Biographical Sketch of Chief Bowlegs

Bowlegs (probably corrupted from Bolek). An inferior Seminole chief who was brought temporarily into notice in 1812 during the Indian war on the Georgia frontier. When early in that year King Paine, also a Seminole chief, at the head of sundry bands of Seminole and blacks, started on a mission of blood and plunder, Bowlegs joined him. A small force under Capt. Williams was met and defeated Sept. 11. Their force being considerably increased, they soon there after marched from the Alachua towns to attack Gen. Neuman, who had been sent against them with orders to destroy their towns. After 4 severe charges in which King Paine was killed and Bowlegs wounded, the Indians were driven back. With this occurrence Bowlegs drops from history, though he probably lived several years longer. In a document exhibited in the trial of Arbuthnott and Ambrister his name is signed Boleck.

See also Billy Bowlegs, but don’t confuse the two.


Topics:
Seminole,

Collection:
Hodge, Frederick Webb, Compiler. The Handbook of American Indians North of Mexico. Bureau of American Ethnology, Government Printing Office. 1906.

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