Charles, Nephew of Chief Pathkiller

We start a new chapter. This will be about notable people in or of Turkey’s Town. These people will introduce us to tragedy, communities, and cities. Uncovering the history of Turkey’s Town.

The first notable person is Charles. He is the nephew of Chief Pathkiller. The notable part of this is whether justice was served or not. Is the complaint below by Chief Pathkiller about Charles? The clip is from the journal of Rev. Daniel Butrick. He visited Turkey’s Town in January 1822. Charles is Chief Pathkiller’s nephew. Chief Pathkiller’s complaint is about his son. The time frame is perfect. Charles was murdered in April of 1821. In the culture of the Cherokee people, for the male, your sister’s children become yours on her death.

Charles’ story is told by correspondents, including an attorney and a Justice of the Peace in Monroe County, Mississippi. It is told by Chief Pathkiller in his correspondence to the US Indian agents to be forwarded to the U.S. President. A trial was scheduled for January 1822. There are no surviving documents to indicate that it ever took place. In November 1822 Chief Pathkiller complained again about no justice. Again, no follow-up documents. I will try to explain the people as we uncover the information.

The information below is from the records in the website, FamilySearch. Images noted in the reel. The spelling and punctuation are as recorded.

Image 116²

Turkey Town in council June 24, 1821 To Charles Hicks  friend and brother 

I will inform you-I see white people every day of all sorts and I treat them with Justice-Since the war we was friendly and I expected we would have mutual friendship, but now they have killed one my people-my nephew charles you must inform our agent, our agent was just where he is to do justice ask him for the murder when our beloved men put him in that place we were To do justic between each other he ought not refused to get the murder because we are less than they are-when any axident happens of that kind they mainly appehanded us whether it is just or not-my nephew was passing in the white country peacible when he was killed-Mr hicks friend I want you To procide in this as you know what to do in this case-if there should be any mistake in this I want you To regulate this and send it on To the agent. this murder was done on the Bigla near the Choctaw Nation we was informed by a man named Meconnal he was there when charldes was killed the man that killed charles by the name of Morris-when you get answer from Col. Meigs I want you to send it on as soon posble my mind is very much disturb when I hear from you mind will be easy-

Turkey Town 

Hick          Pathkiller     the Boot   Rattling goard   Ta-Ka-ha-keh   the frog . ar-me-yal-hak the cow Boy

Note above. Charles Hicks is Chief Charles R. Hicks. He was Chief Pathkiller’s second. The Boot we have discussed. Ta-Ka-ha-keh is Chief Pathkiller’s son. Colonel Meigs is the Cherokee Indian Agent, Return Jonathan Meigs.

Image 119

To James Meigs Esqr Agent of the Cherokee Nation High wasse Garrison 

Zekiel Nash and John Halbert Esqrs Letter June 27th 1821 Subject Datailed circumstance of the murder of – Charles A Cherokee who was killed by Gabriel Morris a White man in Monroe County State of Mississippi on the 10th day of April 1821 said Morris is held to bail for his trail in Jany 1822

