DOES A YEAR MAKE A DIFFERENCE? Back to Capitol Hill

 

Meeting Congresswoman Maxine Waters after Hearing ing on Capitol Hill

How ironic that last year July 28th a hearing occurred on Capitol Hill. Many descendants of Freedmen descendants from all Five tribes attende in support of language in the NAHASDA bill to include text pertaining to the Freedmen of the Five Tribes. We did have an opportunity to meet various members of Congress, including Congresswoman Maxine Waters and others, in suppor of language mentioning the Freedmen in the NAHASDA bill.

And now---a year later on July 27th of 2022 a hearing THIS TIME ,exclusively ABOUT the Freedmen will occur in front of the Senate's Commission on Indian Affairs. No one from the community of disenfranchised Freedmen have a voice at the table.

The speaker for the Freedmen will be Marilyn Vann, President of the Descendants of Freedmen Association. She is also an enrolled Cherokee citizen. She will have 5 minutes to speak.

The chiefs will also have 5 minutes---but collectively as a group--- in total, they have 25 minutes to speakm while the speaker on behalf of disdenfranchised Freedmen will have only 5 minutes.

It shall be interesting to see how things will unfold next week on Capitol Hill. Myself, along with a few others will be present and observing the hearing, for the second year in a row a meeting ABOUT us, but EXCLUDING us.

We can only hope that something of itnerest and benefit, will emerge from this event.

Celebrating Freedom in Indian Territory

 

For many years in the late 1800s Freed people from the Five Tribes celebrated freedom throughout the summer months. Many Indian tribal Freedmen, in the eastern most part of the Cherokee and Choctaw Nations, started celebrating Freedom the same time their neighbors did in nearby Arkansas. Some in the southern part of the Choctaw and Chickasaw Nations started celebrating Freedom the same time their neighbors did in nearby north Texas.  

However, the most interesting part of the Freedom story is reflected in the fact that throughout many parts of Indian Territory, a celebration of Freedom actually occurred for many years on August 4th. Several references to the August 4th celebrations were mentioned by former slaves when interviewed in the1930s and their intervviews were captured in the Indian Pioneer Papers. The day was celebrated for many years and believed by many to be the day that Freedmen came to their families, but so far, the actual choice of August 4th still is unexplained. Nevertheless, Freedom was embraced and honored and celebrated by those once enslaved and freed from bondage. 

In the 1930s Elizabeth Ross, a field worker for the Indian Pioneer project, spoke with several former slaves about the celebrations they frequented during their lifetime. She spoke with two individuals who provided her with rich information, E. P. Harris and Dennis Hendricks. Here are some excerpts from her article about Freedom celebrations. (1)

 Cherokee Nation

"During a number of years when Cherokee government was in existence, it was a custom of the Freedmen or former slaves of Cherokees and their descendants to observe August 4th as the anniversary of their emancipation. As a matter of historical fact, the Cherokee emancipation was issued in the month of February 1863. Just why the August date was selected is not clear, but no doubt many were of the belief that the fourth day of that month was the date up which freedom became their possession."

In the Cherokee Nation, large outdoor picnics unfolded in Talequah, Fort Gibson and other large Freedmen settlements, consisting of speakers, singing events, and of course large amounts of food for the celebrations. Many of the invited speakers were local leaders, of all background, whites, tribal leaders, and well known preachers.

One of the larger events was observed in Tahlequah in the late 1870s where a long line of horsemen formed part of an impressive parade. Ross describes the event:

"A long line of horsemen formed on the banks of a small stream nearly a mile south of the town, and then a procession headed by a man with drawn sword, beside whom rode another man carrying a United States flag, rode back and through the main street of Tahlequah." 

Years later celebrations were occurred on the "May Party Grounds" the same spot where the 7th of May anniversaty celebrations occurred. Years later, large events were also noted in communities like Four Mile Branch in Fort Gibson.

Creek Nation:
Aaron Grayson was interviewed in the 1930s and described the celebrations that he recalled from the 1870s till the early 20th century. (2)

"There was an annual celebration held each year from the period from 1870 on up until the early part of 1900, which was held by negroes and freedmen. The white people observed Independence day on July 4th, while the colored people observed the Emancipation Day on August 4th. The observance of this Emancipation proclamation was mainly for and by negroes and freedmen, yet the Indians and whites were welcome to attend the celebrations.

