Notes for Jean Baptiste Chandonnet

Notes for Jean Baptiste Chandonnet

Source: Broderbund WFT Vol. 25, Ed. 1, Tree #0369
"The History of St. Joseph County" by Thomas Howell
"The Register" - St. Joseph County's Newspaper
[information enclosed by brackets is believe to be inaccurate.]

Jean was born in 1790. His father was [Charles Francois Chandonia.] His mother was a Potawattomi Indian, her Indian name was Chi-Pe-Wa-Qua and [was purportedly the sister of Topinabee, the last war chief of the Potawattomi.] His mother's french name was Marguerite Marcot. ***From several other sources listed below Charles Francois Chandonia was married to Marguerite Marcot's sister Charlotte, both of French/Indian blood. Jean Baptiste was supposedly adopted by Charles Chandonnet and took his last name. Jean Baptiste's natural father Charles Agacouchin was a Potawatomie and believed to be the brother of Topinabee...making Jean Baptiste Topenabee's nephew.*** In the early part of the War of 1812, 67 men were evacuated from the historic U.S. Army post called Fort Dearborn, near present day Chicago. They were accompanied by the residen settlers and a body of supposedly friendly Indians. On the way to Detroit, the Indian escort party joined with another large forces of Indians and attacked the group. Two-thirds of the Americans were killed and the rest were subsequently ransomed at Detroit. Jean was kept in irons by the British and he received credit for assisting Captain Heald to escape. During the War of 1812, John was employed by Generals Lewis Cass and William Henry Harrison, future president of the U.S., as an Indian Scout and special messenger. He remained in the service for some years afterward in the capacity of a peace convoy of the Indians. Bartlett's "Tale of the Kankakee" tells about Chandonet, "...an Indian scout in the secret service of the United States Government, whose duty was to promote peace in the camps of the Potawattomi." The chapter refers to "The First Citizen of the Parkovash."

The matrimonial register of St. Anne's Church in Detroit contains the following: "The year of our Lord 1815, the 8th day of the month of August, after three publications of banns of marriage, between Jean-Baptiste Chandonnet, a son of age of Charles Chandonnet, deceased, and Marguerite Marcot, a native of St. Joseph, residing in this parish, on one part and Louise Chapoton, daughter, under 21, of Benoit Chapoton and Therese Meloche, of this parish, having the consent of her father on the one hand, and there being on the other hand no legal or canonical impediment..." signed by Father Gabriel Richard. John went to Chicago and engaged in the fur trade of the region. His wife joined him there in 1816, travelling with a Mrs. Baird from Mackinac by schooner. Together, John and Mary Louisa had a daugher and named her Margaret, however, she died a few short years afterward. They had their first son in Detriot, Michigan on July 24, 1816 and they named him Charles Benedict Chandonia. On November 11, 1822, John and Mary had their second child and named her Mary Louisa. The August 29, 1821 Treaty stated: "Two sections of land on the river St. Joseph were granted to Jean B. Chandonia, the son of Chip-pe-wa-qua. One section of land adjoining the tract granted to Chandonia was also granted to Joseph Daze, another son of Chip-pe-wa-qua." John was granted the two sections of land in Indiana as well as numerous other sections. These grants were for his services to the government and because of his monther's rank in the Potawatomi tribe. In 1822, he went to the area and sold all but one section. Around this time, he was granted 640 acres by the Potawattomi Indias near La Porte, Indiana for marrying an Indian girl named Kesis. John lived with Kesis on this land while his French wife remained in Detroit, Michigan with his 2 children. Kesis died and John sold their land and moved to the property in South Bend. He brought his 4 Indian children with him. In March of 1823, John petitioned to sell the last section of land. To follow the events concerning the sale of the second section of land, observe what Governor Lewis Cass of Michigan wrote to the Secretary of War in 1823:

"Sir,
I return the letter of Mr. Sibley and the petition of J.B. Chandonia. I do not think it would be expedient ot grant to Chandonia permissionto sell the section of land to which he refers. He is a half-Indian and his mother was of a very important family amoung the Potawattomies. Two sections were granted to him at the treaty of Chicago as a permanent provision for his family. One of these he has obtained permission to sell, and it the same permission were granted for the other, I am certain he would soon be left destitute. He deserves great credit for his faithful adherence to the cause of the United States during the darkest period of the late war. He was imprisoned and kept in irons by the British, and the perservation of this town, from absolute destruction, at the evacuation of the British in 1813 is owing to his influence and personal exertions. I should regret exceedingly to see him destitute of property, and yet his habits are such as to render it improbable he would long retain any which he had the power to sell. This section of land offers a secure retreat for his wife and children, and the only chance for them to enjoy it is to withold the permission he requests.

