas Jameson.


400


Kimball, Frederick Marius, Capt. (P)


King, James L., (P)


555


Kingman, Samuel A., Hon ..


501


Knowles, Edwin


610


Knox, John D., Rev.


302


Koger, Daniel H.


430


Kreipe, Theodore F.


409


Lakin, David Long.


261


Leavitt, Sylvanus Lorenzo.


268


Lewis, J. P., M. D., (P) 613


Lovewell, Joseph T ..


348 .


Lucas, Albertus T., (P) 573


Lydic, James R.


320


Mackey, William H., Jr. 310 .


Mac Vicar, Peter, Rev


549


Madden, John.


529


Magaw, Charles A.


313


Magill, J. W ..


510 -


Mallory, Frank E., Rev.


258


Martin, Clarence H ..


338


Martin, George W., Hon., (P)


553


Martin, John, Hon.


267


Maunsell, Charles R ..


377


McAfee, Josiah B., Rev., (P)


273


Mcclurkin, Hugh Park, D. D.


420


McFarland, James M ..


325


McFarland, Noah C., Hon., (P)


324


Mckeever, Archibald


568


Mclellan, C. T ..


505


McQuiston, Alexander.


251


Menninger, C. F., M. D.


521


Metcalf, Wilder Stevens, Col.


608


Miller, Bradford.


416.


Mills, Henry Hobert


285


Mills, John, (P)


603


Millspaugh, Frank Rosebrook. D. D.,


Rt. Rev.


468


Mitchell, Matthew R., M. D., Hon.


446


Moeser, Edward Henry


259


Mohler, Martin, Hon ..


354


Moore, Samuel (P)


485.


Moore, Samuel P., Mrs., (P) 484


Neese, Albert.


580 -


Neiswanger, William A.


328


Neiswender, Adam.


506


Nellis, Dewitt C., Hon.


584


Newman, Albert ..


480


Noble, George M., Capt.


305.


Norton, Willis.


250


Osborn, Thomas A., Hon.


574


Parker, Albert.


459 ,


Penwell, LeRoy Mclellan


477


Plass, Norman, D. D.


576


Poindexter, Early Whittin.


380 .


Popenoe, E. A., A. M ..


620


Powell, L. M., A. B., M. D.


567


Quinton, Alfred B., Hon.


270-


383


PAGE


15


INDEX.


PAGE


Ream, William M. 476


Reed, Joseph, Hon .. 623


Reid, Turner Albert 619


Roberts, Byron 378


Sardou, Freeman.


374


Sheldon, Charles M., Rev. 330


Sheldon, Silas E., M. D., Hon., (P). 443


Sherer, A. W.


577


Shimer, James C., (P) 495


Shull, Elias.


599


Sims, William, Maj 396


Skinner, Joseph H 519


Snyder, Cary


408


Snyder, William P.


389


Spencer, Charles F.


284


Stanton, John Frederick.


357


Stewart, Samuel G., A. M., M. D.


467


Stinson, Thomas N., Col.


557


Stormont, David Wasson, M. D. (P.). 243


Sutherin, John.


507


Swan, James, (P)


593


Sweet, T. B.


498


PAGE


Taylor, William L .. 433


Tomson, Almon L .. 500


Tomson, Thomas K., (P) 563


Trapp, William C., (P) 465


Valentine, Daniel Mulford, Hon., (P) 289


Van Vleck, Joseph. 312


Voigt, Brothers.


369


Walker, O. E. 347


Washburn, Avery, (P) 295


Washburn College, (P). 535


Wayne, Joseph, Rev., (P) 343


Webb, W. C., Hon ..


244


Wellhouse, Frederick, Hon. 307


Wikidal, Louis Philip. 590


Williams, Archibald F., Hon 436


Williamson, Charles R.


560


Wilson, A. P. Tone, Jr


466


Wilson, Joseph C.


296


Wilmarth, George O.


622


Wood, Charles L


558


Yager, Samuel J.


452


Illustrations


PAGE


Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe Railway General Offices . 106 Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe Railway Hospital 106


Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe Railway


Shops


36


Baptist Church, First 226


Barnes, Ida C., M. D. 422 Betts, Hon. Joseph Benjamin Burton, 362


Bird, Hon. Winfield Austin Scott.


392


Bromich, Joseph


372


Calhoun Bluffs, Road Scene. 78


Catholic Churches-


Church of the Assumption.


