Keewaycooshcum facts for kids
Keewaycooshcum (whose name meant "Long Nose") was an important leader of the Ottawa people, a Native American group. He was part of the Grand River Band, living near the Flat River in what is now Michigan.
In 1821, Keewaycooshcum made a very difficult decision. He signed a document called the Treaty of Chicago, which meant giving up a lot of Ottawa land south of the Grand River to the United States. This decision went against the wishes of many in his tribe. Because of this, Keewaycooshcum was sent away from his home and moved far north to the Manistee River. Sadly, in the years that followed, he and his family faced tragic events because of his role in the treaty.
One person who knew Keewaycooshcum described him as being "about middle stature" (average height). He had a serious face and a strong, active build. His face showed many scars from past wounds. This description suggests he was a powerful and respected figure among his people.
The Treaty of Chicago: A Difficult Choice
In 1821, Keewaycooshcum and other Ottawa leaders from the Grand River area met with representatives from the United States. They gathered in Chicago to talk about selling tribal lands. These lands were located south of the Grand River in what is now central Michigan.
Most of the Grand River Ottawa people did not want to sell their lands to the United States. However, Keewaycooshcum was convinced to agree to the sale. He was good friends with Lewis Cass, who would later become the Governor of the Michigan Territory. This friendship played a role in Keewaycooshcum's decision to sign the treaty.
Life After the Treaty: Exile and Challenges
Keewaycooshcum's decision to sign the 1821 treaty greatly affected his standing among the Grand River Ottawa. Before the treaty, he was one of the most powerful Ottawa leaders. But by 1835, he had been sent away from his home at the Flat River. He moved to the Manistee River, which was a very distant area for the Grand River society.
When the Grand River Ottawa signed another treaty with the United States in 1836, Keewaycooshcum was mentioned differently. He was called "former head chief" and listed as a "2nd Class" leader. This showed how much his influence had changed after the 1821 treaty.
Keewaycooshcum's Tragic End
In the years after the treaty, some members of the Grand River Ottawa were very upset. Reports say that several of Keewaycooshcum's close family members died tragically. In 1839, Keewaycooshcum himself was also killed.
