Piankashaw Topics – Access Genealogy

Indian Warfare Between Texas and Mexico

In 1836, Major Chouteau explored the region between the Red River and the Colorado River, encountering numerous Comanche, Kiowa, and Kiowa Apache camps during their buffalo migration. Despite initial suspicion, he engaged in discussions with tribal leaders, ultimately facilitating a treaty in May 1837, aimed at peace among the tribes and protection for traders. However, amidst rising tensions due to Mexican influence and Indian warfare, further conflicts loomed, highlighting the precarious nature of relations between the tribes and the encroaching settlers in Texas.

Agreement of January 3, 1818

On January 3, 1818, Governor Thomas Posey and Chekommia, the principal chief of the Piankeshaw tribe, formalized a contract under U.S. authority. This agreement followed a prior treaty in 1804, where the Piankeshaws ceded land between the Wabash and Kaskaskia territories. Due to their reduced population and inability to occupy their reserved land, the Piankeshaw tribe relinquished a tract of 1,280 acres to the United States in exchange for $1,000. This document was signed and sealed, affirming the tribe’s decision.

Treaty of July 18, 1815

On July 18, 1815, a treaty of peace and friendship was signed at Portage des Sioux between the United States, represented by Commissioners William Clark, Ninian Edwards, and Auguste Chouteau, and the Piankishaw Tribe. The treaty aimed to restore the relationship between the two parties, stipulating mutual forgiveness for past hostilities, establishing perpetual peace, and reaffirming prior agreements. It was signed by numerous tribal chiefs and U.S. officials, marking a significant step in re-establishing ties after conflict.

Treaty of May 30, 1854

On May 30, 1854, a treaty was signed in Washington, D.C., between the United States and the united tribes of Kaskaskia, Peoria, Piankeshaw, and Wea Indians. The agreement recognized their consolidation into one tribe and involved the cession of their lands in exchange for financial compensation, land reservations, and assistance for education and development. The tribes relinquished previous claims and embraced a commitment to self-improvement and peace with neighboring populations. The treaty aimed to facilitate their advancement and ensure their rights within the framework of U.S. law.

Treaty of August 7, 1803

On August 7, 1803, a council convened in Vincennes, led by Governor William Henry Harrison, to finalize a treaty with several Indian nations, including the Eel River, Wyandot, Piankashaw, and Kaskaskia tribes. The chiefs consented to relinquish land rights for three one-mile tracts along key roads to facilitate traveler accommodations. The agreement, signed by Harrison and numerous Indian leaders, underscores the United States’ expanding reach into the Northwest Territory, marking a significant moment in the country’s territorial negotiations with indigenous peoples.

Treaty of December 30, 1805

The treaty signed on December 30, 1805, at Vincennes marked the cession of lands by the Piankishaw tribe to the United States. Negotiated by Governor William Henry Harrison, it stipulated the transfer of territory between the Wabash River and the Kaskaskia lands, while ensuring the tribe’s protection under U.S. governance. In return, the Piankishaw received an annuity and the right to reside on ceded lands, alongside a permanent reservation of two square miles for their use. The treaty awaited ratification by the President and Senate to take effect.

Treaty of October 29, 1832

The treaty concluded on October 29, 1832, at Castor Hill, Missouri, involved the Piankeshaw and Wea tribes ceding their land rights to the U.S. in exchange for designated tracts for their permanent residence and annual support for agriculture and livestock. The treaty stipulated assistance for improvements and provisions for displaced members of the Wea tribe, alongside establishing a blacksmith shop for communal use. Signed by notable U.S. officials and tribal leaders, it aimed to formalize relations and resolve land issues between the tribes and the government.

Treaty of February 23, 1867

On February 23, 1867, the United States entered a treaty with various Indigenous tribes, including the Senecas, Shawnees, Quapaws, and others, to facilitate land cessions and relocations. The agreement outlined financial compensation for ceded lands, provisions for rebuilding homes and farms, and terms for dissolving tribal affiliations in favor of U.S. citizenship. It addressed compensation for wartime losses and education funding, and established frameworks for integration or removal of tribes to new reservations. The treaty aimed to reshape tribal governance and land ownership in light of ongoing westward expansion.

Treaty of August 3, 1795

The Treaty of Greenville, signed on August 3, 1795, marked a crucial agreement between the United States and several Native American tribes, including the Wyandot, Delaware, and Miami. Establishing peace, it ended hostilities and facilitated the cession of vast lands in Ohio to settlers. It set future precedents for land treaties, leading to further territorial losses for Indigenous peoples. Key provisions included the cessation of violence, the restoration of prisoners, and defined boundaries for Native lands, underlining a complex relationship rooted in both cooperation and dispossession.

Treaty of June 7, 1803

On June 7, 1803, a treaty was signed at Fort Wayne between the United States and several Indian tribes, including the Delaware, Shawanoe, and Miami nations. The treaty established boundaries for land claims and outlined the cession of the great salt spring on Saline Creek to the United States, which also agreed to provide annual salt for the tribes. Additionally, provisions were made for locating tracts of land for traveler accommodations. The treaty aimed to foster cooperation between the U.S. and the tribes while clarifying land rights.

Treaty of August 27, 1804

On August 27, 1804, a treaty was signed between the United States and the Piankeshaw tribe, facilitated by Governor William Henry Harrison. The Piankeshaw ceded lands between the Ohio and Wabash rivers to the U.S., acknowledging the Kaskaskia tribe’s rights to certain territories. In exchange, the Piankeshaw were promised an additional annuity and goods worth seven hundred dollars as compensation. This agreement aimed to formalize relations and delineate land rights, reflecting the ongoing negotiations between U.S. authorities and Native American tribes in the region.

Piankashaw Tribe

The Piankashaw Tribe, originally a sub-tribe of the Miami, emerged as a distinct group over time, asserting their independence through land treaties and alliances with other tribes. Notable historical references include La Salle’s accounts in the 1680s and Cadillac’s mention in 1695, indicating their settlements around present-day Indiana and Illinois. Despite population declines due to conflicts and pressures from European settlers, the Piankashaw persisted, eventually joining with the Peoria tribe in Oklahoma after relocating from Kansas in the mid-1800s.