Whitfield County GaArchives History .....Chapter 1 - History of Whitfield Co. 1936 ************************************************ Copyright. All rights reserved. http://www.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm http://www.usgwarchives.net/ga/gafiles.htm ************************************************ File contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by: Joy Fisher http://www.genrecords.net/emailregistry/vols/00001.html#0000031 October 1, 2004, 10:01 am p. 1 CHAPTER I The Cherokee Indians of North Georgia by Willie Stewart White A wealth of Indian history exists in Whitfield county and surrounding counties and affords a wide field to those who are searching for historic landmarks and legends which will help to a clearer understanding of the aboriginal inhabitants—the Cherokees. This brave and stalwart race offers some of the most striking and picturesque types yet produced by any race of people. It is important that the legends, traditions, and historical events, in which they had a leading part, be preserved. Before entering on a discussion of the Indians of north Georgia, who, less than a century ago, roamed the mountains and made their homes in the fertile river valleys, we will turn our faces backward for a brief glance at the early history of this tribe. In the southern Appalachian region human drama had doubtless been unfolding for hundreds, perhaps thousands of years—long before the first European ship sailed along the shores of the new world. EARLY CHEROKEE HISTORY Recorded history begins when the Cherokees first made acquaintance with Europeans in 1540. Then it was that DeSoto and his companions, in their search for gold, marched through Georgia on their way to the Mississippi. These early Spaniards described the Cherokees as "lean, naked, unwarlike, and given to hospitality to strangers." ----------------- p. 2 At that time the Cherokees were in possession of the southern Allegheny region extending from the headstreams of the Kanawha and the Tennessee southward almost to the site of the present Atlanta, and from the Blue ridge on the east to the Cumberland range on the west. This area is now included in the states of Virginia, Tennessee, North Carolina, South Carolina, Alabama and Georgia.* They were the mountaineers of the south holding the great mountain barrier between the English settlements on the Atlantic seacoast and the Spanish and French garrisons on the Gulf region and along the Mississippi. They called themselves Yun-wi-yah, meaning real or principal people. The name Cherokee has been given several interpretations. One authority says it came from A-che-la, meaning "He takes fire," the belief being that the Great Spirit gave the Cherokees a sacred fire, which must be kept perpetually burning.** Their northern kinsmen, the Iroquois, called them Oyata'-ge-ronon—"inhabitants of the cave country"—which is unlike any other mountainous area in North America. Fickett tells us "their whole country was the most beautiful and romantic in the known world. Their springs of delicious water gushed out of every hill and mountain side. Their lovely rivers meandered through fertile valleys and rushed over cataracts and through mountain gaps. The forests were full of game, the rivers abounded with fish, and the mountains with fruit."*** Adair, the historian and trader, who lived for forty years among the American Indians, says, "the natives make two divisions of their country, Ayrate (low); Ottare (mountainous)."**** Later writers make three divisions—lower, middle and upper Cherokee. Tdheir principal towns lay upon the head- ____________ *Mooney, James, Myths of the Cherokee, in Nineteenth Annual, Rep. Bureau of Ethnology, p. 14. Note: James Mooney is an acknowledged authority on Cherokee Indian history. His book, "Myths of the Cherokee", is an invaluable contribution to American Ethnology. He wrote from material gathered from association with the Cherokees living in western North Carolina (1887). He supplemented this with information obtained in the Indian Territory, chiefly from old Cherokees who had emigrated west from Georgia and Tennessee. ** Starr, Emmet, Early History of Cherokees, p. 7. ***Pickett, Albert, J., History of Alabama, p. 14. ****Adair, J., History of the American Indians (1735-1755), p. 237. ----------------- p 3 waters of the Savannah, the Hiwassee, and the Tuckasegee rivers, and along the entire length of the Little Tennessee.* In 1735 there were sixty-four villages, the number of people being not less than sixteen thousand. Their ancient capital Itsa'-ti, on the Little Tennessee, by early historians was written Chote, Chota, and Echota. It was the "sacred peacetown" as well as the meeting place of the General Council before 1800. In physical appearance the Cherokees were a fine race, tall and athletic, with an olive complexion. An English traveler describes the women as slender with delicate frames, the men were erect, having an air of superiority and independence. They were "honest, just and liberal and always ready to sacrifice every pleasure and gratification, even their blood and life itself, to defend their territory and maintain their rights."** We may add that they were a religious people, with a fixed belief that a Great Spirit made the world and was in unceasing warfare with a Spirit of Evil, the Good Spirit finally triumphant. They believed in rewards and in punishments, as is shown by their reply to Mr. Martin, a preacher, "who having preached scripture till his audience and he were heartily tired, was told at last that they knew very well that if they were good, they should go up; if bad, down; that he could tell no more.”*** In 1721 a momentous transaction took place—the first formal treaty between the Cherokees and the English was signed in Charleston, South Carolina, and a small cession of land made, the first land grant in the history of the tribe. In a little more than a century thereafter they had signed away their whole original territory. The Cherokees resisted every treaty and finally signed only under pressure. A treaty to the white man proved to be merely a scrap of paper. Before the signatures were dry, overtures were under way for more of the red man's land. The advancing tide of white pioneers pressed into the _________ *An aboriginal map setting out the "Location of the Overhill Towns made by Lieutenant Timberlake 1762" is included in his Memoirs, 1756-1765. Reprint by Hon. Samuel Cole Williams, LL.D. (1927). **Bartram—Travels through North and South Carolina and Georgia, etc., p. 366 (1792). ***Timberlake, Lieut. Henry, Memoirs (1756-1765), p. 87. ----------------- p. 4 Indian country from the east and northeast, destroying the exposed upper towns and forcing the Cherokees further south, where they made new settlements. Their ancient capital was abandoned, and Ustanali, near the present Calhoun, Georgia, became their capital and central gathering place. The Federal government before 1800 began a new civilizing policy in their dealings with the Cherokees. An agent, with headquarters on the Hiwassee river, was appointed to settle disputes between the whites and the red men and to distribute free, hoes, plows, spinning wheels, cards and looms, teaching their use to the Cherokees, who seemed "better fitted to follow the white man's road" than other Indians. At the close of the eighteenth century the Cherokee hunting grounds had nearly vanished, but the Indians still retained their ancestral home and were at peace with mankind. By the terms of their treaty of October 2, 1798, the United States government had declared in all sacredness they would continue the guaranty of the remainder of their country forever. A progressive spirit animated the tribe. Rich in courage and faith they faced the future. 1800 At the beginning of the nineteenth century the Cherokees were the most enlightened and the most powerful of all North American Indians. Their lands, though greatly diminished, still covered a large territory. A small part lay in western North Carolina, about the same extent in Tennessee, a small section in northeastern Alabama, and a large area in upper Georgia. FIRST MISSION ESTABLISHED IN 1801 At this auspicious time in the history of the Cherokees the Society of the United Brethren, known as Moravians, authorized, in 1799, Reverend Abraham Steiner of Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, to establish a mission in the Cherokee nation. Christian Frederick de Schweinitz volunteered to assist _______ NOTE : Moravian Missions Among Southern Tribes has been of valuable assistance and grateful acknowledgment is made to the author, Rev. Edmund Schwarze, Ph.D. ----------------- p. 5 Steiner and went with him to Knoxville, Tennessee, where they secured passes permitting them to travel in the Cherokee country.* When they reached Tellico, they found the chiefs away on a hunting expedition. They went again to Tellico in September, 1800. Among the first chiefs to arrive at the council were Little Turkey, Glass, Doublehead, and Bloody Fellow. The meeting was held one mile below Tellico across the Tennessee river, with about thirty chiefs present sitting on rail fences under the open sky. They presented their appeal and much discussion followed, the chiefs making many objections and excuses. Finally Charles Hicks, the interpreter, became interested and offered his help. Encouragement came from James Vann, who, learning the missionaries would teach religion, said: "Come to me in my section among the upper Cherokees. You can accomplish more among them than in the lower towns."