A description of Chief Pathkiller at Charles R. Hick’s house on 2 November 1818 by Rev. Ard Hoyt.1
King
The term “King” was applied to the principal Chiefs of the Cherokee by Europeans and Spaniards. The Cherokees did not have a title for the “Beloved Headman”. The title of Principal Chief is used today for the leader of the nation. Since there was no word, the Europeans and Spaniards used Chief and King. This was a way for them to relate to the leadership of the nation. The white people then used “King” or “Principal Chief” as the title for Chief Pathkiller.
The above journal is one example. There are several references using “King”. Reverend Daniel Butrick refers to Chief Pathkiller as the King in his journal in 1822. The grave stone had “Path Killer The last King of the Cherokees.”
Chief Pathkiller had influence, but, was the leader of the nation only in title. After Chief Black Fox died in 1811 Chief Pathkiller became Principal Chief. In late 1811 the Cherokee Nation adopted a National Council. Dr. Susan Abram, in her doctoral thesis, wrote;
The Cherokee National Committee, which conducted the nation’s affairs in this volatile atmosphere, informed Meigs of its newly appointed membership, on 18 November 1811. The group was composed predominately of younger headmen, including Charles Hicks, The Ridge, Seekickee, John McIntosh, John Walker, John Lowry, George Lowry, John McLamore, Duck, Wasausee, Sour Mush, and Chulioa. John Ross served as the thirteenth member of the committee and its clerk. Most of these men, while relatively young, had served their people for many years as warriors, headmen, lighthorse regulators, and Cherokee representatives to the Cherokee Indian Agency. The committee, which answered only to the “old Chiefs” of the Cherokee National Council, dealt with the nation’s everyday business, collected the annuity, and would soon become instrumental in determining the Cherokee course of action in the time of war soon to come.2
Chief Pathkiller is now the “King” or Principal Chief of the nation, and they are in transition. The progressiveness of mixed blood is now an influence on the nation. The Cherokee have settled into the practice of farming. At the beginning of Chief Pathkiller’s tenure, war is brewing. The Shawnee from the north urges the Southern Indians. They want them to join a coalition to fight the “whites”. The Cherokee walk away and want no part of the war. They see no benefit in fighting. The Chickasaw and Choctaw walk away as well. The Americans and British have their own conflict starting again. The Shawnee go home. This leaves the Creek with a civil war of their own. The Red Stick faction is created.
The War Within a War
The British and Americans were at war with each other again. (War 1812). This weighed heavy on Chief Pathkiller and the decision makers of the Cherokee. Which side to take was not an easy choice. Just south of them was going to make the decision for them.
On July 23, (1813) Cherokee principle chief Path Killer had several head men from the Creek Path area to write to Meigs of the “rebellion in the Creek Nation” and that the Red Sticks were “endeavouring to brake [sic] the chain of friendship between the U.S. & that Nation.” They further relayed that the national Creeks had sought assistance against possible attacks by the Red Sticks on Coweta and Cusseta. They warned Meigs that, in their estimation, their situation was dire:
It appears that the situation of our villages on the borders of the Creek Nation is not altogether safe, as we have been advised by the Big Warrior & his friendly Chiefs, to furnish ourselves with guns. To be guarded against the rebellious Creeks, that they should be suppressed, in case an attempt to invade our Country. A number of Creeks of the Natchez tribe have come to Turkey’s Town for refuge from the merciless rebels their friendly disposition towards the US. Appears to be usually firm, their number consists of nearly 200 men besides their women & Children. We hope the White People will not think that we have suffered those Indians to come amongst us with any hostile intentions towards them, as they are part of those who have suffered their friends & relations to spill their blood in giving satisfaction to the US. For the murder which was committed on the Ohio.3
Friendly Creeks have moved into Turkey’s Town. They have sought refuge there. A fort is created around the residence of Chief Pathkiller. By September of 1813 the Cherokee have joined forces to combat the Red Sticks.
Chief Pathkiller would receive a commission as Colonel. He never left Turkey’s Town. He did not fight in a battle. His age would not allow him to. He would be about 68 years old (1745). By the end of October 1813 Turkey’s Town is threatened with being attacked. Chief Pathkiller sent a letter to Andrew Jackson. He explained the issues. Jackson sent a letter to William Blount, Governor of Tennessee.
Two runners arrived here yesterday, from the Path Killer bringing the information that the hostile Creeks, were assembling in considerable numbers within 15 or 20 miles from the Turkey Town. . . .it is probable we shall have a fight, if the creeks means to fight us.4
Turkey’s Town was never attacked. The first battle for the Tennessee Volunteers and Cherokees was at Tallasahatachee near the Ten Islands. Supplies and food was taken by the Volunteers from the Cherokee people living in Turkey’s Town. Not even the Chief or King Colonel Pathkiller was safe from the looting. Chief Pathkiller would have Chief Charles Hicks file claim for losses in 1814.
By the end of March 1814 the battle of Horseshoe Bend will take place, and the Red Sticks defeated. This will bring an end to the Creek uprising.
The recovery for Turkey’s Town would take place. The 1814 War Claims would seek retributions from the United States with the losses of the Cherokee people. In the section already posted about the location Chief Pathkiller’s claim is shown. Chief Charles Hicks also files claim for friendly Creeks from Coosahattchee. See Location by the Cherokee People.
The Aftermath
The Chickasaw and the Cherokee can not come to an agreement on boundaries. Next post. Chief Pathkiller and the Turkey Town Treaty of 1816.
“SOULS IN THE TREETOPS:” CHEROKEE WAR, MASCULINITY, AND COMMUNITY, 1760-1820 Susan Marie Abram, A Dissertation, Submitted to the Graduate Faculty of Auburn University In Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy Auburn University August 10, 2009, page 97 ↩︎
Jackson’s White Plumes, An Historical and Genealogical Account of Selected Cherokee Families who Supported Andrew Jackson during the Creek Indian War of 1813-1814, Charlotte Adams Hood,1995, Lavender Publishing Company, page 32 ↩︎
Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not rely on your own understanding; in all your ways know him, and he will make your paths straight. Proverbs 3: 5-6 CSV
Mr. R. S. Cotterill states in the Preface of his book, “The Southern Indians”;
“The Southern Indians . . .the records of their history are records by whites and are marred by prejudices and misunderstandings.1
The above statement is so true. When we review Chief Pathkiller on genealogical websites, the information is so confusing. It is full of speculations, misunderstandings, incorrect information, and made-up fill-ins. It is worth stating again that Pathkiller is not a surname. That everyone who is referred to as Pathkiller is not the King, or Principal Chief Pathkiller (Principal Chief 1811-1827). That they are not all related as family. What can be proven? The genealogical websites have very few historical source citations. Most of what is referred to is from a modern-day history article. Some are from history books. What can be proven?
Proven
Chief Pathkiller’s parents can not be proven. They are unknown. Shelia Ford, a descendant of Nancy Ward, led me to new information on Moytoy. “Nunnadihi Pathkiller, Pathfinder Moytoy is a fictional name for the real Pathkiller.”2
“In the summer of 2018, the Cherokee Heritage Center removed all mention of an alleged Moytoy family from their website. They determined that the fictional Amatoya/Amadoya Moytoy had not existed. James Hicks, from whom the incorrect information appears to have come, had hypothesized that all Cherokee came from a single ancestor. He named that fictional ancestor Amatoya/Amadoya Moytoy with no evidence or documentation whatsoever.”3
If Chief Pathkiller’s parents are unknown, what can be proven about his family?
Chief Pathkiller has at least three wives.
The first wife’s name is unknown. They had three sons and one daughter. These children show up in historic documents and are not guesses. The first son is Bearmeat. It must be stated again that not everyone whose name is Bearmeat is the son of Chief Pathkiller. There are discussions on genealogical websites. They include correspondence of Chief Pathkiller talking about his son in the Creek War (1813-1814). Several of them state this must be Pathkiller II or Junior. There is no Pathkiller II or Junior as a son.
Bearmeat served under Gen. Cocke with Gen. Andrew Jackson in the Creek war. Bearmeat served as a scout for General Cocke. Gen. Cocke wrote a letter commending Bearmeat. “the son of the old Path Killer known by the name of Bear meat,.”4
Major Robert Searcy in a letter to Gen. John Coffee commends Bearmeat as well; “Bearmeat the son of the Path Killer king & principle Chief of their nation.”5
Bearmeat settled in the Creek Path (Guntersville, Alabama). He would have his own town Southwest of Creek Path.
Whitemankiller is another son. He is reported in Richard Blount’s journal while surveying the Georgia-Alabama boundary. “1 September 1826 met a Cherokee named Whitemankiller, wife, and daughter. . . Charles Hicks had sent a runner to his father Pathkiller.”6
James Lasley states the names of Whitemankiller’s children with their mothers in a deposition about their reservation. Lasley stated that Whitemankiller died in 1823 on his reservation at Turnip Mountain, Coosa River, Georgia. Whitemankiller’s family was disposed of the 320 acres in 1834-35. Lasley states his death date is “best of my recollection”. The dates conflict. This creates a plausible date of after 1826 and before the forced removal from the land of 1834.
“ Soo-wagi . . . Tahnuh-cas-tat-he, Oo-nee-skoo-koo and Thi-ah-muh-nuh children of White Man Killer and Joh-Ke-die;: Tee-sak-ni whose mother is deceased and Jackson, Mary heir of Buck Deceased;: Scott and Choo-wah-nas-kee and Peter children of Whit Man Killer and Yoo-yas-ki also decease.”7
A final son Tah-ka-ha-kee is listed on the Rice and McCoy/Rawlings and Massey’s Valuations, Claims, Cherokee County, Alabama, claim #44, property valuations, entry 224; Records of the Bureau of Indian Affairs, Record Group 75; National Archives Building, Washington, DC.
“Of the remaining portion, Crying Snake received 1/8th, Hughston (Houston) received 2/8th, Tarkaga (Tah-ka-ha-kee) received 1/8th, and the final 1/8th went Nancy (Pathkiller), Crying Snake’s mother.”8 John Ridge received the other 3/8. This is with Chief Pathkiller’s estate on the Coosa River (Centre, Alabama, Garrett Ferry).
Tah-ka-ha-kee is not mentioned in any of Peggy’s estate.
Unknown named daughter, sister to Bearmeat
Ahnoah stated in her Chatoogga District Court deposition that Bearmeat was her uncle. Cherokee culture would place Bearmeat as the brother of Ahnoah’s mother.
Plaintiffs witness May 26th 1830Ahnoah Deposeth and saith that she was living in the neighborhood of Gunters Landing when her uncle the Bears Meat told her that the Pathkiller wanted her the Deponent to come and live where the Pathkiller was clearing a place on the Couse River on the West Bank at Pathkillers Ferry so called; the Pathkiller told her that he would get some young men to build some houses, and bout one year after the Pathkiller brought the Hammer there with his mother the Pathkillers wife.9
Wife Peggy a Cherokee woman
Peggy is one of Chief Pathkiller’s wives. She has a will drawn up for her in 1829. Did issues over Chief Pathkiller’s estate at the new ferry cause this? Were improvements at the new ferry a factor in needing “White man’s court?” A lot of the genealogical websites have her death date based on this record. The “will” was submitted on 13 March 1829. Chief Pathkiller died in 1827. Issues with his estate (Garrett Ferry, Centre, Alabama) went to court in May 1830. Peggy’s will was probated on 14 March 1833.10
Peggy is listed as part-owner of a ferry near Turkey’s Town. It states they were “dispossessed since the spring of 1832”. She died sometime between this time and March 1833. She is buried somewhere on the property.
George Chambers, John Ratliff, Daniel Griffin Jr., and Peggy Pathkiller Sr were joint owners of a Ferry on the Coosa River in Turkey Town Valley, Cherokee County. The Valuations gave an average annual income of $100.00. Included with this Valuation were a 16’x14’ house and a 10-acre field of bottom land under fence. The Claimants were dispossessed since spring of 1832.11
Five Daughters
We have discussed Nancy. To review. Nancy is listed in Peggy’s will “to my oldest daughter Nancy“. Nancy’s sons Crying Snake and Eyoostee, also known as Houston are listed in the will; “To my grandson Crying Snake. To my grandson Eyoostee.”
Nancy on oath states that she lived at the house of Crying Snake for a great number of years, and therefore she confirms his statement with regards to his claim.12
Register of Payments, Book A. Page 14; Crying Snake and Nancy are paid for their portions of Pathkiller’s ferry; #12, Crying Snake, Alabama, Ferry on the Coosa, share of C. Snake $796. 87 ½ Sent West Jany 1839; #13, Nancy. Crying Snake’s mother. Ferry on Coosa, Share for Nancy $796. 87 ½ Sent West Jany 1839.
St Clair County; Special Orphans Court, October 1833, page 241; October 31st 1833. . . settlement had on the Estate of Peggy Pathkiller Deceased the papers and vorchers being filed in office. . . Nancy one of the heirs receipt $455.00. Crying Snake one of the heirs receipt $450.00.Eustee one of the heirs receipt $300.00. 13
Nancy Pathkiller, Crying Snake, and Houston are listed in the Captain John Benge14 Detachment. They left Fort Payne in September 1838. They arrived in the West in January 1839 on the “Trail of Tears”.
Nelly or Nella is listed in Peggy Pathkiller’s will; “to my daughter Nelly. . .”15
Special Orphans Court, October 1833, page 241; October 31st 1833. . . settlement had on the Estate of Peggy Pathkiller Deceased the papers and vorchers being filed in office. . . Nelly one of the heirs receipt $375.00 16
Nelly is possibly the N. Pathkiller of Turkey Town listed in Forman’s 1835 Cherokee Census. She is listed on page 80; 5 fullbloods, one farmer, 3 readers of English, 1 weaver, 1 spinster (spinner).Nelly is listed in the Benge Detachment for the “Trail of Tears”. Nelly has a daughter named Anna. Anna married Frances Hampton.
Quatee is listed in Peggy Pathkiller’s will; To my daughter Quatee. . .17
Special Orphans Court, October 1833, page 241; October 31st 1833. . . settlement had on the Estate of Peggy Pathkiller Deceased the papers and vorchers being filed in office. . . Quata one of the heirs receipt & George Campbell one of the heirs} $1200.00.18
Quatee married George Campbell. George Campbell is listed on the Lieutenant Edwards Deas detachment. They left for the West on 6 June 1838. Their departure point was near Ross Landing on the Tennessee River.19
Charwahyooca is listed in Peggy Pathkiller’s will; to Charwahyooca my daughter. . .20
Special Orphans Court, October 1833, page 241; October 31st 1833. . . settlement had on the Estate of Peggy Pathkiller Deceased the papers and vorchers being filed in office. . . Charwahyooca and Richard Ratliff receipt $300.0021
She married Richard Ratliff Jr. Richard Ratliff Jr. is listed on the Lieutenant Edwards Deas detachment. They left for the West on 6 June 1838 near Ross Landing on the Tennessee River. 22
I will share more on the Ratliff family. Not because they married into Chief Pathkiller’s family, but their involvement in the Turkey’s Town Story.
