Major Isaiah Stillman

Major Stillman led Illinois militia troops in one of the Black Hawk war's first encounters. In this engagement in northern Illinois, Black Hawk's men attempted to surrender after realizing the size of the American contingent arrayed against them. But Stillman's untrained men handled the surrender without military discipline, killing one of Black Hawk's peace party and two of a second group sent to investigate. Enraged, Black Hawk's remaining warriors attacked the Americans, who broke and ran at the sight. Many fled all the way to their homes near the site of the incident. Thus Black Hawk's band was forced to continue their flight toward the Mississippi.