** It was at last decided on October 6, 1800, to let the missionaries come into the Cherokee nation and make a trial. Steiner and de Schweinitz went with James Vann to his upper Georgia home; they explored the country and looked over other territory for a suitable place for the mission. Their report to the conference at Salem, North Carolina, suggested four situations. It was decided to locate in the vicinity of James Vann.*** Abraham Steiner and Gottlieb Byhan were selected to begin the work; they arrived at James Vann's home April 30, 1801, which was two and one-half miles north of the place intended for the mission. In a short time Vann bought the plantation—Springplace,**** owned by a Mr. Brown. It became the property of the Moravians and the site of the first mission to the Cherokee Indians. They built a little cabin and on the ----------------- *David Henley, Superintendent of Indian affairs, gave the passes. **Schwarze, Edmund, Moravian Missions Among Southern Indian Tribes, p. 55. ***Salem was the seat of Moravian church Government in the Southern Section—Cherokee Missions were under their control. ****The present town of Springplace, Murray county, Georgia, is built on this site. Rev. Edmund Schwarze in Moravian Missions Among Southern Indians, writes Springplace as one word during the years of fhe Moravion Mission (1801-1832). ----------------- p. 6 evening of July 13th they dedicated the place and themselves to the service of God. Forty acres were cleared lands largely rich bottom soil; a field near the mission was called the missionaries' field and has been cultivated many years. The Springplace Mission was about eighty miles from Tellico on a trail between Georgia and South Carolina and with Ustanali belonged to the upper towns, the Conasauga river being the boundary between the lower and upper Cherokees. Here the British had maintained an agency during the Revolutionary war. Because of ill health Steiner gave up his post. Byhan and his wife carried on alone until joined by Mr. and Mrs. 3. J. Wohlfahrt, December, 1802. They began the mission school March 26,1802, with two pupils—Sally, Vann's youngest daughter, and a cousin, Polly. One hour a day was given to teaching. Sally married in 1803 and went to Coosawattee Old Town to live. Many obstacles were in the way of progress. The need of an interpreter was keenly felt. The missionaries were greatly handicapped in not knowing the Cherokee language and soon found that it would take years to learn. Indians made frequent visits to Springplace, for it was in the midst of an old and populous community. Fifteen miles south was Rabbit Trap; about seventeen miles south was Coosawattee Old Town, near the Coosawattee river; just above the junction of the Conasauga and Coosawattee was the capital Ustanali. Seven miles north of Springplace was Sumach; to the northwest Red Clay; Dogwood, Crayfish Town, and Chestnut Town to the west. Indian trails led to these places through an almost unbroken forest, as the Cherokees had not yet permitted roads in their north Georgia country. As a result of a great council held June 5, 1803, at Ustanali a letter, signed by Chiefs Chuleoa and Sour Mush, was sent to the mission which, in substance said that the missionaries must open a school in six months or leave the nation. James Vann and Colonel Return J. Meigs, Indian Agent, rallied to the support of the distressed missionaries. In due time the school was built. The first boy to arrive was Gentle- ----------------- p. 7 man Tom's eight-year-old son; next came the nephew of Chief Bark; then George Hicks was brought by his uncle, Big Half-breed.* However, before the school was opened, Byhan and Wohlfahrt built two houses, each 20 x 24 feet, a story and a half high with wooden chimneys lined with clay. Roofs of clapboards were held in place by heavy poles. The houses were built of logs felled by Wohlfahrt and Byhan assisted by Vann's negroes. W. J. Cotter, who saw the mission first in 1832, wrote of "the beautiful site," saying "the comfortable, roomy buildings were of good timber well prepared and well put up."** the year 1805 saw John Gambold and his wife installed at the mission. Mrs. Gambold's amiability, sense of responsibility, and genius for imparting knowledge made her the guiding spirit of the mission.*** A routine day at the mission was not for the sluggard. All arose at daybreak. First came family prayers, breakfast next, followed by school lasting until dinner. Then an intermission until three o'clock; during this time outdoor work in field and garden by boys, while other boys, with blow-guns and arrows, were sent to shoot squirrels and birds. The girls learned to weave, sew, knit and spin. Early to bed was the rule following evening song and prayer. James Vann was murdered in 1809 at the age of forty-one. Though a dissipated man, he had been a constant friend to the mission which could not have been established or maintained without his generous aid. The first convert to Christianity, in 1810, was his widow, Margaret Vann.**** The second was Charles Hicks, assistant principal chief. Colonel Return J. Meigs, Indian Agent, was always a welcome guest at the mission. Mr. and Mrs. Gambold were the re- __________ *Schwarze E., Moravian Missions, p. 80. **Cotter, Rev. W. J., My Autobiography, p. 70. ***Mrs. Gambold, before her marriage in 1805, as Anna Rosina Kleist, bad been a teacher at the Moravian Seminary, Bethlehem, Pa. ****Mrs. Margaret Scott Vann, born August 20, 1783, was the daughter of Walter Scott who had been British agent to the Cherokees. ----------------- p. 8 cipients of his unvarying kindness and were free to seek his advice in all matters as the following letter* testifies. "Springplace 18th May, 1814. "Dear Sir: "The bearer of this, Young Deer, affords me an opportunity to address a few lines to you. He goes to see you with an Intention to beg you for some Iron to get him a Plough made, or rather if it were possible, to get a ready made one from you, as he wishes to exert himself in providing for his family; as he is at present in very low circumstances, he likewise begs you to assist him with Corn and Meal. "About 10 or 12 Days since Mrs. Gambold addressed some lines to you of similar Import in Behalf of one named Woodpecker, which we suppose has been presented ere now. These poor People, who in general had very poor Crops last Year, have been by their serving against the Creeks, prevented from making provision for their families by Hunting, of course their little stock is consumed, and now they wish to cultivate the ground, which prevents them from procuring Sustenance by Hunting. "Having a Letter to the Revd. Jacob van Vleck in Salem, lying here ever since Easter Day, we venture to send it along with this to your kind care, hoping it will come to your Hands. "Our family is still favored with the Enjoyment of good Health, and as the Contest with our neighbors the Creeks is happily ended, we have reason to hope that we shall remain unmolested in our Undertaking. "May good Health and every other Blessing be showered on you abundently is the Wish and prayer of Dear Sir, Your Sincere Friends JOHN & AN. GAMBOLD." "Colo. Return J. Meigs Highwassee Garrison." 1815—1820 In 1815 the council provided for a standing committee to look after financial matters. This committee developed into ___________ *The original letter is an the possession of Mrs. Penelope J. Allen, Chattanooga, Tenn. This letter has not yet been published, and is now used with Mrs. Allen's consent. ----------------- p. 9 the upper house of the legislature, while the general council became the lower house. In 1817 it was reorganized and a standing body of legislators created which assembled in October of each year at New Echota,* the new capital near the present Calhoun, Georgia. The council in 1820 divided the nation into eight civil and judicial districts; in each was located a council house where twice each year court was held. The eight districts were:** 1—Chickamaugee*** 5—Hickory Log 2—Challoogee 6—Etowah 3—Coosawattee 7—Tahquohee 4—Amoah 8—Aquohee John Ross, in 1819, became president of the national council, holding the office for eight years. To prevent further land cessions a law was enacted which made it a death penalty to sign a treaty ceding Cherokee land. A cession of land could be made only by the national committee and the national council in joint action. In the early part of 1817 Reverend Cyrus Kingsbury, acting under the instructions of the American Board of Commissioners for Foreign Missions, Boston, Massachusetts, opened a mission on Chickamauga creek, named it Chickamauga and a year later changed the name to Brainerd. The site of this mission is about six miles from Chattanooga, near the present town of Brainerd. Mission stations established in Georgia, Alabama and Tennessee were:**** Opened Closed Brainerd, Tennessee 1817 1838 Taloney (later Carmel), Georgia 1819 1839 Creek Path (now Guntersville), Alabama 1820 1837 Will's Town, Alabama 1823 1839 _____________ *First mentioned as the capital October 26, 1819. **Battey, G. M., Jr., History of Rome and Floyd County, pp. 386-388. ***The territory now known as Whitfield was included in the Chickamaugee district. See appendix. ****Walker, Robert Sparks, Torchlights to the Cherokees, pp. 69, 70. ----------------- p. 10 Turnip Mountain (later Haweis), Georgia 1823 1834 Etowa (Hightower), Georgia 1823 1831 Candy's Creek, Tennessee 1824 1839 Amohee, Tennessee 1831 1833 Red Clay, Tennessee 1835 1839 Running Water, Tennessee 1835 1836 Mr. Ainsworth