Polk County IA Archives History - Books .....Noted Indian Chiefs 1898
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Book Title: Annals Of Polk County, Iowa And City Of Des Moines

CHAPTER IV.
NOTED INDIAN CHIEFS.

THE most distinguished Indian chief connected with the history of Iowa, no
doubt, was Black Hawk. The ancestors of the generation of Sacs and Foxes, which
were contemporaneous with Black Hawk, had far back in the past exchanged a
comparatively inhospitable region for a more congenial home where they fondly
hoped to remain undisturbed by the pale-face intruders. They had maintained
successful war against the allied tribes of the Illinois country; against the
haughty and warlike Sioux; had conquered the Iowas and defied the power of the
Osages. They looked with distrust upon the advances of the white men, and when
in 1804, at St. Louis, some four or five of their chiefs and braves sold a large
portion of their richest lands they were much dissatisfied. In 1S05 the country
was explored by Lieutenant Pike, and a few years later Port Edwards and Fort
Madison, in Iowa, were established. Fort Armstrong was located in Rock Island in
1810 and whites soon began to make their appearance on Rock River, in Illinois.
A few miles from the new fort was situated the village of Black Hawk and his
band. Though not a chief by hereditary right as a brave he had acquired much
influence over a considerable portion of the Sac tribe, who adhered to him in
the determination to yield their country to the whites. The Government sold a
few tracts of land near Black Hawk's village and the removal of the Indians west
of the Mississippi was demanded, although this was not in accordance with the
terms of the treaty. The Indians had a right to remain in possession of and hunt
upon the lands not sold to settlers by the Government.

   There were a number of other cause's leading up to the late war and the white
men were not blameless. An adopted son of Black Hawk was wantonly murdered in
1814 on the east side of the river not far from Fort Madison. This greatly
exasperated Black Hawk, and gathering a band of some thirty braves he sought
revenge. They killed several whites and were subsequently defeated with a
detachment of U. S. rangers from Fort Howard. Black Hawk and the survivors of
his band then returned to their village, and though peace was declared between
the United States and Great Britain in 1815, this band continued restless and
aggressive. Black Hawk assisted in the capture of Prairie du Chien in 1816, and
also led an attack against men and boats ascending the Mississippi, in which
several were killed and wounded. Soon after this Black Hawk with others went to
St. Louis and entered into another treaty with the United States.

   Other grievances occurred, but Keokuk and other chiefs made an agreement to
move to the west side of the river, and most of the Sacs and Foxes made a new
home on the Iowa River. Black Hawk, however, refused to move and used all his
influence to keep his people upon the east side. He denounced Keokuk and his
followers as cowards. This trouble was continued for several years, until
finally in 1831 open hostilities came. Gen. Gaines, commanding the U. S. troops,
on June 7, after a council, informed the Indians they must remove or he would
use force. In June 1,600 Illinois militia came to Rock Island to assist the
regulars. On June 30, a treaty was signed by which Black Hawk agreed to move to
the west side of the river and not return without permission. Black Hawk removed
as agreed upon, but continued restless. Other troubles occurred. In the spring
of 1832 in expectation of help from the British and other Indians, Black Hawk
assembled his warriors and again crossed to the east side. Gen. Atkinson ordered
him to return and he refused, and Gov. Reynolds again called out the Illinois
militia. The first collision occurred some thirty miles up Rock River, where a
fight occurred between the Indians and the militia under Major Stillman, the
latter retreating. War was now on, and there was great excitement. A number of
frontier families were massacred and several taken captive. By July Black Hawk
had a force estimated at 700 or 800 warriors, and proceeded towards the
Wisconsin River. On July 21 they were overtaken by the troops of Gen. Atkinson,
under the immediate command of Gen. Dodge. A battle followed and the Indians
were defeated and scattered, having more than one hundred killed, drowned and
wounded. This virtually ended the war. Black Hawk saw all was lost and sought,
with his band, to reach the Mississippi River. They reached it, but before
crossing were again attacked by Gen. Dodge's troops and about 150 of them
killed. Black Hawk made his escape, but in a few days was captured by some
Winnebagoes and on August 27 was delivered to Gen. Street, the Indian agent at
Prairie du Chien The prisoners were placed in custody of Col. Zachary Taylor and
in September Black Hawk and a few others were taken to Jefferson Barracks, near
St Louis. So ended the Black Hawk war, which cost the lives of between four
hundred and five hundred Indians, including men, women and children, nearly two
hundred whites, and the United States about two millions of dollars.