Jenny is listed in Peggy Pathkiller’s will; my youngest daughter Jenny. . .I also Shall leave. . .House its furniture and plantation. . .who lives with me in the same house this property. . .23
Special Orphans Court, October 1833, page 241; October 31st 1833 . . . .settlement had on the Estate of Peggy Pathkiller Deceased the papers and vouchers being filed in office. . . Jenney one of the heirs receipt $1188.6024
Jenny “Jane” Pathkiller was listed in the Captain John Benge Detachment. They left Fort Payne in September 1838. They arrived in the West in January 1839 on the “Trail of Tears”. 25
Dragging Canoe. He is not to be confused with the Chickamaugan Chief who died in 1794. He is the only male sibling of the women above. The girls named him in affidavits about Anna Hampton’s improvement claims in 1837 as their brother. Anna is the daughter of Nelly.
Dragging Canoe died before August 1829. The heirs with the Administrators of his estate sued in the Cherokee Supreme Court his mother, Peggy. This was over slaves Simon and Phoebe with her children, and some other property. St Clair County, Alabama Orphans’ Court Records show that James G Carrol received the appointment as Administrator. He was responsible for the estate of Dragging Canoe. Dragging Canoe was a Cherokee. The appointment was made in the 1833 term (page 207). Also appointed were David Gage, Thomas Machen, and James C Street.27 They were appraisers of the estate. There are no copies of the estate records on the internet.
Dragging Canoe may have been murdered. Chief Pathkiller complained to Rev. Daniel Butrick in 1822 about the murder of a son. His complaint was that the US President had done nothing about it. Butrick’s Journal. This will be discussed further in a discussion on Charles, Chief Pathkiller’s nephew. Charles was murdered in 1821.
Dragging Canoe was married to Watty, a Cherokee Woman. He had a son, Sky-ah-too-ka, and a daughter, Martha. Sky-ah-too-ka contested the improvements claimed by Anna Hampton. You can review this by looking back at the section, “Location by Chief Pathkiller’s family”.
Third Wife
Oo-loo-cha, a Cherokee Woman.
“Ahama, or Hammer, the son of Oo-loo-cha”
“after the treaty of 1819, she (Oo-loo-cha) married Path-killer the chief of the nation and she abandoned her reservation and moved with him to Turkey-town”.28
Conclusion
“My granny says that her granny was a Cherokee Princess.”
The information on the genealogical website for Chief Pathkiller is full of folklore, family traditions, and wishful thinking. The sources are written histories. Some are just stories. One needs to ask, “How do you know this?” “What is the source?” I hope what you have read here helps explain the proven family of Chief Pathkiller.
We will continue the discussion on Chief Pathkiller. The Beloved Chiefs from Turkey’s Town, Pathkiller, the Last King of the Cherokees. Next time.
The Southern Indians, The Story of the Civilized Tribes Before Removal”, R. S. Cotterill, Norman and London, the University of Oklahoma Press, 1954, page IX Preface. ↩︎
Hargrett Rare Book and Manuscript Library, The University of Georgia Libraries, Telamon Cuyler Collection, Box: 77, Folder: 30, Document: 02. ↩︎
Fold3 Ancestry.com, Correspondence and Miscellaneous Records; page 271-274, Records of the Cherokee Indians Agency in Tennessee 1801-1835, Record Group 75, National Archive ↩︎
Richard Blount’s Papers, Alabama State Archives, digital.archive.gov site, page 9 August 30-September 6, 1826 ↩︎
4th Board Claims, Entry 250, Image 199; Records of the Bureau of Indian Affairs, Record Group 75; National Archives Building, Washington DC. ↩︎
Rice and McCoy/Rawlings and Massey’s Valuations, Cherokee County, Alabama, #44; Property Valuations, Entry 224; Records of the Bureau of Indian Affairs, Record Group 75; National Archives Building, Washington, DC. Annual Income $1,460.00 based on certificates of David Vann, James Lasley, Wm Childers and John Fields. Of the amount allowed Ridge received 1/8th of the whole for ferrying, 1/2 of the remaining balance, 3/8 of the other half. Of the remaining portion, Crying Snake received 1/8th, Hughston (Houston) received 2/8th,Tarkaga (Tarkahagee) received 1/8th, and the final 1/8th went to Nancy (Pathkiller), Crying Snake’s mother. This is the present-day Garrett Ferry site 1 mile South of Centre on the Coosa River. Now County Road 20. ↩︎
Penelope Allen Johnson Collection, University Tennessee Knoxville, Series V, Box 1, FOLDER 201 ↩︎
Rice and McCoy/Rawlings and Massey’s Valuations, Cherokee County, Alabama, #49; Property Valuations, Entry 224; Records of the Bureau of Indian Affairs, Record Group 75; National Archives Building, Washington, DC. The $1,100 total allowance was divided among the four partners. ↩︎
Manuscript Collection #1787, Box 16, Folder 1 Tennessee State Library and Archives Microfilm Collection 815, Reel 6, Flint District Claims, Claim #10, Crying Snake’s portion of claim is missing from the file. ↩︎
Hammer filed a claim several times to be paid by the US government for the improvements after he was in the Arkansas territory. Minute Docket 4th Board of the Cherokee, claim #24 Reservation 141, September 21, 1846, Records of the Bureau of Indian Affairs, Record Group 75; National Archives Building, Washington DC ↩︎
Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not rely on your own understanding; in all your ways know him, and he will make your paths straight. Proverbs 3: 5-6 CSV
We continue to discuss the proven and not proven for Chief Pathkiller. We must discuss Robert Moore and Nancy Ann “Polly” Pathkiller’s story.
Some confusing information comes from a blog, THE LEGEND OF PATHKILLER, by Lee Standing Bear Moore and Takatoka;
During a war between the white man and American Indians between 1790 and 1803, in what would become the state of Kentucky, a band of Overhill Cherokee warriors of the Red Paint clan captured a group of white soldiers and brought them to their Chief Pathkiller.
One of the captives was a young soldier by the name of Moore. (His name may not have been Robert Alec Moore.) Chief Pathkillers’ pretty young daughter, who was attracted to the handsome Moore, put together a plan to free Moore. Pathkiller’s daughter gave up her Indian identity and married Moore. Nancy Ann “Polly” Pathkiller-Moore and Robert A./Alec Moore had eight children1
There are several issues with the story. Chief Pathkiller, Principal Chief of the nation, can not be proven as living in Kentucky. His daughter, Nancy, with Peggy, can only be proven to have lived in Turkey’s Town with her son, Crying Snake.
No source citations are provided with the Moore family story. However, the majority of the Genealogy websites use this information. Nancy, the daughter of Chief Pathkiller and his wife Peggy, did NOT marry Robert Moore. Notations of this Moore family in ancestry.com list Nancy Ann “Polly” Pathkiller dying in 1833, other sites state 1832.
Nancy, daughter of Chief Pathkiller, and wife Peggy, is still living at the time of the stated death. She is a witness for her son Crying Snake, on a claim in 1842. Until the Trail of Tears in 1838 she is living in Turkey’s Town. She states, “she lived at the house of Crying Snake for a great number of years.” Nancy Pathkiller, Crying Snake, and Houston (Eyoostee) are listed in the Captain John Benge Detachment. They leave Fort Payne in September 1838. They arrive in the West in January 1839 on the “Trail of Tears”. 2
Listed in Peggy “Pathkiller’s” will;, Saint Clair County, Alabama, to my oldest daughter Nancy. Nancy’s sons are listed; To my grandson Crying Snake. To my grandson Eyoostee. 4
Other Documentation shows that Nancy is living passed the date of 1832. Register of Payments, Book A. Page 14; Crying Snake and Nancy are paid for their portions of Peggy’s ferry;
#12, Crying Snake, Alabama, Ferry on the Coosa, share of C. Snake $796. 87 ½ Sent West Jany 1839; #13, Nancy. Crying Snake’s mother. Ferry on Coosa, Share for Nancy $796. 87 ½ Sent West Jany 1839. St Clair County; Special Orphans Court, October 1833, page 241; October 31st 1833. . . This property claim was for the ferry where Chief Pathkiller died. (Centre, Alabama) 56 settlement had on the Estate of Peggy Pathkiller Deceased the papers and vorchers being filed in office. . . Nancy one of the heirs receipt $455.00. Crying Snake one of the heirs receipt $450.00.Eustee one of the heirs receipt $300.00 7
The family never mentions a man named Moore. None of Nancy’s claims speaks of a Moore. Crying Snake and Eyoostee (he is also known as Houston) never speak of the Moore family. Clearly Nancy the child of Chief Pathkiller and Peggy never married a man named Moore.
Pathkiller I and Pathkiller II
Adding to the confusion are the incorrect dates on the foot stone at the burial site in Centre, Alabama. The dates of 1764-1828 are wrong. This has led many to add a Pathkiller Jr (Pathkiller II) and family. For example, the marriage of Susan “Sookie” Martin to Chief Pathkiller, the Chief of the nation. This does not disprove that Susan Martin married a Pathkiller. Yet, the likelihood of a Pathkiller Jr. son of Chief Pathkiller, is not culturally correct. No historical records of a son named Pathkiller Jr or Pathkiller II can be found. Except Pathkiller Junr as previously noted.
The dates on the tombstone in Centre Alabama come from the Garrett family. Laura C. Blair and the Perry Funeral Home and Monument Company placed the stone in 1980. 8
Photo taken by this Researcher, Jeffrey Sauls. Foot stone at Garrett Cemetery, Centre, Alabama
She may have obtained the dates from Will I Martins’ Article from the Gadsden Times-News. First printed December 1951 and reprinted in the Coosa River News, 18 January 1952, page 1;
“Last of the Cherokee Chiefs Buried at Centre”.
Fifth paragraph;
A few years ago, Mrs. Jane Ingram, mother of Bob Ingram, sports editor of the Gadsden Times, wrote a history of Cherokee County for the Alabama Department of Archives and History and in it she gave some information about Chief Pathkiller that was authentic and very interesting.
She said he was the last of the great chiefs of the Cherokee tribes. He was born in 1764. . . . . . . lived in his old home near his ferry until his death 1828. He was buried in the family cemetery.
Mrs. Ingram does not give references for the dates. They are incorrect.
Eighth paragraph of Mr. Martin’s article; His grave was unmarked until a few years ago when Hugh Cardon. . conducted a drive to raise funds for replacing a monument at the grave of the great and good Indian leader
The confusing statement of Will I Martin; “His grave was unmarked until a few years ago. . .raise funds for replacing a monument. . .” is interesting. This article has several errors. It is a very poor source.
The Chief had a marker of some kind.
The Jacksonville Republican Newspaper in 1867 holds a reprint. This reprint is from an article that ran in the Gadsden Times-News in the first year of its publication, 1867. The article tells the story of the “Legend of Nahcullola or Black Creek Falls”. The story refers to Chief Pathkiller being “Laniska a young chief brave of heart and swift of foot, already distinguished in war and in peace.” (A name unsupported by any evidence in History. Chief Pathkiller would be in his 40s when he came to what is Turkey’s town in the mid-1780s). The footnotes are important references in this article.
After a long life he was gathered to his fathers. He now sleeps on the banks of the Coosa, a few miles above Nahcullola. A rude stone marks the spot and on it is the simple inscription – –
PATH KILLER, The Last King of the Cherokees. Path Killer’s Grave is in Cherokee County, on the North bank of the Coosa near Mrs. Garrett’s ferry. 9
The statement in 1867 indicates there is a rude stone that marks the grave. Chief Pathkiller had an original stone marker placed at his grave before 1867. “Path Killer The last King of the Cherokees”. The contrast in the statements on the stones should be noted. The present-day stone states; “Referred to as the Last of the Cherokee Kings”. This evidence should prove the present-day stone is possibly the 3rd stone marking the Chief’s grave.
Hugh Cardon also made this statement in the Coosa River News, 31 July 1936, page 2;
Tradition records that Pathkiller is buried on the Coosa River overlooking Turkey Town which appeared in the “Sentinel”, published in Cedar Bluff in 1841. 10
These early statements date back to 1841. They should provide solid evidence that Chief Pathkiller is buried in the Garrett Cemetery, Centre, AL. Is there further evidence that Chief Pathkiller is buried in the Garrett Cemetery? I will follow up on that. What about an estimated birth year and a death date?
Birth Year Estimate
There is only one historical document during the lifetime of Chief Pathkiller that gives us an estimated birth date.
A description of Chief Pathkiller at Charles R. Hick’s house on 2 November 1818 by Rev. Ard Hoyt;
On entering I observed the King seated on a rug, at one end of the room, having his back supported by a roll of blankets. He is a venerable looking man, 73 years old; his hair nearly white. 11
If the Rev. Hoyt is correct about the age, then the estimated birth year would be 1745.
Cherokee Historian Grant Forman describes the death date.
“Chief Pathkiller died, 8 January 1827 between 80-90 years of age”. 12
There are newspaper articles from the time period, of 1827 supporting the death date. 13
Also his death is recorded in “Records of the Moravian Among the Cherokees, vol. 7, pages 3582 and 3595; 3613-14
But there is a grave for Colonel Chief Pathkiller in New Echota, Calhoun, Georgia.
The state park of New Echota in Gordon County, Georgia, houses a burial site. It is marked by a US military stone. This stone was provided by the Veterans Affairs. The Women’s Club of Calhoun, Georgia, requested the stone with the assistance of US Congressman M. C. Tarver in 1931 15. The request did not have any citations. It only mentioned that Col Path Killer of Col Gideon Morgan’s Inf Reg, King of the Cherokees. The stone marking states Col Pathkiller, Morgan’s Cherokee Regt, War of 1812, 1742-1827. 16 The Chattanooga Daily Times, dated 27 Aug 1933, published in Chattanooga, Tennessee, features a photo on Page 30. It shows Robert Bruce Ross, the grandson of Chief John Ross, standing at the burial site of Col Pathkiller. The adjoining news article is about the arrest of the missionaries in Georgia. The tomb has a table rock encasement. No source citations were provided with the article or the application. 17 The military stone was ordered in 1931. The possibility of Chief Pathkiller being buried at this site is extremely low with the earlier proven information.
As of note. The grave site at the Garrett family cemetery is under consideration for certification as a Trail of Tears site. All paperwork is in process with the US Park Service Trail Division and National Trail of Tears Association. After certification, a formal correction to the dates will be placed at the grave site.
Proof Chief Pathkiller Died at His House
A court case at the Cherokee District Courthouse in Chattooga Town (North of present-day Gaylesville Al) provides information. It reveals where Chief Pathkiller was living when he died. Emphases added by this researcher.
Tah-ka-ha-kee & Crying Snake vs Robt Brown
Plaintiffs witness May 26th 1830
Ahnoah Deposeth and saith that she was living in the neighborhood of Gunters Landing when her uncle the Bears Meat told her that the Pathkiller wanted her the Deponent to come and live where the Pathkiller was clearing a place on the Couse River on the West Bank at Pathkillers Ferry so called; the Pathkiller told her that he would get some young men to build some houses, and bout one year after the Pathkiler brought the Hammer there with his mother the Pathkillers wife.