202


St. Joseph's German 202


Chicago, Rock Island & Pacific Pas-


senger Station


53


Christ's Hospital


178


City Hall and Auditorium


170


Coburn, Foster Dwight.


256


Cofran, Roswell L.


582


College of the Sisters of Bethany.


78


Columbian Building


88


Congregational Church, First.


194


Copeland Hotel


186


Crane, David O.


402


Crane, David O., Residence of. 68


Crosby Roller Milling Company, Mills of


154


Curtis, Hon. Charles


278


Decker, Levi M.


352


Fagan, Hon. Walter E.


474


Fassler, Armin, Residence of.


186


Federal Building


24


First Frame Building in Topeka.


24


First Log Cabin Built in Topeka.


27


Flood of 1903, The-


General View of the Flood ...


218


Looking South on Kansas Avenue .. 210


Looking


Southeast


from Lukens'


Opera House


. 210


Looking


Southeast


from


Norris


Street


210 ~*


PAGE


16


INDEX.


PAGE


Melan Arch Bridge, after Water had Fallen 6 Feet 218


One Way of Bringing Over Refugees


From North Side


218


Foster, Perry T


454


Free Public Library


170


Frost, John E.


316


Frost, John E., Residence of.


234


·Gemmell, Robert Brown


514


Governor's Residence, The


68


Grace Cathedral


202


Grand Opera House


122


Green, John


412


Guthrie, Hon. John


322


Gyrator Mills


154


Horton, Hon. Albert Howell 300


Hotel Throop


186


Howe, Hon. Samuel T. 310


Huron, Hon. George A.


332


Ingleside Home


178


Inter-Ocean Mills


154


Johnson, Col. Alexander Soule.


448


Kansas Avenue, Looking South from


Fifth Avenue


132


Keck, Philip


524


Kimball, Capt. Frederick Marius. 382


King, James L.


18


Lewis, J. P., M. D. 612


Lucas, Albertus T.


572


McAfee, Rev. Josiah B.


272


McLellan, C. T.


504


Martin, Hon. George W. 552


Martin, Hon. John.


266


Masonic Block


122


Melan Arch Bridge, Looking South


36


Methodist Episcopal Church, First. 226


Mid-Continent Mills


154


Mills, John


602


Moore, Mr. and Mrs. Samuel.


484


National Hotel


186


Ninth Street, Looking East. 12 Noble, Capt. George M., Residence of .. 234


Office Block


88


Pipe Organ in the City Auditorium.


170


Popenoe, Fred O., Residence of. .


78


Public Schools-


Grant


PAGE


High


II4


Lincoln


21


Manual Training


114


New Quincy


114


Presbyterian Church, First


191


Railroad Y. M. C. A Building.


178


Shawnee County Court House.


21


Shawnee County Jail


96


Sheldon, Hon. Silas E., M. D.


112


Shimer, James C.


194


State Capitol


12


State Hospital for the Insane- Building for Incurables 142


East End Main Building.


142


State Industrial


School


for


Boys,


Main Building


96


Stormont, David Wasson, M. D.


240


Stormont, Mrs. Jane C.


241


Stormont Hospital, The Jane C.


178


Street Views in 1876-


Corner of Kansas and Sixth Ave- nues Looking South. 48


East Side of Kansas Avenue, Look- ing South from Sixth Avenue. ... 58 East Side of Kansas Avenue, Look- ing North from Sixth Avenue .... 48


Kansas Avenue, Looking North from Seventh Street. .. 58 North Side of Sixth Avenue, Look- ing East from Kansas Avenue. .. 48


Swan James


592


Taylor, William L.


432


Tomson, Thomas K.


562


Topeka Club, The.


122


Topeka in 1876, Bird's Eye View of ..


43


Topeka, Panoramic View of. . Frontispiece


Topeka Woolen Mills.


160


Trapp, William C.


464


Valentine, Hon. Daniel Mulford.


288


Van Buren Street, Looking


South


from Court House.


132


Veale and Thompson Block.


160


Vinewood Park, Scene in.


78


Washburn, Avery


294


Washburn College-


Boswell Memorial


534


The Chapel


534


View of a portion of the College ....


Campus


534


Wayne, Rev. Joseph


342


AKing


history of Shawnee County


CHAPTER I.


The Shawnee Indians in Kansas-Various Treaties with the Tribe-Indian. Villages in the County-Kaw and Pottawatomie Reservations-The Kaw Half-Breeds and Their Descendants-Scenes and Incidents of the. Early Settlements.


