Keokuk

Ca. 1788–Apr. 1848. Sauk Indian chief. Born near Rock River in what became Illinois. Son of part–French and Sauk father and full-Sauk mother. Rose to chief as he acquired commanding influence among Sauk. Gained prominence among European-American settlers during War of 1812. Signed treaty ceding part of present-day Iowa to U.S., 24 Sept. 1832. Traveled with deputation of Sauk and Fox chiefs to Washington DC to meet with chiefs of Sioux nation, 1837. Visited with JS and 100 other chiefs at Nauvoo, Hancock Co., Illinois, 1841. Led Sauk to unorganized U.S. territory (later Kansas), 1845. Died in unorganized U.S. territory.