How long did the Pathkiller settle at the ferry? Ans; He lived there until he died.
Did he ever move opposite? Ans; No
Did he die where he was clearing? Ans; He died at the house.
Which side of the river did the Pathkiller die? Ans On the East side 18
Conclusion
Nancy, the child of Chief Pathkiller and Peggy, never married a man named Moore. Chief Pathkiller died at his house (present-day Centre, Alabama). There is no Pathkiller I. There is no Pathkiller II. There is no son of Chief Pathkiller named Junior. Pathkiller Junr is a designation on a Treaty. It indicates that there are two Pathkillers who sign. One is younger than the other. It is not a family relationship.
Chief Pathkiller the King, Principal Chief of the Cherokee Nation 1811-1827 lived in Turkey’s Town. He was born about 1745 and died in his house on the Coosa River (present-day Centre, Alabama). The date was 8 January 1827. He was buried near his house.
We will continue to explore this, Chief Pathkiller. He had at least 3 wives at separate times. Who can be proven as his family? His first resident, ferry, and fort in Turkey’s Town. He was referred to as King. He was promoted a Colonel in the US Army. The Creek War. The Treaty that was ratified at Turkey’s Town in 1816. His involvement with the missionaries. The Beloved Chiefs From Turkey’s Town.
Manuscript Collection #1787, Box 16, Folder 1 Tennessee State Library and Archives Microfilm Collection 815, Reel 6, 1842 Flint District Claims, Book 4, Claim #10, Crying Snake’s portion of claim is missing from the file. ↩︎
Rice and McCoy/Rawlings and Massey’s Valuations, Cherokee County, Alabama, #44; Property Valuations, Entry 224; Records of the Bureau of Indian Affairs, Record Group 75; National Archives Building, Washington, DC. Annual Income $1,460.00 based on certificates of David Vann, James Lasley, Wm Childers and John Fields. Of the amount allowed Ridge received 1/8th of the whole for ferrying, 1/2 of the remaining balance, 3/8 of the other half. Of the remaining portion, Crying Snake received 1/8th, Hughston (Houston) received 2/8th , Tarkaga (Tarkahagee) received 1/8th , and the final 1/8th went to Nancy (Pathkiller), Crying Snake’s mother. ↩︎
John Ridge was paid $10,615.61 on Volume A, p. 318. Crying Snake was paid $796.88 on Volume A, p. 14. Nancy was paid $798.88 on Volume A, p. 14. Houston was paid $1,593.75 on Volume B, p. 249. Tarkagee was paid $796.88 on Volume B, p. 269. Register of Payments, Entry 247; Records of the Bureau of Indian Affairs, Record Group 75; National Archives Building, Washington DC. ↩︎
Interview with Billy Mack Garrett by this researcher, February 2024. ↩︎
JACKSONVILLE REPUBLICAN (Jacksonville, Alabama) · 14 Sep 1867, Sat · Page 4 THE CHEROKEE ADVERTISER P. J. Smith, Editor, Centre, Alabama, Thursday, September 19, 1867, Volume- 2, No. 23.) Reprint articles from the Gadsden Times-News 1867. Newspaper.com ↩︎
Newspaper.com; “The Will of Peggy Pathkiller”; The Coosa River News, Centre Alabama, Friday, 31 July 1936, page 2. ↩︎
“The Daily Oklahoman” (Oklahoma City, Oklahoma) · Sun, Apr 18, 1937, · Page 78. “The Great Human Cattle Drive”, Grant Forman, Newspaper.com ↩︎
The Susquehanna Democrat, Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, 2 March 1827, Friday, page 3. The National Gazette, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, 10 February 1827. ↩︎
The National Gazette (Philadelphia, Pennsylvania) · 10 Feb 1827, Sat · Page 2, Newspapers.com ↩︎
The Atlanta Constitution (Atlanta, Georgia) · 9 Nov 1930, Sun · Page 3, Newspaper.com ↩︎
Did the Brainard Missionaries Advert Civil War, Chattanooga Daily Times (Chattanooga, Tennessee) · 27 Aug 1933, Sun · Page 30, Newspaper.com ↩︎
Penelope Allen Johnson Collection, University Tennessee Knoxville, Series V, Box 1, FOLDER 201 ↩︎
Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not rely on your own understanding; in all your ways know him, and he will make your paths straight. Proverbs 3: 5-6 CSV
Present, the Little Turkey, great beloved man of the whole nation; the Badger, the beloved man of the Southern division; the Hanging Maw, beloved man of the Northern division; the Boot, the Black Fox, the Cabin, Path Killer, head-men of Turkey’s town.[1]
Chief Pathkiller
As we examine the Beloved Chiefs from Turkey’s Town. Chief Pathkiller’s information is the most confused. He is very important to the history of Turkey’s Town. He lived in Turkey’s Town for about 40 years. Today, there is a lot more information about this Chief. Yet, the internet is full of misunderstandings, misinformation, and confusion.
I will try to sort this out. All of the genealogy websites have mixed, confused information about this Chief and his family. A lot of the information has been disproved, yet not removed or replaced with corrected information.
Providing the most up-to-date information will take more than one post. I will provide what can be proven. Where needed, I will state what is “believed” to be true from the leading researchers. This is not a genealogy site, but I will provide what has been proven about Chief Pathkiller’s family with sources. This site focuses on Turkey’s Town. Thus, I am not providing information about the Western Nation after the arrival of the family.
We will explore who Chief Pathkiller is. His name. I will explain the errors in the information on the various websites. There is only one Chief Pathkiller, who was the Principal (Beloved) Chief of the Cherokee Nation (1811-1827). I will explain who Pathkiller Jr is. There are NO Pathkiller I and Pathkiller IIs. What are the most precise estimates of his birth, and when did he die? Where is he buried? We will revisit where he lived. What was his role in the Creek War and, Treaty of 1816? As the Chief of the nation, what is his role? His family can be proven. Who are they? He had a nephew who was murdered, named Charles.
Chief Pathkiller, His Name
Pathkiller is not a surname. Pathkiller, as a surname, is a European influence on the history of the Cherokee people.
Most of the genealogy records use a Cherokee name for Chief Pathkiller. This name, “Nunnadihi” translates to Path Killer. This was Major Ridge’s name when he was young. His name later evolved to “the Ridge” and eventually to “Major Ridge”. In Wilkins’ book about the Ridge Family, Major Ridge or Pathkiller is spelled “Nung-noh-hut-tar-hee.” This translates to “he who slays the enemy in the path.” In English, Path Killer. [2] This is further confused by misinformation transcribed into the website of Find-a-Grave. This is also on almost every genealogy website. Yet this is Major Ridge’s name. Chief Pathkiller does not have a historical record using a Cherokee name. It is listed as Path Killer or Pathkiller. In my opinion, assigning a name to Chief Pathkiller is disrespectful to the Cherokee People and the Chief.
Roane County, Tennessee, Pathkiller
One of the confusing Pathkillers is the Pathkiller of Roane County, Tennessee. Many people have conflicted him with Chief Pathkiller of Turkey’s Town. This Pathkiller is stated to be the last hereditary Chief of the Nation and Colonel Pathkiller. This Pathkiller received a reservation of 640 acres, including a ferry on the Tennessee River. In a blog provided by “Tennessee State Library and Archives” it holds information on the court case involving this reserve. From the blog;
This Supreme Court case centered around a land dispute between Pathkiller and James Blair of Loudon County. In 1819, Pathkiller took advantage of a provision in the Calhoun Treaty and claimed a reservation of 640 acres that included the area known as Blair’s Ferry. Blair’s Ferry was on the Tennessee River in Loudon County.[3] Throughout this court case Pathkiller is referenced as: “. . .last hereditary chief of the Cherokee, and a Colonel under Andrew Jackson in the Creek War”. In this case, there is a daughter of Pathkiller named Sarah who married James T. Gardenhire. “Blair’s sons John and Wily continued battling for the property rights against Pathkiller’s daughter, Sarah, and her husband, James T. Gardenhire. After years of litigation, the Tennessee Supreme Court ultimately decided in favor of the Blairs, claiming that Pathkiller’s sale of the land to the Gardenhires had made his reservation claim null and void. The parties ultimately reached a compromise, and the Gardenhires agreed that they would “remove and give up all of said 640 acres with the ferry, and to remove any tenants that may be in possession of any part of the said tract…”[4]
No where in the reservation claim is this Pathkiller referred to as the Chief of the Cherokee Nation. He is not proven to be Colonel Pathkiller. This is also true in the granting of the reservation.(5) It is a statement made during the court case. But, not proven. It was recorded in the Tennessee State Supreme Court Case. This Pathkiller could be one of the other two Pathkillers listed in Col Gideon Morgan Jr’s regiment.
The account of this case appeared in the National Banner and Nashville Whig newspapers in full on 12 August 1830. Pathkiller in this case is not called Chief of the Nation. There is also no mention of him being related to Chief Pathkiller in Turkey’s Town.[6] There is no evidence to confirm this. The daughter named “Sarah, who married James T Gardenhire,” has no family connection to the Chief Pathkiller of Turkey’s Town. To add to this many genealogists list Susan “Sukey, Sooky” Martin as the wife of Chief Pathkiller in Turkey’s Town. This too is not proven. Others suggest she was married to his son, Pathkiller Jr or Pathkiller II.[7][8] There is no Pathkiller II. It gets more confusing with the memorial marker (photo attached). Stating that this Pathkiller died in 1843.[9] This Pathkiller may be the Corporal or Sergeant with Col Gideon Morgan Jr’s Cherokee Regiment in the Creek War.[10]
A small memorial marker commemorating Path Killer sits on the western bank of the Tennessee River. The marker is located behind the Loudon Senior Citizens Center, 901 Main St., Loudon, Tenn. / Ross Rogers
Chief Pathkiller, Chief of the Nation 1811-1827, died in January 1827, so he did not file a case in 1830. His daughter and granddaughter stated he lives in Turkey’s Town. Source with proof later in another post. They never mention moving or living on the Tennessee River. He did not die in Arkansas. He does not have a daughter named Sarah that can be proven. We will discuss his proven family and where he lived.
This Roane County Pathkiller can not be the hereditary chief of the Cherokee, with a death date of 1843. That would mean there are two Principal Chiefs of the Nation. Chief John Ross was Principal Chief from 1828 to 1866.[11] This Pathkiller did exist. He did move to Arkansas. Yet, this Pathkiller of Roane County, Tennessee, is not the Principal Chief of the Cherokee People. He has not been proven to have any family relationship to Principal Chief Pathkiller of Turkey’s Town. Nor any of his family. The only connection is the similarity of the name Pathkiller. There are many people with the name Pathkiller. Not everyone who has that name is kin.
Who is Pathkiller Jr (Pathkiller Junr)? It may be the Roane County, Tennessee, Pathkiller. Attached is a copy of the only document with Pathkliller Junr. An 1817 treaty dealing with the approval of the use of roads it has two Pathkillers. Pathkiller and Pathkiller Jr.[12] This leads to the question of whether the second Pathkiller is Pathkiller’s son. The Cherokee people did not have a culture of naming a son after the father. They did not use the suffix Jr. This is the interpreter’s choice in using “Junr.” Jr. to show two different Pathkillers, one being younger than the other. They are not displaying a family notation. In this treaty, the interpreters are Return J. Meigs, and Chief Charles R. Hicks. Meigs is the Agent and Chief Hicks is an interpreter, Chief Pathkiller’s second. Hicks is half Cherokee and half European. [13]
Conclusion
This Pathkiller of Roane County, Tennessee, is not the Principal Chief of the Cherokee People. He has not been proven to have any family relationship to Principal Chief Pathkiller of Turkey’s Town. Nor any of his family. Pathkiller Junr is a younger man with the same name. There is no son of Chief Pathkiller of Turkey’s Town named Pathkiller Jr.
We will continue the exploration of Chief Pathkiller and the misunderstandings in the next post. The Beloved Chiefs of Turkey’s town.
[1]Indian Affairs, Volume 1, ASP IA Vol. 1, searchable online the Library of Congress American State Papers web site pages 271-273, 26 June – 1 July 1792.
[2] “Cherokee Tragedy”, The Ridge Family and the Decimation of a People, Thurman Wilkins, second edition, revised, University of Oklahoma, Norman and London, 1986, page 7.
[6] National Banner and Nashville Whig, (Nashville Tennessee) 12 August 1830, Newspaper.com, Second paragraph; Pathkiller, the defendant in the court and Plaintiff below, claim a reservation under the treaty of 1817 and 1819, of 640 areas of land with a life estate there in to himself and a reversion in fee simple to his children, out of the lands surrendered by these treaties to the United States. He was the head of an Indian family; and on register of life interest reservations, in the office of thee United States Agent for the Cherokees, is in the following entry: “1818, June the 14th, Pathkiller a native, 5 in family, on the main Tennessee river, about 2 ½ miles above the mouth of Sweet-water creek. There is a ferry on the place: Given under my hand and private seal, there being no seal office, the 2d Sept. 1826. H. Montgomery, United States Agent for the Cherokee. . . Pathkiller moved to this reservation, the land in dispute, in April or May 1819, having occupied of by his tenet Caves, from 1817.
[7] Chattanooga Daily Times (Chattanooga, Tennessee) · Sun, May 27, 1934 · Page 41, Newspaper.com
Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not rely on your own understanding; in all your ways know him, and he will make your paths straight. Proverbs 3; 5-6 CSV
I am not going to reinvent the wheel. Wiki Tree has a good overview of Chief Black Fox. I am providing info on Chief Black Fox because he was listed as one of the Headmen from Turkey Town. This occurred at the June 1792 Grand Council meeting. This is not my research. From my research, I agree with it with an exception.
The one piece of info I disagree with is. Almost all of the genealogy sites have Chief Black Fox born about 1750 [uncertain] in Eustanali, Cherokee Nation (East). The estimated birth date. I agree with. The issue is the location, being Eustanali. This town did not exist until after 1782. After Dragging Canoe settled in what would become Chattanooga, the Cherokee moved into western Georgia. This is already documented in an earlier post. Black Fox may be from one of the lower towns on the headwaters of the Savannah River. Chief Little Turkey is documented as being from Seneca. (See post on Chief Little Turkey). Major John Norton referred to Black Fox as the uncle of Chief Little Turkey’s children. If Norton was speaking from his English upbringing, then Little Turkey and Black Fox are brothers. I believe Norton was not speaking culturally as a Cherokee. He refers to the children of Little Turkey as cousins.1
He may have been living in Eustanali (Ustinali) at the time Little Turkey settled his New Seneca, Turkey’s Town. He lived most of his time as Chief of the nation in Creek Path. This is present-day Guntersville, Alabama.
The following is from Wikitree with some documentation to offer sources.