There were always good times, because no one became drunk, quarrelsome or tried to pick a fight, but only a feeling of good comradeship was felt by all who participated in the events. Of course the Lighthorsemen and the United States marshals were present to check any trouble and to keep peace and order. Many new acquaintances and lasting friendships were often made at these gatherings.

..."When the day of the big celebration arrived, the people did not come poking around one by one but they came in groups or by bands, such as the Bruner band, the Topkafka band, etc. These people had assembled at one of the tribal towns from where they had come to the celebration as early as they could. They came on horses at a gallop, laughing joking and  yelling and were heard miles away before they finally came to the chosen place of the event."

Aaron Grayson goes on to describe how the various bands arrived and the cannons would be fired as they arrived and marched in circles around the flag pole signaling their arrival. The food was prepared by the women which was a massive barbecue feast. All in attendance, native Creeks, whites as well as Freedmen and state negroes who all shared in the massive amounts of food. Grayson also described events such as selection of the day's queen, and his descriptions of the clothing worn by many of the horsemen was quite colorful. Many of these events were held at Wetumka and Wewoka, and the last major event occurring in Tuskegee town.

Choctaw Nation

In August of 1938. Sallie Henderson Moss was interviewed by James Russell Gray of the Pioneer project. She desribed her life in the Skullyville district near Brazil Station, in the Choctaw Nation. In her interview, she recalled the celebrations of emancipation in August. (3)

"The colored people used to have picnics on the 4th of August. They would have big barbecues with lemondade, stick candy and everything. They were celebrating the freeing of the slaves. The Choctaws freed their slaves, you know on August 4th. They would kill hogs and beeves, and have dances and general good times"

Sometimes the colored people would take sacks full of herbs called "devil's shoestring" and put the stuff in the creek the way the Indians taught them to. This devil's shoestring made the fish drunk and the fish floated to the top of the water and could be caught. We would have fish fries for our picnics."

The stories about the celebration of emancipation is an interesting one, particularly because so many embraced August 4th as the day to commemorate freedom, although freedom was actually not uniformly in August. Each of the tribes eventually abolished slavery officially when the treaties of 1866 were signed. However, it should also be remembered that many found freedom much earlier than that time.

Many had become free during the Civil War when some had joined various regiments of the union army. And sadly, at the same time, in some parts of the Chickasaw Nation many did not enjoy freedom until at least two years after the war, as there was much resistance in parts of the Chickasaw Nation to allowing their enslaved people to taste freedom.

Nevertheless, now that there is a legal holiday where descendants of the enslaved perhaps some of the long forgotten traditions will emerge again. To think that there has never been before now, any effort to celebrate freedom from slavery is quite incredible. We must celebrate our freedom, like the people of Galveston. Freedom is a basic right of all people, and truly we must find ourselves among those celebrants. Our own ancestors truly knew the value of being free to make one's own choices in life. Whether it it June 19th or August 4th or all days in between---we must embrace the joy of Juneteenth and how at some point in the lives of our ancestors--the trajectory of their lives changed when Freedom came.

H a p p y  J u n e t e e n t h ! ! ! 

Citations:

1 Digital Collections, University of Oklahoma, Western History Collections, Indian Pioneer Collections, Elizabeth Ross, Volume 109,  Interview ID 6764 Freedom Celebrations

2 Ibid  Volume 35, Interview ID 7458 Aaron Grayson

3 Ibid Volume 65 Interview ID 13620 Sallie Henderson Moss

Remarkable Freedwomen of Indian Territory

Left to Right:
Top Left-Sallie Walton, Top Center-Bettie Ligon, Right Center-Hagar Meyers
Bottom Left-Malinda Hall, Bottom Right-Lucinda Davis

Since March is Women's History Month, I thought that I would honor some often overlooked Freedwomen from Indian Territory. 

There are some women whose name should be said aloud. They are seldom mentioned in annals of Oklahoma history and even less so in the texts of tribal history. However, freedwomen from the Five former slaveholding tribe were not passive pawns in a system that worked against them. They lent their bodies and minds and spirit to cause to uplift those of their community. Some spoke up and showed courage during times of conflict. Others dared to resist and insist that they be acknowledged for who they were. Others simply told their story with all of the cultural nuances that they embraced. And others nurtured children who lived to tell their stories.

