Keokuk (c.1788-c.1848),whose name means "watchful" or "he who moves
alertly," was the war chief of the Fox clan of the Sauks.  An accomplished
horseman, warrior, and diplomat, he warned that disaster would result for
the Indians if they failed to sign a t reaty with the Americans.  For
cooperating with the United States government, President Andrew Jackson
made Keokuk chief of the united Sauk clans.  Even after the government
failed to honor their treaty, Keokuk continued to accommodate the wishes
of the g overnment.  This was either for personal advantage or in
recognition of the futility of resistance.