Indian chieftain. [volume] (Vinita, Indian Territory [Okla.]) 1882-1902, 1897-11-04
y Asst FRIDAY NIGHT Rev.

~ Asst FRIDAY NlGHI ReV.
la Charles Blueiacket, ex-chief OF
the Shawnees, died at his home near
Blueiacket station, twelve miles north
of this city. The deceased was 80
years old, having been born in Michi-
gan in 1917. He was the last of a long
| line of chiefs, il is said, reaching back
to Tecumseh, and he was one of ma
ture's noblemen. In addition to hold
ing the position of chief he was for
long time during his younger days the
government interpreter, and by reason
of his great memory was the best In
the history of his tribe. 1t is stated
that he was able to interpret from
memory an entire legal document
which had read to him but once, and
without error. Some weeks ago he
was prevailed upon to go to Wyan-
dotte county, Kansas, at the earnest
solicitation of the county historical
society which wanted his assistance In
locating the grave Of a celebrated
Shawnee prophet, where it was pro-
posed to erect a monument. The
journey proved to be too great an ef-
fort for the old gentleman, and he
contracted a severe cold from which |
he never recovered, besides he was a
sufferer from Bright'S disease. "Uncle |
Charley" Bluejacket, as he was famil-
iarly called, was kind hearted, |
christian gentleman. and doubtless
had not an enemy in the world. lie
stood preeminently at the head OF his
tribe. and though old and way-worn he
continued up TO the time OF his death
to be the chief adviser and leader OF
the remnant of the once powerful tribe
of Shawnees. With Charles Bluejack-
ct dies forever a vast amount OF Indian
history, tradition and legend. He was
half-breed, his father being
Frenchman and his mother fullblood
Shawnee, and was the father of
twenty-three children. He was buried
Sunday afternoon short distance
from the family home by the Masonic
lodge of this city, of which he was a
charter member, Rev. NJ. l.. Butler, OF
this city, also taking part in the fun
eral services. Deceased was made
Mason in Shawnee Lodge No. 81,
Shawneetown, Kansas, about 1867,
and Geo. W. Franklin, who as Past
Master Of Vinita lodge conducted the
burial services, was present and
assisted in the initiation ceremonies.
RESOLUTIONS A. F. & A. NJ.
WHEREAS, the Supreme Architect
OF the universe has called unto himself
our lamented brother, Reverend
Charles Bluejacket, who after an hon
ored life of eighty years continued
and patient labor has richly merited
the refreshment, rest and eternal hap
piness which we believe awaits him,
now therefore be it resolved:
First. That we his brethren Of
Vinita Lodge No. ), A. +. & A. NJ, OF {
which Reverend Charles Bluejacket
was a charter member, have sustained
the loss OF a true and upright brother,
whose daily walk in life was worthy OF
Second, That the community in I
which our deceased brother resided :
has lost its most ancient and venerable :
landmark whose place cannot be sup
piled.
Third, That the race to which he
belonged has lost its last patriarch and
one whose virtue. morality and sturdy
was only equalled by the
courage and valor of his predecessors.
Fourth, That we extend to his be-
reaved family our sincere sympathy in
this hour of affliction and that these
resolutions be spread upon the min
utes OF our lodge and copy suitably
and presented to our de-
ceased brothers family.
Respectfully,
NJ. Z. MILFORD,
JAMES B. BURCKHALTER, Com.