E. Blunt of Amherst, New Hampshire, joined the missionaries at the Brainerd mission in March 1822. The following November he married Miss Harriet Ellsworth, also a Brainerd missionary. The Morse family of Dalton are descendants of this union. After the removal of the Cherokee Indians to the west he had charge of the mission property and, in order to protect the graves of the missionaries, he bought the little mission cemetery with money furnished by the American Board. His wife died in 1847 and is buried in the Brainerd mission cemetery. Mr. Blunt came to Dalton in 1843. His second marriage was to Miss Elizabeth C. Ramsey in February, 1848. The Kirby family of Dalton are their descendants. Mrs. Lillie Blunt Kirby, his daughter, has preserved the pewter communion service used at Brainerd mission. Mr. Blunt was admired and respected by the Cherokee chiefs and his advice was often sought. Mrs. Kirby recalls a visit paid her father by Chief John Ross and a friend who came to talk over early Indian affairs—years before they had been associated with him at the Brainerd mission. Mr. Blunt died December 21, 1865, and is buried in Dalton. In 1819 a religious wave swept the country. Among the converts were Clement Vann, a white man, and his Indian wife, Wa-wli—the parents of James Vann. The Federal government had at various times donated one hundred dollars to the Springplace school. They now announced an allowance of two hundred and fifty dollars annually. Welcome news to the missionaries, as they provided shelter, food and clothes in addition to teaching, preaching and entertaining visitors. The missionaries were developing a lasting love for the Cherokees, thus proving the truth of Colonel ----------------- p. 11 Sevier's words, "it is want of acquaintance we have disliked you." In 1818 Leonard Hicks and Buck Watie were sent from the Springplace school to the Foreign Mission school at Cornwall, Connecticut.* The next year John Ridge, David Steiner Tauchee-chee, and John Vann followed. At Cornwall, Buck (Galagi-na) met the philanthropist, Dr. Elias Boudinot, who was much pleased with him, promising him support and bestowing on him—as was the custom of the time—his own name. On November 10, 1819, John Gambold was appointed the first postmaster at Springplace. This was the second post-office in the nation. The first was established at Rossville in 1817 with John Ross as postmaster. INFLUENCES FOR CIVILIZATION It was now no longer a question whether the Cherokee Indian could be civilized, for it was apparent that the tribe, under the influence of education and religion, was making remarkable progress. Historians are convinced that this advance was in part due to intermarriage with white men. At first traders and soldiers married into the nation. Later men of the back settlements, of excellent English, Irish and Scotch stock, took Indian wives. The Vann, Rogers, Hicks, Taylor, Adair, McDonald, Martin and Ross families had a large part in the political life and history of the Cherokee nation. The opening of roads was another great influence for civilization. The white people of Tennessee, South Carolina and Georgia complained that the trails were so narrow that communication was difficult. Chief Doublehead replying said, "the narrow trails were wide enough for the white people to find the red man's land." By 1816 treaties had been made permitting the opening of roads between Georgia and Tennessee and the territory directly west. One of the most beautiful and historic highways built at this period is now known as ___________ *Buck (Galagi-na) was the son of David Watie. John Ridge the son of Major Ridge. David Watie and Major Ridge were brothers. Among the Cherokees, in early days, brothers rarely had the same family name. Anderson, Mrs. Mabel W., Life of Gen. Stand Watie, p. 7. ----------------- p. 12 THE OLD FEDERAL ROAD This road comes into Georgia from Tennessee at the present Tennga and runs southward for many miles, then turns east over the mountains to the older settlements of Georgia. It lies on the west side of a lofty and majestic range, the Blue Ridge, a part of the southern Appalachians locally known as the Gohutta mountains. It follows an old, old trail etched by the padding feet of Indian braves of long ago. General Andrew Jackson passed over this road in 1818 on his way to "Fort Scott via Fort Hawkins."* A marker erected by the Governor John Milledge Chapter Daughters of the American Revolution, Dalton, Georgia, marks the federal road and records this historic incident. Located on this road were the homes of several prominent Indians of mixed blood. The names of those who kept "public stops" were David McNair, Ellis Harlan, James Monroe, George Harlan, Judge John Martin and John Bell**. BOCK SPRING The most noted of these homes stands at Rock Spring where George Harlan, a rich and prominent man with some Cherokee blood, lived. His wife, Anna, was a daughter of William May, a member of a well known white family. Mr. Cotter says that Mrs. Anna May Harlan was "a superior woman in every respect." Their home, a two-story building with exterior of wide clapboards, was the best house in that section.*** It was painted white with green shutters, and long hinges extended almost the width of the shutters. The doors have the same type of hinge. The windows have small panes of glass, and over them scroll work. Just inside the front door ascends the unique stairway, and opposite is the high mantel with a wide fireplace. At the foot of the elevation on which the house stands, is a spring gushing forth from under a limestone rock; from this spring the place derives its name. When the Indians went west, Mr. Parish Carter, a large slave and land owner of Scottsboro, Georgia, became the possessor of ________________ *Extract from letter written to Secretary of War. **Cotter, W. J., "My Autobiography", p. 74. ***Ibid pp. 23, 75, 76. ----------------- p. 13 this beautiful place of fifteen thousand acres, which continues in the hands of his descendants. A grandson, Mr. Sam Carter, occupies the old Indian house built more than a century ago. It is unchanged, as its narrow stairway, tiny windows and high hand-carved mantels bear mute witness. ANCIENT MOUNDS A few miles south of Hock Spring are three ancient mounds near the site of Coosawattee Old Town. We are aware that there lived in Georgia a race of people antecedent to the Cherokees and that the artificial mounds were their burial grounds, containing the bones, and often the ornaments and implements which they used in daily life. In March, 1928, Dr. W. K. Moorehead* began exploration of the largest mound by permission of the owner, Mr. Sam Carter. About two weeks were spent in examination of this mound where many Indian skeletons were found buried. It was here that a most significant find was made. Dr. Moorehead says, "It is not surprising, in view of the public interest concerning DeSoto, that our discovery of swords, heavily oxidized, caused considerable comment in the press. The longest of these objects is six and one-half inches while the lengths of the others are, one sword fragment three and three-quarter inches, the other four and one-half inches. The slender pointed objects are four and three-quarter and five and three-quarter inches. These fragments of swords and pike points, or whatever they are, were found with skeleton 'H', fairly well preserved; and buried some six feet below the surface. The ground was disturbed and we considered 'H' as an intrusive interment. We concluded the Indians had constructed a crude pen over 'H'. "Our little collection of iron implements were sent to the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, where each specimen was examined by an official familiar with arms and armor. In his opinion as to whether they were Spanish swords, he was cautious, but stated they were old, and not of American Colonial __________ *By written permission of Dr. W. K. Moorehead, Director of the Dept. of Archaeology, Phillips Academy, Andover, Mass. Also by permission of the Tale University Press Publisher, New Haven, Conn. ----------------- p. 14 period. There were no hilts, or maker's marks, and the dates could not be distinguished."* Beautiful pottery vessels, engraved shells portraying plumed serpents, pipes, beads, pennate or winged stones, ornaments, unfinished birds and polished hatchets were found with various burials. "On the chest of one skeleton lay the largest shell gorget found . . . being about seven inches in diameter and beautifully carved." PREHISTORIC INDIAN ARTICLES The Indian relics shown above are from the collections of W. M. Sapp and Willie Stewart White. Many were found in Whitfield County. Celts, discoidals, axes, tomahawks, pipes, skinning knives, arrows and spearheads are of stone. The ax in the center, and the four spearheads near it are unusually fine specimens. The pottery Effigy bowl represents a frog. PORT MOUNTAIN About four miles east of Spring Place is an outstanding peak of the Cohutta mountains, near the crest of which is an old fort ____________ *Moorehead, Dr. W. K., Exploration of Etowah Site in Georgia, pp. 151-154. ----------------- p. 15 whose origin is shrouded in the mists of tradition. This historic landmark is known as Fort Mountain. Some of the legends which still persist connect the building of this ancient fort with the passing of DeSoto through Georgia in 1540, but we cannot readily believe the accounts which credit it to the Spaniards. At the request of Mr. Ivan Allen, of Atlanta and Dalton, the distinguished archaeologist, Dr. W. K. Moorehead, explored the fort in 1928. He states that "the total length of all stone walls, including bastions and curves, is something less than one thousand feet. Originally the height must have been approximately five feet, yet in numerous places the wall has tumbled down. Numerous outcrops of stone upon the crest and a great many fragments, varying from ten to forty pounds, are available. The Indians constructed their breastwork from this material.... That the stones were laid to form a defensive position no one can deny, since there are crude bastions or projections from the main wall. Inside each is a depression, called locally, sentry pits.... We came to the conclusion that although a large body of Indians came up the mountain and constructed this work, they did not tarry more than two or three days and were not attacked. They would have left definite traces had they remained here for some time.... It is inconceivable that DeSoto would have taken his large body of men and horses up the mountain-side to so inaccessible a position. It was easier for him to oust natives from their villages and occupy the best houses—which he did."