Charlie Decorah (abt. 1845 - bef. 1905)

Born about 1845 in Wisconsin Territory, United States

Died before 1905 before about age 60 in Wisconsin, United States

Charlie was Ho-Chunk.

Biography

Birth

Charlie was born about 1845, since Hannah Skavlem informs us that he was about 50 years old in 1895. Since she identifies him as the brother of Henry, he was the son of Four Deer Decorah and Four Deer Queen of the Lodge.

Residence

1895 — Hannah Skavlem tells us, "Until within the last few years a small band of (Winnebago) from the northern part of the state have wintered here, but in the spring of 1895 they broke up camp for the last time and Koshkonong knows them no more. Their camp or village numbered five lodges and their band was composed of the members of three separate families. These were Charlie Decorah and his squaw. Charlie was about 50 years old, and the "medicine man" Moses Decorah, squaw and three papooses; Henry Decorah and squaw. Henry was the learned man of the party, and could read and write English fairly well; Charlie Green and squaw, and War Club, squaw and one papoose."

Death

He probably passed away before 1905, since the only "Charlie" mentioned among the Decorahs is the son of Sam, who was 21 years old at the time. (1905 census)

Sources

• H. L. Skavlem, "The Archeology of the Lake Koshkonong Sites: The Village Sites," Wisconsin Archeologist, 7, #2 (April to June, 1908): 74-102 (100-102). See also The Encyclopedia of Hočąk (Winnebago) Mythology > The Last Camp on Lake Koshkonong.
• 1905 Indian census; Roll: M595_671; Line: 5. Indian Census Rolls, 1885-1940; (National Archives Microfilm Publication M595, 692 rolls); Records of the Bureau of Indian Affairs, Record Group 75; National Archives, Washington, D.C.