State of Mississippi Monroe County June the 27th 1821 

To the Agent of the Cherokee Indians 

Sir. This is to give you notice of the cherokee of the name Charles of Turkeytown. Together with a detail of the accompanying circumstance of unfortunate fail, which accured in this county, on, or about 18 April 1821-on the 23d June 1821, Gabriel Morris the young man that committed this unfortunate fact, came forward before me one of the Justices of Quorum for said County and surrendered himself a prisoner for the killing of said indian Charles, I then called on John Halert a Justice of the Peace for said County, to aid me in the examination of witnesses. We proceeded, confirmed & took down the testimonies of Solomon McCalahan and Robert McElvna both swore, That on the 10th of April 1821. At a store of Joseph Reed they saw the indian Charles on the horse of Gabrile Morris who told him to get off or he would work him off with a pine limb, but Morris did not do so, but only shoved him off and laid down the limb and took hold of the bridle. The indian also took hold of the bridle, Morris pulled it out of his hand. They both stood a while. The indian stuck Morris on the nose with his finger; then immediately drew his tomahawk and struck Morris on the side of the head a sever blow, Morris ran. The indian pursued him. Morris crossed a fence took hold a hand stick or spike, and struck at the indian across the fence the stick flew out of his hand. Morris again ran and called for help he believed the indian would kill him. Morris however got hold of an other stick and threw it at the indian missed him, but he (morris) fell, recovered (image 121) and crossed the fence back again and fell a second time recovered again got hold of the first hand stick and stood, the indian all the while pursuing wih his tomahawk drawn in a hostile manner and rushed on Morris. Morris struck him the indian two blows to the head, the indian fell, Morris struck him one more blow while down—John McCalahan swore to the same part, from the time Morris started to run except hearing him cry for assistance, saw the circumstance from a distance, Henry Hawkins sayeth on his oath the he saw G. Morris running with the indian after him and saw him turn and strike the indian two or three blows over the head he thinks the second brought him down. they all believe Gabrile Morris had received a very dangerous wound from the indian, which cut through his hat and several folds of a silk handkerchief, and fractured his scull bone-

Benjamin Pollard, sayeth on oath that the indian Charles came with him from black creek in the Cherokee nation and that he appeared to behave very well- Joseph Reed, sayeth, on oath, that he saw Charles the indian in a few hours after he recieved the fatal blow. That Dr. J. V. Tibit of Tuscaloosa first dressed his wound, and he Reed kept Charles the indian in his house, and afforded him every necessary assitance until he died, which was eight days afterwards. During which time the indian appeared to be entirely senseless-the (Rreed) had him buried in a decent manner near the place where he died—Thus Sir-After hearing all the evidence, we are of the opinion that the said Gabriel Morris had no other alternative but to kill or be killed, he regret etremly that he was reduced to that dire dilemma. But so it was the blow that he recieved from the indian with the Tomahawk had stuned him, the blood running down his face, and calling for help and no one rendered, we think he is only guilty of jusifiable homicide-But as the right is not in us to determine in the case, and for the satisfaction, friendship & peace of the relations of the said Charles, and the indian of the Cherokee nation, we have taken the said G. Morris in Recognizance to remain in a certain bounds till the first of January next. (1822) to await if necessary the further process of law, We have no circuit court or Jail in this county. You being the proper person to attend to this business, we send you this notice. And further pray you to give us the earliest information, what you think is further necessary to be done in this case the young man (Morris), wishes to be fairly discharged as early as practicable.

yours Respectfully Ezekiel Nash 

June 27th 1821.          John Halbert J. P.

N. B. About six weeks after Morris received the wound the indian, I saw a piece of the scull that was on that day taken out of his head, where he received the wound,

Ezekiel Nash

James Meigs is Return Jonathan Meigs, the Cherokee Indian Agent. His name was misspelled or misunderstood. Ezekiel Nash is an attorney. John Halbert is the newly appointed Justice of the Peace for the newly formed District V, Monroe County, Mississippi. Monroe County was created from Marion County, Alabama, when the new state line was drawn for Mississippi and Alabama in 1820-1821.³ This is on the Tombigbee River west of the Alabama state line. Benjamin Pollard is a white man living in Turkey’s Town. It is from his and his family’s name for Pollard’s Bend in Cherokee County, Alabama.

Image 124

(Letter 28 June 1821 of Charles Hicks on behalf of John Ross to Col. Return Meigs about several items, one item is as follows)

I have received an express from path Killer with letters to, which is herewith enclosed, on the subject of a white man killing his nephew, Charles, who went off with one Pollard from this nation in the beginning, I believe of 1821 or 1820 in order to go on to some of his relation in the Chickasaw Country, and the express stated, that the informant McConnals was present when Charles was killed by Morris, was at Pollards house, near the Chickasaw Country, and must insist on your best endeavour to have the murderer punished if possible for when any of our people act wrong the nation is threatened to be delt by our neighbours-

Image 135

Return Meigs to Pathkiller & Charles Hicks about the Murder of Charles

Friend & Brother Cherokee Agency 6th July 1821 .