Disputed Origins
Black Fox was not a son of Oconostota. Enoli called Dragging Canoe “Uncle” in his eulogy, but this probably meant only that he was an older man from the same clan. [1]
Biography
Nothing is known of the early life of Enoli, known in English as “Black Fox.” He was probably born by 1750. He first appears in the historical record as one of 42 signers of the 1791 Treaty of Holston. [2]His town is not named but he was from one of the “Lower Towns” in the area along the Georgia/South Carolina border. In June of 1792 he participated in a grand council at Ustinali, where he made a speech eulogizing Dragging Canoe. [3]
Journal of Occurrences in Cherokee Agency in 1802, Records of the Cherokee Agency in Tennessee National Archives and Records Administration.2
Enoli apparently rose in prominence through the 1790’s. When the Little Turkey died in 1802 he was chosen Principal Chief even though there were differences of opinion between the Upper Town chiefs and the Lower Town chiefs who included Black Fox. [4] He had a somewhat checkered career as chief, being deposed in 1808 for his part in the Treaty of 1806 leading up to and following the death of Doublehead. He was reinstated 1809 following an agreement between the Upper and Lower town chiefs to put their differences aside. [5] John Norton met the chief in 1810 and recorded that he was about 60 years of age, “of an ordinary stature, a sedate aspect, and good character…. [6] Black Fox died in August 1811 and his death was reported in a number of newspapers of the day.
This newspaper clip states that Chief Black Fox died on 16 July 1811. Wilson’s Knoxville Gazette (Knoxville, Tennessee) · 12 Aug 1811, Mon · Page 2 Newspaper.com 3
Chief Black Fox signed the October 20, 1803 agreement for opening a road through the Cherokee Nation. He signed the Oct. 27, 1805 treaty at Tellico. [7]
On March 3, 1807, the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives enacted a statute at large giving “Chief Black Fox” a life annuity of $100.
In 1808, Chiefs Black Fox and The Glass were deposed in what was called “the revolt of the young chiefs”. This faction led by James Vann and Major Ridge, mostly of the Upper Towns. This driving force of this revolt likely due to the peoples’ resentment of the National Council’s domination by its’ older leaders. Black Fox and The Glass were deposed for siding with Chickamauga (faction) Chief Doublehead during the rebellion of 1806-1811.
In 1810 both Black Fox and The Glass were reinstated. On April 18, 1810, he and others signed an act of the Cherokee Nation abolishing clan revenge, after the death of Doublehead.
Black Fox last received his $100 stipend by proxy on July 11, 1810. Following his death in 1811, Pathkiller was elected Principal Chief.
American newspapers published reports of his death:
Black Fox — Died. The beginning of August,”Black Fox,” a distinguished Chief of the Cherokee Indians, and a strong friend to the United States, who has often restrained his nation when they were about to make war on the whites. [8]
Death of the Black Fox
The death of this distinguished Chief of the Cherokees, is an event of importance to the people of this section of the Western country. Many of the young men of the nation it is known, have expressed themselves with jealous hostility of the whites, insomuch that on several occasions misunderstandings, like to produce bloodshed have frequently taken place. Notwithstanding detachments of the U.S. troops have frequently been employed in removing trespassers off the Indian lands, encroachments continue to be made, and continue to furnish just subjects of complaint to this tribe of Indians. Circumstances of this kind afford to the restless and designing the means of sowing the seeds of hostility in the minds of many. On such occasions the influence of the Black Fox never failed to in quieting the minds of his unreflecting brethren – and when it is considered that a commercial intercourse with Mobile, through the waters of the Coosa, which rise in and pass through a considerable part of the Cherokee country, is an object of particular interest to the people of this State, the death of a Chief whose information enabled him to estimate the advantages that would result to this tribe, from a measure of the kind, is so much to be regretted ~12 Aug 1811[9]
Research Notes
There is no record of a wife or children. John Looney took a reservation under the Treaty of 1817 on the land where Blackfox had lived, and when John died his obituaries stated that he was a nephew of Blackfox. This suggests some kind of familial relationship, but “uncle” had a much broader meaning among the Cherokee and usually indicated a more distant relative.
There were six men named “Black Fox” on the 1835 Cherokee Census. There is no information to suggest that any of them were related to the chief.
In the disputed source “Shawnee Heritage VI, 1700 – 1750”, by Don Greene, 55 – 56, the identity of Nancy Black Fox, daughter of Chief Black Fox is created. In this book she is Nancy born in 1760, who first marries Joseph Looney in 1775, and then Robert Benge in 1786. Don Greene’s work is speculative, historically wrong, and not a reliable source. This is where the myth of Nancy Black Fox is created, and has morphed into Black_Fox-7
Sources
↑ Brown, John. P. “Old Frontiers.” Southern Publishers, Kingsport, TN. 1938. p. 331
↑ Treaty image (image 11) at mark
↑ American State Papers, Indian Affairs, vol. 1, pp. 271-272. Image at Black Fox
↑ Journal of Occurrences in Cherokee Agency in 1802, Records of the Cherokee Agency in Tennessee National Archives and Records Administration.
↑ McLoughlin, William G. Cherokee Renascence in the New Republic. Princeton University Press, Princeton, N.J., 1986. pp. 137-139, 145,147,155, 157
↑ Klinck and Talman, eds. Journal of Major John Norton. The Champlain Society, Toronto, ON. 1970. p. 117
↑ National Archives and Records Administration, digitized at digitreaties.org at
↑ 10 Sep 1811; The Gleaner – Submitted by K. Torp
↑ Carthage Gazette,12 August 1811; Submitted by K. Torp
See also:
Dead link: Cherokee Tribe Newspaper Items, Obituaries and Death Notices. Retrieved on 5 Sep 2016 from obits
The following are not reliable and/or do not pertain to the man in this profile:
Cherokee DNA Studies: Real People Who Proved The Geneticists Wrong, By Donald N. Yates, Teresa A. Yates
“Shawnee Heritage VI, 1700 – 1750”, Don Greene (not a reliable source – see Shawnee Heritage Fraud) (Disputed)
The ending of the Wikitree.
In the next post, we will begin to unravel the confusion of Chief Pathkiller. The Beloved Chiefs of Turkeytown.
Journal of Major John Norton, introduction pages xxiv-xxvii, and pages 112-118 of the journal 1809-1810, Hathitrust.org ↩︎
Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not rely on your own understanding; in all your ways know him, and he will make your paths straight. Proverbs 3; 5-6 CSV
Little Turkey is not his name. “Kanitta” is Little Turkey’s name. Major John Norton spelled Little Turkey’s name in his journal as “Kenneteagh”. This is a phonetic spelling of the name. Norton gives this explanation, “or as the interpreter improperly translated his name, The Little Turkey.” (Journal of Major John Norton pages 132-133 of the journal 1809-1810, Hathitrust.org). Little Turkey’s names also appear as Kennitea and Kungnitla.1
Norton does not provide the proper translation or true interpretation, nor does anyone else. The translation of “Kenneteagh” is not Little Turkey. However, “the Little Turkey” is how his name will be recorded in history. Michael Wren (Board member of Trail of Tears Association) asked several “Cherokee Talkers” what Kenneteagh would translate to. They all state the name was unknown but may translate as “Fawn Killer.”
Family
We learn a lot of Little Turkey’s family from the journal of Major John Norton, 1816. He was also a Mohawk Chief and Major in the British Army during the War of 1812. Major John Norton tells of his father who is a full-blood Cherokee being rescued and captured. The Toronto Champlain Society printed his journal in its entirety in 1970 with an introduction (explanations) by Carl F. Klinck and James L. Talman. Major John Norton was a Mohawk chief in Canada. However, he was raised in Scotland by his father and a British soldier. The soldier was present at the attack and destruction of the Kuwoki Town (Keowee) in 1760. John’s father was a boy who was rescued from a fire and taken by an unnamed British soldier. 2
Courtesy of His Grace the Duke of Northumberland MAJOR JOHN NORTON Portrait by Thomas Phillips, R.A., Syon House, Brentford3
In 1809 Major Norton set out on a journey to find his family to pay honor to his father’s people. He met Turtle-at-Home and became friends. Turtle-at-Home is the son of Attakullatulla (Chief of the nation 1760-1775) he told Major Norton they would find his family. He escorted him to Estanaula. The elders there knew of his father’s story. The old chiefs told him that his father’s sister lived in Creek-Path (present-day Guntersville, Alabama). She was the widow of Kenniteagh, also known as Little Turkey. When he met his aunt at the Creek Path she explains the story and introduced him to his relatives.4
“In the mean time, the good old lady related the scene in which her brother was taken from her: she said, that she saw the officer rescue him after he had been scorched, on which account he was taken away in a wagon—and they were separated.”5
On page xxiv of the publication, her family is explained by Carl F. Klinck and James L. Talman in this way. His aunt (unnamed in the journal) was the sister of his father. “My father’s sister”(page 117 of the journal) was married to Little Turkey (Kennitea). Little Turkey, a “Head Chief of the nation, who has been dead some years”, is stated by Norton as a brother of Black Fox (Innoligh or Enoli).
“The next day, my cousin conducted me to visit his elder brother, his sister and uncle Innoligh, the leading Chief at present.” (page 118 of the journal) His aunt and Chief Little Turkey have these children whom he met. An elder son, Aquo-tague, and an elder daughter, Tah-neh. She changed her name to Naomi when she was baptized and became a Christian (born about 1770). A younger son unnamed described as “my cousin” (born about 1780), and a daughter (born about 1785). A grandson, son of Tah-neh, (born about 1793).
Did you catch this? “The next day, my cousin conducted me to visit his elder brother, his sister and uncle Innoligh, the leading Chief at present.” (page 118 of the journal).
Brothers?
Chief Little Turkey and Black Fox (Innoligh) are brothers! If the children of Little Turkey introduce Norton to Chief Black Fox. Then Norton references Black Fox as their uncle.6 Then Little Turkey and Black Fox are brothers. Norton was raised as a Scott/English he would refer to familiar terms as the Scottish people would. Listing Innoligh as Little Turkey children’s uncle. Norton states Innoligh and Little Turkey have at least the same father. This is the only reference to this. If so, they must have different mothers. The Badger will refer to Black Fox as his nephew (Grand Council Meeting June 1792, page 273). If true, culturally Badger’s sister is Black Fox’s mother.7 But, she is not Little Turkey’s mother. Badger is listed in the Grand Council meeting in June 1792 as “the beloved man of the Southern division.” (page 271)8 This indicates that the Badger is from one of the Southern towns. Is he from Seneca or Keowee? Black Fox (Innoligh) is living in Creek Path when he meets John Norton. He will also die there. Black Fox will have his own post, more info to come. Lots of speculation. Yet, lots of concurring information.
The towns on the headwaters of the Savanna River
The towns on the headwaters of the Savanna River are very important towns to the Cherokee Nation. They don’t get much attention.
These towns and their people date back in time. In 1762 a delegation from the Cherokee Nation went to London England. The Southern towns are a project for a later time.
The person in the middle labeled as #3 is Chief Ostenaco.9 Osgenaco was the War Chief or Red Chief for the Cherokee Nation. He was on the expeditionary party to London England with Henry Timberlake in 1762. The expeditionary party consisted of Lieutenant Henry Timberlake, Sergeant Thomas Sumter, John McCormack (an interpreter), and an unnamed servant. They arrived in the Overhill Cherokee town of Tomotley on December 20, 1761. Ostenaco, one of the leading men in the town, greeted them. He was visiting from Keowee.10 Reminder Chief Little Turkey’s wife and Maj. Norton’s father is from Keowee.
Family moves to Creek Path
After Little Turkey’s death in 1802, his family moved to Creek Path. They settled near old family friend John Thompson. He was one of Little Turkey’s interpreters. John Thompson is listed as a bosom friend to Little Turkey (ASP, IA Vol. 1, page 432) Thompson’s final residence before removing west is near the Creek Path and he operated a large plantation. We see John Thompson escort Maj. John Norton to Creek Path from Oostanaula, page 117 of Norton’s journal. Little Turkey’s family moved to the West (Arkansas) around 1819.
Notice Brown or Thompson Creek in the above map of Marshall County, Alabama. It is in the vicinity where Chief Little Turkey’s family lived before moving West. Brown is Rev. John Brown who was the Mission Teacher/Preacher for Creek Path also marked on the map. Modern-day this is under Lake Guntersville.
Daughter Tah-nee
We learn about Little Turkey’s daughter Tah-neh (Dah-nee) or Naomi and her children from various sources. Wa-ka or Peggy Whitekiller, the daughter of Tah-neh and her husband Whitemankiller Watts. Peggy tells us about the family in her 1842 Canadian Claim (Claim book 1 #86). They abandoned property in the old nation and immigrated to the Arkansas territory with John Rogers in the year 1819.
“My mother lived on the improvements when we emigrated. She was married to Girth Jolly. I lived with them. We all came together to live in this country. Mother died fifteen years ago . . . I have one full sister. We live together. Neither of us are married. My sister is a widow. I have never been married. The property claimed for (us) belongs to me and my sister equally. Her name is Wattie or Betsy Girt. She has another claim. I was about 19 years of age when we emigrated. The improvements belong to my mother . . . We left soon after the treaty of 1816 and removed to Creek Path where we borrowed a place which we left when we started to this country. Don’t know whether my mother or step-father was ever paid any thing for improvement now claimed . . . My own father’s name was White-killer he died when I was about five years old. I now live on Salisaw 4 miles above mouth in Illinois.“
A witness of this claim; Stinking Fish, states;
“I knew the mother of Peggy Whitekiller in the Old Nation. Her name Dah-nee. She was widow of White-man-Killer and . . . wife of Girth Jolly . . . I lived about one quarter mile from her when she removed.”
The timeline has Peggy being born about 1800. She is 16 when they move to Creek-Path (1816). She is about 19 when they move west (1819). This timeline also shows her mother (Dah-nee) dying in 1827. Dwight Mission records, page 23, has her death on 31 March 1825. (Dwight Mission records provided by Jack Baker) Rev. Washburn in his book states the family emigrated in 1823-24. 11 The strong evidence from other reports and writings agrees with Peggy’s claim about their moves.12
“Her Indian name was Tah-nee. She was full blood, daughter of a considerable chief and warrior . . . She migrated to this country in 1819, then wife of Girth, son of John Jolly, head chief of this division of the Cherokees.”
The 1819 Emigration rolls include a “Dany of Will’s Town with 3 in the family.” They emigrate West in 1819. Girth Jolly is not named nor is he on the rolls.
One last child of Tah-neh, she adopts a son and the name given to him is Timothy Dwight.13
Little Turkey’s daughter Tah-neh (Naomi) and her elder son are buried in the old Dwight Mission cemetery. Their graves are near the parents of the beloved Cathern Brown, Reverend John and Sarah Brown.14 Browns are from Creek Path. Cathern was a teacher at the Creek Path Mission. She died at her home in Creek Path and is buried there. But, who else is buried in the original Dwight Mission cemetery? The cemetery is just about abandoned. The cemetery sits on a hill. It’s at a closed RV park. This RV park also owns the cemetery land. Mission RV Park is at 229 Mission Drive, Russellville, AR 72802. The location of the mission is underwater of the lake.
