Claremore (Osage chief) facts for kids
Claremore was the English name for several important chiefs of the Osage Nation. These chiefs belonged to the Tsi shu section of the tribe. Their original Osage names meant things like "Arrow Going Home" or "Moving Hawk." Europeans often called them by similar names, such as Clermont or Clairmont.
Claremore I: A Leader of the Osage
The Osage people were led by two main chiefs at the same time. One chief came from the Tsi-shu section, and the other from the Hun-kah section. Claremore I was a Grand Tsi-shu chief. He ruled alongside Tracks Far Away, who was the Grand Hun-kah chief.
Claremore I also helped build alliances with other tribes. He arranged for his oldest sister to marry White Plume, a chief of the Kaw people. Claremore I passed away around 1794 or early 1795.
Claremore II: The Town Maker
After Claremore I died, the "Little Old Men" had to choose a new chief. This group was a council of wise priests and leaders of the Osage Nation. They usually chose the oldest son of the previous chief. However, they were worried about Claremore I's strong personality. They feared Claremore II might be similar or even more challenging.
Because of these concerns, the council chose White Hair I to be the next Grand Tsi-shu chief instead of Claremore II. This decision caused a big split within the Osage tribe. Claremore II decided to leave with his followers. They formed a new group known as the Arkansas band. Because he started his own village, Claremore II was given the name "Town Maker." Tracks Far Away continued to rule as the Grand Hun-kah chief during this time. Tracks Far Away was Claremore II's maternal uncle. In Osage culture, the oldest maternal uncle played a very important role. He was like a father figure and taught a boy everything he needed to know. So, Tracks Far Away knew Claremore II very well.
In June 1817, a sad event happened at one of Claremore II's villages. The Osage people would go on seasonal hunts for bison. During these hunts, the strong warriors and women would leave the permanent villages. The elderly, mothers with young children, and the sick would stay behind. While the warriors were away, several other tribes and white settlers attacked the village. This attack is known as the Battle of Claremore Mound.
Claremore II died in May 1828. He passed away in a village called Those Who Came To The River.
Claremore III: Moving to Kansas
Claremore III is known to have moved to the area that is now Kansas in 1833.
