Comas (Potawatomi leader) facts for kids

Chief Comas was an important Potawatomi leader who was active from about 1809 to 1814. He was one of several chiefs of the Potawatomi people living along the Illinois River. Comas became a war chief during a conflict known as the Peoria War.

Even though he wanted peace with the United States during Tecumseh's War, Comas and other Potawatomi chiefs were eventually forced to fight against the U.S. government.

Who Was Chief Comas?

Comas was a main chief living near the Illinois River. His village, called Wappa, was located on Bureau Creek. This village was one of the biggest Potawatomi settlements in that area. It was about eight miles from the river, near what is now Tiskilwa, Illinois.

Early Efforts for Peace

In 1809, Comas was visited by a man named Joseph Trotier. Trotier brought messages of peace and friendship from Governor Ninian Edwards. To show his friendship, Chief Comas gave Trotier some gifts for Governor Edwards. These gifts included a pair of large elk horns and a panther skin that Comas had prepared himself.

Choosing Sides in Tecumseh's War

The next summer, a famous Shawnee leader named Tecumseh tried to get many Native American tribes to unite. Tecumseh wanted them to fight against the United States. However, Chief Comas and other chiefs, including his father-in-law Black Partridge, decided to stay neutral. This meant they did not want to pick a side in Tecumseh's War.

The Peoria War and Peace Treaty

Later, Comas became involved in the Peoria War. His village, Wappa, was used as a starting point for a raid led by Black Partridge in the fall of 1813. This raid was against Fort Clark.

After some fighting, Comas was one of thirteen chiefs sent to St. Louis, Missouri to talk about peace. Colonel George Davenport escorted the chiefs to St. Louis. There, a peace treaty was signed soon after. Other important chiefs who were there included Black Partridge, Senachwine, Crow, and Gomo.