Sent by: Hal Sherman

Col. John Johnston was the Piqua Agency Indian agent circa 1830 and probably gave more of himself to his Indian friends (children), than any other. The article below was developed by him and he also made one in that book for the Wyandot's.

Henry Howe's, 1888, Historical Collections of Ohio, Volume II VOCABULARY OF THE Shawnee
Colonel John Johnson
Agent Piqua Agency

Col. Johnston Reports On Religion Of Shawnee Piqua Daily Call, March 24, 1965

By LEONARD U. HILL

The following was copied a few years ago from an old Piqua Gazette deposited in the Ohio Historical Society Library, and dated June 6, 1822. William R. Barrington was the publisher. The extract is self-explanatory.

Mr. Barrington: I have been for some time past, employed in the Shawnee Nation procuring an account of the Religion, Language, Manners and Customs of this people, for the use of the Government. As there are great efforts making in many parts of the United States to civilize and evangelize the Indian Tribes, it may be satisfactory to some of your readers to know the sentiments of the Shawnee relative to God and Religion. You will find annexed, the result of my inquiries on these heads, together with a translation from the Shawnee into English of the Lord’s Prayer.

John Johnston, Indian Agent

Wapaghkoneta, May 7, 1822

The Shawnee believe that Religion is a very good thing, keeps them at peace with others, as well as peace in their own minds; all those who respect Religion prosper and are forever happy; believe that their Religion came down from Heaven, believe there are two roads; the Virtuous and good after death go to a place of happiness, where they shall want nothing that they can desire; the bad will go to the torment and endless misery; that their conduct in this life will be decisive of their state in the world to come. That there is one great and supreme God, the maker of all things, the master of life; they call him We-she-Ma-ni-tou, from We-she, something that is supremely beautiful, excellent or desirable, and Ma-ni-tou, God.

Have the strongest confidence in their maker, believe that he constantly governs the world and all things in it, that they could not exist a moment without his power and goodness. They are in constant practice of praying for favours and assistance in making sacrifices and oblations to procure divine aid; but have no idea of a general judgment.

The pleasure they anticipate in a future state of existence is more corporeal than mental. Their ideas on this subject are in a degree conformable to the doctrine broached by Baron Swedenbourgh.

The Shawnee believing their Religion to be of divine appointment, and suited to their condition are opposed to receiving Christian instruction.