Lewis Cass, Excellency
Detroit, Michigan
March 22, 1823

The section of land referred to above was sold to Folman Wheeler on Feb. 22, 1836 for $1000.
John sent for his French wife and their 2 children in the early 1830's and they came from Detroit to live with him and his Indian children. John died in Sept. 1837, his wife Mary Louisa had to borrow money from Pierre Navarre to purchase a burial shroud. He only lived 47 years, but in that time he made his mark in history and had a very exciting life. Old records in City Cemetery of South Bend, Indiana verify that John Chandonnet is buried in the area referred to as the "old military plot", but it is not marked in any fashion.

Source: "Keepers of the Fire" by R. David Edmunds
Jean Chandonnet led an American party visiting St. Joseph Valley Potawatomi in Spring 1814, from Detroit in an effort to persuated them to attend an American Conference to be held in Greenville in July 1814. Charles Chandonia was identified as one of Robert Dickson's British Agents who tried to rally Potawatomis against the American party. Jean is identified as the British agent's nephew. A confontation resulted in the younger Chandonnet shooting and killing his uncle. Page 201-202.
Also see page 241. Jean Baptiste Chandonnet came to South Bend in 1834. He participated in the Fort Dearborn Massacre in Chicago. (A family member reports that Jean shot his brother in the French/Indian War according to a plaque on Macinac Island) Jean helped to build the road from Madison, Indiana to Michigan City, Indiana. In a treaty at Tippecanoe, Oct 27, 1833, specific grants of land were conveyed to Kesis Chadana, Louis Chadana, Charles Chadana, John B. Chadana (Chadana...probably Chandonnet or Chandonia)

Source: A publication included in a utility bill from Northern Indiana Public Service Company (NIPSCO)
Courtesy of Mrs. John B. Chandonia of South Bend, Indiana
INDIAN LIASON
Jean Baptiste Chandonia (or Chandonnai) a half French, half Potawatomi Indian and nephew of famous war chief Topenebee played an important role in the development of Northern Indiana. A hero at Fort Dearborn massacre in Chicago, he saved the lives of several white prisoners, including the fort commander and his wife. He served int he War of 1812 and worked for the government as an interpreter and scout. He also worked with the State in the building of the Madison to Michigan City Indiana road, and he attended the Council of Greville where a peace treaty was signed by tribes at war with the U.S. Chandonia died in 1837 at the age of 42. He was buried in an unmarked grave in the old soldiers' section of the South Bend Cemetery.

Abstract of Deeds St. Joseph County 1835-36 Volume 2 pg. 106
pg. 649
Grantor: John Barbour of Berrien Co., Territory of Michigan
Grantee: John B. Chandonnai of St. Joseph County, Indiana
Date: May 11, 1836 (Recorded the same day)
Amount: $500.00
Description: Section 2 Township 37N R2E 50 acres
Witness: Lawrence S. Bertrand and J.P. Antrim

From Indiana Historical Collections XXV, John Tipton Papers II 1828-1833
Letter from Tipton to Lewis Cass October 22, 1831 pg. 451-53
Sir, by the provisions of a Treaty with the Potawattimie Indians of 1826 and a subsequent law in Congress, a quantily of land was granted to the State of Indiana for the purpose of constructing a road from Lake Michigan through Indianapolis to the Ohio River. I employed Jean B. Chanronet to interpret for us. He resides in the last mentioned prairie (64 sections of choice lands of the Terre Coupe and Porte Prairies) "north of the Kankakee in the neighborhood of the Potawatamies residing near the line between the state of Indiana and Michigan territory." rendered the most efficient service, and has laid us under and additional obligation to him for his fidelity to our country. The state commissioners set off one of section of 640 acres of land, including Chadronet's residence which he wishes reserved for him. As you are intimately aquanted with Chandronet's former services and his claims, I trust they will be favorably received. With great respect, yo. obt. servt.
John Tipton - Indian Agent
Hon. Lewis Cass - Secretary of War, Wash. City

