Keokuk (circa 1780–June 1848) was a leader of the Sauk tribe in central North America, and for decades was one of the most recognized Native American leaders and noted for his accommodation with the U.S. government. Keokuk moved his tribe several times and always acted as an ardent friend of the Americans. His policies were contrary to fellow Sauk leader Black Hawk, who led part of their band to defeat in the Black Hawk War, was later returned by U.S. forces to Keokuk's custody, and who died a decade before Keokuk. Early and family life Keokuk was born around 1780 on the Rock River in what soon became Illinois Territory to a Sauk warrior of the Fox clan and his wife of mixed lineage. He lived in a village near what became Peoria, Illinois on the Illinois River, and although not of the traditional ruling elite, was elected to the tribal council as a young man. He had a wife, who may be buried in Schuyler County, Missouri. Career During the War of 1812, Keokuk convinced fellow tribal members not to leave their principal village, Saukenuk, and also not to fight for the British and war chief Black Hawk. However, many warriors had already left to do so, so Keokuk was also elected a war chief and successfully protected his village through oratory. In 1824, he visited Washington, D.C. with other Native American leaders, including Chief Wapello also of the Meskwaki people (sometimes called the Fox tribe). Keokuk was noted for his personal bravery as well as oratorical skill. On several occasions, he persuaded tribal assemblies, although before he spoke every member but himself had been firmly determined to the contrary. At one time, in May 1832, Keokuk broke in upon a war dance that his band was holding preparatory to uniting with Black Hawk against the whites, and convinced the warriors in the heat of their fury that such would be suicidal and must not be undertaken. Keokuk moved his tribe across the Mississippi River to a site on the Iowa River by 1828, and the following year Caleb Atwater met him: In July 1830, Keokuk was one of several native leaders who entered into the Fourth Treaty of Prairie du Chien with Indian Agent William Clark. This ceded territory including Saukenuk (Black Hawk's home village) to the United States (and white settlers). When Black Hawk returned from a