I have received you letter of the 24th June Ultimo, informing of the murder of your Nephew Charles I know of no way for me to act in this case but to Advertise, at the place. where the murder was done and keep a vigilant, look out for the murderer, & if possible trace it to all source I will do all I can to detect the murderer, & I enclose an advertisement of which you can have several coppies made & set up at such place as will probably be best of which place you know better than I do, being unacquainted & with that part of the Country. You must invest yourself, no body can do so well as you in this unhappy case. Besides the Advetisment enclose the form of a complaint to any, or all the Magistrates of Alabama State, for you to make use of, as circumstances shall require-

Respectfully Return J. Meigs 

Path Killer Head Chief Head Chiefs C. Nation

Charles Hicks 

Image 137 (The copy of the Advertisement of the murder)

Advertisement 

Cherokee Agency 6th July 1821. 

Whereas a Cherokee named Charles Nephew of the Path Killer was in the month of -June last murdered by a white man in the State of Alabama, and Whereas in case it is very difficult is to detect the murderer the good citizens of that all who of equal justice, influenced by honorable motives it is hoped thay will and the Cherokees in detection the perpetrator of that murder. The Cherokees as Americans have a right to the protection of our laws & it is not doubted they will receive it in the State of Alabama by having the aid of us-Citizens W Return Meigs

Image 164

Chief Pathkiller’s response to Agent Meigs through John Ross.

Cheroker Nation 

Friend and & Brother Nov 13th 1821. 

I have seen and heard the content of the papers you have enclosed to Mr. Hick & myself relating to the circumstances and proceedings of the unhappy event, in which my nephew Charles fell a victim to the hands of Gabriel Morris a Whiteman in the County of Monroe & State of Mississippi this unfortunate affair forces to my mind the several similar events which have heretofore befallen Cherokee. The reflection is painful more particularly so, because equal justice have seldom ever been extended towards them in such cases, as they have been whitemen.-You are ready to say that I am suspicious or prejudicial -is not so. You have recomended to me to pursue & to use all exertion to apprehend the late murderer. This I would unhesitatingly do, provide he was within the bound of this nation-But what chance of prospect would there be for Indians to pursue and to apprehend a white (image 165) man in the white settlements? I answer none but indian persuers more to be taken up or kill themselves by the white Magistrates in their letter giving you notice of the unfortunate affair, justly observed, that the right is not in us to determine in this case & for the satisfaction friendship and peace of the relations of Charles & the Indians of the Cherokee Nation. We have taken the said G. Morris reconnaissance to remain in a certain bounds till the first of January 1822 to wait if necessary the futher process of law, you being the proper person to attend to this business C & C now call on the U. States agent for this nation and make known to you that is my request in behalf myself & the relatives of the said Charles & for the satisfaction of the Cherokee Nation, that you proceed without delayed to have the said Morris prosecuted and broght before a proper Court trial-should your health and situation be such as to prevent you attending personally to the prosecution of the said Morris send you assistant and interpreter in your place from and direct them to call on me on their way down. I will send some Cherokees with them to attend the trial, in case I do not go myself-I hope you will not delay in the business and you will not fail to send the subagent & interpreter to prosecute the Murderer-

I am your friend & Brother 

Done in the presence of John Ross 

Path Killer mark 

Principal Chief Cherokee Nation

John Ross at this time period is the President of the Cherokee National Council.⁴ He will become the Principal Chief in 1828.

Image 443

John Ross his letter of the 25th November 1822. 

Complaining of not further enquiry into the Death of Charles Cherokee, having been killed in Alabama by a white man named Gabriel Morris in a quarrel about the 20th April 1821. In that quarrel said Morris had his skull fractured a part of the scull bone taken out six weeks after the quarrel. It appears by abundant testimony that sd Charles was the aggressor.

