Transcribed by Kate Connerth and submitted to
the IAGenWeb Project on October 14th, 1997.
Copyright © 1997 by Kate Connerth.
THE INDIANS Although the Indians ceded a portion of the county to the United States in 1837 and the remainder in 1843, they roved over the country as late as 1854. They had a favorite camping place on the east side of the Cedar River, near Mr. Thomas Way's. The spot was chosen partly, perhaps, because "Uncle Tom" always had a good supply of fire-water. They came here every year and spent several days in celebrating some of their mystic rites, religious dances, etc. Upon one occasion, Mr. James Rice gave them a fine puppy, which they sacrificed to the Great Spirit with much ceremony, holding a war dance as a part of the exercises. The Indians were many times accussed of committing depredations of which they were not guilty. They were very convenient scapegoats for horse thieves. Berry Way, "Uncle Tom's" renegade son, used to steal and run off their ponies during their annual encampment near his father's house. Stealing them during the night, Berry would always be at home the next morning, and when the "reds" entered complaint, he was on hand to assist them in efforts to discover the missing animals, but always sent them on the wrong trail.
Berry Way and another young man, well know thieves of Benton County, made a trip through Black Hawk County in March, 1846, stopping all night at a logging cabin, built by "Cedar" Johnson a year or two before, near Big Creek, then occupied by James Newell. The next morning they proceeded up the river to the vicinity of the Turkey Foot Forks; spent that night with "Big Wave," a prominent Winnebago Chief, and to requite his hospitality, stole two valuable horses from him before daylight in the morning. About twenty of Big Wave's band pursued them, and found them at a singing school near Center Point. They threatened to shoot the trio, but the settlers interfered, and pursuaded the Indians it would be best to place the thieves under arrest and let the law take its course. The scoundrels were accordingly confined in jail at Marion, but soon after escaped.