* If we accept Dr. Moorehead's views we can but agree that this fort—one of the most impressive and ancient ruins of North America—was built by Indians doubtless long before DeSoto passed through North Georgia. Following Dr. Moorehead's exploration Mr. Allen generously deeded this prehistoric fort and several acres of land to the state of Georgia for a state park. Mrs. M. E. Judd, of Dalton, Georgia, holds the office of State Park Authority and has worked untiringly in the accomplishment of all state park projects. From her the writer learns that a beautiful stone look-out tower has been built and is in use. A picnic shelter is nearing completion and a road is under construction from highway No. 2 to the very fort ______________ * Moorchead, Dr., Exploration of the Etowah Site in Georgia, p. 55. ----------------- p. 16 itself. The number of visitors constantly increases. They come not only to see the old fort but to view the magnificent panorama which unrolls nearly three thousand feet below. HISTORIC INDIAN PLACES IN DALTON AND VICINITY The present town of Dalton, Whitfield county, was included in the Chickamaugee district and a number of Cherokees lived here and in the vicinity. Chief Red Bird made his home at a beautiful place now known as Hamilton Spring. He lived in a double log house with stone chimneys, to the northwest of the spring. The outline where the house was built was visible a few years ago. Red Bird devoted much of his time to racing, his racetrack extending southward from his home the length of the street now known as Thornton avenue. While engaged in racing he was thrown from his horse and died of his injuries and was buried not far west of his home. His grave is now covered by a railroad embankment.* His name appears in the list of Indians who attended the council at Running Water—near the present Rome, Georgia, July 19, 1835.** Drowning Bear, a sub-chief, also was present at Running Water council in 1835, and we find his name with others of the Chickamaugee district. An interesting story was told the writer by Mrs. C. W. McFarland in connection with Drowning Bear and his home. "About 1838 my grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. G. W. Keith, came to Cross Plains, now Dalton, and purchased the Drowning Bear place about two miles south of the town. The land was on the east side of the road from the old Bowie, now Speck place, and extended from the brow of the hill south to Drowning Bear creek. Some of the land was already cultivated, and one field had been so long under cultivation that it was free from stumps and wild growth. The home of Drowning Bear was made of hewn logs, and my grandmother said that the flat, smooth logs on the inside of the rooms greatly interested her, for they were covered with drawings. One wall showed a trail down which Indians _________ *The writer is indebted to the late Mr. G. W. Hamilton, Sr., for the Information about Red Bird. Col. John Hamilton (father of G. W. Hamilton) bought the Red Bird place about 1838 **Battey. G. M., Jr., A History of Rome, p. 390. ----------------- p. 17 were driving turkeys; on another was an Indian riding a pony with a woman and children walking, while still another drawing portrayed an Indian with a deer on his shoulder. "The Cherokee Indians were at this time being removed west, and at night the sound of marching feet on the nearby road often kept my grandmother awake. Years afterward she said that she regretted that she had not preserved some of the logs with their Indian drawings."* One of the popular pastimes of the Cherokee Indian was the ball game, so interesting and strenuous that it attracted many spectators. It is said, on reliable authority, that the present Dalton was a favorite place and that the memorial park, where now stands the monument to Confederate heroes of 1861-1865, together with the Presbyterian church yard, were once parts of an Indian ball ground. Here the Indian braves, with brightly painted faces, played, always using a racquet somewhat similar but much smaller than is used in tennis, for the ball must not be touched by hand. The players made a special prayer to the "flying squirrel and the bat for help, these being symbols of quick and dexterous movement." Players were oftentimes crippled, sometimes killed, in this national sport, but the game went on until one side was victorious.** About nine miles north of Dalton at Kenan Spring*** was the home of Rattling Gourd; the house has disappeared but a field to this day is called "Old Rattling Gourd Field." He made claim to the United States for spoliation on October 2, 1838, before C. H. McDonald, agent collecting claims east for: "One rifle gun worth $32.00 One brass kettle 5.00 Shot bag 1.00 "The claimant says that about twelve years ago he and some others went to the Chickasaw nation on a hunting expedition and on their way home they got to drinking—and that white men Citizens of the United States took the property." his RATTLING X GOURD, Mark ____________ *The Civitan club, Dalton, Ga., in 1932 marked the site of the Drowning Bear home and creek. John S. Thomas, chairman. **Also marked by Civitans. ***0wned by the late Mrs. Pearce Home and sold to Mr. Bart Wilson. ----------------- p. 18 CHARLES R. HICKS Charles R. Hicks was a member of the Moravian church at Springplace and a loyal friend to all missionaries. His home was in Dogwood valley, about nine miles northwest of the present Dalton, in that part of Chickamaugee district which is now Whitfield county. He is admitted to have been one of the most remarkable and influential men in the Cherokee nation. He was born December 23, 1767, at Tomotley, on the Hiawassee river. His father, Nathan Hicks, was a white trader and his mother a Cherokee. Emmet Starr, Indian historian, quotes from the memoirs of Elias Cornelius in this wise—"Charles Hicks speaks the English language with utmost facility and reads better than one-half of the white people and writes an easy hand. For thirty years he has been an interpreter for the United States government. A man of integrity, temperance and intelligence."* He died in 1827, less than two weeks after he became principal chief. A description of his home in 1817 by the same writer shows the style of log house used by the chiefs: "The house is of hewn logs, is 26 x 18, two stories high, with a double piazza the whole length of the house, ornamented with handrails and banisters and covered with a good roof of shingles." Mr. C. L. Easley, of Dalton, who for years owned this place, says that this description fits the house as he remembers it when he first saw it, that the house was torn down about 1929.** RED CLAY COUNCIL GROUND Red Clay (Eiawa'-diyi) is situated a few miles north of Dalton and is described by Mooney as "a former council ground known in history as Red Clay, at the site of the present village of that name in Whitfield county, Georgia, adjoining the Tennessee line."*** Here some of the most stirring events of Cherokee history were enacted. Today it is a deserted village whose glory lies wholly in its historic past for almost every foot of this section is replete with history and tradition. __________ *Starr, Emmet, Early History of the Cherokees, pp. 45 and 46. **The writer is reliably informed that when this house was demolished there was found inscribed, on one of the smooth logs, the name "Ch. R. Hicka." ***Mooney, Myths of the Cherokee, p. 517. ----------------- p. 19 Many Indians made their homes in this community. Living in Georgia and over the line in Tennessee, were Deer-in-the-water on Ghatata creek, Sleeping Rabbit at Red Glay, Rattling Gourd near Kenan Spring; and not far distant were the homes of Otter-lifter (also written Auter-lifter), Seven Nose and Black Fox. Between 1831 and 1838 many Cherokee councils were held at Red Clay, where the question of removal west was debated in what is officially described as tumultuous and excited meetings. The last council met here on August 7, 1837, for the purpose of protesting the New Echota treaty of December 1835; it was largely attended by the Indians, but their pleas were unheeded by the United States government. Following the removal of the Cherokee Indians Mr. James H. Huff came into possession of the council ground—making it his home.