Historic Marker near Russellville Ar. on the west bank of the Illinois Bayou and about four miles from the Arkansas River. Journal of Major John Norton, introduction pages xxiv-xxvii, of the journal 1809-1810, Hathitrust. pg xxiv, 1809-1810, Hathitrust.org, https://babel.hathitrust.org/cgi/pt?id=uc1.b3611053&view=1up&seq=32
To Conclude
Little Turkey made his statement at the Nation’s Council meeting in October 1800. The Moravian missionaries Steiner and Schweintz were invited to attend. They recorded the meeting in their journal. This Council meeting was held at Estanaula (Oostanaula). This statement by Little Turkey was made at the close of the meeting. This was the time when the Council allowed a mission school to be built. The school was established at James Vann’s and (John) McDonald’s property. Mr. Vann had just donated property on his place. Spring Place, North West Georgia.
“You my warriors have grown up under my supervision. I have counseled you to treat the white people with caution, and now you are enjoying the happy results. You will know well how to use for the well-being of our Nation the addresses made in our meeting this time. We live in peace, and it makes me happy to see the chiefs of both halves of the Nation together in unity and friendship.” 15
Next post. The Beloved Chiefs from Turkeytown, Black Fox
Reminiscences of the Indians, by the Rev. Cephas Washburn, A. M., pages 147, 158-159 ↩︎
Reel 740, frames 257-259 (Kutsche #3006) story of Naomi, American Board of Commission Foreign Missions (ABC-FM), 18.3.1 Vol 6, Item 81. ↩︎
Dwight Journal September 1824, page 22, Kutsche #3012 ↩︎
Reminiscences of the Indians, by the Rev. Cephas Washburn, A. M., pages 147, 158-159) (Note as to who is Cathern Brown; she is educated at the Brainerd Mission and is the first female teacher of the Creek-Path Mission. ↩︎
page 212; Records of the Moravians Among the Cherokee, Early Contact and the Establishment of the First Mission, 1752-1802, Volume 1, C. Daniel Crews, Richard W. Starbuck, Editors; Cherokee National Press, Tahlequah, Oklahoma, 2010, Cherokee National Historical Society, Inc ↩︎
Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not rely on your own understanding; in all your ways know him, and he will make your paths straight. Proverbs 3; 5-6 CSV
In what we can consider the first chapter. It is called “Uncovering the History of Turkeytown.” We learn where the original town was located. We also learn when it was established. Established between the dates of 1782-1788. It is located from modern-day Fitts Ferry on the Coosa River, Etowah County, Alabama. It stretches to Turkeytown Creek a mile and a half North of this ferry. Chief Little Turkey settled on modern-day Coats’ Bend Road at Turkeytown Creek. Chief Pathkiller settled at Fitts Ferry living on the Eastside in modern-day Alford’s Bend. Their helper Boot lived on the Old US 411 at Turkeytown Creek. Now a new chapter.
Chapter II, “the great beloved man of the whole nation“
He is known as “the great beloved man of the whole nation.” The Chiefs of the Cherokee Nation were referred to as “King” or “Principal Chief” by the Europeans. The Cherokee People called their Chief the “Beloved Man of the whole nation.” Four men from Turkey’s Town will be the Principal Chief (Beloved Man of the whole Nation). Each one will be a post or more than one. The content on some is more than others. First is Chief Little Turkey.
There is very little information about Chief Little Turkey before he becomes the leader of the Cherokee Nation. His birth year of about 1732 is estimated from his death notification, March 1, 1802.
Journal of Occurrences in the Cherokee Agency in 1802 to Return J. Meigs to the Secretary of War,(Fold3.com of ancestry.com).
“March (on the first of the month) Little Turkey the King or principal Chief of the Cherokee died at Wills town appears to be about 70 years of Age.”
We learn from the “Journal of the Grand Cherokee National Council” in Estanaula, Tuesday, 26th June 1792. The location where Little Turkey is from and possibly where he grew up. Seneca (Seneca, South Carolinia). Little Turkey is reported as present and has the title of “great beloved man of the whole nation.” On Thursday that week, Little Nephew, a warrior from Running Water, presents his “talk” before the Council.
Little Nephew then delivered the sentiments of the whole, in the following words: The warriors of my nation went ambassadors to Congress. They have returned: but every thing is not to our satisfaction. The warriors from this part of the nation said but little. Eskaqua, from the other river, took the business off their hands. I came from the Running Water to Hiwassee, and from that to the Hanging Maw’s. I mentioned to the nation that I have sent five beloved fires, of five towns, and their talks. At that time, I put on my belt and tied up my things, to start from here to Seneca. I desired them to think of that place, the Little Turkey’s old Town, and the coals of fire which are yet to be seen there; and that I expected an answer to my talk, but have got none. I desired Nontuaka to mention that the white people were on our land, and that I hoped they would be removed, and give our young fellows more room to hunt. . . 1
Little Nephew states that Little Turkey’s old village is Seneca. Seneca (Sinica, Sennekaw, Esseneca), this town was one of the original lower towns of the Cherokee nation. (Not to be confused with the “Five Lower Towns” on the Tennessee River.) Seneca is on the Keowee River a few miles north of the Tugalo River junction. Seneca is where the Hopewell Treaty of 1785 was signed. Hopewell is the plantation home of General Andrew Pickens. The present-day location is Clemson University and Lake Hartwell, Seneca, and Clemson, South Carolina. There was an American Revolution battle there at the end of July 1776. It was one of the first battles after the Declaration of Independence of the new United States of America. A book by Nadia Dean contains the best account of the battle on July 31st and August 1st, 1776. It is titled A Demand of Blood: The Cherokee War of 1776. Colonel Andrew Williamson of the South Carolina Continental Army burned Seneca. The town was restored after the Continental Army moved north. Fort Russel was built there. The Town is all but abandoned after the Hopewell Treaty in 1785 and the cession of land.2 The town of Little Turkey’s wife, Keowee, and Fort Prince George are a few miles north of Seneca.
A portion of Mouzon’s Map 1771; Mouzon, H. and Robert Sayer and John Bennett, (1775) An Accurate map of North and South Carolina with their Indian frontiers, shewing in a district manner all the mountains, rivers, swamps, bays, creeks, harbours, sandbanks, and soundings on the coast; with the roads and Indians paths as well as the boundaries, or provincial lines, the several towns and other divisions of lands in both provinces, London, printed for Robt. Sayer and J. Bennett retrieval from the Library of Congress. https://www.loc.gov/item/74692510/
Beloved Man
As stated the Cherokee used the term “the Beloved Man”. The Europeans used King or Emperor. Just when did Chief Little Turkey become the Beloved Man of the nation is a debated one. Around 1788, he aligns himself with Chickamauga Chiefs after the settlement of his town. Yet, he is not truly a Chickamauga war Chief. As the Cherokee wars progressed, he remained a traditional Peace Chief. In March of 1789, Little Turkey, along with Hanging Maw and Dragging Canoe, writes to Governor Samuel Johnson. They seek arrangements for another peace treaty similar to the 1785 Hopewell treaty.
At a general meeting held at the Little Turkey’s Town or otherwise called new Sinekaw in the Cherokee Nation Present the Chicamagies Chiefs March 10th 1789 . . . that you are willing to adjust and rectify the dispute between your people and our own __ to establish a lasting peace in our hearts desire . . .
We see Mr. Starr has Chief Little Turkey as chief up to 1801, as we had just learned Little Turkey dies in 1802. Also, notice that Blackfox follows him as Chief of the Nation. He is elected in August 1802. Also Chief Pathkiller died in January 1827 not 1828.
Journal of Occurrences in the Cherokee Agency in 1802 Return J. Meigs to the Secretary of War, next page after Chief Little Turkey’s death notice. August 1802, (Fold3.com of ancestry.com)
The nation’s leader, Chief Corntassel, was murdered in 1788 in what would become Tennessee. After this event, the nation looked to Little Turkey. They referred to him as the Beloved Man. The nation did not have a formal system of government and new leadership would emerge. The nation as a whole would look to Little Turkey as the “Beloved Man” along with Hanging Maw. The foreign governments would look to Little Turkey and Hanging Maw as the leaders of the nation. Hanging Maw was one of the leaders from the Valley towns. He opposed Little Turkey as the “Beloved Man” until around 1792. It was then that Little Turkey was recognized as the leader of the nation. He became “the great beloved man of the whole nation”.
Peace Chief
As the Beloved Man of the Nation Little Turkey strove for peace. Little Turkey did manage assistance from Spain for the protection of the nation working through John McDonald and Mr. William Panton a “merchant of great business of Pensacola”. Mr. McDonald lives and operates a trading post in Turkey’s town during this time. Mr. Panton and Mr. McDonald align John Watts and Bloody Fellow (Nontuaka) up with Governor O’Neal of Spain for arms and munitions. McDonald will set up a commissary in Turkey’s Town to store goods. McDonald served as a double agent. He served with the British and with Spain. 4
Minutes of information given to Governor Blount by James Carey, one of the interpreters of the United States, in the Cherokee Nation. November 1782
. . .Mr. Panton, during his stay in the nation, made the house of his countryman, McDonald, his head quarters, from whence they together paid a visit to the Little Turkey, and spent several days, Mr. McDonald acting as interpreter between Mr. Panton and the Turkey. . . Panton invited the Turkey to visit Governor O’Neal; assured him that the Governor would give him arms and ammunition at Pensacola. . .would supply the nation with goods much cheaper than they had heretofore purchased them.5
Peace and unity are the Little Turkey’s demeanor throughout his tenure as ‘Principal Chief”. It has been stated by historians in the past that Little Turkey launched hostile attacks from Turkey’s Town. He did get frustrated with the “five Lower towns on the Big River.” He turned them over to the mercy of Gov Blount.
Now I will let you know, and tell you the truth, which I am sorry and ashamed for to tell you, of their proceedings and bad conduct; you may be assured it is not lies, I now tell you . . . the eight day of this month they are determined to go to war, all the five lower town on the Big river (Tennessee River); they have and will make war by themselves; you may be assured and believe me, it is not the consent of the whole nation, nor no part of it only them five towns they agree amongst themselves.
Now you know where the bad people live; both you and your people may know where the good and bad live. Now, I desire you and all your people not to come to war against no other towns but them five lower towns on the Big river, that made war against you.6
Little Turkey aligns himself with Chiefs like Double Head, Dragging Canoe, and John Watts. However, his overwhelming demeanor is of peace. Little Turkey and his settlement are referred to as the point of peace for the nation. We see this in a letter of Gov. Blount to the Secretary of War, 3 November 1794.
“Should General Logan desist from his attack on the Lower towns, I am of opinion the appointment of Mr. Dinsmore to reside in the nation will have happy effect; but I would advise that his general residence should be in Will’s town in preference of the Turkey’s. My reasons are, the Turkey’s is, and has been, one of the most peaceable towns in the nation, .” 7
Beloved Town
Another striving point of Little Turkey is a central “Beloved town.” This town would become the “Principal town” (Capital of the nation). From the start of his tenure, Little Turkey looks to Estanaula (Ustinaire, Oos-ta-nau-la) as the “Beloved town.” This happens even during the opposition of Hanging Maw. The nation presses for the “Grand Councils” to be held there.
A talk from the head-men and warriors of the Cherokee nation at a meeting held at Ustinaire, the beloved town, 20th November, 1788.8
The town of Estanaula will lead to the formation of New Echota. This is just north of present-day Calhoun Georgia. This became the Capital of the Nation in 1825. However, it remained so only until Georgia passed a law on all the land for the state of Georgia. The Capital will move to Chattooga Town (just north of Gaylesville, Cherokee County, Alabama.) Then to Red Clay town in Tennessee.
Missionaries
Little Turkey is involved in bringing missionaries to the nation. In the report of Steiner and Schweinitz written in “Early Travels in the Tennessee Country” we read;
As early as July 1, 1796, President John Wheelock, of Dartmouth, was endeavoring to persuade the Society for Propagating Christian Knowledge, of Scotland, that funds could be wisely used in a Cherokee mission. In 1799, (Moses) Fisk, in Tennessee after a visit to New England, was cooperating with Wheelock; and interviewed Capt. Edw. Butler then in military command in the Cherokee nation. Butler wrote to Little Turkey, the principal chief, in July: A number of good men to the eastward have formed a plan to have a number of your young men taught our language and to read and write without putting them to any expense . . .
Mr. Fisk had not been further in the Indian country than Toka, on the Tennessee, and had thereafter transferred further attention to the matter to him. He had advised to begin the school at the garrison and to teach the Indians English; had, also, written to Little Turkey, the Head Chief of the Cherokee, in reference to the matter and received a favorable answer from him. 9
This leads to the Moravian Mission at Spring Place in 1801. The Moravian Church worked with Little Turkey at a “Talk” held at Oostanaula in May 1801 to protect the missionaries. James Vann purchases property for the mission. In June 1801, a hut is built on the Brown plantation near his house. “Springplace”; two miles east of the Connesauga River, two and one-half miles south from Vann’s, seven miles south of Sumach Town, sixteen miles north of Oostanaula and on the road which leads from Oostanaula to Tellico. This is in modern-day Murray County Georgia also known as Springplace. 10
Treaties
Little Turkey is involved with treaties, how many are not known? It appears that he only signed one treaty. He did not sign the 1791 treaty at Holston, he sent a representative named Boot.11 The Boot would become an important leader in Turkey’s Town. He is very good friends with Little Turkey, Blackfox and Pathkiller. He is their Creek interpreter. Little Turkey signed the treaty near the block house at Tellico. This treaty was known as the Treaty of Tellico. It was signed in October 1798. The interpreter listed his name as “Kanitta or Little Turkey”.
We see that Little Turkey is not his name? Kanitta? Does that translate to “Little Turkey”? We will explore this in the next post along with his family.
Our next post. The Beloved Chiefs from Turkeytown, Chief Little Turkey, Part 2, his family.
A Demand of Blood: The Cherokee War of 1776 by Nadia Dean. This book is published by Valley River Press, January 2012. Chapter 13; pages 142-157. ↩︎
Document NCU16 in the Papers of the War Department 1784-1800, Roy Rosenzweig Center for History and New Media, George Mason University, wardepartmentpapers.org↩︎
American state papers : Documents, legislative and executive, of the Congress of the United States / Selected and edited under the authority of Congress Indian affairs v. 1 1832 pages276-278, 2 September 1792, letter from Little Turkey to Gov. Blount, https://babel.hathitrust.org/cgi/pt?id=mdp.35112103282408&seq=284&q1=turkey+town↩︎
Early Travels in the Tennessee Country, 1540-1800: with introductions, annotations and index / by Samuel Cole Williams. Page; 458, 467, Hathitrust.org↩︎
History of the Moravian Mission Among Southern Indian Tribes of the United States, by The Rev. Edmund Schwarze, Ph.D., Pastor Calvary Moravian Church, Winston Salem, N.C. Transaction of the Moravian Historical Society, Special Series, Vol. 1. Bethlehem Pa, Tunes Publishing Co. 1923, pages 61-65, ↩︎
Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not rely on your own understanding; in all your ways know him, and he will make your paths straight. Proverbs 3; 5-6 CSV
When did Chief Little Turkey move to this location? Was there a reason for choosing this place?
