Iowa
Old Press
Jackson Sentinel
Maquoketa, Jackson co. Iowa
February 28, 1907
AN INDIAN LEGEND
Northern Jackson County and Tete des Morts Picturesque-
The Bellevue Leader has rooted out of its old files the
following very interesting legend of early Indian settlements in
Jackson County and the origin of the name of Tete des Morts. Tete
des Morts is a very peculiar name and perhaps few who live in the
township know that its true meaning is “Heads of Death.”
It is French and the name when understood is not pleasant to
think about and brings sad recollections of the past and leads to
the earnest inquiry: “Why was it so called?” We will
turn to the early history of the state or even the territorial
days in the beginning of the nineteenth century, when all the
wild west was a vast area of unimproved prairie, inhabited only
by Indians.
The bluffs that skirt the river also extend along the banks of
Tete des Morts creek, which courses through the north part of the
township. Between the two ranges of bluffs is a little valley
where a tribe of Winnebago Indians built their lodes. They were
surrounded with everything that would be desirable for an Indian
home. The river and creek afforded plenty of fish, while deer and
game abounded in the timbered bluffs and it was a sheltered
place. Countless days, which to them were many moons, were spent
in a continuous round of hunting and fishing.
During the wanderings of the young chief of the Winnebagoes, he
had met with Nita, the daughter of the chief of the Fox tribe,
then living at Prairie du Chien. Watumni, young Winnebago chief,
had never forgotten her, she was his ideal of all that is true
and beautiful, for she was like a figure sent in a dream,
her large dark eyes and darkened eye lashes, the luxurious raven
locks , the pearly whiteness of her teeth, and a graceful form,
were enough to charm. He decided to go and see her and
preparations were soon made, he and a few braves bridled the
ponies, and the bows slung over their shoulders, they were off on
their journey, a happy careless party.
It was evening when they reached their destination. The full moon
had risen in all its glory and lighted the whole camp, and as the
travelers halted, the numerous dogs were loud in announcing the
new arrivals, and a general rush to see the newcomers followed.
There are coquettes of every tribe and nation, and terrible was
Watumni’s rage when he saw Nita in company with a young
brave whom he hated above all others. It was a great trial to
Watumni, and in a fit of anger and jealousy he gave both insult
and challenge by spitting in the maiden’s face, then with a
bound was on his horse speeding homeward.
The angry chieftain father of the Indian father, according to
their custom, erected a striking post to call for recruits. The
warriors then met in council and decided that the deed must be
presented and to do themselves justice, a heartless and most
outrageous murder was planned. They began their march to the home
of the Winnebagoes. They planned to reach the spot at night and
stealthily approached the slumbering victims, suddenly the attack
was made. Fire brands set the wigwams afire and the merciless
slaughter began. The seven hundred Winnebagoes were at a great
disadvantage but fought desperately and driven to the top of the
bluff the few left at last gave up and jumped over the cliff to
the creek below, preferring death to torture in the hands of such
captors. When the battle was over the death whoop was heard; in
it murder, hatred and bloody triumph united in one voice, it was
the sound of victory, but Hotiti, Nita’s lover had been
fatally wounded. The band of Winnebagoes had been exterminated.
Long years have passed away since that dreadful conflict and what
Winnebagoes that were not killed are scattered to the four winds,
but will the descendants of the few who escaped, came at long
intervals to visit the old burying place on top of the bluff by
the Tete des Mortes creek and leave tokens of fond remembrance.
Shall these poor benighted sons of men be mocked and ridiculed
when they come in our midst, or shall we give them our sympathy
and extend them the hand of true friendship.
[Transcribed by K.W., December 2010]