Again, I've hard of Wells Street in Chicago many times and been on it as well, but I never knew the name was connected to the Fort Dearborn Massacre as one who died that day.
And, this William Wells led quite an interesting life.
From Wikipedia
WILLIAM WELLS (c1770-Aug. 15, 1812)
Also known by his Indian name, "Apekonit," meaning "Carrot Top." (I imagine because he had red hair.) He was the son-in-law of Chief Little Turtle of the Miami tribe (who were escorting the people from Fort Dearborn). Though a white man, Wells fought for the Miami Indians in the Northwest Indian War.
Wells was born at Jacob's Creek in Pennsylvania, son of Samuel Wells, a captain in the Virginia militia during the American Revolution. As a young child, his family moved to Kentucky where his father was killed in an Indian raid near Louisville. He was then sent to live with a family friend, but captured by the Miami at age 12.
Wells was adopted by the chief and raised as a son, getting the name Apekonit. He adapted to Indian life very well and often accompanied war parties, sometimes as a decoy. Sometime between 1788-89, he was located by his brothers and William visited them in Louisville, but chose to remain with the Miami.
An Indian Life for a White Man. --Brock-Perry
2012 marks the 200th anniversary of America's "Forgotten War," the War of 1812 that took place over three years, 1812 to 1815.
Battle of New Orleans.
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