A 1961 undated Civil War Centennial Edition of Gadsden Times, article; “Indians Lore Abound in Turkey’s Town Area,” by Elbert Watson1
“It was founded about 1770 by a minor Cherokee Chieftain, Little Turkey.”
“The Turkeytown Story”, a booklet written by the Turkeytown Methodist Church 1953, Etowah County, Alabama, sold as a fundraiser to help finance their new church building, they state on page 3;2
There was a day, in 1770, when Turkeytown was the thriving Capital of the Cherokee Indian Nation. It was ruled by the iron hand of the great Cherokee Chieftain “The Turkey.”
Oliver Day Street “The Indians of Marshall County Alabama”;3
About 1777, Wills’ Town was established by the Cherokee. . .about the same time Turkey Town was built by them on the Coosa river opposite the present site of Centre, Cherokee County, Alabama.(“Pickett’s History of Alabama”, vol I, page 163; Royce in the 5th Annual Report Bureau of Ethnology, Map 8)
Where did this 1770 information come from? What is the source? Albert James Pickett’s History of Alabama is listed in Mr. Street’s Marshall County Alabama history. Is that the source?
Will’s Town and Turkey Town—important Cherokee establishments. The former was named for a half breed called Red-headed Will. At these towns lived the British Superintendent, (the celebrated Col. Campbell,) before and during the Revolutionary War*. * Indian Affairs, vol. 1, pp 264-269.4
Historical Society Commission wrote a History of Alabama for the Governor in 1900. In this report, they list two different Turkey’s Town. One is a Cherokee Village and one is a Creek Village. They state it was “Founded about 1770.”5
Mrs. Stewart Cherokee County History.It was founded about 1770, and was considerable size and importance.Turkey Town was established some time prior to 1770 and was one of the most important Cherokee establishments. Col. Campbell the noted British soldier and superintendent lived here at times during the Revolution.6
The confusion about the location and the fact that it is Cherokee town has been proven in the earlier post. Now to settle the confusion on when. Where did 1770 come from? There is NOSOURCE or REFERENCE to 1770 by any of the early historians or writers. Is it a guess, a speculation, I believe or what. No one gives a clue to why they used this date. The only thing I can find as a possible reference is Albert Pickett’s statement of “Colonel Campbell.”
Will’s Town and Turkey Town—important Cherokee establishments. The former was named for a half breed called Red-headed Will. At these towns lived the British Superintendent, (the celebrated Col. Campbell,) before and during the Revolutionary War*.7
* Indian Affairs, vol. 1, pp 264-269.
An extensive search for Colonel Campbell results in very little information. There is no information showing he was the agent assigned to the Cherokee during the American Revolution. The agent assigned to the Cherokee during that time was Alexander Cameron. He was appointed by Colonel John Stuart. Cameron answered to Royal Governor Joseph Martin. Hugh McCall’s “History of Georgia”8 Alexander Cameron died on 27 September 1781. John Graham replaced him. At this time, Alexander Campbell became his Chief Deputy Superintendent, notes from the 9th Circle blog; Chuck Hamilton.9
This appears to be the only reference. If Alexander Campbell is Col Campbell, he became the agent in the latter part of 1781. It is during this time frame that the Revolutionary War is coming to an end and is all but over.10 So one could say that Campbell is the agent during the American Revolutionary War. But the timeline is at the end of 1781. This is NOT 1770 or close to it.
1770 is Wrong
Wikipedia has this for a timeline or date on settlement. Turkeytown was settled in 1788. The town was established by Little Turkey during the Cherokee–American wars as a refuge for him and his people from the hostilities then being engaged in between the Cherokee and the American frontiersmen.11 Wikipedia has a lot of mixed info on Turkey’s Town. However, this date might be the closest to being correct. Wikipedia does not have a reference or source to the date.
Are there any references to give us a better timeline?
The Cherokee-American wars, along with the signing of the Hopewell Treaty in November 178512. This is the most likely reason for Little Turkey and the people of Seneca to move from their homeland. We have proven that Little Turkey was from Seneca. “When a Name is Not a Name” post. The lower towns on the headwaters of the Savannah River were given up in the treaty. After that, the people started moving.
Little Turkey does align himself with the Chickamauga Chiefs that are a part of the Cherokee-American wars. Dragging Canoe, and Hanging Maw. This letter is written for Chiefs, Little Turkey, Hanging Maw, and Dragging Canoe. The letter is intended for Governor Samuel Johnson in 1789 (Governor of the State of North Carolina). The context of this letter is to seek arrangements for another peace treaty. This treaty should be similar to the 1785 Hopewell treaty or adhere to that treaty.
At a general meeting held at the Little Turkey’s Town or otherwise called new Sinekaw in the Cherokee Nation Present the Chicamagies Chiefs March 10th 1789 . . . that you are willing to adjust and rectify the dispute between your people and our own __ to establish a lasting peace in our hearts desire . . .
We can now start a timeline for the settlement of Turkey’s Town. After 1782, before 1788.
From the American State Papers; Indian Affairs Vol 1; page 431; Letters, with their several enclosures, from Governor (Wm) Blount to the Secretary of War. (Henry Knox); Knoxville, January 14, 1793 (fourth paragraph) At the beginning, and previous to the late Revolution, the Cherokees lived in towns, either on the head waters of the Savannah River or on the Tennessee, above the mouth of Holston. . . .That, in the year 1776 General Williamson marched an army from South Carolina, and destroyed the towns on the Keowee and Tugelo, among them old Seneca, a very principal one, and erected fort Rutledge on its ruins. . . . The Cherokees being thus burnt out of their towns, and by these treaties (1st Long Island 1777 and Long Island of the Holston 1781) very much curtailed in their hunting grounds to the eastward and northward, shortly began to erect new towns, lower down the Tennessee, and on the waters of the Mobile River. The most bold and active part settled on a creek called Chickamauga, 100 miles below the mouth of Holston. . . . In the year 1782 they abandoned Chickamauga creek, believing it was infested with witches; some returned to the old towns, others went lower down the Tennessee, 40 miles, and laid the foundation of the five towns, now generally called the five Lower towns on the Tennessee. . .14
A very similar reference is documented in a Nashville Newspaper in 1816.
That at the time of Christian’s campaign in 1776, there were no Cherokee towns on the Tennessee below the mouth of the Holston, and that the lowest belonging to the nation was on the Hiwassee.
That the peace which followed the campaign of 1776 was protested against by the Dragging Canoe, a Chief of note, who in consequence of his dissent from the rest of the national council, descended the river, with his adherents in the winter of ’76 & ’77, and settled at Chickmawga, where he continued the war, attacking almost every boat which descended the river, until the spring of 1779, when a party of whites commanded perhaps by one of the Shelby’s, beat him off, and destroyed his town. That after the destruction of Chickmawga the Cherokee made their first settlement at Nickajack and Running Water, and to the south west at Turkey Town and Will’s Town.
That these settlements were made with the permission of the Creeks, is a fact, so notorious, that it is unnecessary to give evidence in support of it. It was a subject of negotiation between the two tribes and we have it on the most respectable authority, that at every national council, which has been held in the Creek Nation, the Cherokee, have been reminded of the grant by which they held the country between the Highwassee and the Creek Path.
A friend has furnished us with the words of a Creek talk which was sent, to the Cherokee about five years ago. He is confident it is very little variant even in words, from the preceding messages, which had followed each other from ’79 to that time. It is as follows:
“The White people have drove you off your land, and you come on our land, as you must live, we let you stay, but you know that the land is our land; and we let you live on it.15
The above references state there are no Cherokee Towns or Villages in what would become Alabama until after 1782. The movements and treaties prove Turkey’s Town was not establish until after 1785. It may have been settled then during 1786. This does not mean that Cherokee people did not live in what would become Alabama, but no towns or villages.
Other references.
General John Coffee was the surveyor of Alabama. He states this in his report and explanation on the boundary line between the Creek and Cherokee. The report is dated 1829, December 30, in Florence, Alabama, to John H. Eaton.
There is abundance of evidence shewing that the Cherokees had the South bank of Hightown river fifty years ago at the old Hightown town, and that they extended their settlements out from that town, as well down as up the river. Turkey town was settled 40 years ago, and the old red Creek Town upwards of forty years since, and various other villages and settlements were made and occupied on all the waters that run into the Hightown and Coosa rivers above Turkey town 30 to 40 forty years ago and have ever since been in the constant occupancy of the Cherokees without any evidence to shew the Creeks ever set up any claim to any of the waters of those rivers above Turkey Town except the statement of 29 Creek chiefs and warriors given to me in 1816 in the absence of the Cherokees. By that statement they said many years since, and during the revolutionary war, they loaned the Cherokees land from their old line, the junction of Estanala & Hightown down to Wills Creek, and that the Cherokees had lived on it ever since and had not been reclaimed by the Creek. .16
A portion of the map Sketch of the Disputed Country Between the State of Georgia and the Cherokee Nation, Record Group 75, Records of the Bureau of Indian Affairs, 1793-1999, Series, Central Map Files, 1824-1962, National Archives Catalog, General John Coffee.
From “The Cherokee Phoenix” Published June 19, 1830 Page 2 Column 1a-2b
The undersigned came into the Cherokee Nation in the year 1785-and opened a store at Stecoe in the Lookout Valley and there married the daughter of Mr. John M’Donald, and about the year 1788, he removed together with his father in-law and their families to Turkey Town, and continued trade with the Cherokees. The Little Turkey was the Principal Chief of the Cherokee Nation and resided in that town-and that the Cherokees had considerable settlements from the mouth of Will’s Creek, up the Coosa River on both sides of said river,
Head of Coosa, Cherokee Nation, December 10th, 1829. DANIEL ROSS.17
“The Cherokee Phoenix” Published May 29, 1830 Page 4 Column 1b-3b.
Old Red Bank, Cherokee Nation Southside Hightower, 10th December 1829 John Wright, a white man married to a Cherokee wife, states that he came into this nation when a boy-he does not know his age correctly, but he thinks he was about twelve years of age. . . Turkey Town on the Coosa river is the lowest down the river where there has been any Cherokee settlements that he knew of, they settled that place on both sides of the river about forty years- since. . .18
These references lead to a timeline of 1788 to 1789. The above letter from Turkey’s Town, though, has a date of March 1789. So, the timeline would be before 1789.
Conclusion
The 1770s dates are not supported by any reference. The date of settlement is somewhere between 1782 and 1788. My thoughts are 1786-87. This is based on the movements of the people and the Cherokee-American Wars.
Little Turkey was looking for a safe place to settle his New Seneca. Did he meet up with someone to show him that safe place? Chief Little Turkey’s Creek interpreter is Boot (Chulioa). Rev Daniel Butrick stated he was “full blood Cherokee raised by the Creek”. Did he guide Little Turkey to a safe place on the trading route (Hightown Pass) along the Coosa River? Was it safe to settle there?
There is a track of land lying on Wills Creek and between that creek and the Coosa River on the West side of the latter, and north of the Treaty line of Fort Jackson which they may be prevailed upon to part with, in treating for which they are willing to discuss and settle the subject of the boundary between them and the Cherokee. They however contend that their present boundary with the Cherokee is by the Suwannee path where it leaves the Western line of Jackson County to the old town on the Chatahotchie River and from thence by a drift line to the Mouth of a certain water course called by them, Little River where it unites with the Coosa. They have furnished me with a copy of certain question put by the Creeks to an old Cherokee Chief and the Cherokee Interpreter (who was their mutual Interpreter on the first settlement of the Cherokee in the Creek Country) . . . 19
The above notation is from Acting Secretary of War George Graham to Creek Agent David B. Mitchell, 31 October 1817. It is explaining the Creek boundary. The letter is recorded in Alabama Territory, Territory papers, page 183-84. The above is a footnote.
This statement is about Little Turkey and Boot. They have furnished me with a copy of certain question put by the Creeks to an old Cherokee Chief and the Cherokee Interpreter (who was their mutual Interpreter on the first settlement of the Cherokee in the Creek Country). Boot showed Little Turkey a safe place to settle. Boot died at his home in Turkey’s Town in 1827 as noted by his son Laugh at Mush.
What is next? TheBeloved Chiefs from Turkeytown, Chief Little Turkey.
1961 undated “Civil War Centennial Edition of Gadsden Times”: Copy in possession of the writer. ↩︎
“The Turkeytown Story”: Turkeytown Methodist Church: Mrs. Eva McCarver, Miss. Imelda Anderson, and Reverend Jack Dillard: 1955. Copy in possession of the writer. ↩︎
“The Alabama Historical Society, Montgomery, Alabama, Reprint No. 8”: XII The Indians of Marshall County, Alabama, Montgomery, Alabama, 1904, page 206: Oliver Day Street, Guntersville, Alabama: Google Books eBook: page 185. ↩︎
“History of Alabama and Incidentally Georgia and Mississippi From Earliest Period”: Albert James Pickett: Volume 1: Charleston North Carolina: McKee and James: 1851: Google Books eBook: Public Domain. ↩︎
Publication of the Alabama Historical Society Miscellaneous Collection: “Report of the Alabama Historical Commission to the Governor of the State of Alabama December 1, 1900”: Edited by Thomas McAdory Owens, Chairman: Montgomery Alabama: 1901: Google Books eBook: Public Domain. ↩︎
“Cherokee County History 1836-1956 Volume 1”: Mrs. Frank Ross Stewart: Centre, Alabama:1956. Gadsden Public Library. Page 204, and 214 ↩︎
“History of Alabama and Incidentally Georgia and Mississippi From Earliest Period”: Albert James Pickett: Volume 1: Charleston North Carolina: McKee and James: 1851: Google Books eBook: Public Domain. Page 163 ↩︎
“The History of Georgia Containing a Brief Sketch of The Most Remarkable Events Up to Present Day”: Captain Hugh McCall in Two Volumes: Vol 1: Savannah, Seymour and Williams: 1811: Page 365: Google Books eBook: Public Domain. ↩︎
Document NCU16 in the Papers of the War Department 1784-1800, Roy Rosenzweig Center for History and New Media, George Mason University, wardepartmentpapers.org. ↩︎
A Century of Lawmaking for a New Nation: U.S. Congressional Documents and Debates, 1774 – 1875, American State Papers, Senate, 3rd Congress, 1st Session, Indian Affairs: Volume 1, page 431, https://memory.loc.gov/cgibin/ampage↩︎
National Banner and Nashville Whig (Nashville, Tennessee, 25 June 1816, page 3), The Indian Treaty. A reprint from the Knoxville Gazette. Newspaper.com ↩︎
Digital Library of Georgia: Treaty of Hopewell: Galileo, Georgia Virtual Library: Coffee, John, 1772-1833. “Report of General John Coffee on the boundary line between the Creeks and Cherokees, 1829, Dec. 30, Florence, Alabama [to] John H. Eaton / Jo[h]n Coffee.” 1829-12-30. March 11, 2021. https://dlg.usg.edu/record/dlg_zlna_tcc697#item. ↩︎
Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not rely on your own understanding; in all your ways know him, and he will make your paths straight. Proverbs 3; 5-6 CSV
In the last post, we proved that Chief Pathkiller lived in Turkey’s Town. He had a ferry on the Coosa River. We saw that a fort was built around his residence. His wife Peggy would keep this ferry. His children would live on the property on both sides of the Coosa River. All of this is in Etowah County, Alabama, Near Gaston School on US 411 North. It confirms the original location of Turkey’s Town.
