Wanagapeth facts for kids
Wanagapeth ("Sweet Breeze") was the oldest daughter of Michikinikwa, a powerful Miami war chief known as Little Turtle. She married a man named Apekonit, also known as William Wells.
William Wells had been captured by the Miami people and became part of their tribe. He married Wanagapeth, and this created a very strong family connection between Wells and Little Turtle. This bond lasted throughout their lives.
Wanagapeth: A Miami Leader's Daughter
Wanagapeth and William Wells had four children together: three daughters and one son. Their son, William Wayne Wells, also called Wapemongah, was very smart. He graduated from West Point in 1821, finishing fourth in his class! He became a 1st Lieutenant in the army. Sadly, he passed away in 1832 and did not have any children.
One of their daughters, Ann, also married but did not have children. However, Wanagapeth's other two daughters, Rebecca and Mary, both have family members living today.
Historians believe that Sweet Breeze, or Wanagapeth, died during the winter of 1805 or 1806. After she passed away, her children moved to Kentucky to live with their uncle, Samuel Wells.
A Time of Conflict
Wanagapeth's father, Little Turtle, was a very important leader. He fought against the United States in a series of battles known as the Northwest Indian War. This war was about land. A treaty had said that American settlers would not bother Native American lands, and Native Americans would not bother them. But American settlers did not follow this agreement.
The United States sent armies to attack the Miami villages near a place called Kekionga. The Native Americans won a big victory in 1790. They also won one of the largest Native American victories in U.S. history in 1791. These were important wins for the Native American tribes.
The Battle of Fallen Timbers
In 1794, the United States sent a new army. This army was led by General Anthony Wayne, a hero from the Revolutionary War. Wanagapeth's father, Little Turtle, warned the Native American Confederacy to avoid fighting Wayne's army. He knew they were very strong.
Interestingly, Wanagapeth's husband, William Wells, joined the United States army at this time. In August 1794, General Wayne's army fought more than 1,000 Native Americans. These warriors were led by Shawnee chief Weyapiersenwah, also known as Blue Jacket. The battle was called the Battle of Fallen Timbers. It happened near what is now Toledo, Ohio.
The Native Americans lost this battle. This defeat crushed their hopes of keeping their lands. In 1795, Native American leaders signed the Treaty of Greenville. In this treaty, they agreed to give up most of the land that is now the state of Ohio.
