The News-Herald. [volume] (Hillsboro, Highland Co., Ohio) 1886-1973, 1890-02-27
SPIRIT LAKE'S LEGEND.


How Young Star Of nay end His Pale
Faced Captive Died Together--why NO
Indian Ventures ON the Lake -
guperstitieus FAncles.
It is not dihicult 10 imagine what Q
paradise Iowa was for the nomadio
tribes that first peopled II, writes Mr.. J.
A. Smith in the Sioux City (Ia.) Jour
nal. Its lakes and streams alive with
hsh and fowl; It's prsiries the pasture
ground for almost countless herds Of
wild Illuminating animals; its timber
belts furnishing convenient shelter and
fuel, while the rich soil responded
abundantly to their rude and desultory
attempts at agriculture. And thinking
Of this one IL led 10 wonder II the same
people who fought 30 long and fercely
for possession Of the bleak and rugged
hills Of New England and the Middle
States, and who made of the Ohio val
ley "a dark and bloody ground" sub
mitted with such comparative tameness
to be driven from these, their best hunt
ing grounds.
But 1t is rather for the purpose Of re-
calling one of the most charming Of
Iowa's legends than for speculating upon
the Indian hegira that this narrative Is
written. One Of the loveliest sheets Of
water in the world is Spirit Lake, now
80 widely known as Iowa's beautiful
summer resort, and with its name is
connected the legend mentioned. The
Indian name Of Spirit Lake is Mime
Waukan, or "Water of the Great
Spirit" and the legend gives the sig
nihcance of the name. One who
has only seen Spirit Lake on Q
calm, bright summer day, with scarcely
o ripple disturbing the sheen OF its
broad expanse, could but imagino--so
peaceful, so restful and quiet is the
scene-that II spirits abide therein they
must surely be those gentle gnomes and
fairies whose mission to the human fam
lily was always one Of kindness. But
when one has seen It lashed to fury by
the pitiless north wind, watched its
steely-blue, foam-crested waves roll
high up on Sandy beach or dash in inn
potent rage against rock-lined cliffs,
while afar of masses Of vapor and the
very clouds seemed to meet its angry
surface like bosom Of destruction
then it would be easy to understand
that the superstitious red man might
regard such manifestations as threaten
ing death to any who should venture
upon its turbulent waters.
Many years ago, SO runs the legend, o
war party of Sioux who had Joined their
brethren near the great lakes in an in
cursion to drive away the usurping
white man, returned to tho tribe, bring
ing with them captive beautiful white
maiden. After many weary days Of
journeying they found the camp fires Of
their people among the trees that
fringed the western shore Of Spirit
Lake. The grief and beauty of the
white girl had touched the heart Of
''Star Of Day" SON Of powerful chief,
and during the wearisome journey no
tried to soften the hardships she en-
dured and to show her the lovo she had
awakened in his breast. But the poor
captive had no thought for any thing
but the home and friends from whom she
had been so ruthlessly torn, although
her heart was filled with gratitude to-
ward the young brave, who protected
her in his rude fashion.
When the camp on the lake was
reached the captive was placed in
charge Of an old squaw and confined in
wigwam, where she bemoaned her
sad fate with tears and entreaties to be
restored to her friends. Star Of Day
tried for time, as opportunity offered,
to urge his suit, but without avail. In
vain he rehearsed his prowess in battle
or pointed to trophies of the chase
taken by his skill His love-making
but added to the maiden's misery, and
her only answer to his wooing was pit
eous appeals that he would set her free.
Finally Star Of Day determined to not
only give her liberty, but to conduct her
safely to her family, hoping that such
generosity would awaken the love he
craved. He chose time when most of
the tribe were absent on q grand hunt,
night for greater security the pair
launched out upon the lake in light
but frail canoe. The girls absence was
soon discovered by the old squaw, and
the alarm spread through the camp.
Other canoes were manned In chase Of
the fugitives, and being propelled by
several pairs OF strong arms, tho flash
ing light of torches ere long enabled the
pursuers to catch sight of Star of Days
canoe. But just as their capture was
imminent the storm burst with terrible
fury, engulfng all in the surging whirl-
pool Of dark waters.
From that time no Indians canoe
ever crossed the lake. Either storm
would suddenly arise and swamp the
frail bark or some unseen power drag
1t beneath the waves. Then the tragic
fate Of Star OF Day and the white maiden
was invested with Indian superstition,
and their spirits were said to haunt the
lake for the purpose Of working mis-
chief upon all red men who should
venture thereon.
When in after wears the adyenturnus