The birthyear is approximate. All that is known of Charley Keokuk is provided by the following obituary from The Stroud Star, 10 Jun 1904.
Charley Keokuk is no more. He has gone to meet his forefathers in the happy hunting grounds and thus ends another chapter in the family history of the once famous Keokuks. Charley's grandfather was a famous chief of the allied tribes of the Sacs and Foxes (it is from him that Keokuk, Iowa, took its name.) His father who died within the last year was likewise a very prominent man among his people . . . . The late Charley himself we are told was once a very able and distinguished Indian having received a first-class education which enabled him to enter government employ. Charley acted as interpreter for the government commission that negotiated the purchase of the surplus lands of the Sacs and Foxes some fifteen years ago. . . . The government has at all times shown great regard for the Keokuks and had not Charley allowed his passion for firewater to get the better of him his career would have undoubtedly ended far different from the manner in which it did. Charley during the last ten years or more led a very dissipated life becoming more and more debauched. The pace at which he went was a killing one and in due time he was compelled to reap the harvest he had sown. He often said that he would quit drinking and no doubt he will keep his word this time. Charley always devised some way of getting liquor despite the fact that none of our saloonkeepers would sell him a drop, and whenever liquor could not be obtained he would fill up on patent medicines and essences [which usually contained about ten percent alcohol]. No human constitution could stand such continued abuse. Charley had been on a continued debauch for days and was last seen about 5 o'clock on Tuesday morning. A few hours later he was found dead near the Round Bale cotton gin. Undoubtedly he had wandered there in his semi-insane condition and was overcome by the effects of his excesses and died like a homeless dog.
Charley Keokuk is no more. He has gone to meet his forefathers in the happy hunting grounds and thus ends another chapter in the family history of the once famous Keokuks. Charley's grandfather was a famous chief of the allied tribes of the Sacs and Foxes (it is from him that Keokuk, Iowa, took its name.) His father who died within the last year was likewise a very prominent man among his people . . . . The late Charley himself we are told was once a very able and distinguished Indian having received a first-class education which enabled him to enter government employ. Charley acted as interpreter for the government commission that negotiated the purchase of the surplus lands of the Sacs and Foxes some fifteen years ago. . . . The government has at all times shown great regard for the Keokuks and had not Charley allowed his passion for firewater to get the better of him his career would have undoubtedly ended far different from the manner in which it did. Charley during the last ten years or more led a very dissipated life becoming more and more debauched. The pace at which he went was a killing one and in due time he was compelled to reap the harvest he had sown. He often said that he would quit drinking and no doubt he will keep his word this time. Charley always devised some way of getting liquor despite the fact that none of our saloonkeepers would sell him a drop, and whenever liquor could not be obtained he would fill up on patent medicines and essences [which usually contained about ten percent alcohol]. No human constitution could stand such continued abuse. Charley had been on a continued debauch for days and was last seen about 5 o'clock on Tuesday morning. A few hours later he was found dead near the Round Bale cotton gin. Undoubtedly he had wandered there in his semi-insane condition and was overcome by the effects of his excesses and died like a homeless dog.
The birthyear is approximate. All that is known of Charley Keokuk is provided by the following obituary from The Stroud Star, 10 Jun 1904.
Charley Keokuk is no more. He has gone to meet his forefathers in the happy hunting grounds and thus ends another chapter in the family history of the once famous Keokuks. Charley's grandfather was a famous chief of the allied tribes of the Sacs and Foxes (it is from him that Keokuk, Iowa, took its name.) His father who died within the last year was likewise a very prominent man among his people . . . . The late Charley himself we are told was once a very able and distinguished Indian having received a first-class education which enabled him to enter government employ. Charley acted as interpreter for the government commission that negotiated the purchase of the surplus lands of the Sacs and Foxes some fifteen years ago. . . . The government has at all times shown great regard for the Keokuks and had not Charley allowed his passion for firewater to get the better of him his career would have undoubtedly ended far different from the manner in which it did. Charley during the last ten years or more led a very dissipated life becoming more and more debauched. The pace at which he went was a killing one and in due time he was compelled to reap the harvest he had sown. He often said that he would quit drinking and no doubt he will keep his word this time. Charley always devised some way of getting liquor despite the fact that none of our saloonkeepers would sell him a drop, and whenever liquor could not be obtained he would fill up on patent medicines and essences [which usually contained about ten percent alcohol]. No human constitution could stand such continued abuse. Charley had been on a continued debauch for days and was last seen about 5 o'clock on Tuesday morning. A few hours later he was found dead near the Round Bale cotton gin. Undoubtedly he had wandered there in his semi-insane condition and was overcome by the effects of his excesses and died like a homeless dog.
Charley Keokuk is no more. He has gone to meet his forefathers in the happy hunting grounds and thus ends another chapter in the family history of the once famous Keokuks. Charley's grandfather was a famous chief of the allied tribes of the Sacs and Foxes (it is from him that Keokuk, Iowa, took its name.) His father who died within the last year was likewise a very prominent man among his people . . . . The late Charley himself we are told was once a very able and distinguished Indian having received a first-class education which enabled him to enter government employ. Charley acted as interpreter for the government commission that negotiated the purchase of the surplus lands of the Sacs and Foxes some fifteen years ago. . . . The government has at all times shown great regard for the Keokuks and had not Charley allowed his passion for firewater to get the better of him his career would have undoubtedly ended far different from the manner in which it did. Charley during the last ten years or more led a very dissipated life becoming more and more debauched. The pace at which he went was a killing one and in due time he was compelled to reap the harvest he had sown. He often said that he would quit drinking and no doubt he will keep his word this time. Charley always devised some way of getting liquor despite the fact that none of our saloonkeepers would sell him a drop, and whenever liquor could not be obtained he would fill up on patent medicines and essences [which usually contained about ten percent alcohol]. No human constitution could stand such continued abuse. Charley had been on a continued debauch for days and was last seen about 5 o'clock on Tuesday morning. A few hours later he was found dead near the Round Bale cotton gin. Undoubtedly he had wandered there in his semi-insane condition and was overcome by the effects of his excesses and died like a homeless dog.
Family Members
Sponsored by Ancestry
Advertisement
Records on Ancestry
Advertisement
