Kenekuk the Kickapoo Prophet

Joseph B. Herring previously worked as an archivist at the National Archives, a senior program officer at the National Endowment for the Humanities, and taught history at Kansas Newman College (now Newman University). He is the author of two books and his articles on Native American history have appeared in the American Indian Quarterly, Western Historical Quarterly, Kansas History, and Great Plains Quarterly. Kiara M. Vigil is associate professor of American studies at Amherst College. She is the author of Indigenous Intellectuals: Sovereignty, Citizenship, and the American Imagination, 1880-1930.

"The book is an important addition to the growing literature on native religious movements because Kenekuk's life seems to have contradicted the experiences of other nineteenth-century native prophets."--Western Historical Quarterly "Herring's engaging book offers an intriguing look at an unsung Indian patriot, a man whose peaceful accomplishments have been eclipsed by the dramatic and tragic exploits of such celebrated Indian warriors as Black Hawk, Crazy Horse, and Geronimo. As a case study in acculturation, this book recounts a unique situation in nineteenth-century United States-Indian relations as well as telling the life story of an intelligent, far-sighted individual committed to serving his people."--Journal of American Ethnic History "This is a thoughtful and gracefully written study."--Ethnohistory "As fully as the records permit, Herring provides an intriguing portrait of an Indian leader who was uniquely successful in adjusting to changes that devastated other Native Americans."--Journal of the Early Republic "Herring has crafted a highly readable biography that not only examines in fascinating detail the life of a little-known American Indian prophet, but also chronicles U.S.-Indian relations from the 1820s through the 1850s."--Wichita Eagle-Beacon "In a style that is both flowing and convincing, the author weaves a fine historical narrative that explains and interprets Kenekuk's life, preachings, and legacies."--Chronicles of Oklahoma "This well-written book should encourage further study of similar accommodationist heroes prevalent throughout Indian history."--The Historian "Although less well known than Handsome Lake, the Shawnee Prophet, or Wovoka, Kenekuk led a religious revitalization movement which attracted large numbers of followers among the tribes of Illinois and Kansas. This book provides a perceptive study of the man, his movement, and his times."--R. David Edmunds, author of The Shawnee Prophet "A significant contribution to the field."--Arrell M. Gibson, author of The American Indian: Prehistory to the Present "A fine study that relates Kenekuk to the national scene and to federal Indian policy very well. Herring's observations on the difference between acculturation and assimilation are extremely important."--Raymond Wilson, author of Ohiyesa: Charles Eastman, Santee Sioux