Victor Griffin (Quapaw) facts for kids

Victor Griffin (born around 1873, died 1958) was an important leader of the Quapaw Tribe of Indians. He was the elected chief and also a spiritual leader, known as a peyote roadman, from Quapaw, Oklahoma. People often called him Victor or Vic. During his time as chief, he met with every U.S. president.

Griffin also worked as an interpreter, helping people communicate between different languages. He was a key figure in the Big Moon branch of the Native American Church. He helped this religion grow and continue among many different tribes. Victor Griffin was also a high-ranking member of the Masons and the Akdar Shrine.

Early Life and Language Skills

Victor Griffin was born around 1873 in a place called Indian Territory. This area is now Osage County, Oklahoma. He became an orphan when he was young. Mary "Widow" Stafford adopted and raised him.

Because he grew up with Mary Stafford, Victor Griffin learned to speak the Quapaw language very well. He also knew a lot about his tribe's history, which was passed down through stories. His Quapaw name was Geh-Hu-He Jinka.

Working as a Translator

Victor Griffin was good at speaking both English and Quapaw. This made him a valuable translator. He often helped during important meetings. He also helped older Quapaw tribal members when they needed to write important papers, like a will.

Many people, including news reporters and researchers, wanted to interview him. In 1940, a language expert named Frank T. Siebert talked to Griffin about the Quapaw language. Griffin shared several Quapaw words. He also told Siebert that the Quapaw language was very similar to the Ponca and Omaha languages.

Victor Griffin's Political Career

After the previous chief, John Quapaw, passed away, Victor Griffin was chosen as the new chief. He was elected on April 3, 1929. He won against Antione Greenback. Griffin served as chief from 1929 until 1957.

During his time as chief, he often traveled to Washington D.C. He went there to attend meetings and work for the good of the Quapaw Tribe. It is known that he met with every President of the United States who was in office while he was chief. Griffin was also known as the first "Short-Haired Chief of the Quapaws" because he cut off his traditional braids. He once said that chiefs used to be chosen by family, but now they were elected by the people.

Public Appearances and Route 66

While serving as chief, Griffin was known for his colorful public appearances. He was often seen wearing traditional tribal clothing. This included a large Plains eagle-feather headdress. Griffin also played a big part in the celebrations when Route 66 was completely paved in Quapaw, Oklahoma. This event happened on March 24, 1933.

The two halves of Route 66 met in the town of Quapaw. Because of this, the town was sometimes called "where east meets west." To remember this special event, Griffin placed a zinc tablet on Main Street.

Changes in Tribal Government

In 1956, the Quapaw Tribe changed its government system. This change was influenced by the Bureau of Indian Affairs. The tribe decided to stop having a chief. Instead, they created a new government run by an elected tribal business committee. This committee was led by a chairperson. When this change happened, Victor Griffin no longer held his position as chief. The power of the Quapaw Tribe then moved to this new committee.

Involvement with the Native American Church

The Peyote religion was brought to the Quapaw people by John Wilson. He was a Caddo-Delaware man also known as Moonhead. He introduced this religion around 1880 or the mid-1890s. The Quapaw people had been influenced by Roman Catholic missionaries. Because of this, their practice of peyotism includes some parts of Catholicism.

When Moonhead visited Quapaw, he introduced Victor Griffin to peyotism. Griffin was a teenager or in his early twenties at the time. Moonhead taught Griffin about this religion. He also gave Griffin permission to lead Native American Church ceremonies. After John Wilson passed away, Griffin became the main Native American Church priest for the Quapaw.

Griffin strongly believed in the Peyote religion. He helped it spread, especially among the Osage and Quapaw tribes. He also helped other tribal groups, like the Seneca-Cayuga Tribe of Oklahoma. He was very important in making the Native American Church a legal organization under Oklahoma law in 1911. This legal recognition allowed the use of peyote as a sacred part of their ceremonies.

Death and Lasting Impact

Victor Griffin passed away at his home in 1958. He was about 85 years old. His home was near the Spring River, outside of Quapaw, in Ottawa County, Oklahoma.

Griffin's image is part of a brick sculpture in Baxter Springs, Kansas. This sculpture shows local history and includes a picture of Griffin.

Victor Griffin had two sons, Sidney and Hayes. He also had two daughters, Mrs. Ardina Buergey and Mrs. Victoria Waters. He was a member of both the Native American Church and the Baptist Church.

His granddaughter, Ardina Moore, continues his legacy by teaching the Quapaw language today.