J

IN THE WAR OF 1812.

UDGED from whatever standpoint you will, the subject of this sketch was certainly one of the greatest, if not the very greatest American Indian.

The name Tecumseh means "The Shooting Star," and it was very appropriate, and seems to have been prophetical of his meteoric career and brilliant genius, to say nothing of his numerous journeys to distant tribes, which were accomplished with incredible speed.

This great chief was born at the old Indian town of Piqua, Ohio, on the Mad River, in 1768.

His father, a Shawnee chief named Puckeshinwau, was killed in the battle of Kanawha, in 1774.

His mother was thought to have been a Creek or Cherokee. Her name was Methoataske, and she is said to have been a comely, intelligent and very respectable woman.

There is a story that he and his brother, Elskwatawa, the Prophet, were twins, and even that a third brother, Kumshaka, were the offspring of the same mother at the same birth, though, according to one account, the Prophet and a twin brother were some years younger than Tecumseh. Eggleston is of the opinion. that the Prophet and a twin brother were born in 1771.

We hear little or nothing of Kumshaka, and the presumption is that he died young.

There were seven children in this interesting family, two others-Cheeseekau, the oldest brother, and Menewaula-Koosee,

or Tecumapease, the name given to her later in life, according to the Indian usage, to signify her relationship to the great Tecumseh-were also famous.

His father's death occurring when Tecumseh was but six years old, he was placed under the charge of his oldest brother, Cheeseekau. The latter was a brave man, of noble character. His chief occupation and care was the proper training of the young Tecumseh, who was early recognized as the hope of the family, and coming leader of his people.

It was Cheeseekau who instructed the fatherless boy thoroughly, until he was

"Skilled in all the games of hunters,
Learned in all the lore of old men;

In all youthful sports and pastimes,
In all manly arts and labors."

It was this same older brother who, by constant and zealous labor, imbued his mind with a love for truth, a ready generosity, a manly courage in battle, and a dignified fortitude in suffering. He also drilled him in the art of eloquence, and wrought into his mind the idea which afterward became the inspiration of the great chieftain-that of the salvation of his people from the white man.

Tecumseh always cherished the warmest affection for his only sister, Tecumapease. She is described as being "sensible, kind-hearted and uniformly exemplary in her conduct," and must have been an attractive person, with a commanding character, for she is known to have exercised a remarkable influence over the females of her tribe. She was married to a brave called Wasegoboah, or Stand Firm. The mutual affection between the brother and sister continued through life. She was always his favorite. The first fruits of the chase belonged to Tecumapease. The choicest presents of the white man to Tecumseh, or the best of his share of the spoils of war, became trophies for his sister.

Educated by the care of his elder brother, and cherished by the affection of a noble sister, Tecumseh grew to manhood.

FAMOUS SHAWNEE WAR-CHIEF AND GENERAL IN THE BRITISH ARMY IN WAR OF 1812.

Courtesy of Smithsonian Institution.