One of the most prominent Cherokee leaders of the nineteen century was John Ross. He was part of the leaders that established the Cherokee national government. He served for 40 years as the nation’s principal chief. As a leader, he led the Cherokee resistance against removal. He also led the struggle in rebuilding Indian Territory.
Further Explanation
He was born at turkey town on October 3, 1790. The turkey town was a Cherokee settlement close to centre in Cherokee county. Ross father was a Scottish trader and his mother was a member of Cherokee tribes. The Cherokee tribes are matrilineal society. John Ross was educated. His father provided European education for him and lived among the Cherokee while he was growing up.
Ross joined his father business. His father was operating a ferry and warehouse in Tennessee. He took part in the creek war of 1813-14.
The Cherokee’s were US allies during the war and both defeated a faction of the creeks. The defeated faction of the creek is also known as the Red Sticks. Ross later joined tribal politics and became the president of the Cherokee National council National committee. He was part of those that drafted the Cherokee constitution in 1827. By 1828, Ross was elected the Nation’s principal chief.
When Ross was elected the leader, the Cherokee tribes were pressured to sell its land and move to Mississippi. Though, Ross refused to accept but it was later forced on them.
However, the forceful took over was in flagrant violation of the treaties the Cherokee had with the US. government.
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KEYWORDS:
- cherokee
- principal chief
- US government
- john ross
- treaties
