Keokuk (d. 1848)

Chief of the Sacs and Foxes, born on Black River, IL. He was of the tribe of Sacs, and rose to distinction during the War of 1812. Opposed to the sway of Black Hawk and other chieftains, he sided with the whites, and on several occasions succeeded in quieting his turbulent followers. After the capture of Black Hawk in 1832, Keokuk was recognized formally as the head chief of the Sacs and Foxes. In 1837 he visited Washington, when peace was made between his people and their old-time adversaries, the Sioux. Afterward, his party, in company with Black Hawk, visited the principal cities of the Union. In 1832 the United States government gave the Indians a reservation on Iowa River, and in 1845 they were removed to Kansas. In 1848 he was poisoned by an Indian of the Black Hawk band. He was not a hereditary chief, but attained his eminence by the force of his own powers.