Shawnee Topics – Access Genealogy

Indian Warfare Between Texas and Mexico

In 1836, Major Chouteau explored the region between the Red River and the Colorado River, encountering numerous Comanche, Kiowa, and Kiowa Apache camps during their buffalo migration. Despite initial suspicion, he engaged in discussions with tribal leaders, ultimately facilitating a treaty in May 1837, aimed at peace among the tribes and protection for traders. However, amidst rising tensions due to Mexican influence and Indian warfare, further conflicts loomed, highlighting the precarious nature of relations between the tribes and the encroaching settlers in Texas.

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 Osage Massacre

In the summer of 1833, following a treaty council breakdown, Osage warriors attacked a Kiowa village, resulting in a brutal massacre where many women, children, and elderly were killed, and the heads of the victims displayed in brass buckets. Among the captives were two children, Gunpä´ñdamä and Tunkahtohye, later purchased by Colonel Hugh Love for potential diplomatic gains. The ensuing U.S. military expeditions aimed to restore order and negotiate peace, but many faced logistical challenges and poor preparation, resulting in numerous setbacks and casualties.

Richard Stewart’s DNA Results

Richard Stewart, who believes he has Shawnee or Cherokee ancestry, has taken multiple DNA tests to explore his ethnic background. His tests indicated minimal Native American heritage, with the majority revealing European ancestry. Although he was raised with the belief of having Native American roots, subsequent tests showed consistent results aligning with European heritage. He is seeking more refined testing and hopes to procure additional results from his records to clarify his genetic lineage further.

Who Really are the Cherokees?

1718 French Map of North America - Detail

In his dissertation, archaeologist Bennie Keel confronted pressures from North Carolina to claim Cherokees had been in the region for 1,000 years, yet he found limited evidence before 1720, suggesting a gap in their historical record. Earlier towns identified in North Carolina and Tennessee often carried Creek or other Indigenous names, indicating possible cultural connections. The historical narrative of the Cherokees’ presence before the 18th century remains elusive, with European maps and archaeological findings contradicting claims of their long-standing habitation in the region.

Captivity and Escape of Mary Inglis (Ingles) – Indian Captivities

The captivity of Mary Draper Inglis (Ingles) is a third person account of her captivity and eventual escape. Mary was captured by Shawnee Indians along with her two sons, and sister-in-law from Draper’s Meadow in 1755. She eventually made her escape, along with another dutch woman, a few months later. This is her story.

Memoirs of John Pitchlynn

Peter Perkins Pitchlynn was the Choctaw Principal Chief from 1864-1866

John Pitchlynn was a notable figure in the Choctaw Nation, recognized as a benefactor who integrated into their society by marrying a Choctaw woman and serving as an interpreter for the U.S. government. He gained the respect of both the Choctaws and missionaries through his moral conduct. His son, Peter P. Pitchlynn, became a prominent leader and advocate for education and peace among tribes, notably facilitating a treaty with the Osages. Known for his integrity and leadership, Peter’s legacy reflects the potential for collaborative progress within Native communities.

Chickasaw Religion

The Chickasaws, unlike the Choctaws, approached natural phenomena like eclipses rationally, viewing them as “sun hidden” rather than omens. Their history includes the notable town of Pakitakohlih, where De Soto’s army wintered in 1540. The Chickasaws fiercely defended their land against French incursions but eventually faced forced removal, leaving behind cherished memories of their homeland. Despite hardships, they maintained their spiritual beliefs and rebuilt their society, demonstrating resilience and determination. Nevertheless, their struggles intensified with further encroachments on their territory and autonomy.

Moravian Massacre at Gnadenbrutten

In 1763, Moravian missionaries established missions among the Tuscarawa Indians. Despite maintaining neutrality during the Revolutionary War, they were perceived as threats by both American settlers and British allied Indians. In March 1772, a group of American frontiersmen, led by David Williamson, deceived and massacred 96 Moravian Indians—men, women, and children—at Gnadenbrutten. This brutal act was marked by a lack of empathy among the assailants, highlighting the brutal interactions between white settlers and Native Americans during this period of conflict.

Lord Dunmore’s War

The text details the events leading to and during Lord Dunmore’s War, sparked by illegal encroachments into the Vandalia Colony and violent acts against Native Americans by Virginians. It highlights the treaties made with various tribes and the resultant loss of their lands. The war began in response to brutal murders committed by settlers, leading to conflict with the Shawnees. Despite military advances by Virginia’s forces, Dunmore ultimately sought peace, yet tensions persisted as violence against Native Americans continued unabated.

The Discovery Of This Continent: It’s Results To The Natives

In 1470, Christopher Columbus married Dona Felipa, daughter of a renowned navigator, and settled in Porto Santo, where they shared dreams of discovering lands to the West. Their ambitions fueled Columbus’s determination, leading to his 1492 voyage that resulted in the European discovery of the Americas. However, this event marked the beginning of devastation for native peoples, introducing warfare, disease, and colonization that would decimate their populations and cultures, ultimately transforming their rich, diverse societies into shadows of their former selves.

