MAY 6, 1825

OMAHA SHON-GA-SKA (LOGAN FONTENELLE) BORN–TRADER-INTERPRETER

Born at Fort Atkinson, Nebraska (NB) Territory, Fontenelle’s mother was the daughter of Omaha principal chief Big Elk. Educated at a private school near St. Louis, Missouri, Logan, in 1840 returned home (by this time, the town of Bellevue, NB) after his father died and became a trader and interpreter for the U.S. Indian Agent there. With future Omaha chief Joseph La Flesche, adopted son of Big Elk and designated to be his successor, Fontenelle established ferry sites across the Platte River. In 1854, the U.S. sought a land cession in return for both protecting the Omaha against the Sioux and providing economic assistance. As interpreter, Logan went with the chiefs to Washington to conclude the negotiations. However, treaty terms were revised there. Ultimately, the tribe lost nearly all its land and was given a reservation in the Blackbird Hills. On July 16, 1855, Logan died while on a buffalo hunt when attacked by Sioux. LaFlesche reported that Logan killed 3 Sioux before being killed.

Sources: 

“Logan Fontenelle,” Explore Nebraska History.  Retrieved 1/10/2023, Logan Fontenelle | Explore Nebraska History (mynehistory.com)

Wikipedia

Painting:  George Simons (1834-1917), 1853.  Public Domain.  Source:  Jocelyn Art Museum.