Image 444

To Col R J Meigs Cherokee agent 

Rossville Cherokee Nation Nov. 25th 1822 R –

Brother it is now twelve months since I wrote to you from this place, the subject was a painful one to me, and it is no less so now to be compelled to send it at this late period- you will recollect that an unfortuate circumstance had taken place in the State of Alabama, which deprive me of an only Nephew from the papers you transmitted to me it appeared that the good people of the State apprehended bound over to Court for procution whose hands my nephew became a victim, and that in my communication to as above alluded to. I had very earnestly solicited you to repair yourself, or to send your deputy to prosecute the Murderer & that myself & other Cherokees would accompany you o the deputy and attend his trail-since that time I have never heard a word from you on the subject. It is true the death of the Murderer would not restore to life my past departed Nephew (image 445) but have it was as little as you could have done to prosecuted the murderer in a Court of justice agreebly to the stipulations of our treaties-It is truly grievous to me to see so much indifference or relaxation on the part of the agent of the U. States indering ample justic to the propersion of blood Cherokees for which have been spilled by the hand of the White People on the of the Cherokee, on all occasion have they coplied with their obligation-the whites have so frequently spilled the blood of the red man with impunity & indefience of justice that some of them do boast, that they can kill an indian without hazarding their own lives for haveing done so,-Brother this is a hand and gauling bravado which the poor Redman is compelled to brook. It does truly appear to me that the obligations on the part of the U. States, have been considered by the Agents of Government whose duty it is enforce them, as a mere matter of form to appear the minds of the ignorant red people, so as to compel them on to their part to yield to the utmost rigor of you laws, Brother I cannot dissemble with – your attention in this unhappy affair is truely mortiying to my feelings & I cannot avoid expressing my dissatisfaction-I cannot believe that the Government of the States are disposed to administer two sorts of justice, one for the benefit of their own citizens & the other for the distruction of the red people, consequently there must neglect & inattention from some other quarter.-I have always treated my white Brethren with the utmost friendship, from the highest character to the lowest vagabond when they call on my house & chance to be drunk & use unbecoming words I make no difference in the friendly treatment, believing that they could not behave to, had they been sober. Brother had the fate of my Nephew befallen a dog, less indifference could not have been manifested than in the death of my nephew. I have the right to expect justice thro the medium (image 446) of your exections as an agent for this nation therefore I must request you to inform me whether you have or intend prosecutionf the murderer before a court of justice so that a fair tral may determine his fate-If nothing cannot or will not be done in this unhappy affair I trust that you will be candid enough to let me know without delay had you proceeded in the affair as I had a right to expect form you my mind would have been released from the unpleasant feelings which it still bears on the subject. Brother you cannot think my earnest request in this affair, unreasonable, if you take the subject on you own side-I whish to hear from you as soon as practicable, I hold you fast by the hand as a Brother & will not let you go until I am snatched away by the strong arms of death.

done in my presence, John Ross

Path Killer or Nanohetahee      his mark  

Conclusion

There was no response from President James Madison about this matter. Did he know? Was it passed up the chain of command? There is no response from the Government of Mississippi. Governor George Poindexter’s term ended in December 1821. Governor Walter Leak’s term started in January 1822. Agent Meigs died in the year of 1823. There does not seem to be any follow-up on the requests of Chief Pathkiller.

So the question again would be, what makes this notable to place it here in the history of Turkey’s Town? Did the outcome influence the decisions of John Ross in the coming years? Was Chief Pathkiller’s confidence and trust in the United States’ agents affected by the lack of response? Review the last two letters to Agent Meigs. I believe this is John Ross’s concern as well as Chief Pathkiller’s concern over the relations between the two nations.

