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Introduction
Introduction
Peter T. Gayford is an author, librarian, and professional researcher. He has spent over 2 decades thoroughly investigating the histories of Alexander Robinson, Archange Ouilmette, Billy Caldwell, Claude Laframboise, Joseph Laframboise, Josette Laframboise Beaubien, Jane Miranda, and Victoire Pothier. This website was established to advance his original scholarly research.
Individuals were awarded reserves under the 1829 Prairie du Chien and 1832 Tippecanoe Treaties in Illinois. As is documented, the Alexander Robinson and Billy Caldwell reserves still have large tracts of land with title concerns.
Mr. Gayford continues collaborating with descendants and heirs to bring transparency to these deserving concerns. His findings are detailed at The Newberry Library through published works and supporting documentation. His works are also available on this website for viewing. Attorneys, descendants, and heirs have reviewed all of his research.
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.
They are available to researchers. Other documents and land files are being added soon.
>Recently added are Peter T. Gayford's published works on Billy Caldwell (2022, ISBN 9798985525731), Alexander Robinson (2025, ISBN 9798985525755), Archange Ouilmette (2024, ISBN 9798985525748 ), and Jane Miranda/ Victoire Pothier (2025, ISBN 9798985525786). Each copyrighted work provides a comprehensive history of the individual's life and federal reserve awarded through the 1829 Prairie du Chien Treaty. The author's research redefines all current and historical accounts. They have all been vetted by attorneys, descendants, and heirs.
All are available above under Works by Peter T. Gayford. A history of the Laframboise reserves will be added soon.
>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.
They are available to researchers.
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).
Also, personal donations were made to the descendants and heirs of Alexander Robinson, Archange Ouilmette, and Billy Caldwell.
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 Potential Heirs: 1782- Present, Peter T. Gayford,
2022. ISBN 9798985525731.
An Investigation into the Archange Ouilmette Reserve, Peter T. Gayford, 2024.
ISBN 9798985525748.
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
8. Wikipedia
Chief Billy Caldwell
Chief Alexander Robinson
Archange Ouilmette
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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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