1,000 to Marry
The Grand Rapids Tribune (Grand Rapids, WI), 4 Dec 1912

The entire tribe of Winnebago Indians has decied to get married.  In formal tribal council, in which every man on the reservation participated, the Indians voted to forsake the ways of their fathers and to marry in the white man's way.  Now the Indians are preparing for the greatest "marriage" ever known.

As soon as the arrngements can be made about 1,000 couples of Indians will stand up at athe altar at the same time and in the same ceremony.

When the big wedding is over the Winnebagos expect to be the richest tribe in the West.

Some time ago the government began allotting a farm to each Winnebago.  Then arose the question of land for their children.  And further, to whom did the children belong?  It was an almost superhuman task to which the goverment agents set themselves. But the work finally was completed and each Indian received a farm.  However, there remained a tremendous large amount of what is termed "heirship" and there was a question as to just whom this land belonged.  The wiser Indians discussed the matter with the missionaries, the Indian agent, and with lawyers in Omaha.  It was settled that the only remedy lay in marriage according to the state law.

NOTE: The Winnebagos became the most important tribe in Juneau County.

contributed by Jackie Hufschmid

Return to home page