Watseka

Watseka or Watchekee (c. 1810–1878) was a Potawatomi Native American woman, born in Illinois, and named for the heroine of a Potawatomi legend. Her uncle was Tamin, the chief of the Kankakee Potawatomi Indians.

She was also known by the name of Josette (or Zozette) Bergeron. Her father was Shabbona, who was an ally of Tecumseh during The War of 1812; her mother was Monashki. They mutually dissolved the union in 1826. Watseka married Noel Le Vasseur at age eighteen, and was described as "beautiful, intelligent and petite."

She is known for playing an "instrumental role" in Kankakee and Iroquois counties; and in particular, Bourbonnaise Grove, Illinois.

She died in Council Bluffs in 1878.

Legacy

A city in East Central Illinois was named in her honor.

The Daughters of the American Revolution, Iroquois County Chapter was named in her honor.

Watseka and Bergeron's daughter Catherine (Kate) married Joseph L. Melott, a Frenchman; they were the principal founders of the community Mission Hill, now known as Wanette, Oklahoma.