Keokuk - A Sauk Indian leader, born on the Rock River in Illinois, around 1770.  His mother was said to have been French.  Keokuk, whose name meant "Watchful Fox," was not a chief by birth, but rose to that position through skillful leadership, force of character and brilliant oratory.

He was one of the few Indians more honored by Americans for his wisdom and gift of speech than for his fighting ability.

During the War of 1812, when Chief Black Hawk with part of the Sauk and Fox joined the British against the Americans, Keokuk and his followers remained loyal to the Government, but did not fight in its support.  he wanted to be a leader in peace and not in war, and refused to take part in the Black Hawk War of 1832.

Keokuk won his greatest fame in a debate in Washington with leaders of the Sioux and other tribes, before Government officials, when he established the claim of the Sauk and Fox to that territory which is now known as the state of Iowa.

he died in Kansas in 1848.  In 1883 his bones were removed to Keokuk, Iowa, where they were reburied, and a monument was erected to his memory.  later a bronze bust of Keokuk was placed in the marble room of the United States Senate, and a likeness of him was printed on an issue od paper money.
 
 

Related Information within this Site
[ Black Hawk ][ Half-Breed ][ Orators ][ Sauk and Fox ]