The Meeting in 1811 of Tecumseh and Apushamatahah

In 1811, Tecumseh, the Shawnee leader, met with Apushamatahah, a prominent Choctaw chief, to rally southern tribes against American encroachment amidst looming war between the U.S. and England. Tecumseh passionately urged unity against their common foe, warning of the dire consequences of inaction. Apushamatahah countered with a call for prudence, advocating for peaceful measures. Ultimately, the council resulted in favoring American alliance, thwarting Tecumseh’s ambitions. This pivotal meeting highlighted the contrasting strategies of the two influential leaders, shaping tribal responses during a critical historical period.

Life and travels of Colonel James Smith – Indian Captivities

James Smith, pioneer, was born in Franklin county, Pennsylvania, in 1737. When he was eighteen years of age he was captured by the Indians, was adopted into one of their tribes, and lived with them as one of themselves until his escape in 1759. He became a lieutenant under General Bouquet during the expedition against the Ohio Indians in 1764, and was captain of a company of rangers in Lord Dunmore’s War. In 1775 he was promoted to major of militia. He served in the Pennsylvania convention in 1776, and in the assembly in 1776-77. In the latter year he was commissioned colonel in command on the frontiers, and performed distinguished services. Smith moved to Kentucky in 1788. He was a member of the Danville convention, and represented Bourbon county for many years in the legislature. He died in Washington county, Kentucky, in 1812. The following narrative of his experience as member of an Indian tribe is from his own book entitled “Remarkable Adventures in the Life and Travels of Colonel James Smith,” printed at Lexington, Kentucky, in 1799. It affords a striking contrast to the terrible experiences of the other captives whose stories are republished in this book; for he was well treated, and stayed so long with his red captors that he acquired expert knowledge of their arts and customs, and deep insight into their character.

Eyewitnesses who were never called to the witness stand

Between 1585 and 1600, a catastrophic event in the Southern Highlands led to the abandonment of major indigenous towns and the cessation of mound building, particularly in places like northwest Georgia and southeastern Tennessee. Archaeological evidence suggests a European invasion, possibly accompanied by deadly pathogens, decimated the native population. Following the 1976 adoption of a Cherokee-centric historical narrative, many archaeological interpretations misidentified other tribes, particularly failing to recognize the Shawnee and Muskogean presence in the region. Accurate identity verification remains essential in understanding the area’s complex past.

The Tippecanoe War of 1812 – Indian Wars

The Tippecanoe War of 1812 was ignited by British influence and the ambitions of Tecumseh and his brother, the Prophet. They sought to unite various Indian tribes against white settlers, aiming to reclaim territory. Following tensions over the Treaty of Fort Wayne, Tecumseh confronted Governor Harrison with armed warriors, leading to hostilities. On November 7, 1811, a surprise attack on Harrison’s camp resulted in a fierce battle, with heavy casualties on both sides but a significant defeat for the Indian forces, weakening their coalition and belief in the Prophet’s visions.

The War with the Indians of the West during Washington’s Administration

After the Revolutionary War, settlers in the West faced continued aggression from Indian tribes, particularly near the Ohio River, where plundering and destruction of farms occurred. British influence exacerbated tensions, leading to military expeditions under Generals Harmar and St. Clair, both of which resulted in significant American losses. Despite initial setbacks, General Wayne eventually achieved a decisive victory, asserting American strength and shifting the balance of power against the Indians. The conflict underscored the ongoing struggles in the region and the complexities of U.S.-Indian relations.

War Between the Colonies and The Western Indians – From 1763 To 1765

Pontiac, a prominent chief, led a coalition of Great Lakes tribes against British forces following the French defeat in 1760. His strategic prowess came to fruition in June 1763, when his forces captured Michilimakinak, demonstrating his tactical superiority and uniting various tribes against the English. The siege of Detroit, lasting twelve months, highlighted his leadership as the British prepared for retaliation. By late 1765, following Colonel Bouquet’s campaigns, peace discussions ensued, marking a significant moment in the conflict between the colonies and Native Americans.

Treaty of November 7, 1825

On November 7, 1825, William Clark and the Shawnee chiefs formalized a treaty in St. Louis, addressing the Shawnee’s land claim near Cape Girardeau, Missouri. The Shawnees ceded this tract, originally granted by the Spanish, in exchange for a new 50-square-mile parcel west of Missouri. The U.S. also agreed to provide $14,000 to cover relocation costs and support a blacksmith for five years. This treaty aimed to renew relations between the Shawnees and the United States while compensating for past grievances.

Wyandot and Shawnee Indian Lands

The document outlines a schedule listing Wyandot Indians categorized as Incompetent and Orphan Classes under the Wyandot Treaty of 1855. It details the sales of lands assigned to them, confirmed by the Secretary of the Interior following a review of a 1870 report by Commissioners Irwin and Cobb. This aligns with the 15th article of the 1867 treaty involving certain Wyandot and other Indians in Kansas.

Treaty of July 22, 1814

The Treaty of July 22, 1814, marks a significant peace agreement between the United States and various Native American tribes, including the Wyandots, Delawares, Shawanoese, Senecas, and Miamies. Authorized by U.S. commissioners William Henry Harrison and Lewis Cass, the treaty stipulates mutual support in the war against Great Britain and establishes protections for the tribes. It reinforces tribal loyalty to the U.S. and outlines the restoration of pre-war territorial boundaries, emphasizing a formal commitment to peace and cooperation among the parties involved.