Potawatomi Topics – Access Genealogy

Sacred Heart Mission and Church, Konawa, Oklahoma

Sacred Heart Mission and Church is a significant historical site in Konawa, Oklahoma, established in 1876. Founded by Father Isidore Robot to serve the Potawatomi Indians, the mission evolved into an educational center, housing schools and a monastery. Despite a devastating fire in 1901 that destroyed many buildings, the mission continued to function and eventually transitioned to St. Gregory’s College. Notable figures such as Jim Thorpe and Patrick Hurley were educated here. Today, local volunteers maintain the mission’s historical legacy.

Use Of Tobacco Among North American Indians

Tobacco, an essential cultural and spiritual element, originated in the Americas and was integrated into the lives of Native North Americans long before European contact. It played vital roles in rituals, ceremonies, and daily life, with various tribes employing diverse species of Nicotiana. Smoking methods varied, with pipes and mixtures often used, while chewing practices are less clearly traced to Indigenous origins. The use of tobacco extended beyond personal use to encompass significant ceremonial functions, underscoring its deep-rooted significance in Indigenous cultures across the continent.

Narrative of the captivity of Alexander Henry, Esq – Indian Captivities

War Between the Colonies and The Western Indians – From 1763 To 1765

Pontiac, a prominent chief, led a coalition of Great Lakes tribes against British forces following the French defeat in 1760. His strategic prowess came to fruition in June 1763, when his forces captured Michilimakinak, demonstrating his tactical superiority and uniting various tribes against the English. The siege of Detroit, lasting twelve months, highlighted his leadership as the British prepared for retaliation. By late 1765, following Colonel Bouquet’s campaigns, peace discussions ensued, marking a significant moment in the conflict between the colonies and Native Americans.

Treaty of July 29, 1829

On July 29, 1829, a treaty was established at Prairie du Chien between the United States and the Chippewa, Ottawa, and Potawatamie nations. The tribes ceded significant land, defined by specific geographic boundaries, in return for annual payments of $16,000, goods, and supplies. Certain lands were reserved for tribal chiefs and their descendants. Additionally, the U.S. committed to settling existing debts owed to individuals by the tribes. The agreement also secured hunting rights for the tribes on the ceded lands.

Treaty of September 19, 1827

The Treaty of September 19, 1827, formalized an agreement between the United States and the Potawatamie Tribe, aimed at consolidating the tribe’s dispersed bands in Michigan. In exchange for ceding various tracts of land totaling ninety-nine sections, specific reservations were established for the tribe’s use. This treaty was signed by U.S. Commissioner Lewis Cass and multiple Potawatamie chiefs, illustrating both the complexities of land negotiations and the ongoing impact of U.S. policies on Native American tribes.

Pottawatomie Theology

The Pottawatomie belief centers on two Great Spirits: Kitchemonedo, the benevolent creator, and Matchêmonedo, the malevolent force. Kitchemonedo initially created flawed beings who failed to honor him, leading to their demise in a great flood. He then made a solitary man, who received a sister for companionship. A dream foretold five suitors; only the fifth, representing maize, was welcomed, leading to their marriage and the birth of the Pottawatomie people. The other suitors became essential crops for their offerings and sustenance.

Indian Confederacy Of 1781

The spring of 1781 was a terrible season for the white settlements in Kentucky and the whole border country. The natives who surrounded them had never shown so constant and systematic a determination for murder and mischief. Early in the summer, a great meeting of Indian deputies from the Shawanees, Delawares, Cherokees, Wyandot, Tawas, Pottawatomie, and diverse other tribes from the north-western lakes, met in grand council of war at Old Chilicothe. The persuasions and influence of two infamous whites, one McKee, and the notorious Simon Girty, “inflamed their savage minds to mischief, and led them to execute every diabolical scheme.”

Illinois Indian Land

Black Hawk, also known as Makataimeshekiakiah, was a prominent Sac chief during a tumultuous period of conflict between Native Americans and settlers in the early 19th century. As white settlers encroached on their lands in Illinois, Black Hawk resisted forced removal despite a treaty signed by rival chiefs. His efforts culminated in the Black Hawk War, marked by skirmishes and a tragic final battle. After his eventual surrender and a period of captivity, he lived peacefully until his death in 1838, culminating in a notorious burial and the subsequent theft of his remains.