The Shawnee Indians, whose name was appropriately given to one of the counties of Kansas, comprised one of the tribes with which William Penn · made his celebrated treaty in the year 1682. Penn described them at that time as being generally tall, straight, well-built, and of splendid proportions. They were graceful in their movements, walking erect and strong, and with a lofty chin. Their eyes were small and black, and their skins swarthy from exposure to sun and weather. In all respects they were typical Indians.


Before the treaty of 1682 it is believed that the Shawnees, whose lan- guage is almost identical with that of the Sac and Fox tribes, occupied the country southwest of the Missouri, from Green Bay and the Fox River, to the Mississippi, and hunted over the land between the Wisconsin and the upper branches of the Illinois. In April, 1701, a further treaty was formed, the Shawnees, one of the signatory tribes, being represented by Wa-pa-tha, king of the Shawnees. In 1706 a band of Shawnee Indians was encountered by traders at Conestoga, near the Susquehanna. At a council held in Phil- adelphia, June 14, 1715, one of the participants was Opes-sah, another Shaw- nee king.


The basin of the Cumberland River, in Kentucky, is marked by the earliest geographers as being the habitat of the Shawnees. A portion after- ward lived near Winchester, Virginia. From Kentucky their principal band removed to the head-waters of one of the great rivers of South Carolina. From South Carolina many of them removed to Pennsylvania and settled on


20


HISTORY OF SHAWNEE COUNTY


the Susquehanna, where they were soon followed by others of the tribe. Of the Indian fighting men in Pennsylvania in 1732 more than half were Shaw- nees from the South, and they were said to be the most restless of all the Indians. The small Virginia band was traced in 1745 from Winchester to the Allegheny, near Fort Duquesne, where Pittsburg now stands. In 1755 the same band, with other tribes, joined the French forces in the war between France and England, and later a number of the Indian warriors were impris- oned in North Carolina.


A council fire was held at Huron, on the Detroit River, in December, 1786, at which an address to the Congress of the United States was adopted, signed by the Five Nations, and the Hurons, Shawnees, Ottawas, Chippewas, Pot- tawatomies, Twitchwees, Cherokees, and Wabash Indians. The subject of the address related to methods for establishing a lasting reconciliation with the 13 States.


BEGINNING OF THE SHAWNEE NATION.


The first treaty of record between the United States and the Shawnees, in which the latter acted as a separate nation, was held January 31, 1786, at the mouth of the Great Miami, on the northwest bank of the Ohio. This treaty gave the Shawnees certain lands in the territory then occupied by them "to live and hunt on," but the grant was contested by the Wyandottes, who claimed priority. Trouble followed, not only between the government and the Shawnees, but between the Shawnees and the Wyandottes, resulting in the removal of many of the Shawnees to New Orleans in 1792, from whence they were sent into the Creek Nation of what was then known as New Spain. These Indians declared that they had been deceived, driven from their homes, and otherwise imposed upon, and that they would be at war with America as long as any of them should live.


This was preliminary to a somewhat general uprising of the Indians in 1793, in which a number of the Northern tribes participated, the Indians claiming that the Americans had mistreated them and disregarded the trea- ties of their own nation. For this demonstration the Shawnees had gathered from various sources their greatest warriors,-Black Wolf, Blue Jacket and Ke-hia-pe-la-thy (Toma-Hawk). On the 13th of August, 1794, Gen. Anthony Wayne sent a letter to the hostile tribes asking for a peace conference and promising protection to all. The Indians rejected the offer and gave battle to the Americans, sustaining a bad defeat and losing much of their property.


About this time a Spanish Nobleman. Baron De Carondelet, donated to the Shawnees and Delawares a tract of land, 25 miles square, between the river St. Comb and Cape Girardeau, bounded on the east by the Mississippi


21


AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS.


River, and on the west by the Whitewater River. The Delawares abandoned the tract in 1815, leaving the entire right to the Shawnees. They remained here in peace as long as the territory remained under Spanish rule. In the year 1825, the lands of the Carondelet grant were exchanged with Gov- ernor Clark for a larger tract on the Kansas River, the Indians accepting $14,000 for their improvements. The treaty provided that this tract of 50 miles square should belong to the Shawnees of Missouri, and to those of the same tribe in Ohio, who might wish to emigrate to that country.




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