* Mrs. W. C. Huff, his daughter-in-law, lived here between 1880 and 1890 and tells the writer that the log house, known to all in that section as the council house, was standing in 1886 quite near the old Huff residence and on Georgia soil. Many traditions still cling to this beautiful and historic spot. Here Mrs. Margaret McGhaughy Huff (wife of James H. Huff) made her home for many years, garnered the Indian legends and told them to her children and long years afterward repeated them to her grand-children. Miss Mattie Lee Huff recalls the following ancient and enduring legend which her grandmother delighted in telling: "When the dusky warriors and maidens were gathered together for removal westward, the assembled chiefs and counselors met at the council ground under the spreading oaks and murmuring pines, and after smoking the pipe of peace, in imploring attitudes turned their dark eyes to heaven, pulled the swinging limbs to them and, in their wild devotion, bedewed the sprigs and branches with their tears. When the final departure drew near,, all arms were taken from the Indians and they were marched between files of soldiers. Tradition says that a chief known as Big Bear had but a short time before buried his wife and only ______ *Letter to writer from Rev. A. B. T. Hambright which gives a list of early settlers who came into possession of the Indian land and homes. The writer in 1913 had the privilege of a visit to Red Clay with Mr. Hambright as guide— he was then 84 years old. His memory was clear and accurate and the writer is indebted to him for a wealth of Indian information. ----------------- p. 20 child, and that in his deep grief he implored that he be spared the life of an exile. His prayers were unheeded and he was forced to take up the march. He secured a bayonet, hiding it under his blanket, and as he passed by the graves of his loved* ones, broke from his companions and threw himself across the mound, and, falling upon the sharp bayonet was pierced to the heart, thus dying by those he loved dearer than life." In November, 1935, the Georgia Society Daughters of the American Revolution and the Georgia Society Sons of the American Revolution erected jointly a memorial to mark the site of the former council ground of the Cherokee Indians at Red Clay. The memorial erected is a large granite boulder with bronze tablet. It was placed just east of the site of the old Cherokee council house. The marker bears the following inscription: Red Clay "Elawadiyi—Red-earth place" A former council ground of the Cherokee Indians "Heaven hath angels watching 'round The Indians forest-mound, And they have made it holy ground." —John Greenleaf Whittier. Erected by The Georgia Society D. A. R. The Georgia Society S. A. R. 1935 The tablet carries an Indian head at the top and at the bottom the insignia of each organization. The dedication and unveiling exercises were held Sunday, November 10, 1935.* Much credit is due Mrs. J. L. Beeson, state historian Georgia D. A. R., for her untiring efforts in securing and placing the marker at this historic place. LAST YEARS OF THE SPRINGPLACE MISSION On October 13, 1820, John R. Schmidt and wife came to the mission to relieve Mr. and Mrs. Gambold, who were to establish a ----------------- p. 21 mission at Oochgelogy.* Mrs. Gambold, who had been ill for several months, succumbed to a heart attack February 19, 1821, while still at Springplace. Always modest and unassuming in the work of the mission, yet she had a large part in extending its influence throughout the nation. She was buried close by the grave of Margaret Vann Crutchfield, who died October 18, 1820.** The little graveyard was in the midst of a fenced orchard. Today this spot is a part of a cultivated field. The writer has often visited this place but the graves have long since disappeared. Mr. C. N. King, of the present town of Spring Place, has a vivid memory of the little cemetery which he says lay east of the mission buildings. He also distinctly recalls the log mission buildings which were demolished about 1865. Mrs. R. J. McCamy and Mrs. J. Q. Steed, Sr., once residents of Spring Place, now living in Dalton, give interesting descriptions of the old mission. Mr. Gambold, on April 11, 1821, left the Springplace mission to establish the second Moravian Mission in the Cherokee nation at Oochgelogy. The location selected was about four miles south of the present town of Calhoun, Georgia. He remained there until his death November 7,1827. He was buried on the hill east of the mission, and a small headstone marks his grave. In 1831 the mission closed. The building still stands on the west side of the old Dixie highway. November 8, 1827, the Byhans returned to Springplace. They were followed by Henry C. Clauder, April 18, 1832, who remained as missionary and postmaster until January, 1833. The Cherokee lands had, prior to this time, been distributed by lottery and a Mr. Nix drew the Springplace lots. The place passed into other hands, and Mr. Clauder was forced to give up the mission premises and leave for Tennessee. In 1931 the Governor John Milledge Chapter, D. A. R., Dalton, Georgia, marked the site of the Moravian Mission, thus preserving for future generations the spot where heroic men and women labored to christianize and civilize the Cherokee Indians. _________ *Now called Oothcaloga. **Margaret Vann married July 9, 1812, Joseph Crutchfleld at one time overseer on Vann's estate.—Schwarze, Moravian Missions, p. 118. ----------------- p. 22 JOSEPH VANN To the northwest of the Springplace mission Joseph Vann, a son of James Vann, built his home on an elevation overlooking the surrounding valley—it stands today a reminder of the tragic history of the Cherokees. We learn from Rev. W. J. Cotter, who lived on the federal road, north of the Carter plantation from 1832 to 1840, that Chief Joseph Vann was six feet six inches in height and of fine appearance. He owned many slaves and had his negro quarters about 4 miles out at Mill Creek. He built his home from brick made about four hundred yards away.* The house faces south, and, including basement and attic, is four stories high. The entrance has large double doors with a transom of fan-shaped glass. The wide hall extends the length of the house and at the right is a hand-carved stairway which is so constructed that it ascends without visible support. The two rooms on the main floor are large with high ceilings of wood and the floors are of wide boards. The room to the right has secret _________ *Cotter, Rev, W. J., My Autobiography, p. 70. ----------------- p. 23 drawers placed beneath the windows, and when built, were, no doubt, skillfully concealed, but now can be clearly seen. The room on the left, at the west side of the hall, has a hand-carved mantel which extends to the ceiling. The third floor has a large open space where the stairway ends; to the east is a small room which, from its shape, is known as the coffin room. In 1833 Joseph Vann owned about eight hundred acres of cultivated land, not to speak of his extensive improvements. In the fall of the year he was called away from home on business and before leaving "employed a Mr. Howell, a white man, to oversee for him in the year 1834—to commence on the first day of January, 1834. He returned about the 28th or 29th of December, 1833, and learning that Georgia had prohibited any Cherokee from hiring a white man, told Mr. Howell he did not want his services. Yet Mr. Bishop, the State's agent, represented to the authorities of Georgia that Mr. Vann had violated the laws of that state by hiring a white man, had forfeited his right of occupancy and that a grant ought to issue for his lands."* Conflicting claims arose. Mr. Bishop and a Mr. Riley each took possession and a pitched battle ensued. Riley kept his position and Bishop set fire to the house and succeeded in dislodging Riley who surrendered. The fire was extinguished. Vann and his frightened family were then driven out, unprepared, in the dead of winter and forced to make their way into the state of Tennessee. "Indian Office. Washington, D. C. "Cherokee Valuations by Young & McMillan 1835. "A list of the appraisements of Cherokee Indians. Improvements in that part of the nation included in Murray county, Georgia, made under the 9th article of the Treaty concluded at New Echota, on 29th of December 1835, by Jno. S. Young and Jo W. McMillan, Appraisers. "No. 158 Joseph Vann (1/8 Cherokee), Spring Place, Murray County, Georgia. "Nov. 11, 1836. "1 Brick house 47x30—2% stories high loft passage—5 rooms 24'. 12 ten light windows—5 four light windows, 11 panel doors—back and front ___________ *Cong. Doc's. 1835-36, Doc. 286, p. 6. Courtesy of Miss Mary Louise Horan. ----------------- p. 24 porticos, the whole finished in a workman like manner $ 6,000 Hew'd log kitchen 100 &c &c 445 "List of his cabins covers 2 pages Grist and saw mill, dam 8' high, 9' wide. Garden, apple and peach trees Total $18,902.25 "Cabins traced from descriptions destroyed After he was dispossessed 625 NOTE : The foregoing claimant was dispossessed under the laws of Georgia, of his mills and 448 acres of land in the spring of 1834. "It is submitted to the commission to allow him $400. annual rent for his mills and $3.00 per acre for his land up to the end of the year 1836—total $5,232 "Of his brick house and other tenements together with the remaining 357 acres of land he was dispossessed in the spring of 1835. "Allowed $3.00 per acre and $400. annual rent for his house. Total 2,942 $8,174 "March 8, 1837. "The suggestions and returns of the valuing agents were considered. Cut to $7,374.00"* SEQUOYAH In 1821 an event occurred which exerted a far-reaching influence on the future history of the Cherokees. A mixed-blood Cherokee, known to the whites as George Gist (or Guess) and among his own tribe as Sikwayi, invented the Cherokee alphabet. His mother is said to have been a Cherokee of the Paint clan.