The Death of Henry Harris’ Daughter

from the collection of W. C. McKern

Original manuscript pages: | 325 | 326 |

Peyote Buttons

(325) Henry Harris had two girls. One died when 5 or 6 years old. She was suffering and wanted medicine, so he gave her peyote. When it worked, she wanted to talk to her mother. "I am going to leave you. An old lady has come after me. Four angels have come after me. I am going to a good place. This is my last chance to talk to you. Try and stay with this peyote. This is God's way. I know you love me deep in your heart. Your heart will be in the Kingdom of Heaven. Remember this that I told you. On this earth, there are lots of temptations going on, but you will not have long to stay here. Try to do your best. That is all." Then she crossed her arms across (326) her breast and was gone.¹

Commentary. "peyote" — Just above this story, McKern says that peyote was called pįúta, which is a pun formed by combining a Hocąk and an Oto word.

Comparative Material. ...

Links: ...

Stories: about the Native American Church: John Rave's Account of the Peyote Cult and of His Conversion, Little Red Bird's Story, White Shirt, Peyote as an Evil Spirit, A Peyote Vision, A Peyote Story, The Arapaho Girl, Pete Dupeé and the Ghosts.

Themes: someone takes peyote and has visions: A Peyote Vision, John Rave's Account of the Peyote Cult and of His Conversion, White Shirt.

Notes

¹ W. C. McKern, Winnebago Notebook (Milwaukee: Milwaukee Public Museum, 1927) 325-326.