Shau-be-na Potawatami Chief

Treaty of February 27, 1867

On February 27, 1867, the United States and the Pottawatomie tribe formalized a treaty in Washington, D.C. The agreement sought to secure a home for the Pottawatomies in Indian territory south of Kansas, allowing them to select and purchase a suitable reservation. Key articles outlined the process for selecting land, managing funds from land sales, provisions for citizenship, and ensuring the tribe’s rights to their common lands. Additionally, the U.S. agreed to address past grievances regarding unpaid annuities and property damages suffered by the tribe.

Treaty of March 29, 1866

On March 29, 1866, amendments were made to the treaty with the Pottawatomie Indians, originally established in 1861 and modified in 1862. These amendments, agreed upon by U.S. Commissioner Dennis N. Cooley and the tribe’s business committee, expanded beneficial provisions to include all adult tribe members, regardless of gender or family status. This change aimed to create more equitable benefits for the Pottawatomie, reflecting a progressive shift in treaty terms to ensure inclusivity within the tribe.

Treaty of November 15, 1861

On November 15, 1861, a treaty was signed between the United States and the Pottawatomie Nation, involving the division of their Kansas reservation for individual and communal land allotments. The treaty aimed to promote the tribe’s civilization by allowing land sales and providing for infrastructure, specifically a railroad. It detailed land distribution, citizenship conversion for qualifying members, and the establishment of schools. Various articles addressed land management, compensation, and protections, ensuring the tribe’s interests were considered throughout the agreement.

Treaty of September 20, 1828

On September 20, 1828, a treaty was signed between the United States, represented by Lewis Cass and Pierre Ménard, and the Potowatami tribe. The Potowatami ceded significant land in Michigan in exchange for financial compensation, including annual annuities, provisions, and support for farming and education. Specific tracts of land were designated for certain tribal members, and provisions for claims against the tribe were established. This treaty was contingent on ratification by the President and Senate of the United States.

Treaty of October 2, 1818 – Potawatomi

On October 2, 1818, a treaty was signed between the United States and the Potawatomi nation at St. Mary’s, Ohio. The Potawatomi ceded land encompassing parts of their territory, including areas along the Tippecanoe and Vermilion rivers. In exchange, the U.S. agreed to pay a perpetual annuity of $2,500 in silver and to address claims from the Kickapoo tribe. The treaty also stipulated land grants to specific individuals, reinforcing the U.S. government’s authority over these lands while recognizing certain Potawatomi claims.

Treaty of December 16, 1834

On December 16, 1834, a treaty was signed at Potawattimie mills in Indiana, ceding land from the Potawattimie Indians to the United States. The agreement stipulated the U.S. would pay $700 in cash and settle the tribe’s debts totaling $900 by 1835. Notably, support for a miller established in a previous treaty would cease. The treaty binds both parties upon presidential and senatorial ratification, with signatures from various tribal leaders and U.S. representatives present.

Treaty of December 10, 1834

On December 10, 1834, a treaty was established at Tippecanoe River between U.S. Commissioner William Marshall and Potawattamie Chief Muck Rose. The treaty involved the cession of six land sections previously designated for the tribe in a 1832 agreement, to be transferred within three years. In return, the U.S. agreed to provide $400 in goods and an annuity of $1,000 for two years. The treaty’s enforcement depended on ratification by the President and Senate, and was witnessed by several individuals.

Treaty of December 4, 1834

On December 4, 1834, a treaty was signed at Lake Max-ee-nie-kue-kee between William Marshall, representing the United States, and Com-o-za, a Potawattimie chief. This agreement resulted in the cession of previously reserved lands by the Potawattimie, who would relinquish possession within three years. In return, the United States promised $400 in goods and an annual annuity of $400 for one year. The treaty would become binding upon ratification by the President and Senate, marking a significant moment in U.S.-Native American relations.

Treaty of February 11, 1837

On February 11, 1837, a treaty was signed in Washington between U.S. Commissioner John T. Douglass and Potawatomie chiefs. The agreement confirmed the cession of land in Indiana previously reserved for the tribe and mandated their relocation to a designated area southwest of the Missouri River within two years. The U.S. promised to provide subsistence and cover treaty expenses. Additionally, $4,000 was allocated for purchasing land near Rock Village for a chief. The treaty would take effect upon ratification by the President and Senate.

Treaty of April 11, 1836

On April 11, 1836, a treaty was signed at Tippecanoe River, Indiana, between U.S. Commissioner Abel C. Pepper and Pau-koo-shuck of the Aub-ba-naub-bas band of Potawattimie Indians. The treaty ceded thirty-six sections of land previously reserved for the Potawattimie and stipulated that the U.S. would pay them $23,040 in two installments. The band agreed to relocate west of the Mississippi within two years. The treaty required ratification by the President and Senate to be binding on both parties.