Famous American Indian Series - Osceola
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Series 9 Audacious leader of the Seminoles in their war with the government in 1835-1837. Born on Tallapoosa River in the Creek country about 1804. As a boy he distinguished himself as a dancer and playing at ball. He was also noted for his independence and for his hatred for the whites. At the age of 25, he was recognized as a leader, and in 1832 rebelled at a council held for the purpose of signing a treaty which would require the Seminoles to move west of the Mississippi. In the war that followed he was mastermind and spirit of his people, fighting at the head of his troops in nearly every engagement and always openly exposing himself, so the enemy would know Osceola was there. Though fierce in battle and defiant in speech, he was dignified and courteous, and had many noble qualities which made him a credit to his race. He was seized by General Jessup in 1837 as he approached Ft. Payton under a flag of truce. He was sent to prison at Charleston, S. C., where he refused food and eventually died from starvation and a broken heart. |