These were patient souls from whom we descend.  Some were well known, and others were simply quiet steadfast warrior women, worked tirelessly in their own domain. It is from such women who were the matriarchs of the families, and we must speak their names. These daughters of Oklahoma soil should no longer be bypassed in the annals of history. We honor them.

So weekly I shall profile at least one Freedwoman from Indian Territory, whose life was an inspiration and whose story deserves to be told.

To be honored this month: 

Sallie Walton, Choctaw Freedwoman, Matriarch of the Walton family of Skullyville

Bettie Ligon, Choctaw & Chickasaw Freedwoman - Head Litigant in Equity 7071

Hagar Meyers, Creek Freedwoman - Peacemaker woman of courage of the Green Peach War

Malinda Hall, Choctaw Freedwoman - Instructor and Educator of Choctaw Freedmen

Lucinda Davis - Creek Freedwoman - Survivor of Slavery, cultural storyteller of life in Creek culture

May they  never be forgotten.

Honoring Creek & Seminole Civil War Veterans

African Creeks were among the first men of African descent to find themselves in battle in the Civil
War. They were among the many who travelled with Creek leader Opotholeyahola into Kansas early in the war.

Entering the free state of Kansas, new options were presented to them and they seized their freedom, enlisted in the Union Army and became soldiers in two regiments of the US Colored Troops.  Their enlistment began as the 1st and 2nd Kansas Colored regiments. 

By 1862, they engaged in battle in Missouri at the battle of Island Mound. They then moved into northern Arkansas, and were involved in numerous battles in Arkansas, and later their native Indian Territory. Their record is a distinguished one, and notable depictions of their actions at the Battle Honey Springs have been well documented. 

Their courage and honor should never be forgotten.  

Headstone of Robert Bowleggs - 79th US Colored Infantry
National Cemetery, Ft. Smith Arkansas

Partial List of Creek Freedmen in the 79th US Colored Infantry

79th US Colored Infantry 
Benjamin Barnett
William Bruner
August Deer
Scipio Gouge
Billy Island
George Jonah
Smart Lewis

83rd US Colored Infantry
Abran Caesar
Edward Caesar
Phillip Caesar
William Caesar
Samuel Chambers
Henry Daniels
Adam Doyle
Tony Doyle
Jackson Gouge
Henry Grason
Aaron Grayson
Robert Grayson
William Grayson
Jack Hampton 
Samuel Harry
Israel Hawkins
Jackson Holmes
William Jackson
Gabriel Jameson
George Jeffrey
Nessa Lovett
Isaac Marshall
Moses Marshall
Sandy Marshall
James McGilbry 
Quash McGilbry
Wm McGilbry
Sandy Morrison
Jackson Perryman
Wm Peters
Adam Prince
Samuel Ranty
Soloman Ranty
Samuel Renty
Simon Renty
David Robinson
Jesse Taylor
Benjamin Thomas
Samuel Wade


Seminole Freedmen in the US Colored Troops
Samuel Davis
Cyrus Bowleggs
George Bowleggs
Robert Rowleggs

Remembering the Creek and Seminole College of Boley

 

Courtesy of Oklahoma Historical Society

Like the other institutions, nothing remains of the old Creek and Seminole College, an educational institution built on five acres of land donated by Lucinda Holloway McCormick. The founder was John Leftwich of Alabama who was strongly influenced by Tuskegee founder, Booker T. Washington.

The school was sustained mostly by donations and endured several years of financial distress. In 1912 a tragic fire struck the school, which resulted in the deaths of 5 of the students. The fire closed the school for several years, but by 1916 the school was removed to Clearview, and the Creek Seminole Baptist college was established there. The school operated till the mid 1920s before closing its doors, never to reopen.

The few short years of the Creek Seminole College were an effort to bring education to Freedmen communities in Oklahoma, a land where the new state law of segregation brought more obstacles to the descendants of Freed people. Though the life of the school was short, its history is remembered here, in an effort to honor institutions that should be a part of the narrative of Oklahoma's Freedmen.

