Eckman's Civil War service is mighty impressive and he went on to have an impressive career. But the bonus here for me is the eyewitness account of the Erie sea serpent. I've been doing research for months on Mishebeshu. Recently I acquired a painting by Rabbet Strickland, an Ojibway artist from northern Wisconsin of this mythical creature. The description matches perfectly!
I've learned the thunderbirds rule the sky above and the sea serpent rules the world under the surface of the water and both are protectors of Mother Earth in Ojibway cosmology. Because of my interest in Animikeese (Little Thunder) and the thunderbirds of Buffalo Point First Nation, I had also heard stories about some kind of sea serpent in Lake of the Woods. I'm still gathering information, but this is an interesting description to find published.
Thank you Lori - You know how curious I was about William Eckman! ... Neither he nor you has disappointed here - An interesting man and his story told with your usual expertise. You can see how his logistical skills may have contributed to his and George's trip down the Ohio and Mississippi ... And the tale of South Bay Bessie was a bonus.
Me either , tho living in MN there were always stories of sea monsters in traveling thru Lake Superior and the Great Lakes system. In research, I came across scores of stories about this legend so thoughts is capitalize on the connection for a little lightheartedness after the war reports.
I have never heard of the Lake Erie serpent!
Eckman's Civil War service is mighty impressive and he went on to have an impressive career. But the bonus here for me is the eyewitness account of the Erie sea serpent. I've been doing research for months on Mishebeshu. Recently I acquired a painting by Rabbet Strickland, an Ojibway artist from northern Wisconsin of this mythical creature. The description matches perfectly!
That is SO cool! I didn’t know you were chasing that story!
I've learned the thunderbirds rule the sky above and the sea serpent rules the world under the surface of the water and both are protectors of Mother Earth in Ojibway cosmology. Because of my interest in Animikeese (Little Thunder) and the thunderbirds of Buffalo Point First Nation, I had also heard stories about some kind of sea serpent in Lake of the Woods. I'm still gathering information, but this is an interesting description to find published.
Thank you Lori - You know how curious I was about William Eckman! ... Neither he nor you has disappointed here - An interesting man and his story told with your usual expertise. You can see how his logistical skills may have contributed to his and George's trip down the Ohio and Mississippi ... And the tale of South Bay Bessie was a bonus.
Thanks, @Jane! I’m glad your curiosity has been satisfied…at least on the topic of William 😉
Holee Cow! Great story.
Another great story, Lori!
Me either , tho living in MN there were always stories of sea monsters in traveling thru Lake Superior and the Great Lakes system. In research, I came across scores of stories about this legend so thoughts is capitalize on the connection for a little lightheartedness after the war reports.