Senachwine facts for kids

Senachwine (whose name in Potawatomi means "Difficult Current") was an important Potawatomi leader in the 1800s. He was also known as Petchaho, which might mean "Red Cedar." He was born around 1744 near the Illinois River and passed away in 1831.

In 1815, Senachwine became the main chief of his Potawatomi group, taking over from his brother, Gomo. He was one of the last major Potawatomi chiefs to live in that area of Illinois. Many places in Illinois are named after him, like Senachwine Township, Senachwine Creek, Senachwine Lake, and the Lake Senachwine Reservoir.

Senachwine's Early Life and Leadership

Senachwine was a respected leader among the Potawatomi people. He played a key role in the history of the Illinois River region. His leadership helped guide his people through changing times.

Meeting with Governor Edwards

In April 1812, Senachwine and other Potawatomi chiefs met with Governor Ninian Edwards in Cahokia. They talked about how the Potawatomi and the United States could get along. Senachwine did not want to start a war.

Role in the Peoria War

Even though he preferred peace, Senachwine supported Black Partridge during the Peoria War. He led a large group of warriors in this conflict. Later, he joined a Potawatomi group that traveled to St. Louis to sign a peace treaty. Colonel George Davenport helped escort them.

Senachwine's Beliefs and Family

Senachwine was a leader who thought deeply about the future of his people. He also had interesting personal experiences.

A Missionary's Visit

Around 1814, a Christian missionary named Wigby lived in Senachwine's village. Wigby was allowed to baptize Senachwine. Senachwine even became a Christian. However, he chose to keep his several wives, even though Wigby tried to convince him otherwise. After Wigby died, he was buried on a high bluff overlooking Senachwine's village.

Becoming a Head Chief

Senachwine became the head chief of the Illinois River Potawatomi after his brother Gomo passed away. He signed several important treaties between the Potawatomi and the United States in the 1810s and 1820s. For more than ten years, he and Black Partridge were the main Potawatomi leaders. Later, Shabbona took over their important roles.

Thoughts on the Future

A year before he died, Senachwine believed that the Potawatomi nation, and all Native Americans, might eventually disappear. His son, Kaltoo (also called Young Senachwine), became chief after Senachwine's death in the summer of 1831.

Senachwine's Burial and Legacy

Senachwine was buried on a high bluff overlooking his village, just like the missionary Wigby. A wooden monument was placed on his grave. A black flag flew from a tall pole next to the monument for several years. Two years later, Senachwine's group of Potawatomi people were moved to the Indian Territory and later settled in western Kansas.

Visiting the Gravesite

In the summer of 1835, 23 Potawatomi warriors traveled over 500 miles to visit Senachwine's grave. Their faces were blackened, and their heads were wrapped in blankets. They performed a special ceremony, asking the Great Spirit to protect the grave and the chief's remains. A local person watching said that the warriors knelt around the grave for hours, and their sad cries could be heard far away. The next morning, they performed the "dance of the dead" for several days before leaving.

Grave Robbery and Reburial

Soon after the warriors left, Senachwine's grave was robbed. His valuable items, like his tomahawk, rifle, and several medals, were stolen. His bones were also scattered around the site. Members of his group returned to rebury his remains and placed a new wooden monument over his grave. James R. Taliaferro, who was there for the reburial, later built a cabin near the grave. He said that "Indians from the west at different times made a pilgrimage to the grave."

Memorial Plaque

On June 13, 1937, the Sons of the American Revolution in Peoria, Illinois, placed a bronze memorial plaque for Senachwine. The plaque is at what is thought to be his burial spot, north of present-day Putnam County, Illinois. It has a speech engraved on it that Senachwine gave to Black Hawk, asking for peace before the Black Hawk War. Five members of the Potawatomi tribe from Kansas attended the ceremony.

See also

• Polygamy in North America