   Under the treaty of 1832 Black Hawk, his two sons, his lieutenant, Ne-o-pope
(Soup), and Wobokieshick were to be held as hostages at the pleasure of the
President. They were first held at Jefferson Barracks, and in April, 1833, were
taken to Washington, where they had an interview with President Jackson. April
26 they were taken to Fortress Monroe, where they were held until June 1, when
they were ordered liberated. Under the escort of Major John Garland, of the U.
S. army, they were taken to Norfolk, Baltimore, Philadelphia, New York, Albany,
Buffalo and other cities, in each of which quite an ovation was given "Gen.
Black Hawk." They finally reached Fort Armstrong, at Rock Island. Messengers
were sent out and at the appointed time Keokuk and all the chiefs and warriors
assembled there to meet their great deposed chief. A great council was held and
the message of the President given that hereafter Keokuk would be regarded as
the principal chief, and he wished Black Hawk to confirm the mandate. This stung
Black Hawk, who angrily replied, but subsequently, through Keokuk, made a half
apology for his words. For a time he made his home near Keokuk's village on the
Iowa River. In 1837, by courtesy and not as a delegate, he was permitted to
accompany Keokuk and other chiefs to Washington and through many of the cities
of the East. Upon his return Black Hawk with his family settled in Lee county,
and in the spring of 1838 moved to the vicinity of the villages of the other
chiefs of the Sacs and Foxes on the Des Moines River, near Iowaville. Here he
had a comfortable cabin, furnished in imitation of the whites, and cultivated
some acres of ground. Unlike other chiefs of his tribe he never had but one
wife. He died at this home of fever October 3, 1838, at about the age of
seventy-two.

   His body was buried near the Des Moines River in Davis county. He was dressed
in the full military uniform presented him by President Jackson, and upon his
breast was placed three silver medals which had been given to him. At his feet a
flag-staff was placed, from which floated a beautiful silk American flag. It was
hoped the remains of the aged chief would here repose in peace. But it was not
to be. A scoundrely doctor living near, stole the body and afterwards took it to
Quincy, Illinois. Complaint was made by the widow and through the efforts of
Governor Lucas the bones were returned to Burlington, the then capital of the
territory. Later the building in which they were was destroyed by fire and the
bones of Black Hawk were totally consumed—destroyed and scattered to the winds
as have been his people.

KEOKUK.

   As Keokuk, the head chief of the Sacs and Foxes, is connected to more extent
with the early history of Polk county, it will not be out of place to here give
a brief sketch of his life and character.    This name Keokuk meant the Watchful
Fox.     He was of the Sac tribe and was born about the year 1780 near Rock
River, Illinois. He was less renowned as a warrior than Black Hawk, but as an
orator and diplomatist excelled him or any other of his tribe.    He was not a
hereditary chief, but attained his elevation by the early manifestation of those
qualities which commanded the admiration of his people.    Though imputations
may have been cast upon his bravery by envious and ambitious rivals and foes,
there is is no doubt he was free from cowardice.    In his early career he
performed several striking warlike deeds which brought him a great reputation
among his people.    Without bravery he never could have reached the rank he did
among his friends and foes.    He also showed on several occasions much military
skill in battles with Indians hostile to his tribe or nation.

   In the contest between the United States and Black Hawk and a portion of his
tribe, Keokuk, with a majority of Sacs and Foxes, held aloof, though every
possible effort was made by Black Hawk and others to induce them to join in the
hostilities. Emissaries were sent among Keokuk's adherents to induce them to
take part in the war, and at one time it seemed almost impossible for Keokuk,
with all his eloquence and influence, to restrain them from entering upon the
war path. Black Hawk's messengers spoke of the blood which had been shed; of the
injustice of the whites in driving them from their hunting grounds, and of the
injuries repeatedly inflicted upon their Indians; referred to the easy vengeance
which might be inflicted upon a sparsely settled frontier, and of the rich booty
which might be obtained. These appeals were not without effect. They began to
paint and prepare for war. The chief sympathized with his people, but he clearly
saw what would be the ultimate result of such action. In a speech to his
assembled warriors he said:

   "Braves: I am your chief; it is my duty to rule you as a father at home, and
lead you to war if you are determined to go, but in this war there is no middle
course. The United States is a great power, and unless we conquer that great
nation we must perish. I will lead you against the whites on one condition; that
is, that we shall first put all our women and children to death, and then
resolve that having crossed the Mississippi we shall never return, but perish
among the graves of our fathers rather than yield to the white man."