** As to his father—by some authorities it is said he was a wandering German peddler; others have stated he was the son of Captain Nathaniel Gist, a friend of Washington. Hon- _____________ * Courtesy of Mrs. P. J. Allen, Chattanooga, Tenn. **Starr, Emmet, Early History of the Cherokees, p. 9. Names of the seven clans were Wolf, Deer, Bird, Long Hair, Paint, Blind Savannah and Holly. The clan was always inherited from the mother. __________ p. 25 orable S. C. Williams, of Johnson City, is of the opinion that Captain Nathaniel Gist "was the father of the greatest of red Tennesseeans." Sequoyah's early youth was probably spent in Tuskegee town, in Tennessee. He could neither read nor write and never learned to speak the English language. When and how he became a cripple authorities differ, but all agree as to his dexterity as a craftsman in silver work. Sequoyah's attention was called to the white man's ability to communicate thought by writing. He told his friends that he would make the "leaf" talk to the Indian as well as to the white man. For paper he used bark and for a pencil a piece of charcoal and set himself to the task of recording the separate sounds found in the Cherokee language. After repeated failures he evolved his syllabary—eighty-five* character representations for eighty-five distinct sounds. At this time he was living in Willstown, Alabama. In 1821 Sequoyah presented the new syllabary and "within a few months, without school or other expense of time or money, the Cherokees were able to read and write in their own language." In 1823 the Cherokee council awarded Sequoyah a silver medal carrying a commemorative inscription in both languages. Following an active correspondence with the Cherokees who had moved west, he made his permanent home in Arkansas in 1823. The state of Oklahoma presented a statue of Sequoyah to Statuary Hall, in the United States Capitol, which was unveiled with appropriate ceremonies June 6, 1917. THE CHEROKEE PHOENIX In 1827 the Cherokee council resolved to establish a national newspaper in the Cherokee language. The type was cast in Boston, a printing press bought and early in 1828 shipped by water to Augusta, then carried by wagon to New Echota. On February 21, 1828, the first number of the Cherokee Phoenix appeared with Elias Boudinot as editor. It was printed in both English and Cherokee, and was the first newspaper ever pub- ___________ *Some authorities give the number at eighty-six. ----------------- p. 26 lished in an Indian language. The first printers were two white men, Isaac N. Harris and John F. Wheeler. The Reverend S. A. Worcester was the leading spirit. ELIAS BOUDINOT When Elias Boudinot (Galagi'-na) attended the missionary school at Cornwall, he met and loved Harriet Gold, daughter of Colonel Benjamin Gold. Bitter opposition developed in the Gold family and great excitement prevailed in the town, for a short time before, John Ridge, a cousin of Elias Boudinot, had married Sarah Northrup, of Cornwall, Connecticut. It was said that this marriage had a bad effect on the mission school. It was now felt that a second marriage of an Indian to a white girl would "annihilate the institution." However, Harriet's family became reconciled and the marriage took place May 1, 1826. Elias Boudinot brought his wife to Oothcaloga, Cherokee nation to live and she was soon engaged in assisting her husband in his work. Many interesting letters were written by Mrs. Boudinot to her parents and it is a matter of regret that they are too long to be included in this sketch of the Cherokee Indians. Colonel Benjamin Gold and his wife drove with their own horse and carriage the long distance to New Echota, where the Boudinots were living in 1829. Colonel Gold wrote his brother that "Mr. Boudinot has much good company and is as much respected as any man of his age. His paper (the Cherokee Phoenix) is respected all over the United States and is known in Europe." Harriet Boudinot died at New Echota, August 15, 1836, aged thirty-one. She is buried in the tribal cemetery arid her grave is marked by a simple headstone. A house known as the Boudinot's home still stands in New Echota but opinions to the contrary exist. General Brinsmade in 1830 visited the Boudinots and spent some of his time traveling in the Cherokee nation. He kept a record of the people and places, which is included at this time as originally written: ----------------- p. 27 "JOURNAL OF OUR JOURNEY TO CREEK PATH "We started on the first Monday in May, to-day we went to Major Ridge's farm and his house presents a fine appearance. The house is an elegant painted mansion with porches upon each side as the fashion of the country is; we saw in the house likeness of John Ridge, Esq., accurately painted, hanging in a large frame in the position of writing which was his principal business. "Tuesday: We visited John Ross, the principal chief, his house is a long two story building, inside has the appearance of neatness and elegance, here we crossed the Coosa, and passed the tomb of the Cherokee, who was so barbarously murdered by the Georgians. We went along Van's valley, to David Van's; his house is elegantly painted outside, and in, and is beautifully located and furnished with the nicest of furniture, his wife amused us in the evening by playing most charmingly on her piano. They are both descendants of Cherokees. "Wednesday: Went 33 miles to Lasleys, of Turkey Town, we had butter, cheese and every desirable on the Cherokee tables, and were treated extraordinarily hospitably, on account of our connection with Mr. Boudinot. "Thursday: We rode to Mr. Jack Ross', a native of New Jersey, brother-in-law to the principal Chief. "Friday: We traveled over the Raccoon Mountain, which is about 20 miles from the brow of the Mountain on one side to the brow on the other side; we arrived at Creek Path in the evening, here is a flourishing school, superintended by Mr. and Mrs. Potter, from our native state. There is some seriousness in the school at this time. "Saturday: One of the scholars and myself mounted our horses, and rode between two Mountains, in the beautiful valley of Creek Path, to David Carter's, found his wife weaving, the slaves we saw about the plantation. Mr. Carter's wife is a descendant of the Cherokees, and is as white as the Northern ladies, dresses well; left an invitation for herself and husband to visit at Mr. Potter's, in the evening, as he was not at home. Went to Col. Gilbreath's, who married a sister of David and Catharine Brown, Mrs. Gilbreath favors her brother David ----------------- p. 28 very much in looks, disposition, and actions, she invited me to take dinner, which was fritters, butter, honey and thick milk, I am very fond of it. "Sabbath: 10th of May, attended meeting at the Creek Path School House, sermon by Mr. Potter (interpreted by Samuel Gunter), alternately in Cherokee and English. David Carter, and his wife presented their child to be baptized by Mr. Potter. "Monday: Took a ride with Dr. Carter Dempsey Fields, to Gunter's Landing, fields of corn and cotton in this part of Creek Path Valley looked fine. We called at Mr. Edward Gunter's, a member of the Cherokee Committee. He is an excellent man, a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. "Tuesday: We parted with our Cherokee friend at Creek Path, traveled over the Mountain to Wills' Valley, 35 miles to Col. Mulkey's, who is a native of Georgia, and brother-in-law to the principal chief, Mrs. Mulkey is the youngest daughter of Mr. Daniel Ross. There as in other places we were treated cordially and hospitably. "Wednesday: We rode to Willstown, called by the way on many Cherokees, among whom was Judge Huss, Judge of the Supreme Court of the Cherokee nation. None of the family could talk English, but my imperfect Cherokee made them understand that my father and mother were the parents of Mrs. Boudinot. They expressed much satisfaction on seeing us. We gave Judge Huss' daughter the Cherokee Phoenix, which she fluently read in the Cherokee language. "Thursday: We visited the families of the Lowerys, and Rosses, of Willstown. There we saw some of the families of the Guess', and went under the very shade trees where Guess studied upon his syllabolic alphabet. "Friday: We rode to Mr. Benges in company with Mr. Chamberlin, Minister of Willstown, some of the Benge family belong to Mr. Chamberlin's church. Friday we rode the whole day under the lofty Lookout Mountain, passed the residence of an ancient chief near the end of the Lookout. We saw some mounds about the place in the form of pyramids about 10 feet high and about 15 thick where the bones of ancient chiefs lie deposited. As we passed over the Lookout Mountain, the Ten- ----------------- p. 29 nessee was to be seen winding its course below the high mountain. This I think is the highest mountain I ever crossed in a wagon. At the end of this mountain is the plantation of Mr. Joseph Goody, Father of William S. Goody, Clerk of Cherokee Delegation at Washington. There we talked and had a short visit with Mr. Goody's family. Mrs. Coody is a native, sister of John Ross, the principal chief. Traveling 8 miles farther on we came in sight of the bare chimneys of the Brainerd Station. The meeting house and some other houses at a distance escaped the conflagration. There we saw Cherokees flocking to the meeting house to attend a preparatory lecture. "We spent Sabbath at Brainerd, there three of the missionaries of the American Board, providentially met on Monday, viz. the Rev. Mr. Worcester, Rev. Mr. Thompson, and Kev. Mr. Chamberlin, at 4 o'clock in the evening, and Monday following rode as far as the house of Hon. Richard Taylor. "Tuesday: We arrived at the beloved City of the Cherokees, New Echota. I should like to give you many more particulars, but fail for want of time. "(Gen) D. D. Brinsmade, May 22, 1830. (H. S. Gold) "P. S. Our Cherokee friends at Creek Path say they shall all love the people of the North for the part they have taken for them, and for their sending such missionaries. "All the places where we stayed would not have a cent, but said they were glad to have us call on them."