New Improvement
This post explains Chief Pathkiller move. “One mile south of present day Centre.” We learn of a new wife and an illegal sale of part of his estate. Additionally, let’s look at the dispute between the Garrett Family and John Ridge. John Ridge acquired most of Chief Pathkiller’s estate at the Centre, Alabama location. Uncovering the History of Turkeytown, Pathkiller’s Ferry.
The affidavit of James Lasley. “The grandfather of this claimant Anna Pathkiller being the person who made the first improvement and kept it and held it legally as his according to the Law and usage til about the year 1815 ”
What happens? Did Peggy send him packing? Did he abandon the family? What was going on in history at this time?
Influx of White People
Chief Pathkiller became the “King” or Principle Chief in 1811 after Black Fox’s death. The Creek war ended in 1814. During that time, “Friendly Creek” was living at Chief Pathkiller’s cabin. A “fort” was built around it. A treaty ratification took place at Turkey’s Town in October 1816. The US Army, under the command of Maj Gen. Andrew Jackson, came to sign this treaty. (The 1816 Turkey Town Treaty is a post later.) The US government signed treaties in 1817 and 1819.
The Creek War brought the US Army, that was made up of Tennessee Volunteers. There were mixed families in the Cherokee people. They have married white people. But now, it must have felt like an invasion of strangers taking everything. Friendly Creeks living in the front yard. The yard had been fortified. Two years later, more soldiers. Andrew Jackson came with an escort for the treaty signed in 1816. The 1816 treaty strongly talks about moving the whole nation West of the Mississippi River. Is this more than Peggy wanted?
Oo-loo-cha, the New Wife
It is the custom of the Cherokee people that the female controls the marriage. Peggy might have dissolved the marriage. We do not have a clue as to what happened. We do know that the separation happened between 1815 and the Treaty of 1819. His daughter Nelly told James Lasley about 1815. (See Lasley’s statement above.) Hammer, the son of Oo-loo-cha, stated 1819, see below.
Al 19 4th Board of MD, Vol 1, pages, 13-14,45,189-190-191, Ahamah #24 Claim
“after the treaty of 1819, she married Path-killer the chief of the nation, abandoned her reservation and removed with him to Turkey-town.”
The above two selections of Hammer’s 1846 claim are based on his mother’s reservation. Chief Pathkiller married Oo-loo-cha just after the 1819 treaty.1 Hammer’s father is Fawn Killer, and he died before 1819.
The claim by Hammer is on the estate or improvements last held by Pathkiller. This is the ferry and property at Terrapin Creek today’s Centre, Alabama. Hammer sold part of this estate to a white man named Robert Brown.
Michael Wren discovered a file box on Pathkiller. This was in the collection of Penelope Allen Johnson. It was located at the University of Tennessee in Knoxville. There were several folders about a dispute in the Cherokee District Court at Chattooga. This court was located just Northeast of today’s Gaylesville, Alabama. By Cherokee law, to settle disputes between the people, it was done in the Cherokee district court.
Tah-ka-ha-kee & Crying Snake vs Robt Brown
Plaintiffs witness May 26th 1830
Ahnoah Deposeth and saith that she was living in the neighborhood of Gunters Landing when her uncle the Bears Meat told her that the Pathkiller wanted her the Deponent to come and live where the Pathkiller was clearing a place on the Couse River on the West Bank at Pathkillers Ferry so called; the Pathkiller told her that he would get some young men to build some houses, and bout one year after the Pathkiler brought the Hammer there with his mother the Pathkillers wife.
How long did the Pathkiller settle at the ferry? Ans; He lived there until he died. Did he ever move opposite? Ans; No Did he die where he was clearing? Ans; He died at the house. Which side of the river did the Pathkiller die? Ans On the East side2
We learn a lot from this court case. This notation from the witness Ahnoah tells us she is the granddaughter of Pathkiller. She was living near Gunter’s Landing or Creek Path. She calls Bear Meat her uncle. This indicates that her mother is Bear Meat’s sister. Proven by Cherokee custom. Bear Meat is the son of Pathkiller by an unknown wife.3
Chief Pathkiller had a house built for her. She stated he died in his house on the east side of the River. This was at his (New) Ferry.
The two people bring this case to court are Tah-ka-ha-kee and Crying Snake. Tah-ka-ha-kee is the son of Pathkiller by an unknown wife. Is he the brother of Bear Meat? Crying Snake is the son of Nancy, Chief Pathkiller and Peggy’s daughter. Crying Snake produced a note. Principal Chief John Ross stated in this note that Pathkiller had willed the improvements at this location to Crying Snake. Neither one of them had a copy of the will.
This is to certify that the Path Killer some short time prior to the death of my Grand Father was at my house where I lived near the Look Out Mountain, and got me to write a will for him respecting his ferry and possessions on the Coosa River which as well as my memory serves me was a follows – That after his Death his Grand Son Crying Snake should inherit his ferry and possession and that in case he the said Crying Snake should think it proper to receive Ahamah and associate him in interest with him that it should be discretionary with himself, so to do but that the Crying Snake should stand foremost and do as may appear best to himself – Given under my hand at the Head of Coosa this 16th day of Feby 1830. /s/ John Ross
Chattooga court house, Cherokee Nation, May 25th 1830
I do hereby certify the Def____ the l_____ as ea____ in t_____ to my hand Robert Field, Clk CC4
This case settled in Crying Snake’s favor.
RECORD BOOK OF THE CHEROKEE SUPREME COURT October Term 1830
[PAGE 72]
Crying Snake Vs Robert Brown
}}}
Treppes to try the right to a certain field at Pathkillers Ferry on the West side of the river.
The Court find for the plaintiff, Crying Snake, the field in dispute.
Witnesses attendance
M. McIntosh
14 days
$10.50
John Ratliff
17 days
12.75
Anohy
16
12.00
James Lasley
15
11.25
Quakey
3
2.25
Qakey
2
1.50
Kenah
6
4.50
Kah-lo-ne-sky
3
2.25
Friday 27th (October 1826) The Court met according to adjournment. Present &C5
Pathkiller started a new improvement, according to the court case. This improvement held a ferry and a farm on both sides of the Coosa River at Terrapin Creek. He lived on the east side and had a house built for his granddaughter Ahnoah. She stated in testimony that she was married to Hammer at one time. She said that her grandfather Chief Pathkiller died in his house on the east side of the river. Cherokee custom, he would be buried on-site at his death. So, Chief Pathkiler is buried at this location. He had a new wife named Oo-loo-cha.
John Ridge and the Ferry
“Alabama Collection Camps, Forts, Emigrating Depots and Travel Routes Used During the Cherokee Removal of 1838-1839,” Chapter 8, Michael Wren wrote;
After Pathkiller’s death, controlling interest in the ferry was acquired by John Ridge while some members of Pathkiller’s family continued to hold a minority interest. John Ridge employed a white man named William Childers to operate the ferry. It is likely that William Childers was the source of the name Childersville.6
In 1832, St Clair County authorized Emanuel M. Zimmerman to establish a ferry on the Coosa River.7Zimmerman assigned that right to John H. Garrett. Garrett used that right to dispossess Ridge and Company their ferry on the Coosa River.8 (The footnote contains lots of additional information.)
In a letter Benjamin Curry to Governor Gayle of AL dated January 21, 1835., William Childers and John Ridge complained about Garrett building on the property.
“General John H Garrett came with an armed forceand is now building a dewilling house in the yard of one of Ridges’s tenets between the Indian dwelling and his little patch separated by a distance not under sixty feet.“9
Charles C. Royce Map section showing Turkey Town, earlier cited.
The Garrett family confiscating this property created great confusion as to the location of Turkey’s Town. Along with the above map, the historians became confused on where Turkey’s Town was located. This was not part of Turkey’s Town until after 1819 and Chief Pathkiller establishing a new ferry and resident.
John Ridge would surrender this property under the 1835 New Echota Treaty.
John H Garrett and his wife Mary would patent purchase this property.10 This is the site that Charles C. Royce and James Mooney would site as Turkey’s Town. The Garrett family tradition states they were on this property in 1816. William H Garrett was the oldest son of John H Garrett and Mary Hall Garrett. He stated this in a bio for the state of Alabama. He said he was born “22 February 1819 near Hamburg, Edgefield County, South Carolina.” John H Garrett is on the 1830 St Clair County, Alabama Census. In St Clair County court records he is listed as a Justice of the Peace. He will become a Major in the Alabama Militia by 1835. He died in 1841 while serving the Alabama Legislature in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. The Garrett family still owns this property today.
Conclusion/Confusion
Confusion. A lot of info in the past three posts. Review them. Chief Pathkiller had two ferries. His first ferry is the location of today’s Fitts Ferry in Etowah County, Ala. He separated from his wife, Peggy, and left those improvements to her and the children. He married a new wife named Ooo-loo-cha. He began a new improvement and ferry, which is now today’s Garrett’s Ferry in Centre, Alabama. He did not move or start the new improvements until after 1819 in what is now Centre, Alabama.
Four posts to tell you where the original village of New Seneca, Turkey’s Town is located. The original village is in Etowah County, Alabama. See the maps below.
Original Survey 1838. 11 The plotted sites on the above map were done by Jeffrey Sauls. The post office site is the second site for the PO. The post office was established in 1834 at James C. Street’s, he was the Postmaster. John G. Means became the Postmaster in 1835. The above plotted site is the 1835 site. 12
Here is a modern-day map of the same area from Google Maps. Labeling by Jeffrey Sauls.
By the time of the Trail of Tears, 1839, Turkey’s Town began just below Gadsden. Will’s Creek empties into the Coosa River there. It would stretch to Centre, Alabama. The Trail of Tears will have its own post, and I will explain this 25 miles of Turkey’s Town.
Uncovering the History of Turkeytown, Establishment, A Timeline, the Next Post. When did Chief Little Turkey move to this location?
Penelope Allen Johnson Collection, University Tennessee Knoxville, Series V, Box 1, FOLDER 201 ↩︎
Bearmeat served in the Creek War 1813-14 and was a scout for General Cocke. Cocke wrote a letter commending Bearmeat as he is referred to as “the son of the old Path Killer.” Hargrett Rare Book and Manuscript Library, The University of Georgia Libraries, Telamon Cuyler Collection, Box: 77, Folder: 30, Document: 02. Major Robert Searcy in a letter to Gen. John Coffee commends Bearmeat as well; “the son of the Path Killer king & principle Chief of their nation”. Fold3 Ancestry.com, Correspondence and Miscellaneous Records; page 271-274, Records of the Cherokee Indians Agency in Tennessee 1801-1835, Record Group 75, National Archive ↩︎
Cherokee Supreme Court Record Book page 72, Tennessee Cherokee Collection, Box 3, Folder 10, Tennessee State Library and Archives, Nashville TN. ↩︎
COOSA RIVER #6 Township 10 South, Range 9 East, Section 28, Pathkiller’s Ferry / Ridge’s Ferry / Childers’ Ferry / Garrett’s Ferry page 242, Chapter 8 Topography of the Removal Routes Ferry Crossings on Major Rivers and Tributaries, By Michael Wren, Alabama Collection Camps, Forts, Emigrating Depots and Travel Routes Used During the Cherokee Removal of 1838-1839, https://www.nps.gov/trte/learn/historyculture/upload/Alabama-Collections-Camps-Forts-Depots-and-Routes-508.pdf↩︎
St. Clair County AL County Court Minute Book (1828-1834) page 173-174 “Ordered by the Court that Emanuel M. Zimerman be authorized to Establish a ferry on the Coosa River at what is now known by the name of Pathkillers ferry where Childers now lives…” on page 180 is states “that Emanuel M. Zimmerman be authorized to Establish a keep a ferry on Coosa river below Heners Island and above Childers ferry and below Mulkeys fery…” The Alabama Legislature on January 12, 1832 authorized Garrett to “open a road” near his farm on the Coosa River and directed the Circuit Court of St. Clair County to grant Garrett a license to keep a ferry. ↩︎
Letter to John Ridge March 13, 1835 from William Childers about Garrett and his efforts at taking the ferry and Ridges forward of the letter to the Secretary of War on March 13, 1835. Benjamin Currey’s letter to CC Clay dated January 20, 1835 and the Letter of Benjamin Curry to Governor Gayle of AL dated January 21, 1835. National Archives Microfilm Publication M234, roll 76, frames 476-483; Letters Received by the Office of Indian Affairs, 1824-1881; Records of the Bureau of Indian Affairs, Record Group 75; National Archives – Southeast Region, Morrow, GA. The Childers letter mentions that “Garret is here on the other side of the River has got Large double houses bilt and has taken them old houses that Pathkiller ust to Lie in and made kitchens of them”. The legal and military wrangling between Ridge and Garrett over control of this ferry is documented in Fourth Board Claim #2 (Heirs of John Ridge vs. the United States); Claims Papers, 1846-1847, of the Fourth Board of Cherokee Commissioners, Entry 250; Records of the Bureau of Indian Affairs, Record Group 75; National Archives Building, Washington DC. See also Minute Docket 1 pages 4, 56-62; Minutes of the Fourth Board of Cherokee Commissioners, Entry 249; Records of the Bureau of Indian Affairs, Record Group 75; National Archives Building, Washington, DC. The early Court Records of Cherokee County Alabama were all lost in a series of courthouse fires. The Fourth Board Claim file contains a copy of the court record. Legal Notice was printed in The Jacksonville Republican, Jacksonville AL, Issue of November 2, 1837, Volume 1, No 42, pg 3, column 4. “Cherokee County, Circuit Court, October Term 1837, John H. Garrett vs. John Ridge and William Childress. In Chancery.” {Note the Legal advertisement ran until January 1838.} See also Letter dated August 12, 1837 from John Wool to General Dunlap in American State Papers, Military Affairs Volume 7, page 551. See also US Serial Set, Series 315, 25th Congress – 2nd Session, Senate Document 120, pp 26, 357-358, 728-729. ↩︎
Bureau of Land Management, General Land Office Records, Eastern States Office, Springfield, VA. Pre-emption Certificate 6,698 for John H. Garrett of Cherokee County, Alabama, was issued June 1 1845 for the northeast part and the fraction “A” of fractional Section 28 in Township 10 of Range 9 East. Pre-emption Certificate #6,694 for Mary Garrett of Cherokee County was issued on June 1, 1845 for the southwest part of the northeast quarter of fractional Section 28 in Township 10 of Range 9 East. Pre-emption Certificate #6,699 for Mary Garrett as assignee of Charles S. Legatt was issued June 1, 1845 for the southeast quarter of fractional Section 28 in Township 10 of Range 9 East, all in the District of Lands subject to Sale at Lebanon Alabama. http://www.glorecords.blm.gov/PatentSearch/↩︎
Survey of Township 11 South of Range 7 East, of the Huntsville (AL) Meridian, Section 9. Plat certified April 20, 1840, by James W. Weakley, Surveyor General of the public lands in Alabama. Samuel Bigham, Deputy Surveyor.http://www.glorecords.blm.gov/SurveySearch/↩︎
U. S. Appointments of Postmasters 1832-1971, ancestry.com ↩︎
Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not rely on your own understanding; in all your ways know him, and he will make your paths straight. Proverbs 3; 5-6 CSV
We have discovered that the actual location of Turkey’s Town is in Etowah County, Alabama. It is not one mile south of Centre, Alabama. This was revealed in the last post. Chief Charles R. Hicks and Reverend Daniel Butrick have given that information. How did the location in Centre, Alabama, come to be, and why is there conflicting information? Where did Chief Pathkiller live and where was his fort?
