Two
of them are sons of Oshkosh
The other is Chief Justice of Menomonee Indian Court
A-co-ne-may, Ne-o-pet, and Wau-ta-chee-kee are men of Eminence on
the Reservation in Shawano County - Findings of Court Rarely Over
Ruled by the Government Agent
Shawano,
Wisconsin, January 7, 1896 - In 1852 when the Menomonee Indians
were moved on to their present reservation in Shawano County the
head chief was known as 'Old Oshkosh.'
A-co-ne-may
- Son of Oshkosh
On
his death, about 12 years later, his eldest son - A-co-ne-may succeeded
him as head chief and was known for his oratorical power, and was
a leader among the young men of the Menomonee nation. He soon learned
the white man's errors, and while under the influence of liquor
was noted for his quarrels and brawls which resulted in his using
a knife on his friend and neighbor, Augustus Grignon, in the year
1871. Grignon died of his wounds and A-co-ne-may was arrested for
the murder, was tried in the Shawano County Court and convicted
of manslaughter and sentenced to three years imprisonment at Waupun
prison. While in prison he was a model prisoner, won the confidence
and goodwill of all the officials, and after serving two years was
pardoned and returned to the reservation a better man in every respect.
During
his absence he was removed from his position as head chief, and
since his return he had led the life of a farmer, and the respect
and friendship of his white neighbors, and today no Menomonee Indian
stands higher in the councils of the tribe than A-co-ne-may, who
is now about 68 years of age.
Ne-o-pet
- Son of Oshkosh
Ne-o-pet is the second son of Old Oshkosh, and succeeded A-co-ne-may
as head chief. He too, has learned the lesson of temperance and
obedience to authority, and today ranks high in the estimation of
all business pertaining to the Menomonee nation. He is obeyed as
head chief and also chief justice of the Indian court, and ranks
among the best orators among the Menomonee Indians.
The
Menomonee Indian court is composed of three Indians, who have power
over all local Indian matters on the reservation. Their findings
are subject to the approval or veto of the Indian Agent, and it
is seldom the agent is called upon to veto, or modify, any of their
findings. The Indian court at present consist of Ne-o-pet, chief
justice; Nak-tah-wah-pamy and Chick-e-ny. The first two named
are pagan Indians and the latter is a Catholic.
Wau-ta-chee-kee
Wau-ta-chee-kee is a typical Menomonee Indian, who resides near
Keshena. He belongs to the Pagans and takes great interest in all
the Pagan ceremonies and dances. He is noted for strict integrity
and his oratorical powers, ranking second to none in the tribe as
an orator. He is about 65 years of age, a lover of good horseflesh
and has the finest herd of Indian ponies on the reservation.
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