   These words, and the desperation of Keokuk's proposal, forced his people to
take a true view of the situation. Their passions were allayed. The authority
and influence of Keokuk was restored, and Black Hawk's emissaries failed in his
purpose. Keokuk's men took no part in that war, which ended so disastrously to
Black Hawk and his bands.

   Keokuk avoided another trouble with the whites in 1832. Five of his men, one
of them his nephew, murdered a man named Martin in Illinois. The authorities
demanded they be delivered up for trial, but they were beyond his reach. He
called a council of his head men to determine what should be done. If
satisfaction was not made the whites would send an army. Four young men of the
tribe then volunteered to go in the places of the absent guilty ones. They were
duly delivered up. When the trial came Keokuk was himself present and testified
that the prisoners were not the guilty ones, but had voluntarily taken their
places. As a matter of course they were acquitted.

   After the Black Hawk war it was reported the Sacs and Foxes were dissatisfied
and disposed to renew hostilities. Keokuk was then well up the Des Moines valley
when he heard the rumor, and dictated a letter and had it forwarded to .Governor
Reynolds, of Illinois, stating there was no truth in the report; that they were
friendly to the whites; that "the tomahawk was buried so deep that it never
again will be raised against the whites." This letter was dated: "Raccoon Fork
of Des Moines River (now city of Des Moines), November 30, 1832." This was some
ten years prior to the establishment of a military post here, and shows this to
have been for many .years a favorite camping and hunting ground for the Indians
and especially of the Sacs and Foxes.

   Keokuk, with a deputation of Sac and Fox chiefs and warriors, visited
Washington in the autumn of 1837. There they met a delegation of Sioux chiefs,
and the Secretary of War endeavored to effect a reconciliation between these
long time enemies, and a nominal truce was established, after eloquent and
somewhat bitter speeches had been made by Keokuk and others of the Indians.
Keokuk and his band then made an extended tour of northern and eastern cities,
where they were shown much attention by prominent officials and citizens. At
Boston they were received with great ceremony by the Governor of the state and
the city officials. Keokuk was the main spokesman of the party and won much
praise for his eloquence and dignity. Throughout his entire visit Keokuk
preserved the gravity and dignity of manner becoming his high position and won
the respect and admiration of all who saw him.

   Under the treaty of 1832, commonly known as the "Black Hawk Purchase," a
tract of four hundred square miles on the Iowa River was reserved for the use
and occupancy of the Indians. This reserve included Keokuk's village and was
known as "Keokuk's Reserve." The village was situated on the border of Keokuk
Lake, and about six miles below the present city of Muscatine. In 1836 this was
ceded to the United States, and the Indians removed to the Des Moines River,
Keokuk fixing his residence near the trading post at Iowaville. Years after the
remains of the earthen embankment which had been thrown up around Keokuk's lodge
was visible. The enclosure was elliptical in form, with an opening, or gateway,
on the south side towards the river. It was ninety feet north and south, by one
hundred and sixty feet long east and west. These dimensions indicate that the
lodge of the great chief of the Sacs and Foxes was no insignificant affair. Here
one of Keokuk's sons, about nineteen years of age, died while his father was in
Washington, and was buried with the usual Indian rites. His death was a sore
grief to the father. A year or two afterwards Keokuk removed his principal
village further up the river to near the mouth of Sugar Creek, not far from the
site of the present city of Ottumwa.

   While in this village Keokuk received an invitation to visit Nauvoo, from
Joseph Smith, the Mormon prophet, who was then building up that famous "City of
the Saints." Keokuk was addressed as the "King of the Sacs and Foxes" by Smith.
Keokuk concluded to accept the invitation, and accordingly proceeded to Nauvoo,
attended by many of his chiefs and braves, all mounted on ponies in grand style.
They were given an audience in the Mormon Temple. The prophet made a speech in
which he referred to the children of Israel and the lost tribes, endeavoring to
impress upon the mind of Keokuk the idea that the Indians were the identical
lost tribes, and that such was the fact that had been revealed to him. Keokuk
listened attentively and then shrewdly replied:

   "If my brother is commissioned by the Great Spirit to collect our lost tribes
together and lead them into a land flowing with milk and honey it is his duty to
do so. But I wish to ask about some particulars that my brother has omitted.
They are of great importance to my people. The Red Man is not much used to milk.
They prefer streams of water, and in the country where they live there is a good
supply of honey. The points which we wish to inquire about are whether the new
government will pay large annuities, and whether there will be plenty of whisky?"

