Creek

Creek Leaders

There was yet another class of people in the state, namely, the prophets and medicine men or shamans. These constituted a priesthood, and performed important functions. Every act of the Muskogee government, or of the officers thereof, was considered a religious act. Councils were always convened with religious ceremonies and the installation of officers was always opened similarly. In the charge given to the officers at their installation, the religious customs were enjoined and the importance of these shown. The festivals held by the people were all religious festivals, were opened with religious ceremonies, and were intended to inculcate religious … Read more

Chief of the Creek Council Square

Rather brief mention is made of “the Chief or Superintendent of the Council Square.” He seems to have been the man called in one place Tocko-łako-miko, “Big House (i. e.. Square) Chief.” His duties were plainly confined to matters within the Square Ground, as his name implies, but he was also a kind of lieutenant to the Town Chief and took his place on occasion. Therefore he was usually called Miko Apokta, “Second Chief,” and generally belonged to the same clan as Miko. The chief’s adviser and spokesman was called Henīha or Taski Henīha. In one place it is said … Read more

Campbell’s Abstract of Creek Indian Census Cards

Example of Census Card

The publication of the Tribal Rolls, in 1907, gave the roll number, name of the allottee, age, sex and blood, and operated to a large extent to inform the public, but this information was not sufficient, in fact, it aided only those who, by reason of their familiarity with the workings and records of the Indian Offices, knew how to secure additional information. John Campbell set out to help researchers determine the family relationships between the allottee’s by providing an abstract index of all names from the records. This index has proven invaluable over time by providing a quick method to research family relationships within the tribal rolls.

Creek Indian Tribe Photo Descriptions

Paddy Carr, Creek Interpreter

The Creek are known in their own language as the Muskogee or Muskogee and occupied originally the greater part of Georgia, Alabama, and Florida. Their traditions say that they emigrated from the Northwest until they reached Florida, when they fell back to the country between the headwaters of the Alabama and Savannah rivers. As this was full of small rivers and creeks it was called by the early settlers the creek country, hence the name of the Creek Indians, who, when first known to the whites, were living there. Those remaining in Florida were called the Seminoles or Isti-semole (wild … Read more

Yoholo Micco, Creek Chief

Yoholo Micco, Creek Chief

Yoholo Micco was principal chief of the Eufala town, which lies between Tallassee and Oakfuskee, in the Creek nation, the Tallapoosa river running through it.

McIntosh, Creek Chief

McIntosh

McIntosh, whose admirable likeness is before the reader, was a half-breed, of the Muscogee, or Creek nation. His father was a Scotsman; his mother a native of unmixed blood. McIntosh was intelligent and brave. In person he was tall, finely formed, and of graceful and commanding manners. To these qualities he probably owed his elevation to the chieftainship of the Coweta tribe. We know little of the early history of this chief. The first notice we have of him is after his junction with the American forces in 1812. General Floyd mentions him in his report of the battle, or, … Read more

Menawa, Creek Warrior

Menawa, also known as Hothlepoya or “The Crazy War Hunter,” was a prominent Creek warrior and chief of the Oakfuskee towns along the Tallapoosa River in Alabama. Renowned for his daring feats and raids on the Tennessee frontier during the early settlement period, he was infamous for his horse-stealing expeditions. Over time, his reputation grew, and he became widely known and feared by settlers. With the influence of Tecumseh in 1811, Menawa’s role evolved from a marauder to a significant figure in the Creek War, ultimately earning the name Menawa, meaning “The Great Warrior.” His life was marked by numerous battles, including the pivotal Battle of Horseshoe Bend, and he continued to play a crucial role in Creek politics, advocating against further cessions of territory to the United States. Menawa’s legacy is one of fierce bravery, strategic prowess, and a complex relationship with both his Creek heritage and the encroaching American settlers.

Cherokees, Choctaw, Chickasaw and Creek, 1896 Applications

Please read the following for a better understanding of these pages. This is the Index of Cherokees, Choctaw, Chickasaw and Creek found on microfilm M1650 obtained from the National Archives in Fort Worth, Texas.  If your ancestor was on the 1896 Cherokee Census they probably will NOT be on this index.  This is NOT the 1896 CENSUS.  It is an index of people who were NOT recognized by the Cherokee Tribe and subsequently made application to be considered for citizenship. Applications from the Bureau of Indian Affairs, Muskogee Area Office, Relating to the Enrollment of the Five Civilized Tribes under … Read more

How to Register or Get your CDIB Card

This is based on the fact that the person providing the following information was born in 1940, for younger individual you will need additional generations. Here is a short check list you might want to look over before submitting your papers. It is a guide to help you, help them!!  When I say you need birth, death and marriage certificates these need to be Official state certified records – not copies. Your full name, address, telephone number and birth certificate, and marriage certificate.  (born 1940) Completed application form (downloadable from the BIA website) for CDIB card. Certificate of Degree of … Read more

Search the Dawes Rolls 1898-1914

Dawes Card

The Dawes Roll (Final Rolls) is a list of those members of the Five Civilized Tribes who removed to Indian Territory (Oklahoma) during the 1800’s and were living there during the above dates. If your ancestor was not living in Indian Territory during 1898-1914 they will not be listed on the Dawes Roll! Only those Indians who RECEIVED LAND under the provisions of the Dawes Act are listed. It also lists those Freedmen who received land allotments as provided for in the Dawes Act. These pages can be searched to discover the enrollee’s name, age, sex, blood degree, type, census card number and roll number. Check the headings in each column. Type denotes whether the record is from a Dawes card.