Vashon Surname – Access Genealogy

Governor Stokes’s Uncompleted Plans

In March 1836, Governor Stokes became the sub-agent for the Cherokee, Seneca, and Shawnee tribes at Fort Gibson, receiving a modest salary of $750 annually. He faced numerous challenges, including a cramped office space and subordination to a disbursing officer, complicating his relations with the tribes. Stokes advocated for the rights of the Half-Breed reserves of the Osage Nation but struggled to secure assistance for them. Despite his dedication, his term ended without reappointment, and he passed away in November 1842, leaving a significant legacy.

The Stokes Treaty Commission

The Arkansas Osage, relocated from their old home to the Verdigris, faced significant challenges in their adjustment and governance. Initially lacking an agent until 1822, they experienced several leadership changes due to tragic events, such as Nathaniel Philbrook’s drowning. Frequent conflicts necessitated annual conferences, culminating in treaties with the Creeks and Cherokees in 1831. The 1833 commission, led by Governor Stokes, sought to establish peace and reassign boundaries between tribes, but faced persistent opposition from influential Osage leaders like Clermont, complicating negotiations amid severe hardship within the tribe.

Governor Houston’s Life Among the Indians

Detail from Houston at the Battle of San Jacinto

Following his failure to secure a contract for Indian rations, Sam Houston engaged in a series of contentious correspondences, criticizing officials and accusing Colonel Hugh Love of collusion. His passion led to public outbursts, including an intemperate proclamation against opponents. Despite his controversies, he was seen as an advocate for Indian rights, notably the Cherokee and Creek tribes. Houston’s deeper ambitions in Texas and his relationships with these tribes were marked by significant developments, including allegations of attempts to manipulate land settlements in their favor.

Governor Houston at His Trading Post on the Verdigris

In February 1828, Colonel Brearley led the Creek immigrants to the Verdigris, following governmental commitments from the 1826 treaty. During this time, Samuel Houston, a former U.S. Army officer and politician, was redefining his life among the Cherokee. After abandoning his political career and personal troubles, he became deeply involved with the Cherokee, adopting their customs and language. Houston’s influence grew as he criticized corrupt Indian agents and sought to improve conditions for Native Americans, eventually being adopted into the Cherokee tribe in 1829.

Earliest Known Traders on Arkansas River

Before the Louisiana Purchase, early French traders, notably Joseph Bogy, ventured along the Arkansas River, engaging in commerce with local Indian tribes, such as the Osage. Bogy’s expeditions included confronting Choctaw opposition in 1807, leading to government claims for losses. Prominent figures included Nathaniel Pryor and A. P. Chouteau, who established trading posts at the mouth of the Verdigris. These traders influenced the region’s economy, exchanging goods like furs and providing items such as tobacco and tools to Native Americans, fostering significant cultural exchanges.

Disbursements to Cherokees under the Treaty of May 6, 1828

An abstract of disbursements made by Cherokee agent George Vashon records payments to 390 Cherokee families, totaling 1,835 individuals, under the fifth article of the 1828 treaty. Between September 1830 and December 1833, Vashon distributed $47,251.75 of the $50,000 congressional grant by War Department drafts, with a slight discrepancy from the actual recorded amount.