1. 22 Jan 1822, Journal of Reverend Daniel S. Butrick, pages 41-46,
   American Board of Commissioners for Foreign Mission (ABCFM), 18.3.1 V4,
   Michael Wren’s personal copy. Original and transposed copy. ↩︎
2. FamilySearch, images in the website noted before each entry of the post. https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3Q9M-CS5V-W91X-Y?view=fullText&keywords=Nephew%20Charles&lang=en&groupId= ↩︎
3. AN ABBREVIATED HISTORY OF MARION COUNTY, ALABAMA
   By:  The Marion County Historical and Genealogical Societies, https://web.archive.org/web/20140407073432/http://www.mchsal.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=8:abbreviatedhist&catid=4:historicalarticles&Itemid=20 ↩︎
4. Eaton, Rachel Caroline. John Ross and the Cherokee Indians. Menasha, Wis.,
   George Banta Publishing Company, 1914, page 35, image 55, https://www.loc.gov/item/14018822/ ↩︎

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.

1. The Pansophist, and Missionary herald. v. 15 (1819). Journal of the Mission at Brainerd, page 42. https://babel.hathitrust.org/cgi/pt?id=nyp.33433068276272&view=1up&seq=64&q1=King ↩︎
2. “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 ↩︎
3. Ibid, page 104 ↩︎
4. 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

Chief Pathkiller, Proven, Not Proven

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 children ¹

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 31^st 1833. . . This property claim was for the ferry where Chief Pathkiller died. (Centre, Alabama) ^{5 6}  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

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 3^rd 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.

1. “The Legend of Pathkiller”. Manataka American Indian Council website https://www.manataka.org this web does not exist anymore. It has been copied by several on Ancestry.com using the information to link their families. This story can be found at;
   http://betty-shirley.com/chief_pathfinder.htm The story can be found at Cave Springs blog as well from a 2012 post. http://cavespringga.blogspot.com/2012/08/the-legend-of-pathkiller-by-takatoka.html
   ↩︎
2. Hargett, J. L.. Muster roll of John Benge detachment. 4026.707. John Ross Papers. September 28, 1838. Tulsa: Gilcrease Museum, https://collections.gilcrease.org/object/4026707 (02/19/2018). ↩︎
3. 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. ↩︎
4. https://www.pellcitylibrary.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/Native-Americans.pdf Pell City Library, Court Records Links, Estate Book B, Page 65, Page 23 in the library document. ↩︎
5. 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 1/8^th, Hughston (Houston) received 2/8^th , Tarkaga (Tarkahagee) received 1/8^th , and the final 1/8^th went to Nancy (Pathkiller), Crying Snake’s mother.  ↩︎
6. 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.  ↩︎
7.  https://www.pellcitylibrary.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/Native-Americans.pdf Pell City Library, Court Records Links, Orphan Court March fifth 1833, Orphan Court Book, page 241, 1827-1844. Page 19 in the library document.
     ↩︎
8. Interview with Billy Mack Garrett by this researcher, February 2024. ↩︎
9. 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  ↩︎
10. Newspaper.com; “The Will of Peggy Pathkiller”; The Coosa River News, Centre Alabama, Friday, 31 July 1936, page 2. ↩︎
11. The Pansophist, and Missionary herald. v. 15 (1819). Journal of the Mission at Brainerd, page 42. https://babel.hathitrust.org/cgi/pt?id=nyp.33433068276272&view=1up&seq=64&q1=King ↩︎
12. “The Daily Oklahoman” (Oklahoma City, Oklahoma) · Sun, Apr 18, 1937, · Page 78. “The Great Human Cattle Drive”, Grant Forman, Newspaper.com  ↩︎
13. The Susquehanna Democrat, Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, 2 March 1827, Friday, page 3. The National Gazette, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, 10 February 1827. ↩︎
14. The National Gazette (Philadelphia, Pennsylvania) · 10 Feb 1827, Sat · Page 2, Newspapers.com ↩︎
15. The Atlanta Constitution (Atlanta, Georgia) · 9 Nov 1930, Sun · Page 3, Newspaper.com ↩︎
16. Headstone Application, https://www.fold3.com/image/318059724 ↩︎
17. Did the Brainard Missionaries Advert Civil War, Chattanooga Daily Times (Chattanooga, Tennessee) · 27 Aug 1933, Sun · Page 30, Newspaper.com ↩︎
18. 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