The History of
Chief Billy Caldwell
2026
Embedded Files
"They are wise who know the sources of information."
Introduction
Introduction
Peter T. Gayford is an author, librarian, and professional researcher. He has spent over 2 decades investigating the histories of Alexander Robinson, Archange Ouilmette, Billy Caldwell, Claude Laframboise, Joseph Laframboise, Josette Laframboise Beaubien, Jane Miranda, and Victoire Pothier, as well as other Native Americans. This website was established to advance his research.
Individuals were awarded reserves under the 1829 Prairie du Chien and 1832 Tippecanoe Treaties in Illinois. As is documented, the Alexander Robinson, Billy Caldwell, and Therese Laframboise reserves still have large tracts of land with title concerns.
Mr. Gayford continues collaborating with descendants and heirs to bring transparency to these concerns. His findings are detailed in a collection at The Newberry Library. His works are also available on this website. Attorneys, descendants, and heirs have reviewed all of his research. Gayford's research is available to all interested persons free of charge. His research respectfully benefits the history, genealogy, and affairs of descendants and heirs today.
Historic Information Available At...
1. The Newberry Library, Chicago, Peter T. Gayford Collection. UPDATED AUGUST 2024.
>The collection consists of historic NARA files, land patents, and all other information related to Billy Caldwell, Alexander Robinson, Claud Laframboise, Victoire Pothier, Jane Miranda, and Archange Ouilmette.
Other documents and land files are being added soon.
>Recently added are Peter T. Gayford's published works on Billy Caldwell (ISBN 9798985525793), Alexander Robinson (ISBN 9798985525755), Archange Ouilmette (ISBN 9798985525748), and Jane Miranda/ Victoire Pothier (ISBN 9798985525786).
Other completed works are being added soon.
All completed works are available above under Works by Peter T. Gayford. Synopses of the Laframboise Reserves is now available!
>Added in January 2023 is Peter T. Gayford's updated research on The Forest Preserves of Cook County District. This research comprises several hundred maps and field notes on Historic and Native American sites in The Forest Preserves of Cook County District.
2. Illinois State Archaeological Survey, Cook County Forest Preserve Preservation Project (2013).
The collection contains research on Historic and Native American sites in The Forest Preserves of Cook County District. Over a period of approximately 13 years, Peter T. Gayford conducted an in-depth analysis of all preserves. The ISAS has used it to support the CCFD's preservation plan and other projects.
3. Several donations have been made to persons and organizations.
These donations include the Old Edgebrook Historical Society (Billy Caldwell Collection), Schiller Park History Museum (Alexander Robinson federal file and land patent), Franklin Park Public Library (Claude La Framboise federal file ), Niles Historical Society (Victoire Pothier federal file), Norwood Park Historical Society (Jane Miranda federal file), Wilmette and Evanston Historical Societies (Archange Ouilmette federal file and land patent), and Winnetka Historical Society (Albert Scharf Collection). Donations were made to the descendants and heirs.
Honors...
1. Expert Research Consultant, Thornton Law Firm. Land claim research for the heirs of
Billy Caldwell, 2021-Present.
2. Expert Research Consultant, Priz Law. Land claim research for the heirs of Alexander Robinson,
2017- Present.
3. Expert Research Consultant, Priz Law. Land claim research for the heirs of Archange Ouilmette,
2021-2023.
4. Scott Priz, John Marshall Law School, John Marshall Law Review, Journal Article, Winter 2017.
5. Research Informant, The Forest Preserves of Cook County District and Illinois State Archaeology Survey, Alexander Robinson Cemetery Gravestones Recovery Project, CCFPD Records, 2012-2013. Research was provided on the family cemetery and marker stones. Rightful heirs of the 1-acre cemetery live in South Bend, Indiana.
Publications...
Chief Billy Caldwell, His Chicago River Reserve, and Heirs: A Documented History, Peter T. Gayford,
2025. ISBN 9798985525793.
Chief Billy Caldwell, His Chicago River Reserve, and Potential Heirs: 1782- Present, Peter T. Gayford,
2022. ISBN 9798985525731.
An Investigation into the Archange Ouilmette Reserve, Peter T. Gayford, 2024.
ISBN 9798985525748.
Synopses of the Laframboise Reserves, Peter T. Gayford, 2025. ISBN 9798985525700
The History of Chief Alexander Robinson's Des Plaines River Reserve, Peter T. Gayford, 2025.
ISBN 9798985525755.
The Jane Miranda and Victoire Pothier Reserves: A Documented History, Peter T. Gayford, 2025.
ISBN 9798985525786.
Scott Priz, John Marshall Law School, John Marshall Law Review, Journal Article, Winter 2017.
6. Tom Hayden. "Is the Harley Clark Mansion on Native American Land?" FOIA Gras, October
2024. https://www.foiagras.com/p/is-the-harley-clark-mansion-on-native
7. The Chicago History Journal, July 2011
www.chicagohistoryjournal.com/.../billy-caldwell-updated-history-part-1
www.chicagohistoryjournal.com/.../billy-caldwell-updated-history-part-2
www.chicagohistoryjournal.com/.../billy-caldwell-updated-history-part-3
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Federal Copyright Notification
Nothing on or attached to this webpage may be used for personal or corporate gain without the expressed consent of Peter T. Gayford (author). Information and images may only be used for educational purposes if cited back to the author correctly.
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