Note 44 — Chapter XIV · SHABONA44.

This chief’s name is spelled in many different ways, to-wit: “Sha-bom-ri,” in Smith’s History of Wisconsin; “Shah-bee-nay,” by Mrs. Kinzie in Wau-Bun; “Shaubena,” by Matson; “Shau-be-nee,” by Kingston; “Chab-on-eh,” “Shab-eh-ney,” “Shabonee,” and “Shaubena,” in the Appleton’s Encyclopedia of American Biographies, and on his tombstone his name is spelled “Shabona”. In Illinois, places named after him are spelled Shabbona and Shabonier, the latter being the French spelling. As Mr. Smith, Mrs. Kinzie, Mr. Matson, and Mr. Kingston, knew Shabona well, the weight of evidence seems to be in favor of spelling his name Shaubena, which is in accordance with the spelling of Indian words. The second b is not heard in the usual pronounciation of “Shabbona” (Shab‘-eh-ney), and it causes strangers to mispronounce the name. Even the word “Sac”, is usually pronounced Sauk, and is generally spelled Sauk. Very many Indian names have the diphthong au as shown by names of rivers and places. Consequently, it would seem that the first syllable should be spelled S-h-a-u-b.