Mineral Point tribune. (Mineral Point, Wis.) 1869-1938, 1890-08-14
MILLIONAIRE SPLITLOG,
Some of the Curious Personal Traits of the
Wealthiest Indian

have just returned from trip through
Arkansas and Indian territory. saws a
writer in the Denver News, and in the
curse Of my travels | met what | never
expected to see in this world--a millionaire
Indian. had heard of this unique per-
sonage, but was not prepared to meet such
ignorance. He is known as Matthias
Splitlog, the chief of the Wyandotte tribe,
and is a powerfully built man, 5 feet 8
inches tall. with swarthy countenance
but not the high cheek bones usually found
in the Indian. This is accounted for from
the fact that Splitlog is half breed, hav
ing been born in Canada and afterwards
adopted into the Wyandotte tribe in lS43,
before lis removal from northern Ohio to
the west. Splitlog is now 20 years old and
can not read or write. He speaks English
imperfectly, but is a great money getter
and is constantly growing richer by the ad-
vance upon the thousands of acres of lands
which be owns in southwestern Missouri
and Indian territory.
A story will give an idea of the old
chiefs manner of transacting business
About two years ago a syndicate of Kansas
City capitalists persuaded him to part with
lao acres of land or the Kaw bottoms be-
tween the two Kansas Kitys for $40, 900.
The trade was to be completed at one OF
the banks on Minnesota avenue, Kansas
City, Kant, at 10 O'Clock on certain
morning Promptly few minutes before
the time Splitlog walked into the bank
and took seat. He kept his eye on the
clock, and as the hands pointed to the hour
of 10, and the other party had not yet
materialized, the chief put on his hat and
started down the avenue. AT short dis
lance he met the capitalists on their way
to close the bargain. They said they
were ready for business.
Not to-day replied the chief;
Knowing that persuasion would be use
less, they asked him when he would meet
them.
Tomorrow, at 10 o'clock, was the la
comic response.
At 10 o'clock all were present at the
bank.
Cant sell for $40 900; must have
100000, said the Wyandotte LIEF,
The surprised purchasers held hastIy
council and decided that they must hustle
up the 100000. or the figures would go
still higher They raised $4,000 more
and counted out the money IN crisp green
backs. As the chief saw the paper money
he shook his head
Cant take paper; must have goio'
said he.
Quickly half a dozen hacks were called
and the banks Of Kansas City were ran
sacked for the required amount OF the
yellow metal. After it was all liked upon
a table before the chief he paved 1t over
like miser and then said
Give 'em deed.
The money was deposited IN the oanh,
but Splitlog would have opened his eyes
had he seen the same hacks used IN cGlect-
ing the gold, receive it again and pelhg
driven rapidly back to Missouri. mat l4e
acres of land is now selling at the rste ot
s., 900. 600 and proved one of the oeil
speculatlons ever entered into at the nlou'N
of the Kaw. L13-
Splitlog is married and has seven chliu-
rem. He never stops at hotel when Wis,
iting Kansas City, Kan. where he owns
valuable property. but always puus ny
with negro, who is one OF his tena9t -
One of Splitlog's daughters is married y
a negro.
LONDON, Eng. - One hundred ane
seyenty-fve deaths are reporter H0A
cholera IL Mecca.