Nunna hi-dihi Cherokee (abt. 1742 - 1827)

Born about 1742 in Cherokee Nation (East)

Descendants

Died 8 Jan 1827 at about age 85 in Cherokee Nation (East)

Problems/Questions Profile managers: Jillaine Smith [send private message] and Native Americans Project WikiTree [send private message]

Nunna hi-dihi was Cherokee. Join: Native Americans Project Discuss: native_americans

Biography

The Cherokee chief known as "Pathkiller" was probably born about 1745 in the Cherokee Nation. His birthdate is unknown, but in the 19th century he is described as "aged," "old," and "venerable." He was aligned with Dragging Canoe and fought against the Americans during and after the American Revolution. His parents are unknown and there is nothing to link him to Oconostota or any other father. He moved to Turkey Town (now in Alabama) when the Chickamauga faction was driven out of Georgia and was Head man there before serving as Second Chief under Enoli (Black Fox). After Enoli's death n 1811 he served as Principal Chief until his death in 1827. ^[1]

Although no definitive evidence remains about Chief Pathkiller's marriage and family, a full-blood Cherokee woman named Peggy was probably his wife. The "Records of St. Clair County, Alabama" (page 18) include an entry stating that "Peggy Pathkiller's settlement of estate, Oct. 31, 1833 was paid to her heirs: $455 to daughter Nancy, $375 to Nelly, $450 to Crying Snake. To Quata and George Cammell, $1,200; to Eustace $300, to Jenny $1188.60; to Qualocoo and Beaver Tail $100 and to Charqahyooca and Richard Ratliff $300." Peggy's will names five daughters (and some of their husbands) but no sons. Grandson Daniel Ratliff lived long enough to file an Eastern Cherokee app, but he stated that he did not know who his mother's parents were, only that they were full-blood Cherokee. ^[2]

Pathkiller apparently had a son, also called Pathkiller. Both men signed the Treaty of 1817, making it clear that they were two different people. There is extensive correspondence between the senior Pathkiller and Andrew Jackson between 1811 and 1818 which mentions, but does not name, a son. ^[3] Pathkiller, fought in the Revolutionary War for Britain and in the wars against American frontiersmen from 1783 to 1794.

Pathkiller died 8 JAN 1827 in the Cherokee Nation, most likely at his home in Turkey Town. There is a monument to him in Georgia, but no evidence that he is buried there. ^[4]

Sources

1. ↑ Hoig, Stanley W. The Cherokees and Their Chiefs. University of Arkansas Press, Fayetteville. 1998. pp. 115, 123-124
2. ↑ NARA M1104. Eastern Cherokee Applications of the U.S. Court of Claims, 1906-1909. Application #1078, Daniel Ratliff image at Daniel
3. ↑ transcriptions of correspondence at letters
4. ↑ Find A Grave, database and images (https://www.findagrave.com : accessed 03 April 2019), memorial page for Chief Pathkiller (1742–7 Jan 1827),Find A Grave: Memorial #7713334,citing New Echota Cemetery, Calhoun, Gordon County, Georgia, USA ; Maintained by Find A Grave .

See also:

• Wikipedia