Gomo (Potawatomi leader) facts for kids

Chief Gomo (in Potawatomi: Masseno) was an important Potawatomi leader who lived in the 1800s. He was a strong war chief, just like his brother Senachwine. Both of them fought alongside another famous chief, Black Partridge, during a conflict known as the Peoria War. Gomo died in 1815.

Gomo's Early Life and Leadership

Gomo was first known as a chief living along the Illinois River. His village was about 25 miles north of where the city of Peoria, Illinois is today.

In 1809, a man named Joseph Trotier visited Gomo. Trotier brought messages of peace from Ninian Edwards, who was the governor of the Illinois Territory at the time. This showed that Gomo was an important leader whom the government wanted to work with.

Staying Neutral in Conflict

Later, Tecumseh, a famous Shawnee leader, tried to get many Native American tribes to join him in a fight against the United States. This conflict was called Tecumseh's War.

However, Gomo and several other Potawatomi chiefs chose to stay neutral. They did not want to pick sides in the war. They hoped to keep their people safe from the fighting.

Working with U.S. Officials

In July 1811, Gomo met with Thomas Forsyth, a U.S. Indian Agent. Forsyth was working for Governor William Clark of Missouri. Clark wanted Gomo to help find some Potawatomi people who were involved in a conflict earlier that year.

Gomo said his own group was not involved. He felt bad for Governor Clark. He thought that The Prophet, Tecumseh's brother, might be causing trouble. Gomo explained that he alone could not force many people to do what he wanted. He also told Clark that another chief, Main Poc, was in Detroit and preparing for war between Great Britain and the United States.

Meeting Captain Levering

Later, Captain Samuel Levering came to Gomo's village with 50 soldiers. He wanted to give Gomo a letter from Governor Clark. Gomo first sent a message saying he would only meet Levering if he had 14 warriors with him.

On August 5, Gomo showed he was friendly by flying an American flag over his village. He allowed Captain Levering to enter and receive the letter. Gomo told Levering he would try his best to help Governor Clark. He then called a meeting of local chiefs. Levering left tobacco as a gift for the chiefs.

The Council of Chiefs

Gomo encouraged other chiefs to come to the meeting. He wanted them to hear the governor's message themselves. This way, no one could say Gomo was being dishonest. The council happened on August 16. The Potawatomi leaders talked about the growing violence and horse stealing against settlers.

The chiefs did not agree to hand over the people who caused the trouble. But they did agree to return the stolen horses. Chief Little Chief returned two horses to Captain Nathan Heald at Fort Dearborn. Gomo promised to return the rest of the horses.

Discussions with Governor Edwards

Even though Gomo denied his group was involved in any wrongdoing, he worried. He feared the Americans might try to take Potawatomi lands. So, he avoided meeting with Governor Ninian Edwards the next year.

In April 1812, Gomo finally agreed to a meeting with Governor Edwards in Cahokia. Other important chiefs were there too, including Senachwine, Comas, and Black Partridge. Eighteen other chiefs and warriors also attended.

During the meeting, Governor Edwards warned the chiefs about Great Britain's plans in the area. He promised that the United States did not want to force the Potawatomi off their lands. However, Gomo and the other chiefs were still careful about agreeing to the Americans' requests.

Gomo During the War of 1812

During the War of 1812, Gomo's village was one of many Potawatomi settlements that were destroyed. This happened during an expedition by the Illinois Rangers. Governor Edwards had ordered the Rangers to burn major Potawatomi villages along the Illinois River.

When the city of Peoria was burned, Gomo and two other warriors helped. They gave food and shelter to the women and children who were escaping. They also gave them bark canoes to travel upriver to Cahokia, helping them find safety.

Peace Treaty Negotiations

Gomo later took part in the Peoria War. He and twelve other chiefs traveled to St. Louis, Missouri. Among them were Senachwine, Shick Shack, Comas, Crow, and Black Partridge. Colonel George Davenport escorted them. Their goal was to negotiate a peace treaty.

Gomo was one of the chiefs who signed the treaty after they arrived in St. Louis. This helped bring peace to the region. Gomo passed away in 1815. His brother, Senachwine, became the chief after him.