From the Surnames Abstratcte from St. Joseph County Probate Before 1850:
J.B. Chadana
Section 24 Township 36 Range 8
Acres 603.60
Treaty Oct. 27, 1832
36N 8W 5/10/1836

From The History of St. Joseph County, Indiana by Timothy E. Howard 1907:
pg. 715-716
Several Soldiers of the War of 1812 resided in the county, many of them amongst our prominent early settlers. Some of these honored soldiers were:...John B. Chandona....John B. Chandona (the name was locally ponounced, someties spelled "Shadney") was a half-breed Indian, and was a trusted scout employed by Generals Lewis Cass and William Henry Harrison. He was distinguished for his courage and his shrewdness and quickness of understanding.

pg. 607
Pottawatomie Chielf Pokagon was no doubt at St. Joseph with Topinabee when the massacre occurred, and was one of those who assisted Captain Heald from St. Joseph on the Detroit and Mackinac. The most authentic records of the massacre give the credit of assisting him to escape to John Baptiste Chandonia, a nephew of Topinabee, who died in South Bend in 1837, and was buried in the city cemetery, though his grave is now unmarked and unknown.

From the History of St. Joseph County, Indiana by Charles C. Chapman 1880:
pg. 522
No one apprehended any danger of the Pottawatomies of Indiana and Michigan, as they had ever since they treaty of Greenville, been the friends of the white man. Many of them had fought for us in the War of 1812. Among the number was John B. Chandonis, a half-breed (well-known to the settlers of South Bend), who distinguished himself by killing his uncle, who was a Brittish officer, during an engagement somewhere in Michigan.

From the research of John F. Palmer of the Local History/Genealogy Room of the St. Joseph County Public Library, South Bend, Indiana.
June 25, 1998:
John B. Chandonia is listed in several treaties with the Potawatomi and he did receive several sections of Indian land from the government. Article 1 of the Treaty with the Ottawa, Chippewa, and Pottawatamie, Nations of Indians (often called the Treaty of Chicago) gives Jean B. Chandonai two sectios of land on the river St. Joseph, above and adjoining the tract granted to J. B. La Lime. Section 1 of the Treaty of the Potawatomi on October 26, 1832, gives him claim on "one section of land in the Door Prairie, where he now lives". This is in LaPorte County, Indiana. Among other land which he claimed was all of section 24, Township 36, Range 8 west, which is in Porter County, Indiana. This land was claimed as his under the treaty with the Potawatomi on October 27, 1832 (article3) which also gives land claims to Charles and Louis Chadana. This claim was filed on May 10, 1836. The earliest St. Joseph County deed record I can find is in Book B p. 649 in which John B. Chandonia brought land from John Barbor of Berrien County, Territory of Michigan. This land is Section 2, twp. 37 N, R2E, 50 acres and was purchased and recorded on May 11, 1836. Book C, p. 399 shows that Mary Lousa Chandonnai bought land from Alexis Coquillard and his wife Frances, of St. Joseph County, Indiana. She purchased Section 1, Twp 37 N. R2E 80 acres on November 24, 1836. The deed was recorded on January 9, 1837. In addition, the St. Joseph County Deed books show that Charles B. Chandonia or his estate has 21 land transactions between 1849 and 1879. Most of these are for town lots. However, there is a transaction for 80 acres in the E 1/2 of the NW 1/4 of Section 1 of Township 37 Range 2 E; another deed for 60 acres in the Pt. N1/2 NW 1/4 of Section 7 Township 37 Range 2E; a deed for 6 acres in the N1/2 of NW1/4 of Section 7 (etc); a deed for 65 acres in the N. frac. E 1/2 (N. River) in Section 2 Township 37 Range 2; and finally the N1/2 of the NW 1/4 of Setion 2 Township 37 Range 2E. Sections 1 or 2 of Twp. 37 R 2 E are on the border with the University of Notre Dame. This land would be directly south of the current Notre Dame golf course. At that time, or shortly thereafter, an Indian village was located near the Notre Dame mission, or approximately where chandonia later bought land. Current belief is that the Indian village was where St. Joseph High School is currently located as well as directly south of the High School. Contemporary reminisces by David R. Leeper indicate that there was a village behind his house when he was growing up. They lived on what is now Leeper Avenue, which parallels Michigan Street (now U.S. 33).

