Le Gris facts for kids

Nagohquangogh (also known as Le Gris or The Gray) was an important chief of the Pepikokia band, a group within the Miami tribe, during the 1700s. He was one of three key Miami leaders during the Northwest Indian War, working alongside Pacanne and Little Turtle.

Early Life and Leadership

In 1752, a serious illness called smallpox spread through many Miami villages. An official from France, Charles le Moyne, wrote about this sad time. He mentioned that Chief Coldfoot and his sons had died. He also noted the death of "Le Gris, Chief of the Tepicons," who was friendly with the French. This earlier "Le Gris" was likely an older relative of the chief this article is about. To tell them apart, our chief was sometimes called Le Petit Gris, meaning "The Little Gray."

According to a story shared by Miami Chief Le Gros in the 1820s, a woman and her son survived the smallpox outbreak near the Tippecanoe River. This son, the story says, was Le Gris.

Other survivors of the epidemic started a new Pepikokia village. It was located on the east side of the St. Joseph River, close to Kekionga. By 1764, Le Gris was recognized as the leader of this new village. This move caused a division within the Pepikokia band. Le Gris and his village often worked closely with Kekionga. Meanwhile, another main Pepikokia village, Kithtippecanuck, sided with Ouiatenon.

Working with Other Leaders

We learn more about Le Gris from the diary of Henry Hay. He was an English-Canadian trader from Detroit who spent three months with the Miami people. During his visit, Pacanne, another important chief, was away. This meant that decisions were made by Tacumwah and Le Gris.

Hay got along well with Le Gris. His journal shows some differences between Le Gris and Little Turtle. While Little Turtle had a say in most decisions, he was usually quiet and serious. Le Gris, on the other hand, was known for being talkative and friendly.

Role in Conflicts

Le Gris's village, along with Kekionga, remained loyal to the British during and after the American Revolution. Le Gris and Pacanne even joined British Lieutenant Governor Henry Hamilton on his journey. They traveled down the Wabash River to try and capture Vincennes. However, when American leader George Rogers Clark arrived in February 1779, Le Gris waited outside the town to see how the battle would turn out.

Many attacks against American settlements were launched from the villages of Le Gris and Pacanne. Because of this, their villages became targets for American military expeditions. These expeditions led to important battles like Hardin's Defeat and St. Clair's Defeat, where the Americans faced significant losses.

Peace and Legacy

The Americans finally achieved a major victory in 1794. General Anthony Wayne led his Legion of the United States at the Battle of Fallen Timbers. This battle was a turning point.

The next year, several Native American nations gathered for a peace conference. They created the Treaty of Greenville. Le Gris was not eager to attend at first, but he was convinced to go. He signed the treaty with his mark, identified as "Nagohquangogh, or Le Gris." This treaty helped establish peace after years of conflict.

Today, the town of Lagro, Indiana in Lagro Township is named in honor of Chief Le Gris.