Category Archives: Potawatomi

The Sycamore Tree and the Indian Legend of Notre Dame University

Posted on January 17, 2015 by Roberta Estes

My friend, Suzanne dropped me a most interesting note.  She attended Notre Dame University in the early 1960s and developed a special relationship with a unique tree. Recently she went back to visit. “While in the area in 2010, I took a sentimental … Continue reading →

Posted in Miami, Potawatomi | 2 Comments

Panis Indian Burials in Detroit, Michigan and Windsor and Amherstburg, Ontario

Posted on January 8, 2015 by Roberta Estes

This map shows the metropolitan Detroit area that is relevant to the discussion of the Indian trading, slavery and burials in this article. The red balloon is Boblo Island in the river between Detroit and Windsor, on the Canadian side. From … Continue reading →

Posted in Huron, Panis, Potawatomi, Wyandot | 2 Comments

Charles “Indian Charley” Curtis – 1st Native American in the White House

Posted on August 14, 2013 by Roberta Estes

Charles Curtis (January 25, 1860 – February 8, 1936) was a United States Representative, a longtime United States Senator from Kansas later chosen as Senate Majority Leader by his Republican colleagues, and the 31st Vice President of the United States … Continue reading →

Posted in Cheyenne, Kaw, Osage, Potawatomi | 4 Comments

Dictionary of the Otchipwe Language, 1853

Posted on March 1, 2013 by Roberta Estes

A Dictionary of the Otchipwe Language, Explained in English. This Language is Spoken by the Chippewa Indians, as also by the Otawas, Potawatamis and Algonquins, with Little Difference. For the Use of Missionaries, and Other Persons Living Among the Above … Continue reading →

Posted in Algonquian, Chippewa, Ojibwa, Ottawa, Potawatomi | Leave a comment

Birth Date not Known

Posted on September 29, 2012 by Roberta Estes

As I work my way thorough the draft registrations in Kansas, there are several registrants who only have Native names, meaning names in the Native language and no English names.  For example, there is a John Nag-Mo, except he signs his … Continue reading →

Posted in History, Kansas, Potawatomi | 1 Comment

Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation of Kansas

Posted on September 28, 2012 by Roberta Estes

I’m working on the last few states of the WWI Draft registrations for the Native Names project.  Today, I’m in Kansas.  I’ve noticed a couple of quite interesting things. There are a lot of registrations, but many, probably about half, … Continue reading →

Posted in History, Kansas, Michigan, Ojibwa, Ottawa, Potawatomi | 1 Comment

Chief Pontiac

Posted on May 24, 2012 by Roberta Estes

Did you grow up thinking of a car when you heard the word Pontiac?  I surely did.  We had several.  However, I vividly remember the profile on the logo on the car of an Indian. I came across the Pontiac … Continue reading →

Posted in Chippewa, Ojibwa, Ottawa, Peoria, Potawatomi | 4 Comments

White Pigeon

Posted on March 28, 2012 by Roberta Estes

Sampson White Pigeon – how do I record his name?  Is his surname White Pigeon, or Pigeon.  In his case, he lists his wife in the WWI draft registration as Eliza Pigeon, so I’m going to index him by the … Continue reading →

Posted in Michigan, Potawatomi | Leave a comment

The Names, They Are A ‘Changin

Posted on March 2, 2012 by Roberta Estes

I just love the Native names.  Working with these old records, we often see the names in transition from being Native in the Native language, then Native using English translations, then entirely English.  An example of an “in transition” name … Continue reading →

Posted in Michigan, Military, Potawatomi | 5 Comments