Cherokee History and the Spirit Family

by James Neil Barnes

524 pages, Paperback

Published January 23, 2024

Reviews

[James Barnes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Perhaps as the author I shouldn't review my own book, but I'd like folks to know a bit about my intent in writing it, and what is in store for those who read it. Unlike other Cherokee histories, this one is filled with color and sepia illustrations - maps, paintings, engravings, photos. It tracks the rise and fall of Cherokee sovereignty mirroring my great-great grandmother Annie Spirit (cover photos) and her family from her birth in 1826 to 1910. It also covers Cherokee history from the early 1730s to the struggle over Jackson's plan to seize all Indian lands in the east during his presidency. The Cherokees had good lawyers, who won a case in the Supreme Court, which was ignored by Jackson and his successor Van Buren. A travesty. There are chapters on Sequoyah (inventor of a way to write the Cherokee language, on the Civil War in Indian Territory in the west, on the amazing Male and Female Seminaries (schools) founded in the early 1850s, and many other historically significant events. Many original documents are in the Appendices, which can be downloaded. It is a beautiful book, and I hope more people will buy it and send in their reviews.

[Brendan Casey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cherokee History and the Spirit Family is an incredibly profound history and reflection on the Native American removal acts and injustices levied by the United States federal, state, and local governments on indigenous peoples since the founding of this country. Despite the atrocities committed against the Cherokee Nation from the beginning of the union in 1776 to the incorporation of the state of Oklahoma in 1907, Barnes’s account of Cherokee history features heroes in successive generations that led the nation in its quest for self-determination, freedom of religious and cultural expression, and peace with its aggressors.

Chief John Ross (elected 1828) at New Echota, GA, led the people during the treaty party years, the 1830 Jackson Removal Acts, the Trail of Tears, and the Civil War. He was a primary influence in keeping the nation and culture alive during these years - successfully campaigning Washington, DC for annuities, respect, and treaties until the day of his death in 1866.

The Keetoowahs, known for wisdom, strength, and beauty - advocated for Cherokee sovereignty and renewal of cultural traditions by and for the people before, during, and after the forced removal. They are anti-slavery and fought for their rightful lands. Currently, their website notes that they are a sovereign nation headquartered in Tahlequah, Oklahoma and one of only three federally recognized Cherokee tribes in the United States.

Sequoyah, an intellect and a visionary, created the Sequoyah Syllabary around 1821 which reconciled the Cherokee language with English, effectively creating a written vocabulary of the Cherokee language which he taught to schoolchildren. This foundation was pivotal in establishing a national constitution, The Cherokee Phoenix - a bilingual newspaper, and the Native American seminary schools that taught children for many years.

Retaining culture was extremely important in order for survival, so was family. Through descriptions of the history of Annie Spirit (1826-1910) who is kin of Barnes, he weaves a portrait of Cherokee history through familiar ties which includes pertinent primary source documents to characterize the struggles that Annie and all other Cherokees faced during the tumultuous years. The book is an important, introspective account of family and history. I am proud of you, Grandpa.