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Red Bird

Red Bird was a Winnebago war chief, a branch of the Chippewa tribe. He derived his name from the fact that he wore on each shoulder a preserved red bird, 'to supply the place of epaulettes,' as one authority has it. Born in 1788, Red Bird was the leading spirit in the Winnebago Outbreak of 1827. He was friendly with the white settlers of Prairie du Chien, Wisconsin, until two of his comrades were unjustly punished by the government; then he attacked. Quick retaliation followed; Red Bird and his companions were brought to trial. He died in prison in 1828. Later his companions wre pardoned by President John Quincy Adams.