Oshkosh Head Chief

     At the treaty of the little Buttes des Morts, held at the great mound on the west bank of the lake of that name, opposite Menasha, between the Menomonee and Governor Lewis Cass, the governor announced as the tribe had no one who could speak for them as head chief he would appoint one next day unless they could agree among themselves. He appointed Oshkosh, who was also known as Clam. His naive is spelled Oiscoss and Oskosh in the treaty. He was made head chief Viand Carron was also made a chief. Both were given medals. This was August 11 1827.

     I cannot locate these medals now. Oshkosh is the modern spelling doubtless, derived from the English pronunciation of the Menomonee name. He was also known as Claw, which perhaps led Louis M. Moran, interpreter for the Chippewa to interpret the meaning of his name as a "hoof." Lyman C. Draper says he has always understood its meaning was "brave." Augustine Grignon also says the name means "brave." He joined the small party of Menomonee who were with the America n soldiers going up river in the Winnebago war in 1827, who got as far as Portage when the war ended.

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Story of Oshkosh

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