Cherokee

Nighthawk Keetoowah

On December 9, 1920, the Nighthawk Keetoowah, a society of Full-blood Cherokee Indians, elected Levi Gritts as Chief of the Cherokees. This decision arose after the death of Chief Rogers, reflecting the need for representation during a period of governmental oversight and loss of self-determination. The document emphasizes a collective desire for unity among Cherokees, advocating for proper representation in administrative matters. Gritts, described as dependable and qualified, is entrusted with the task of guiding the community in reclaiming their rights and establishing a unified front in negotiations with the U.S. Government.

Redbird Smith

Red Bird Smith

Redbird Smith, born July 19, 1850, near Ft. Smith, Arkansas, emerged as a pivotal figure in the Nighthawk branch of the Keetoowah Society of Full-blood Cherokees. Dedicated to serve his people from a young age, Smith and his contemporaries reorganized the Keetoowah in 1859, establishing a constitution that fostered unity and harmony among various religious denominations until the late 1880s. However, tensions grew between Christian and traditional factions after the missionaries’ influence, leading to divisions that marked the society’s later years.

Biographies of the Cherokee Indians

1830 Map of Cherokee Territory in Georgia

The Cherokee Indians, primarily from the Southeastern U.S., have a rich history marked by their early adoption of a written language and a government structure similar to that of the United States. Despite their forced relocation to Oklahoma in the 1830s, they maintained significant genealogical ties, often intermarrying with Whites. Emmet Starr’s “History of the Cherokee Indians and Their Legends and Folklore” emphasizes personal biographies and genealogies, providing insights into the lives and connections of many Cherokee families across generations, thereby enriching their cultural narrative.

Cherokee Indian Tribe Photo Descriptions

The Cherokee were initially situated in the mountainous regions of Tennessee and parts of Georgia and South Carolina until 1830. They are a distinct group, linked to the Iroquois, and refer to themselves as Tsaraghee. Traditionally, they claim to have arrived before the Greeks. Initially allied with the British, they acknowledged U.S. sovereignty in 1785. Following territorial encroachments, they relocated to the Indian Territory in 1838, leading to a decrease in population from 27,000 to 13,566 by 1867, though they have since grown to around 18,000 today. Their reservation spans five million acres, with ongoing educational and agricultural development.

Black Hawk as a Young Brave

The spring following their French father’s return saw the Sacs establish trade, exchanging furs for goods. After the British forced the French out of Quebec, various tribes united against the Sacs. In their struggle, they formed an alliance with the Foxes, ultimately settling near Green Bay. Black Hawk emerged as a young brave, eager to prove his valor. He participated in multiple battles against the Osages, demonstrating bravery and leadership, ultimately earning recognition through his prowess in combat and defending his people.

Medicine Bag of my Forefathers

The narrator inherits the revered medicine bag of his forefathers after the death of his father, prompting a prolonged period of mourning and prayer. Following conflicts with the Osages, he leads a campaign, ultimately avenging his father’s death and securing peace for his tribe. However, upon visiting St. Louis, he learns of the impending American takeover, which casts a pall over his community. The loss of their Spanish ally is a significant blow, signaling a troubling new chapter for the tribe.

Tooan Tuh or Spring Frog, Cherokee Chief

Tooan Tuh, or Spring Frog, was a noteworthy Cherokee Chief born in 1754 near Lookout Mountain, Tennessee. Renowned for his skills in hunting, trapping, and athletics, he embodied a harmonious blend of savagery and philosophy. His love for ball-playing reflected the competitive spirit of his people. Though he engaged in agriculture and trade, Spring Frog was also a courageous warrior when his nation faced threats, leading armed responses against the Osages and serving under General Jackson. In later life, he witnessed the successful transformation of the Cherokees into a thriving agricultural community.

Tahchee, A Cherokee Chief

Tahchee, A Cherokee Chief or Dutch

Tahchee, a Cherokee chief born around 1790 in Alabama, is renowned for his warrior prowess and remarkable physique. He was trained in the arts of hunting and warfare from a young age, participating in numerous battles against the Osages, where he earned great acclaim. After a series of raids and the eventual establishment of a peace treaty, Tahchee turned to a peaceful life, cultivating the land and raising a family, while maintaining a legacy of valor and significant military achievements.

Sequoyah, Inventor of the Cherokee Alphabet

Sequoyah, born George Guess, was a remarkable figure in Cherokee history, known for inventing the Cherokee alphabet. Raised by a strong, independent mother, Sequoyah displayed early ingenuity and a propensity for learning. He began crafting silverwork and later turned his attention to writing, fueled by a desire to create a written form for the Cherokee language. After much perseverance, he developed an alphabet of 86 characters, enabling his people to communicate in writing. His work, recognized by the Cherokee nation, profoundly impacted their literacy and cultural preservation.

Major Ridge, Cherokee Chief

Major Ridge, a prominent Cherokee chief, emerged from a lineage of hunters and warriors, shaping his destiny amidst the tumult of white incursions. His early life, marked by hardships and the teachings of his father, instilled in him both survival skills and a warrior’s calling. As he matured, Ridge transitioned from the life of conflict to that of a leader, advocating for the Cherokees’ integration into a more civilized society. His efforts to adopt agricultural practices and legal reforms reflected his belief in the potential for coexistence with white settlers, yet he also grappled with the deep-seated traditions of his people.

John Ross, Cherokee Chief

John Ross

John Ross, a significant figure in Cherokee history, was of Scotch descent and born in 1790. His grandfather established trade with the Cherokees, and Ross’s early life included a blend of traditional Cherokee customs and European influences. He became a prominent leader, advocating for Cherokee rights amidst increasing encroachments by American settlers. Ross played a crucial role in negotiating treaties and leading his people through turbulent times, including the Civil War, while continuously striving for justice and recognition for the Cherokee nation. His legacy remains pivotal in American Indian history.

John Ridge, A Cherokee Interpreter

John Ridge, son of Major Ridge, exemplified the transition from Cherokee warrior to educated advocate for his people. Raised in traditional ways, he embraced civilization, becoming a respected farmer and citizen. His extensive education, supported by his devoted parents, prepared him for a leadership role among the Cherokees during a tumultuous era. As an interpreter and writer, he influenced negotiations with the U.S. despite the challenges facing his community. Tragically, Ridge’s life ended violently due to political strife within his own tribe.

Cherokee Advocate

Cherokee Advocate: News Items from several editions of the Cherokee Advocate in the years 1885 and 1886.

Cherokee Advocate, November 1886

A historic roundup from the Cherokee Advocate’s November 3, 1886 issue, featuring local news, council updates, hotel guest lists, and community notes from Tahlequah Indian Territory. The issue includes Chief Bushyhead’s message, a Supreme Judge election reminder, reports on notable visitors, farm produce, and the arrest of Aaron B. Ingram.