Young people's history of Illinois, from the earliest discoveries to the present time

Preface

I E purpose writing a brief history of Illinois that will cover a period of over two hundred years — from the first advent of Europeans among her primeval nations down to the present.

Of the prehistoric nations we shall recount the positive and theoretic knowledge of the origin, migrations and mode of living. We shall dwell upon the valuable discoveries made by the Jesuit missionaries. We shall follow the Kaskaskia, Cahokia and neighboring settlers through the early trials of wilderness life and note their mode of dwelling in friendly intercourse with the red men by whom they were surrounded. We shall treat the question, as to who were the rightful heirs — English or French — to Illinois soil, from a Western standpoint, allowing the reader to be the judge as to where the blame for the terrible butcheries, which we shall narrate in full,properly belong. In the Territorial Period we shall, of necessity, briefly sketch the history of Ohio, Indiana, Michigan and Wisconsin. In the State Period we shall arrange the history in Gubernatorial administrations, treating of the wars under sub-headings. Biographical sketches of Governors, discoverers and other distinguished individuals, together with thrilling and instructive stories somewhat distinct from a brief history, we shall insert at the last of periods or administrations.

We should be proud of our State and cherish her history. The world's experience is being our experience; yet who remains to tell the tale? We introduce this volume to fill a vacancy felt by the people in general and especially by the young whose storehouse of experience only goes back to the time when the great race had been run and the settlers began collecting the spoils of victory. The book itself, to the public, needs no introduction: suffice it to say, no other work similarly graded or arranged has yet been issued, that is within reach of the masses of the people; that contains statistics and narratives they desire, and that is easy of reference.

As to interest Illinois history is profoundly fascinating, unsurpassed even by the history of the United States of which she forms an important nucleus; yet, she has been robbed of justice by Eastern historians. When William Penn and followers were negotiating for satisfactory treaties with Indians in Pennsylvania, noble teachers were already instructing the primevals in their Western homes, and treaties for trade had been ratified. Before a white man trod the soil of Ohio or Kentucky, Illinois had a I'ecorded history of one century. When the English began brooding over a plea to enter and explore lands west of the Alleghanies, five settlements of 150 families had been founded in the Garden of America where schools, monasteries, churches and a valuable growing commerce had been established. When printing of books was in its infancy Illinois had published, to her credit, in London, England, a history that is often consulted and which may be seen in the State and the Chicago libraries.

In statesmanship Illinois has been unrivaled; in warfare her sons have been of the bravest; in biographical sketches her citizens have so caught the inspiration of active life that their sketches are of the most valuable. In every North American warfare, save local troubles, the heroic sons of Illinois were called upon for assistance, and in none have their efforts been paralleled by other States save in the American Revolution. Within her borders were found the noblest Indians ever met by Whites; also the most vicious whose bloody deeds stain the character of their race. Within her borders political questions

PREFACE. 5

have germinated — some have withered others taken root and flourished — while her poHticians have often led those of the Nation. To Illinois history belongs the record of the growth and development of a world-renowned political division, whose industries are everywhere known and whose period of history extends through almost the entire period of United States histor}-; to Illinois history belongs the record of a growth and development from the first invention to a rapid speed of the most complete net-work of railroads in the world; to Illinois history belongs the record of the marked rise of a great city — a city whose history is of the most tragical — her great conflagration, her political enthusiasm, her growing enterprise and her unhappy fate from the massacre at Fort Dearborn to the Anarchal riots; a city whose interests are gathering the wealthv, the enterprising and is gradually becoming the market center of the world.

Believing that there is a growing desire for a better knowledge of our State's history, that In the course of years its Importance will require it in the curriculum of our common schools, that a home history is of the most consequence and that for the association of local events It is first necessary to understand and have access to a State history, we hope to give to the public, at a reasonable cost, a work filled with the most valuable statistics, at the same time simplified to interest even youth and so arranged as not to require the reading of volumes for the Information sought.

In our researches we have carefully consulted over one hundred and twenty-five volumes in the Illinois State Library and the Chicago Public Library, while we have taken pains to be accurate in noting and comparing facts. ATTTHOR «5

Chicago, July 24, 1886.

Introduction

First and second races that inhabited America, 15-16

First built cities, - 15

Like Babylon and Memphis.

Present habitation;

Second built mounds, Use of mounds.

Mounds in Illinois.

Third, lace that inhabited America, 16-21

Were first seen by Columbus.

Cortez in Mexico, - 16

Montezuma, the Great King Offering sacrifice.

Their temple.

Peru and Central America, 1 7 Built houses.

Their tradition.

Mode of burial.

The Incas.

Dead kings at festivals.

Indians of the United States.

Built wiofwams.

Men's sole ambition.

Duty of the women.

" Medicine Men."

Future state of the soul.

Indians of Illinois, - 19

The Illinois, Mascoutins or Kickapoos.

Pottawatomies.

Sacs and Foxes.

Miamis.

Winnebagoes.

Indian birthplace, - 21

Behring Strait theory.

America discovered and settled by Europeans, 21—23

Mystified Europeans,

Oceanic theory.

Discovery of America.

Claims to America.

Spaniards.

STORY. — " Montezuma and His People." 23-25

French.

English.

Settlements, Periods in Illinois history,

23 13

Used hieroglyphics.

Religious beliefs.

Golden palaces.

The King's speech.

Throne taken.

The temple.

Priests.

Mode of sacrifice.

Human sacrifices.

Their srods.