   This plain talk broke off all further negotiations between the "Prophet of
the Lord" and the "King of the Sacs and Foxes," and the latter returned to their
villages on the Des Moines.

   The last move made in Iowa by Keokuk was the location of his lodge and
village on the west side of the river, some ten miles below the present city of
Des Moines, and near the mouth of North River. This is now known as Keokuk
Prairie, and here the now aging chief had his habitation until his final removal
to Kansas. As it was known that this was to be only a temporary resting place
prior to their final removal from the territory their village was not as well
built as had previously been their custom. Keokuk himself was a frequent visitor
at the agency and trading posts then located here, and it is said became more
than ever addicted to the intemperate use of intoxicating liquors. He, however,
continued to hold his place and much of his influence with his people, though he
had bitter enemies among those left of Black Hawk's special friends and what was
known as the "British Band."

   Keokuk led his people west to Kansas in 1845, where he died three years
later. In June, 1848, the St. Louis papers announced his death, stating he died
from the effects of poison administered by one of his tribe. The Indian who
committed the deed was apprehended, confessed his guilt, and was shot. Keokuk
left a son who arose to some prominence in the tribe.

   Some years ago Dr. T. K. Brooks, who for years was a highly esteemed resident
of this county, town and city, told the writer he was present at a council held
at the agency, at which Keokuk and a number of other Indians were present. Major
Beach, the agent, pursuant to orders from Washington, made a speech in which he
told how good the Great Father at Washington was to his Indian children, and to
aid them in living happily had sent to them as presents a number of plows,
harrows, hoes, etc., to be used in the cultivation of the land. He urged them to
plant and sow that they might reap, etc. The agent knew the character and habits
of the Indians too well to suppose they would feel in the least grateful for
such presents and advice, and whispered to the doctor to listen and see how the
Indians would speak and act. After a wait of some time in silence Keokuk arose
and made a speech which in eloquence and dignity the doctor considered seldom
equalled by the greatest of white orators. He said in substance: "Our people
once owned all this beautiful land, free to hunt and go wherever they might
will. They were happy. And then the whites came and forced them from place to
place, took all their lands, and now, the great White Father wants them to dig
like moles in the ground." It is hardly necessary to say this council was not a
success, and the Indians failed to show any gratitude whatever for the presents
so ostentatiously given. They were not the kind of presents desired.

MUSQUAKIE.

   There is a band of Indians yet lingering in Iowa whose history is to some
extent connected with that of Polk county. They are a remnant of the Sacs and
Foxes and now own and occupy something less than one thousand acres of valuable
land on the Iowa River in Iowa county. They are generally called Musquakies, and
for many years have made occasional visits to Des Moines and camped, to fish and
hunt along the streams of Polk county. In fact they are the only Indians ever
seen by perhaps nine-tenths of the present citizens of the county. Before the
whites came the favorite home and hunting ground of the Musquakies was along the
Iowa River. When the main body of the Sacs and Foxes were removed to their new
home west of the Missouri River these Musquakies accompanied the balance of the
tribe. As early as 1850 a small band, mostly Pottawattamies, under the
leadership of Chemeuse (Johnny Green) had wandered back and took up their abode
on the Iowa River, not far from the present Musquakie village. They were again
removed under military escort, but persisted in returning in small bands as
before. It was not long until a portion of the Fox (Musquakie) branch of the Sac
and Fox nation became dissatisfied with their Kansas home. They claimed the
climate did not agree with them and that many of their people had sickened and
died.

   At the time of the allotment of lands in severalty to the Sacs and Foxes some
of them, headed by the chief, Mow-me-wah-ne-kah, were bitterly opposed to it.
They refused to be enrolled and for this the chief was deposed. He induced five
or six lodges to follow and left Kansas for their old home in Iowa. He was
subsequently joined by other members of his tribe and with them came also some
Pottawattamies to join their friends under Chemeuse. Their pro rata share of the
government annuity was withheld from them because of their disobedience, and
they received no aid whatever from the Government. They were wretchedly poor,
and eked out a bare subsistence cultivating where they could get that privilege
from white men a few small patches of land, by fishing, hunting and trapping in
winter and by begging. They suffered much but clung tenaciously to their old
home. Finally attention was called to their suffering condition and in 1867
Congress passed a bill granting them their annuities "so long as they are
peaceful and have the assent of the government of Iowa to reside in that state."
The General Assembly of Iowa promptly gave the required assent.