From the book, "Tales of Kankakee Land" Section on John B. Chandonia beginning on page 196 and going through 222: The section discusses a supposed meeting between Chandonia and Black Partridge, trying to get Black Partridge to join the American cause, definite bias against Tecumseh, and then ends with Chandonia supposedly saying 'When he enters the Parkovash, my shadow shall dog his steps until he has departed from the land. We must stand together firmly and have our answers ready for his artful speech. We may yet confuse him, so that the warriors will stand aloof from his lies and his wicked cause.' Tope-in-a-bee and Pokagon, comforted by the scout's firm words, each seized one of the Frenchman's hands and pressed it fervently, while tears of gratitude shone in their eyes..." The next section discusses how Chandonia rescued Mrs. Heald at the April 1812 Ft. Dearborn Massacre.

From "Michigan Pioneer Collections, Volume I 1874-1876"
During the war of 1812, and in that year, John B. Chandonai was in the service of the United States, and was engaged in carrying dispatches from Detroit to Chicago. On one of his trips from Chicago, in company with the elter Robert Forsythe, hestopped near the mouth of the St. Joseph river, and camped in the upper end of the Burnett Orchard. His uncle of the same name, then stationed at Mackinaw, that place being inthe possession of the British, was sent by the commandant of that post, with a force of some thirty Indians in canoes, to intercept John B. with the dispatches, and to take him prisoner to Mackinaw. This force arrived int he night, and early int he mroning his uncle alone called on John B. and made known his business. John B. had a double barrel gun in his hands, and told his uncle he should not go with him or be taken prisoner. He then drew a line on the ground, and told his uncle he must not cross it; but the uncle, determined on his victim, drew his swod and advanced. As he stepped over the line he was shot dead by the nephew. The report of the gun aroused the Indians, who went to John's camp. He met them as he did his uncle, and speaing their language pointed to his uncle's dead body and to the dead line; said he shot his uncle to save his own life; that he was orry he had to do it, but if taken prisoner he himself would be killed; that he would not be taken alove, and the first one that attempted to coross the line was a dead Indian. The Indians held a council, and terms were agreed upon. The Indians were to have ten gallons of whisky the next morning, were to help John B. bury his uncle immediately, he and his traveling companion were to be allowed to depart in peace.

From Collections and Researches made by the Michigan Pioneer Historical Society, 'Court of Inquiry', Vol. 16 (Copy of these pages is in the Chandonia family binder at the South Bend, Indiana Library) pg. 328-334. (text left out where ... is imbedded)
"Lieut. Chadronet who commanded it had married the sister of young Chadronet's mother aove alluded to and had brought him up in his family with the affection and kindness of a Father, but the wretch with almost unparelelled ingratitude, on his (lieut. Chadronet's) landing and telling him, he must come in a prisoner with him to Mackina seized his rifle and shot him on the spot. ... that Chadronet in particular had done them great injury, by killing his adopted Father... (J.B.) Chadronet was an Interpreter in His Majesty's Indian Dept. in 1813. ... The Ottawa Chief Assignack examined. Question from the court. Did you accompany Lieut Chadronet of His Majesty's Indian Dept. in July last year, when sent by Lt. Col. McDonall to bring in Chadronet & Kinzie Prisoners to Mackina? Yes. Was not young Chadronet related & brought up by the other as his son? He was. What became of young Chandronet? He was killed at the entrance of River St. Josephs, Lake Michigan, by his adopted son J.B. Chadronet. ... Lt. Chadronet on landing found J.B. Chadronet on the Beach and told him he was his Prisoner. The other seizing his rifle, threatened him if he appraoced which Lt. Chadronet (footnote: Lieut. Chas. Chandonnet, Indian department; J.B. Chandonnet was his nephew according to Canadian records.) disregarded, he presented and shot him.

