The watchman and southron. [volume] (Sumter, S.C.) 1881-1930, 1901-04-03
HECURsED THE TOWN
End OF THE FIRST CAPITAL OF lLll-
Aols eRoPHEslED BY AN INDIAN.

PAe Destruction OF the Town OF Kas-
kaskia Was In Accordance With
xhe Last Words Of the Chief Who
Died For Woman's Love.
Since the waters Of the Mississippi
1Yer washed away the last vestige OF
Kaskaskia, the first capital Of Illinois,
an old legend that contained the proph-
scy OF the total destruction OF the once
aourishing little city has been recalled.
Easkaskia was situated on peninsula
a& the junction Of the Kaskaskia and
Nbe Mississippi rivers, and in 1882 the
lIississippi river cut its way through
she peninsula, leaving the remnant Of
Ebe town on an island. The water con-
ainued to wash away the rich alluvial
deposits on which Kaskaskia was built
gntil, late in 1900, the last foot Of the
Band where the town once stood disap-
scared. This singular ending Of Kas-
azaskia's once splendid ambitions has
recalled to the superstitious the story
mat the town was cursed in the eight
.eenth century by an Indian who had
been Eronged by one Of the leading
citizens.
Jean Benard came to this country
@om France in 1898, bringing with him
ais wife and his 10-year-old daughter
Marie. The family settled in Kaskas-
ada, where Bernard established mer-
Hhandising business. The Frenchman
soon became one Of the most prosper
aas and most influential men Of the
Dwn. Marie, his daughter, grew to be
a beautiful woman, much courted by
She most eligible young men Of the new
country. She was in no hurry to &C.
nept any Of them. and her fame as q
belle spread from Lake Michigan to the
gnlf Of Mexico.
a young chief Of the Kassaskia tribe
az Indians. having become converted
80 Christianity after several years OF
study under the tutelage Of the Jesu-
dfs, built himself house in Kaskaskia
and was taken into partnership in one
af the trading houses there. He was
prosperous, handsome and well edu-
Gated and was soon received into the
homes Of the white settlers. One night
at ball he happened to meet Marie
Bernard.
The girl was at once fascinated by
the tall, fine looking Indian. who fell
in love with her at first sight and made
no secret Of his admiration. But Be
nard pere soon noticed the attachment
and forbade his daughter from commu-
aicating with the young Indian. To
make sure that there would be no more
meetings Benard used his influence to
prevent the chief from attending any
Of the social entertainments given in
:Kaskaskia-
But love always finds way. and the
young couple managed to see each 9TH
er despite all the precautions Of the
girPs father. But Bernard became
aware Of these meetings and again
took means to prevent them. He was
a man Of wealth and influence. and he
had the Indian forced out Of his part
Rership in the trading company.
The Indian left Kaskaskia. For al
most year nothing was heard OF him.
and Bernard thought that his daughter
had forgotten her lover. for she ap-
peared gay and careless. and she ac-
cepted with apparent pleasure the at
tentions Of young Frenchman- One
night when large bali at haskaskla
vas a+ IFS height Marie Bernard disap-
peared.
Those who searched for Marie dis
covered that the young chief Of the
Kaskaskians had been seen that even
ing in the town. and the conclusion vas
at once reached that the girl had eloped
with him. Bernard at once organized
party to go in pursuit Of the fugitives-
AS there was heavy snow On the
ground, their trail was easily discov-
cred and followed. The Indian and
Marie had crept away afoot. and as
4heir pursuers were supplied with fast
horses the young lovers were captured
after days chase about 20 miles from
Kaskaskia. Their destination had been
the French settlement at St Louis.
where the Indian had provided a home
Tor bis wife.
The Indian surrendered without re-
sistance. and the posse started on the
Journey back TO Kaskaskia. taking the
two captive2 aiost Of the men who
composed Benard's party wanted to
kill the Indian instantly. but Bernard
would not allow 1t, for be said that
they should leave him to deal with his
daughters lover.
When the party reached kaskaskia-
the girl was placed ii the convent
there. Then Bernard took the Indian
To the bank Of the Mississippi and.
binding him tightly TO log. turned
aim adrifr in the river. AS the help
less Indian foated away TO his death
he raised his eyes to heaven and cursed
Bernard, who. he declared. would Ole
3 violent death. The Indians last
words were q prophecy that within
200 years the waters which were then
%>oarioo- him away would sweep from