In this post, Chief Pathkiller and and his family explain where they lived. In the next post, we will examine the Centre, Alabama location. Hopefully, you will see the confusion come to an understanding.
The past Historians must not have had access to the family’s disputes. These disputes were between Pathkiller’s family over ownership of improvements. We learn a lot about Pathkiller’s family and uncover the history of Turkeytown.
The treaty of 1830 established the “Indian Removal Act.” The 1835 treaty resulted in the Trail of Tears, the forced removal of the Cherokee people. The Cherokee people filed claims for payment with the United States for what they left behind. They are referred to as Validation/Spoliation Claims. The people would be paid for houses, furniture, crops, and other miscellaneous items. This leads to misunderstandings within families. Chief Pathkiller’s grandchildren got into one of these disputes. Fortunately, this provides us with information on the location of Turkey’s Town. Bonus info is Pathkiller’s family history.
Pathkiller’s Grandchildren Dispute 1837
12 of September 1837 Personally, comes before me James Lasley being duly sworn that he does live in the neighborhood of the contested improvements. . . The grandfather of this claimant Anna Pathkiller being the person who made the first improvement and kept it and held it legally as his according to the Law and usage til about the year 1815 he made his children stay there to mine his stock and use it as a stock keeping place Tis true Dragging Canoe one of the old mans children did stay on the place for the purpose of keeping the stock as above and for no other purpose and under the direction and consent of the old man this grandfather as above nor did the old man give it or convey it to any one but his wife Peggy he died and left this in possession of the said place . . .this Peggy was the Legally possessed of it Before Peggy died a short time she made a will and left it Nelly her daughter who is the mother of Anna the present claimant and this Nelly told this despondent that she had given this said improvement to this same claimant Anna Pathkiller1
Above is a statement from an affidavit in part of James Lasley to Wilson Lumpkin. Lumpkin is the US Commissioner to the Cherokee Indians (1836-1837). He became Georgia’s Governor 1837-1841. He recorded several of the affidavits. The affidavit concerns the dispute of ownership of improvements on Chief Pathkiller and Peggy’s estate in 1837. This estate is today’s Alford’s Bend, Etowah County, Alabama.
Several affidavits were collected. They aimed to settle a dispute between Anna Pathkiller Hampton and Dragging Canoe’s son, daughter, and widow. The disagreement was over the improvements on the East side of the Coosa River at Peggy Pathkiller’s ferry.
Affidavit taken by Josiah Harper Justice of the Peace Cherokee County, Alabama 14 Oct 1837. Quata Campbell is Chief Pathkiller and Peggy’s daughter married to George Campbell.2
Dragging Canoe (not the Chickamauga war Chief) is the son of Pathkiller and Peggy. Sky-ah-too-ka is Dragging Canoe’s son. Dragging Canoe’s wife is Watty, and his daughter is Martha. David Gage, their representative, argues for them about ownership of the improvements. These improvements are on the “East side of the Coosa River five miles below Lasley’s ferry.” Lasley’s ferry is the today’s Croft ferry, Etowah County, Alabama. (James Lasley is a post of its own later.)
Anna Pathkiller is married to Frances Hampton. Anna is Nelly Pathkiller’s daughter. Nelly is the daughter of Peggy and Chief Pathkiller. Nelly is listed in Peggy’s will. Quata is Chief Pathkiller and Peggy’s daughter, married to George Campbell. She is the sister to Dragging Canoe and Nelly. She is listed in Peggy’s will. Dragging Canoe is not listed in Peggy’s will, she only takes care of the female side of the family. This was Cherokee custom.
There are several other affidavits about this dispute. Money Hunter has similar statements. Richard Ratliff has very similar statements. He is the husband of Charwahyooca (also known as Peggy Pathkiller Jr.). She is daughter of Pathkiller and Peggy and listed in Peggy’s will. Michael Wren collected the affidavits from Miscellaneous Claims Papers, 1836-1839. They are listed to the First Board of Cherokee Commissioners, Entry 236. They originate from the Records of the Bureau of Indian Affairs. This is Record Group 75, at the National Archives Building in Washington DC.
This is a lot of information just to say; “The grandfather of this claimant Anna Pathkiller being the person who made the first improvement and kept it and held it legally as his according to the Law and usage til about the year 1815.“ This does confirm that Pathkiller’s residence was 5 miles below Lasley’s on the east side of the Coosa. Also, the location of the pickled fort and ferry.
Note on Pathkiller’s Fort. Return J. Meigs to Nathan Lawson Pay Master General, 22 Jan 1820. “Also a number of members of the Cherokee warriors who were stationed at Turkey Town for one month only, in the time of the Creek War 1813-1814. This post camp had no officer to command them they were in a pickeled fort surrounding the resident of the King or Head Chief Pathkiller.“3 This was a request to pay the seventeen warriors for their service.
A modern Google map of Turkeytown, Etowah County, Alabama, shows the original village site of New Seneca, Turkey’s town. Chief Pathkiller on the south end. James Lasley on the north end. The distance between the two is about 5 miles. Google Maps website. Notation in red added by this Researcher.
In the prior post on this subject, Chief Charles Hicks stated that friendly Creeks stayed at Pathkiller’s Fort. The fort was located in Turkey Town. The fort is 20 miles below Coosahatachee. Review the post on the Creek War Claims. Coosahatachee is on Terrapin Creek 10 miles below Fort Armstrong.
This is confirmation that the original village of Turkey’s Town would start at today’s Fitts Ferry (Pathkiller’s first ferry). This is in Etowah County, Alabama.
The Confirmation of Turkey’s Town by white intruders.Thetakeover of Peggy Pathkiller’s ferry
White US citizens move into Turkey’s Town. Their actions will confirm the location of Turkey’s Town. They will also confirm Pathkiller’s first residence and ferry.
A Report to the Alabama Chapter of The Trail of Tears, 2007. Chapter 8 Topography of the Removal Routes, Ferry Crossings on Major Rivers and Tributaries by Michael Wren;
COOSA RIVER #8Township 11 South, Range 7 East, Section 20
The road from Asheville to Jacksonville crossed the Coosa River in Section 20. George Chambers, John Ratliff, Daniel Griffin Jr., and Peggy Pathkiller Sr were joint owners of a Ferry on the Coosa River in Turkey Town Valley, Cherokee County. The Valuations gave an average annual income of $100.00. Included with this Valuation was a 16’ x 14’ house and 10-acre field of bottom land under fence. The Claimants were dispossessed since spring of 1832.
John Ratliff filed a Claim for his ferry on January 16, 1837 before Josiah Harper, Acting Justice of the Peace for Cherokee County Alabama. He stated that the Ferry was 1 ½ mile miles below Turkeytown and was then in the possession of James Kay. He stated, however, that the ferry was taken from him by a white man by the name of Hays shortly after the laws of Alabama were extended over the Cherokee lands in January 1832. The Original Patentee for the ferry’s location was James Kay.4
In the St Clair County court records, James Kay filed for a license to operate a ferry. This was on the Coosa River in the August 1833 term. Mr. Kay stated he acquired the ferry from Hannibald Hays, which was in Turkey Town.
The Applicant, Kay by attorney moved the judge and commissioners of Roads & revenue that they would grant him license and take a bond for the ferry which the legislature authorized Hanibald Hays (under which this applicant claim by purchase) to establish on the Coosa river where the road crosses the same at the place known by the name of Turkey Town in St Clair County which motion was __-ted and the court refused to grant license or take a bond from the applicant on the grounds they had previously granted to David Gage for the same ferry sometime prior to the act of the legislature giving it to Gage. James Kay by David Gage, St. Clair County, Alabama Court Minutes (1828-1834), Commissioners Court August Term 1833, pages 226-227
Page 172 of the same Court minutes; Order by the Court that David Gage be authorized to keep a ferry on Coosa River at Peggy Pathkillers provided it does not interfear with the Charter limits of John H Garrett as granted to him by the Legislature, at the following rates. . .5
The above information shows that a white man named Hannibal Hayes took over Peggy Pathkiller’s ferry and property. He would sell it to James Kay and Mr. Kay would patent buy it in 1840s from the US government. Mr. Kay stated he was on the property with a pre-exemption date of 1838. 6 He worked with David Gage to acquire the license to operate the ferry at that location. Notice in the copy of the claim above it states, “in a lawless manner”.
David Gage is married to a Cherokee woman. Her name is Lucy Fish. He has acquired a house and property from the Dragging Canoe’s estate (Chief Pathkiller and Peggy’s son). The family filed a claim in Benton County.
David and Lucy Gage also held property in Will’s Valley. Will’s Valley is where they lived.
The above 1835 document has lots of information. Both Benton (Calhoun) and Saint Clair Counties claimed the area. The area was still in the Cherokee Nation. The document explains Dragging Canoe’s family. Dragging Canoe died about 1827 his estate records are in the Saint Clair County, Alabama estate records. The above document stated the residence for Nelly is next door. Dragging Canoe and his family do not have rights to the improvements. They could not sell the property. Gage and Dragging Canoe’s family lost in claiming the improvements. Chief Pathkiller and Peggy separated about 1816-1817. These improvements would belong to Peggy. Chief Pathkiller “took” a new wife and moved north. Review James Lasley’s statements at the top. Cherokee custom is Peggy would care for and leave her estate to the female children and their families. All of the contested improvements are in today’s Alford’s Bend. (Alford’s Bend will be discussed in its own post.)
If you are reading closely, you see the whites are taking what belongs to the Cherokee people. Read between the lines. James Brown and Tarply Nall both are white and have no connection to the Cherokee. They have moved into the area. Nall will try to buy the land from Sky-ah-too-ka. He stated in an affidavit that he spoke with some of the elder Cherokee and did not purchase the land. He said that Sky-ah-too-ka never owned the improvement. The Cherokee people have not gone to the West. This predates the forced removal of the 1835 treaty. The date is 1832, and Peggy Pathkiller is still living. Peggy died in 1833. Chief Pathkiller died in January 1827. He had moved north and started a new improvement on the Coosa River. He had taken a new wife.
Conclusion
We gather a lot of information on the location of the original village from the above information. The dispute with Pathkiller’s family places the Chief on the east side of the Coosa River. He lives there until he and his wife, Peggy, separate. This is today’s Alford’s Bend. One of the notations above stated the ferry was one-and-half miles below Turkeytown. Turkeytown Creek is one-and-half miles north of Fitts Ferry on the West side of Coosa River.
To recap the last post with this one. Chief Little Turkey lives at Turkeytown Creek on the East Road, (Coats’ Bend Rd.) The Boot lived at Turkeytown Creek on the West Road (Old US 411.) Chief Pathkiller lives on the East side of the Coosa River at his ferry (Fitts Ferry.)
In the next post, I will explain the move north and the new improvements for Chief Pathkiller. “One mile south of present day Centre.” His new wife and an illegal sale of part of his estate. Additionally, I will explain the dispute between the Garrett Family and John Ridge, who acquired most of Chief Pathkiller’s estate. Uncovering the History of Turkeytown, Pathkiller’s Ferry.
Affidavit of James Lasley #574, 12 September 1837, Folder of James Lasley. Miscellaneous Claims Papers, 1836-1839, of the First Board of Cherokee Commissioners, Entry 236; Records of the Bureau of Indian Affairs, Record Group 75; National Archives Building, Washington DC. ↩︎
Affidavit of Quata Campbell Miscellaneous Claims Papers, 1836-1839, of the First Board of Cherokee Commissioners, Entry 236; Records of the Bureau of Indian Affairs, Record Group 75; National Archives Building, Washington DC ↩︎
Report to the Alabama Chapter of the Trail of Tears titled Alabama Collection Camps, Forts, Emigrating Depots and Travel Routes Used During the Cherokee Removal of 1838-1839, Chapter 8 on Topography of the Removal Routes, Ferry Crossings on Major Rivers and Tributaries. Page 248, https://nationaltota.com/alabama-forts-and-camps. ↩︎
John Ratliff’s Spoliation Claim for a Ferry and Improvement. Folder of John Ratliff; Miscellaneous Claims Papers, 1836-1839, of the First Board of Cherokee Commissioners, Entry 236; Records of the Bureau of Indian Affairs, Record Group 75; National Archives Building, Washington DC. In the St. Clair (AL) County Court Minutes (1828-1834) there is a road order on pages 172-173 “Ordered by the Court that David Gage be authorized to keep a ferry on Coosa River at Peggy Path killers provided it does not inter fear with the Charted limits of John H Garrett as Granted to him by the Legislature, at the following rates…” and on pages 226-227 “The applicant James Kay by David Gage attorney moved the judge and Commissioners of Roads & revenues that they would grant him license and take a bond for the ferry which the legislature authorized Hannebald Hays (under whom this applicant claims by purchase) to establish on the Coosa river where the road crosses the same at the place known by the name of Turkey Town in St Clair county which motion was-ted and the court refused to grant license or take a bond from the applicant on the ground that they had previously granted license to David Gage for the same ferry sometime prior to the act of the legislature giving it to Hays. ” See also Acts of Alabama for 1832-1833, Extra Acts, page 150, which Act authorized Hannibal Hays on the Coosa River. ↩︎
Bureau of Land Management, General Land Office Records, Eastern States Office, Springfield, VA. Pre-emption Certificate #6,885 for James Kay of Cherokee County Alabama issued June 1, 1845 for fraction “A” of fractional Section 20 in Township 11 of Range 7 East. Pre-emption Certificate #8,419 for James Kay of Cherokee County Alabama was issued April 10, 1847 for the northwest quarter of the southwest quarter of Section 20 in Township 11 of Range 7 East. Both in the District of Lands subject to Sale at Lebanon Alabama. http://www.glorecords.blm.gov/PatentSearch/. ↩︎
Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not rely on your own understanding; in all your ways know him, and he will make your paths straight. Proverbs 3; 5-6 CSV
New Seneca Turkey's Town 