From "Indiana Historical Collections", pg. 560-561:
"Tipton to Robert A. Forsyth, March 25, 1832
Dear Sir Jean B. Chandonai a half Pottowatomie has stated to me that he was sent in company with yourself in the year 1814 by Col Croghan then Commanding at Detroit to invite the Indians who had engaged in the war against the U.S. to attend the Treaty of Greenville of that year and that he has not been suffiently paid for that service. To enable me to obtain a grant of one section of land for him to compensate him for that and other services I would thank you to inform me whether he rendered the above mentioned service and whether you knew of his having been paid for it.
Yr obt Sevt (your obedient servant)
John Tipton"

From the South Bend Tribune, South Bend Indiana, Hometown Section, May 3, 2000:
Veteran of War of 1812 to receive headstone By Eugenia Chandonia For The Tribune
The only difference between a stepping stone and a stumbling block is the way one uses them. In 35 years of researching a part French, part Native American ancestor of the family I married into, I encountered a little of both. Digging and delving for elusive primary information is an obsession best understood by genealogists because of the personal interest. On May 20, at 11 a.m. in South Bend's City Cemetery, which was created in 1832, witnesses will attend the dedication of a headstone for a memorial to a veteran--Jean Baptiste Chandonnett, a heroic figure in the War of 1812. The anglicized verson of the French name will appear on the stone as John B. Chandonai, Potawatomi Scout. His grave had never been marked, but it will be now, a great many years after his death in 1837 at the age of 47. (text left out here) The history of St. Joseph-Benton Harbor recalls a part of the War of 1812 taking place on the beach there. An that's were J.B. Chandonai shot and killed his father, a British officer, who was attempting to take him back to Fort Mackinac as a prisoner. Chandonai had already been in a British prison at Malden during the war, from which he escaped. With a price on his head already, and which British forces published among their Indian allies, once again Chandonai eluded the enemy. After his death in 1837, it took Congress until 1845 to recognize his contributions to the American cause. A special act of Congress in 1845 outlined Chandonai's exploits. The Congressional Record was the basis of my request last September to the United States Memorial Services to grant creation of a headstone for this veteran fo the War of 1812. Carl Key Memorials has offered to place the stone, gratis, as his contribution to the community recognition of a man whose exploits were so great as to be unbelievable. History is his story. Eugenia Chandonia has lived in the South Bend and Mishawaka area her entire life. She has worked for 13 years for the St. Joseph County Public Library.

Abstract of Deeds St. Joseph County 1835-36 Volume 2 pg. 106
pg. 649
Grantor: John Barbour of Berrien Co., Territory of Michigan
Grantee: John B. Chandonnai of St. Joseph County, Indiana
Date: May 11, 1836 (Recorded the same day)
Amount: $500.00
Description: Section 2 Township 37N R2E 50 acres
Witness: Lawrence S. Bertrand and J.P. Antrim

From Indiana Historical Collections XXV, John Tipton Papers II 1828-1833
Letter from Tipton to Lewis Cass October 22, 1831 pg. 451-53
Sir, by the provisions of a Treaty with the Potawattimie Indians of 1826 and a subsequent law in Congress, a quantily of land was granted to the State of Indiana for the purpose of constructing a road from Lake Michigan through Indianapolis to the Ohio River. I employed Jean B. Chanronet to interpret for us. He resides in the last mentioned prairie (64 sections of choice lands of the Terre Coupe and Porte Prairies) "north of the Kankakee in the neighborhood of the Potawatamies residing near the line between the state of Indiana and Michigan territory." rendered the most efficient service, and has laid us under and additional obligation to him for his fidelity to our country. The state commissioners set off one of section of 640 acres of land, including Chadronet's residence which he wishes reserved for him. As you are intimately aquanted with Chandronet's former services and his claims, I trust they will be favorably received. With great respect, yo. obt. servt.
John Tipton - Indian Agent
Hon. Lewis Cass - Secretary of War, Wash. City

From the Surnames Abstratcte from St. Joseph County Probate Before 1850:
J.B. Chadana
Section 24 Township 36 Range 8
Acres 603.60
Treaty Oct. 27, 1832
36N 8W 5/10/1836

Source: Michigan Pioneer and Historical Collections, Vol. 16, 1890 (edited by Joseph Greusel) pg. 98
"Cadot (the same British agent who is known to have offered money for the scalps of Chandonai and Vrinice) is stated recently to have told the Indians that the fortifications at Michilimackinac where all in a situation to be blown up, if at any time the Americans should go there, and that the peace was but an artifice."

Genealogy of the French Families of the Detroit River Region, 1701-1936, page 246, lists his parents as Charles Chandonnet and Margaret Marcot. (believe this is inacurate)

***Special Note: Jean Baptiste Chandonnet notes are continued in the Marriage Notes section. They were too long to include here.***