At one time the grove at which he made his home was one of the finest in the state of Illinois. It covered an area of acres In it were found large white, bur, and red oak. No better black walnut trees were to be found anywhere than were found here. Outside of this grove extended great tracts of prairie land noted for their fertility Surrounded by this, Shabbona, the Indian chief, lived and ruled his little kingdom. Plenty surrounded him on all sides. He and his people visited other Indian settlements, of which there were many in northern Illi nois. Other chiefs and their people visited him and lived off his substance. His word had much weight in the councils with other chiefs. He was one of the great chiefs among the chiefs.