On This Date in Minnesota History: July 23

July 23, 1915 – Some people look upon the story of Chief Little Crow and his forgotten deposit of $1,500 in an unidentified St. Paul bank as a myth, but they will have to “show” Jesse Williams, his grandson. Williams says he is from Missouri.

Williams, or Wakeman, which he says is his church name, and who also answers to the Indian title of Chief White Star, called at the Minnesota Historical Society a few days ago and asked for assistance in finding a forgotten bank deposit left by his grandfather. Incidentally he was permitted to look upon a few relics of Little Crow, consisting of the Chief’s skull, his scalp and two bones from his forearm.¹

Chief Little Crow²

Though informed he was on a wild goose chase, the grandson today carried his grievance to the office of Attorney General Smith. At the same time he delved deep into musty records, concerning his grandfather, and the account of the Treaty of Mendota, in which Little Crow participated. It was at the consummation of this treaty the lost pot of gold figured.

“They may call it a myth,” said Chief White Star, “but they will have to show me. We have a record of this money in the family, and it is not a wild dream by any means. What I am trying to find out is the name of the bank in which the money was deposited.”

According to the grandson, a relative of Little Crow located in Nebraska has the certificate of deposit, but he refuses to give it up, or permit an examination unless he is given a share of the money. White Star says there are ten heirs and all of them will come to the Twin Cities shortly, and make a systematic search for the deposit.

Major R. I. Holcomb, of St. Paul, who told the grandson today the story is without foundation, says that seven Indian chiefs participated in the Treaty of Mendota and he finds from the records, they were given $2,800 each. At the time many considered the money as a bribe, to facilitate the ceding of a vast amount of Indian land to the federal government.

Little Crow, however, protested vigorously and forced a number of concessions. Among them was a house for each of the chiefs.

The late Governor Ramsey was one of the treaty commissioners, and it was he who conceived the money payment as a solution to the controversy. The Indians were reluctant to part with the lands, but finally gave in after the promise of money, and affixed their marks to the treaty. Little Crow had five wives. One of them is still living. Four of his helpmates were sisters, and his explanation was that he married them all to keep them from fighting. Chief White Star, his grandson, is a field agent among the Sioux tribe for the Y.M.C.A. He is a runner, and informed the capitol officials today he was ready for a contest if they could find the proper man.

The Minneapolis Morning Tribune; “’Show Me,’ Demands Grandson of Little Crow; Told Gold Is Gone”; July 24, 1915; p. 14.

¹The Minnesota Historical Society received Little Crow’s scalp in 1868 and his skull in 1896. Other bones were collected at other times. In 1971, Little Crow's remains were returned to his grandson Jesse Wakeman (son of Wowinapa*) for burial. A small stone tablet sits at the roadside of the field where Little Crow was killed.

http://www.wikiwand.com/en/Little_Crow

*Wowinapa was the son picking berries with Little Crow when he was killed.


²http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Little_crow_c1862.jpg

               __________________________________________________________

If you are interested in finding out more about your family history in Minnesota, I specialize in researching  genealogical and historical records in Minn. and western Wis., including: census records,  birth records,  death certificates, obits, grave site photos, ship passenger lists, marriage records and declarations of intent/naturalization records.  I will visit locations to research local history and county records, as well as take photos. Quick turnaround on MNHS records. Both short searches and family history reports available.

                                                         

Discover your roots, and watch the branches of your family tree begin to grow.

Website:  TheMemoryQuilt.com > click on Family History

Contact me at: pjefamilyresearch@gmail.com