From their humble roots in Ireland, the Slavin family forebears were among the many Irish immigrants who sought independence and stability in the United States. Together, with their Potawatomi relatives, they withstood numerous challenges to help establish a firm foundation for the Citizen Potawatomi Nation in Oklahoma.
The Nadeau family, from its beginnings in France, to its early years in Michigan, overcame unfathomable challenges in Kansas and Oklahoma. From these foundations, they have built a rich legacy for their descendants and generations yet to come.
The Citizen Potawatomi Nation’s Cultural Heritage Center provides resources to keep the Tribe’s history safe and accessible for generations to come. One key way the Nation does this is through the CHC’s archives and video interviews. The Hownikan features histories of founding families each month. This article traces Wesley Lewis through freight hauling and service in the U.S. Army to his family’s impact on the establishment of present-day Wanette, Oklahoma.
The Hownikan features history of the Higbee family as a part of a series highlighting archival holdings on founding families.
The Hownikan features photographs and family history of the Hardin family as a part of a series highlighting archival holdings on founding families.
The Frapp’s association with the Tribe began with the marriage of John B. Frapp and Josette Wilmette, the daughter of Archange Chevallier and Antoine Wilmette (Ouilmette), who were early residents of present-day Chicago.
The Potawatomi Crumbo family is full of stonemasons, Navy members, artists, filmmakers and more.
According to family records, “Joshua E. Clardy, also known as ‘Judge’ Clardy, was with his family one of the first settlers of Potawatomi County, Oklahoma.”
The Bourbonnais and Potawatomi link begins with Catherine — Catish — Chevalier, a French-Potawatomi woman, and French-Canadian Francis Bourbonnais Sr.
In the early 17th century, brothers Jean and Gabriel Bertrand left the Province of Poitou in western France for North America, seeking the opportunity for a new life.