OQUAWKA TOWNSHIP.
In 1827 the Indians had not yet departed from their hunting grounds eastward of the Mississippi. The Sac and Fox tribes had first received the recognition of the United States in 1787, at Fort Harmer, by Gov. St. Clair, wherein the government guaranteed them its protection. It will also be remembered that President Jefferson instructed Gov. William H. Harrison, in 1804, to make efforts to secure a treaty with these tribes. A treaty was concluded that same year, by which the Indians relinquished all their beautiful lands on the Rock river
The seventh article of that treaty allowed the Indians to remain and occupy this country as long as it remained the property of the United States. It was not till 1816 that the famous Black Hawk recognized that treaty, when, as he himself said, he touched the goose quill to the paper in its confirmation. The encroachments of the whites, and their tricks, cruelty and inhumanity practiced on the ignorant savage, occasionally aroused that passion for vengeance that sleeps in the breasts of all men, civilized or wild, and brought devastation to the field and slaughter in the families of the early squatter, as well as to the permanent and goodly inclined pioneers. It was not until 1829 that these lands were brought into market.
In 1830 a third treaty was concluded by which the Indians agreed to cross over the Mississippi peaceably and amicably, to make their future homes a little nearer the setting sun. The reader can comprehend from the foregoing what were the attractions, as far as society is concerned, on the banks of the Mississippi river in 1827 Three spots on the east bank of the Mississippi were well lmown to the natives ; that which is now the site of New Boston, named by them Denison's Landing, or Upper Yellow Banks, and the present site of Oquawka (Oquawkiek), signifying Lower Yellow Banks, and a third, south of Keithsburg about three miles, Middle Yellow Banks.
Like all Indian language the name is the picture of the object. The river, in times gone by, probably occupied a far more extensive bed than at present. Its waters washed the bottoms now luxuriant in growing wealth. At the three places mentioned the waves in their anger and at their play had piled the yellow sands, and, receding, left them islands, as islands are formed in these years in the present bed of the river. As drainage has progressed the river channel has lessened to its present comparatively narrow limits
. All these mutations of time have wrought in the banks mentioned. Oquawkiek, or Lower Yellow Banks, must occupy the few pages allotted. In 1827, fifty-five years ago, love of peace and tranquility of home prompted Dr. Galland to leave civilized surroundings and seek a habitation free from those crosses that are so often curses to the more enlightened family Here, not far from the banks of the river, Dr. Galland erected a cabin and began a little trade with the Indians who were at this time friendly toward the whites if treated as they supposed rightly. How extensive his trade was cannot be said. In the fall of 1828 he sold his interest to S. S. Phelps, and afterward sought a home elsewhere.
S. S. Phelps, while yet a youth, with a small stock of goods furnished by his father, Stephen Phelps, then of Lewistown, Fulton county, Illinois, began a somewhat limited traffic with the Indians. In his journeys into their country, he found Dr. Galland at Lower Yellow Banks in the fall of 1828. He purchased as above stated.
In the spring of 1828 James Ryason came up the Mississippi river and landed here. He soon departed for Galena, but in the following fall returned arriving four days after Mr. Phelps' arrival. Mr. Ryason laid claim as far as possible to a piece of land in what is Sec. 3, T. 10 N., R 5 W. He remained chopping during the winter and in the following summer raised a crop. He then went for his family, returning with them soon after. Mr. Ryason belonging to a different precinct, will be fully noticed there. Mr. Phelps continued his operations with the Indians. A stock of goods was kept in the log cabin built by Dr. Galland. This became an extensive trading post under the firm name of S. Phelps & Co., the individuals being Stephen Phelps and his sons, S. S., Myron, and Alexis.
The parent and Myron remained in Lewiston in business there ; Alexis went to Galena, where he became a successful miner. In 1830 he joined his brother at Yellow Banks and the two were associated for many years. Alexis spent most of his time in the store, while Sumner loved to be with the Indians, with whom he formed an undying friendship. We refrain from speaking of him to any extent here as his history is to be found further on. The two brothers were the sole proprietors of the post under the firm name of A. & S. S. Phelps. Their merchandise consisted largely of tobacco, clay pipes, beads made of clay, trinkets, whisky, etc., also prints of a flashy, high colored character, as these were most acceptable to red men. A small amount of goods would satisfy the Indians for valuable furs, which were mostly taken in exchange.
To illustrate the confidence the Indians came to put in Mr. S. S. Phelps, the folloWing anecdote is told. A certain gentleman in quite an early day noticed a canoe approaching. He found an Indian with furs to sell, among which was a very fine otter. As he came to the shore this gentleman offered him some silver, but was answered, " Not enough," or its equivalent. Half dollar after half dollar was added to the amount until 88 was offered, when the Indian positively refused to sell till Mr. Phelps had been seen. Soon Mr. Phelps appeared at the river and with a piece of flashy print, etc., to .the amount of ninety cents, bought all the furs and afterward sold the otter to the former gentleman for $2.50.
It is said the natives became more shrewd. in later years in their trades and acquired a fair knowledge of the value of merchandise. The years of 1831-2 were generally stirring times along the Mississippi river, but Mr. Phelps was not molested. Black Hawk and his warriors were met by White Cloud, who came to strengthen the war feeling, opposite Yellow Banks. In the latter part of April Gov. Reynold's army reached Oquawka on the way to the scenes of Indian trouble, known as Black Hawk's war. Arrived at Yellow Banks the army rested awaiting provisions from St. Louis. Col. March not arriving, three men were sent to Rock Island for provisions, as the army supply was exhausted. In the year 1832 a block house was built at Yellow Banks in anticipation of danger, but no trouble came.
The scene of conflict was far to the north and east. It is due to Yellow Banks also to say, according to Charles Sargeant's story, an Indian who had married a Kickapoo maiden and was friendly to the whites in war times, known to the settlers as "Red Blanket," lived at Yellow Banks, and that he it was who went in the night and apprised the settlers of Farmington of approaching danger from Black Hawk.
History of Mercer and Henderson Counties.
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Illinois Ancestors