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The Mecoche

written from the banks of the Mac-o-chee Brook, 1850
(click on image to make bigger)

Some call it Mac-o-chee, some call it Mac-o-cheek. The Shawnee who lived along this little stream were the Mecoche tribe which translates to Smiling Valley. The Mecoche tribal Chief was Moluntha who was captured and murdered later after he defeated 182 Kentuckians at the Battle of Blue Licks in 1782. My ancestors intermarried with this tribe (French & Indian) so the Mecoche people hold a special place in my heart. Most of my ancestors are buried in present day West Liberty and Bellefontaine Cemeteries.
~Clint Bova

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