* EVENTS LEADING TO REMOVAL We turn to note the march of events which culminated in the forced removal of the Cherokees from their beloved ancestral home to a western wilderness. As the population of Georgia increased there was a growing demand for the removal of the Indians, who, it was said, were an obstacle in the path of progress. The Federal government in 1802 had entered into a compact to extinguish for the benefit of Georgia the Indian title to land lying within the state "as early as same can be peaceably obtained on reasonable terms." Georgia in 1822 complained to congress that the United States was not keeping *Courtesy of Miss Fanny P. Brown, Washington, Conn. ----------------- p. 30 her part of the agreement and soon afterward an appropriation was made and a commission appointed to negotiate with the Cherokees for a cession of their land lying in Georgia. The Cherokees at once declared, without a dissenting voice, they would make no more treaties for the purpose of land cessions. Persistent, but unsuccessful efforts, continued to be made for the Cherokee land; secret methods were employed to bring about either a cession or emigration but to no avail.* The Cherokee council in July, 1827, resolved to establish a republican form of government based on a written constitution. In this remarkable document, modeled after the Federal constitution, the Indians claimed independence as one of the distinct and sovereign nations of the earth. Governor Forsyth, of Georgia, made a vigorous protest to the president against the setting up of a separate government within the limits of the state. It is asserted that this act more than anything else was the reason for Georgia's attitude towards the Cherokees. The Governor and the people of the state were determined to prevent the formation of an independent Cherokee nation within our borders. The legislature then passed an act, December 26, 1828, annexing the Cherokee lands and giving the courts of Georgia authority over them. Other laws were passed that deprived the Cherokees of legal protection and made life intolerable for them. The Cherokee country was mapped into counties, surveyed into land lots and distributed among the white Georgia citizens by public lottery. Each Cherokee head of a family was permitted a reservation of one hundred sixty acres, but no deed was given. Meanwhile the venerable Path-Killer, leader of the nation, died January 8, 1827, and tradition asserts that he was buried at New Echota. Path-Killer was followed in office by second chief, Charles R. Hicks, who outlived him only thirteen days. By his own wish Charles R. Hicks was buried in the mission graveyard at Springplace. To fill the unexpired term of Path-Killer and Charles R. Hicks the council in 1827 appointed William Hicks as principal, ______________ *Mooney, Myths of the Cherokee, pp. 114-115. ----------------- p. 31 and John Ross as second chief. When the next election came, John Ross defeated Hicks and became principal chief. JOHN ROSS In October, 1828, Ross entered on his duties as principal chief of the young republic.* By education and experience in Cherokee public life, he was well fitted to be the leader of his people. One-eighth Cherokee and seven-eighths Scotch, he knew Cherokee nature as no white man could possibly understand it. His influence was supreme in the councils and until his death on August 1, 1866, he remained their leader. After his marriage to Mrs. Quatie Brown Henley, he moved from Ross* Landing to the head of the Coosa (now Rome, Georgia). He also lived at Rossville, Georgia, in the house owned by his grandfather, John McDonald, which is said to have been built around 1770. This house was in his possession until disposed of by the Georgia land lottery. MAJOR RIDGE Major Ridge was one of the most outstanding men of the tribe. He was born at Hiwassee about 1770. He could neither read nor write and his advancement in public life was due to native ability. For nearly thirty years his influence in the policy of the government was paramount. His home was about two miles north of the Ross home on the Oostanaula and there, in a comfortable house, he lived for forty-three years. John Ridge, his son, lived on Two Run a few miles away. JOHN MARTIN Judge John Martin was the first chief justice and also the first treasurer of the Cherokee nation. His home, Coosawattee, was on the federal road about three miles south of Rock Spring. He was a man of wealth, had an extensive farm with large wheat fields. Not far from his home he built his quarters for about one hundred slaves. In 1835 Judge John Martin received the following letter: ___________ *Ross was born Oct. 3, 1790, at Turkeytown (Tahnoovayah), Ala. ----------------- p. 32 "Murray county, Georgia January 20, 1835. "Mr. John Martin: Sir: The legal representative of lots of land: No. 95 25 district 2d section 86 25 “ “ 93 25 “ “ 89 25 “ “ 57 25 “ “ has called on me as States agent, to give him possession of the above described lots of land, and informs me that you are the occupant upon them. Under the laws of the State of Georgia, passed in the years 1833 and 1834, it is my duty to comply with his request, you will therefore prepare yourself to give entire possession of said premises, on or before the 20th day of February next, fail not under penalty of the law" WM. N. BISHOP, States Agent'"* In February, 1835, Judge Martin was compelled to seek a new residence in Tennessee.** W. J. Cotter in "My Autobiography" says, "When the family left the Coosawattee home he was present and saw the daughter Susanna sweep the house for the last time, burn the broom for good luck and leave in the family carriage." APPEALS TO THE SUPREME COURT 1830—1831 In January, 1831, the Cherokee nation, through John Ross, appealed to the Supreme Court of the United States for an injunction against the application of Georgia laws. This bill claimed that they were "a foreign nation not owing allegiance to the United States, nor to any state in the Union." They further said that they were an independent, sovereign state; also that former treaties had recognized their claim by guaranteeing the inviolable right of the Cherokees to their lands. This suit was dismissed on the ground that the Cherokees were not a foreign nation within the meaning of the constitution. *Cherokee Indian Cong. Doc. No. 286, pp. 4, 5, 6, 1835. **Jiudge Martin was a member of a distinguished English family which intermarried with the Cherokee tribe. The romantic history of his forbears is related by Emmet Starr, History of the Cherokees, pp. 612, 641. ----------------- p. 33 Soon after this decision four missionaries and a white printer —Wheeler—were arrested as they declined to take the oath of allegiance to Georgia. Three reconsidered, took the oath and were released. Worcester and Butler refused and were sentenced to four years in the penitentiary. This case was carried, as a test case, to the Supreme Court. A decision in favor of Worcester was given which declared unconstitutional the extension of Georgia laws over the Indian country. It is said that President Jackson, on hearing the decision of the supreme court remarked, "John Marshall has made his decision; now let him enforce it." DISSENSIONS In 1832 a council was called to meet at Red Clay council ground. This was the year for the national election of all officials, but, owing to conditions, it was decided to continue in office all present officials. This action did not meet the approval of the Ridges and their friends, who, it was rumored, were inclining toward removal west. This disaffection was the beginning of a new party favoring removal and numbered among its members the Ridges, Boudinot, Vann and Andrew Ross. Heretofore the Ridges had bitterly opposed emigration, but now, seeing that voluntary or forced removal was confronting the nation, came out openly for emigration on the best terms obtainable. In August and again in October, 1834, the council met at Red Clay. The two factions were now in controversy over the course the Cherokee people should take. In the winter of 1835 the two leaders went to Washington—Ross to fight for home and national existence and Ridge to negotiate for removal. Proposals and counter proposals were made and no decision reached. Finally President Jackson appointed Reverend J. F. Schermerhorn to arrange a treaty with Ridge, which he (Ridge) signed. It stipulated that it was not binding until approved by the Cherokee people assembled in regular council. RED CLAY COUNCIL OF 1835 Many important councils were held at Red Clay, but the council that convened on October 12, 1835, was the most important ever held in the Cherokee nation. Leading men of the Cherokees together with about eight hundred Indians, were present. Several ----------------- p. 34 prominent white men were there. John Howard Payne attended as the guest of John Ross. The question of ceding Cherokee territory was of vital importance and was to be decided at this time. Mr. Curry and Mr. Schermerhorn were on hand to urge the signing of the treaty which had been drawn in Washington in the spring. To their astonishment the two factions became reconciled and "agreed to bury in oblivion all unfriendly feelings and act unitedly in treaty with the United States for the relief of their nation." As a result the Schermerhorn treaty was unanimously rejected, both the Ridges and Boudinot working against it.