   Under the act of Congress a special agent was appointed to look after their
welfare, and at their own request $2,000 of their money was devoted to the
purchase of a small tract of land in Tama county, which has subsequently been
largely added to. These lands on the Iowa River bottom are now quite valuable
and are on the line of the Chicago and Northwestern railway. They cultivate a
portion of this land, and rear considerable stock, especially horses. They are
much attached to their Iowa home, and in the summer go in small parties hunting
and fishing along the Iowa, Skunk, Des Moines and Raccoon rivers. They are very
peaceable and seldom have any trouble with the whites. In a few instances they
have complained to their agent of trespass by some of the whites. Efforts have
been made to educate them, but these have not been very successful, though some
of the younger have learned to read and write. Most of the men still retain in
part the Indian costume of their ancestors, the blanket being indispensable,
winter and summer. They prefer the primitive moccasin, but a few of them wear
shoes and hats, the latter usually decorated with a feather, indicative of the
warrior's standing as a brave or as a hunter. About the village the women
generally dress in petticoats and sacks, but always take their blankets when
they visit the neighboring towns. On such occasions they generally ride their
ponies and take their pappooses (babies) along if they have any. In this case
the pappoose is strapped in a basket to the back of an extra pony. Several
families usually live together, occupying the same wigwam. As families they
maintain amiable relations, and deny the practice of polygamy. The women are
exemplary in their deportment, modest and chaste. The children are kept under
good discipline, and brought up to do strictly right according to their views.
If a child disobeys its parents it is punished by fasting, and not by the rod,
as the exercise of such physical force by the strong over the weak would not
only degrade the child but the parent also. They take good care of the sick, the
aged, crippled and blind.

   The Musquakies still maintain the ancient rites, ceremonies and superstitions
of their race, and strictly follow the traditions handed down from their
forefathers. They are very proud of their race, independent in feeling and
tenacious of their liberty.

   On March 20, 1880, Kes-co, an aged Musquakie woman died in camp near
Mitchellville in this county, at the age, it is claimed, of 101. She was buried
with the usual Indian care and rites near where she died.

   The principal chief of the Musquakies, Maw-mo-wah-ne-kah, died July 3, 1881,
aged about forty-five years and was succeeded by Maw-taw-a-qua and Wau-co-mo.

   Although not a Musquakie, perhaps no Indian has been better known among the
whites of Iowa of later days than the old chief Chemeuse, or "Johnny Green," as
he was generally called by whites. He was an Indian of full blood, but of
Pottawattamie and Chippewa parentage, his mother being of the latter tribe. He
first came to Iowa from Wisconsin in 1838, with five or six families of mixed
Pottawattamies, a remnant of whom still reside on the Iowa River in the vicinity
of the Musquakie village. While the Pottawattamies occupied southwestern Iowa
and the Winnebagoes the "Neutral Ground," Johnny Green generally had a large
following, but after the removal of those tribes his band dwindled to a small
remnant which he left on the banks of the Iowa River, in Marshal] county. Long
before the Musquakies had returned to Iowa Johnny Green had wandered back with
his followers. Living in the vicinity of the Musquakie village, and the two
remnants of distinct tribes being much together, Johnny Green was erroneously
called by the white people the "Old Musquakie Chief." We know little of his
early history, but many people throughout central Iowa still remember the
pleasant, kindly face of the old chief who led a nomadic life, encamping with
his little band along the various streams during the hunting season. He was
always the white man's friend and had no enemies among them. One of his
daughters is married to a Musquakie and lives in Tama county. He died near
Marshalltown about Christmas, 1868, and was supposed to be about seventy-three
years of age. Fulton, in his History of the Red Men of Iowa, says of this old
chief:

   "We know not what heroic acts of his are unrecorded, or what generous and
noble impulses may have nerved him to action in behalf of his nation or tribe.
The dust of thousands of nameless heroes enrich the soil upon which we tread.
'Johnny Green' was doubtless wise enough to foresee the inevitable destiny that
awaited his race, and we know he was great enough to lead his exiled people back
to their favorite land. We know, too, that he was great enough to assist in
securing to them that concession from the whites by which they yet retain a home
in Iowa."


Additional Comments:
Extracted from:

ANNALS OF POLK COUNTY, IOWA,
AND
CITY OF DES MOINES
BY WILL PORTER.

"And this volume, dedicated to its people, sets forth in attractive style all
the facts and incidents that go to make up the history of which all citizens are
justly proud."
—Major Hoyt Sherman.

GEO. A. MILLLER PRINTING COMPANY,
PRINTERS AND PUBLISHERS,
DES MOINES, IOWA,
1898.


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