Auglaize County, Ohio

History of Auglaize County

Way-Wel-Ea-Py

Way-Wel-Ea-Py was the principal speaker of the Shawnees, and delivered the opinions of his tribe at all treaties and in public assemblies. He was an eloquent orator, grave, gay, or humerous, as occasion required. At times his manner is said to have been quite fascinating, his countenance so full of varied expressions, and his voice so musical, that surveyors and other strangers passing through the country listened to him with delight, although the words fell upon their ears in an unknown language.

During the negotiations for the sale of their reserve he addressed his people and Gardner several times, extracts of which will be found elsewhere in this volume.

Col. Johnston says he often met this chief at his trading post in Wapakoneta; that he was a fine looking Indian, and was always ready to cultivate the friendship of the pioneers. He went west with his tribe, where he lived many years.

From "History of Auglaize County, Ohio, with the Indian History of Wapakoneta, and the First Settlement of the County", Robert Sutton, Publishers, Wapakoneta, 1880