* Almost at once trouble arose among the newly reconciled parties, personal grievances crept in, and bitter accusations were made. A committee of twenty members had been selected from both parties to arrange a new treaty. John Ridge and Boudinot resigned from this committee. JOHN HOWARD PAYNE John Ross and his guest, John Howard Payne, were arrested by the Georgia Guard about midnight November 7th at the home of Ross at Flint Spring.** All of Ross'correspondence and Payne's papers were seized. Following this they were carried to Springplace, where they were confined in a small log hut with two sentinels on guard.*** Ross was detained nine days; then his papers were returned, and, without explanation, he was released. Payne was ordered to depart four days later. His papers were given him and he was roughly commanded to leave the country. Payne had been collecting historical and ethnological information in the Cherokee country. An interesting feature of his arrest came when he heard one of the guards, on the way to Spring Place, humming "Home Sweet Home". He revealed himself as the author, but an incredulous look was the response. NEW ECHOTA TREATY Mr. Schermerhorn, before leaving the Red Clay council in October, posted a notice of a meeting to be held at New Echota __________ *Eaton, Rachel C., John Ross and the Cherokee Indians, p. 95. **John Ross and his family sought refuge within the limits of Tennessee in 1835 when ejected from their home at the head of the Coosa. They lived In a small log house near Flint Spring. ***Battey, G. M., Jr., History of Rome, pp. 56, 59. ----------------- p. 35 in December for the purpose of negotiating a treaty. Threats and inducements were made to secure a large attendance, but the report made by Schermerhorn only shows from three hundred to five hundred men, women, and children present. The smallness of the attendance and the absence of the principal officer of the nation—Ross was then in Washington—did not deter Schermerhorn. A committee was appointed to arrange the details of a treaty. The main articles, briefly stated, were as follows: The Cherokee nation east to be ceded for $5,000,000. A common joint interest in the territory already occupied by the western Cherokees. All improvements made by the Cherokees to be paid for by the United States Government. Removal to take place within two years from ratification of treaty. Provision was made for debts due the Indians and for pensions, etc.* On December 29, 1835, the treaty was signed by Governor William Carroll, of Tennessee, and Reverend J. S. Schermerhorn as United States commissioners. It is said that the solemn ceremony of signing the treaty, by the committee of twenty took place at midnight at Boudinot's home March 29, 1835. The names signed are: Major Ridge, his X mark James Foster, his X mark Test-ta-esky, his X mark Charles Moore, his X mark George Chambers, his X mark Tah-yeske, Achilla Smith, his X mark Andrew Ross, William Lassley, Cae-te-hee, his X mark Tah-gaheske, his X mark Robert Rogers, John Gunter, John A. Bell, Charles F. Foreman, William Rogers, George W. Adair, Elias Boudinot, James Starr, his X mark Jesse, Halfbreed, his X mark ______________ *Mooney, Myths of the Cherokee, pp. 122, 123. ----------------- p. 36 In compliance with instructions of the council at New Echota, we sign this treaty. STAND WATIE, JOHN RIDGE. March 1, 1836. * The treaty, in spite of strenuous opposition against the ratification, passed the United States senate by a majority of one vote and was signed and proclaimed by the president May 23. 1836. NEW ECHOTA MEMORIAL Today a granite memorial of lasting beauty marks the site of New Echota, last capital of the Cherokee Indians east. Through the efforts of Congressman M. C. Tarver, this shaft was erected and an appropriation of twenty-five hundred dollars secured from the United States Government. The formal dedication of this memorial took place September 16, 1931. COMPULSORY REMOVAL We will not dwell on the heart-breaking days that ensued. The Cherokees "like all other mountaineers, adored their country, held to it and defended it with a heroic devotion, a pathetic Constance and an unyielding tenacity." Their trust was placed in Ross who refused to believe that the removal would be consummated. On January 20, 1838, the following notice was issued by the Superintendent of Cherokee Removal: "NOTICE "The Cherokees are informed that the Superintendent of their removal west, will have Suitable Steam Boats ready for their transportation at the Agency on the 5th day of Feby. capable of taking one thousand persons at a time, with comfort and safety to their new homes in fifteen days. The removal by land with unavoidable exposure and fatigue will require at least Seventy days; the choice of way is however given to the emigrant. The places of Rendezvous will be at the Agency, Ross' Landing and a point opposite Bellefonte, at each of which places the Boats will stop to take in Emigrants. ____________ *Starr, Emmet, History of the Cherokee Indians, p. 95. ----------------- p. 37 "The Superintendent takes the occasion to repeat that he has been instructed by their great father the President to treat the Cherokees with kindness and Friendship, and to assure them that to linger in the midst of a white population suffering oppression and encroachment, ruin and extermination must inevitably fall on them. In tenderness then to their persons and interests, he would urge them in the most friendly manner, assuring them at the same time that the treaty will not be altered, to make speedy preparations, settle their business with the Commissioners, and remove before the 23rd of May, when the time arrives for the application of Military Force. Cherokee Agency, East) January 20, 1838 ) NAT SMITH, Supt. Ch. Removal." In the spring of 1838 General Winfield Scott appeared at the capital, New Echota. He issued, on May 10th, a proclamation to the Cherokees warning them "that before another moon had passed every Cherokee man, woman and child must be in motion to join his brethren in the west." Then began the last act of the Cherokee tragedy, which, in grief and pathos, exceeds any other chapter of American history. Stockade forts were built for assembling and holding the Indians. Five of these were in Georgia; one was placed in Murray county near the federal road and called Fort Coosawattee.* The work of removal began in June at three points—at Calhoun, Tennessee, Ross' landing (now Chattanooga), and Gunter's landing (now Guntersville, Alabama), where the Indians were put on steamers and carried to the Mississippi. From there their journey was continued by land. Many deaths resulted from the heat and the long wearisome journey. Ross and other chiefs then proposed to General Scott that they take over the business of emigration and the request was granted on condition that all should be on the march not later than October 20th. The detachments were placed under the following conductors:** Conductor: Hair Conrad, started August 28, 1838, arrived January 17, 1839, 143 days on road. Conductor: Elijah Hicks, started September 1, 1838, _______________ *The site of the old fort is near the McIntyre cemetery. ** Starr, Emmet, History of the Cherokee Indians, p. 103. ----------------- p. 38 arrived January 4, 1839, 126 days on road. Conductor: Rev. Jesse Bushyhead, started September 3, 1838, arrived February 27, 1839, 178 days on road. Conductor: John Benge, started September 28, arrived January 11, 1839, 106 days on road. Conductor: Situwakee, started September 7, 1838, arrived February 2, 1839, 149 days on road. Conductor: Captain Old Field, started September 24, 1838, arrived February 23,1839, 153 days on road. Conductor: Moses Darnel, started September 20, 1838, arrived March 2, 1839, 164 days on road. Conductor: Choowalooka, started September 14, 1838, arrived March 1, 1839, 162 days on road. Conductor: James Brown, started September 10, 1838, arrived March 5, 1839, 177 days on road. Conductor: George Hicks, started September 7, 1838, arrived March 7, 1839, 189 days on road. Conductor: Richard Taylor, started September 20, arrived March 24, 1839,186 days on road. Conductor: Peter Hilderbrand, started October 23, 1838, arrived March 25, 1839, 154 days on road. Conductor: John Drew, started December 5, 1838, arrived March 18, 1839, 104 days on road. When the steamer Victoria arrived at Little Rock in March. 1839, bearing Chief John Ross, the last of the Cherokees were nearing their destination, more than four thousand having perished on the way. The fateful road the exiles trod is known to this day as "The Trail of Tears." Additional Comments: From: OFFICIAL HISTORY OF WHITFIELD COUNTY, GEORGIA BY WHITFIELD COUNTY HISTORY COMMISSION File at: http://files.usgwarchives.net/ga/whitfield/history/other/gms186chapter1.txt This file has been created by a form at http://www.genrecords.org/gafiles/ File size: 79.3 Kb