January 8. 1838 – John Gilbert calls a “business meeting” to draw up an “official” proposal requesting Territorial development that includes a post office, roads, and bridges for Johnson County.
Let’s take a roll call…
Five white men: Harris, Lesh, Myers, Gilbert, Felkner – no surprise right?
One black man: Mogawk.
One Native American woman: Jennie.
Surprised? I bet you are. You see, in the winter of 1838, this unique group of people were all living side-by-side. Working together for community advancement – one diverse team, living in uncharted territory, facing an unknown future, all the while, peacefully co-existing with Meskwaki tribes with a population of about 1,500, under the leadership of:
The Meskwaki chief: Poweshiek.
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