Caesar Bowlegs Seminole Freedman Card #1

 

Courtesy Kevin Mulroy

Caesar Bowlegs was a man of influence and importance in the Seminole Nation. He served the nation in many capacities, but is best known as an interpreter being fluent in Creek and he moved easily between both Creek and Seminole communities. Bowlegs had traveled during the Civil War into Kansas according to historian Kevin Mulroy. After the war, he worked for some time as a mail carrier between Ft. Gibson and Wewoka, and he later operated a toll bridge over Wewoka Creek as well. 

Because of his language skills, he served as a personal interpreter for Dr. C. P. Lynn, and later Dr. Virgil Berry. He instructed the doctors about medicinal practices of Seminoles and Freedmen, and he was later the personal assistant to Dr. Berry accompanying him on medical calls. During an epidemic of smallpox, after inoculating themselves, Caesar Bowlegs and Dr. Berry traveled throughout the nation with the goal of vaccinating the entire nation. 

As stated by scholar Mulroy, "Bowlegs helped gain widespread acceptance for scientific principles and medical technology among the Seminoles and freedmen.  Caesar Bowlegs died in 1912 in Seminole County, Oklahoma."

 

The National Archives at Ft Worth; Ft Worth, Texas, USA; Enrollment Cards for the Five Civilized Tribes, 1898-1914; NAI Number: 251747; Record Group Title: Records of the Bureau of Indian Affairs; Record Group Number: 75

(Source: Same as above)

He was the first enrolled as a Seminole Freedman due to his status and influence. He is not forgotten and should be remembered by all who study Oklahoma Freedmen history. 

Freedmen History Month Begins Week 1: The First Freedmen Documented

 

As many in the country are launching various aspects of Black History Month, I have decided to honor and celebrate my corner of the diaspora by honoring the Freedmen of Indian Territory, now Oklahoma.

The Freedmen were those people once enslaved, by Five tribes--Cherokee, Choctaw, Chickasaw, Creek and Seminole Nations. In addition there were some some free people of color who had not been enslaved, who were also categorized in the post Civil War years as Freedmen. After the war ended, the tribes that had fought with the south in the Civil War, signed a treaty with the United States to abolish black chattel slavery. The treaties were signed in Ft. Smith Arkansas, and the official ending of black chattel slavery ended. Though it took some time in many communities such as with Chickasaw Freedmen, freedom did eventually come to all of those newly freed slaves.

In spite of effort to remove them from the Territory--their tribal nations had been their home for decades and they remained. By the end of the 1900s there were over 20,000 people designated at Indian Tribal Freedmen. They were part of the Dawes enrollment process that made them eligible for land allotments prior to Oklahoma statehood.

Though the process did not treat all Freedmen equally, they still acquired their land, and they remain among the most documented people of African descent to live in Native American communities, and who lived with the culture, language, folkways, and spaces. Their presence is a strongly documented one, and their voices are among the least heard when speaking to their amazing history.

During Black History Month 2021, this will be a series devoted to honoring their history, their presence, their stories and their legacy.

This week's focus will be on The First Freedmen.  These are the Freedmen on the Dawes Roll found on Card #1 in each of their tribal nations. Throughout this week the story of each of those First Freedmen will be examined and shared.

Follow each day this week to read about these individuals and their history.

Cherokee Freedmen Card #1:  John Ross & Family

Choctaw Freedman Card #1: Simon Clark  Family

Chickasaw Freedman Card #1: William Alexander & Family

Creek Freedman Card #1: Paro Bruner & Family

Seminole Freedman Card #1 Caesar Bowlegs

The Family of Doran and Mary Ann Bruner- Seminole Freedmen

From the town of Sasakwa, the family of Doran and Mary Bruner appeared in front of the Dawes Commission to enroll as Seminoles. On the enrollment card, the father Doran was born a free man in the Territory, yes, as was done with so many--he was placed on the Freedman Roll. Their children were Alice, Ellen Iona, Eva, Georgeann, Geo. Washington, Manda and Lizzie. Another child was born in 1905 named Parah Bruner, whose enrollment card is the third image below. This entire family was part of the Ceasar Bruner band of Seminoles.

Seminole Freedman Card #640 Field Card #33

The National Archives at Ft. Worth, Ft. Worth Texas 1868-1914,  NAI Number: 251747

Record Group Title: Records of the Bureau of Indian Affairs, Record Group 75

Doran Bruners' father was Dan Bruner and his mother was Rachel Bruner, and like so many especially those from the Sasakwa settlement, his parents had at one time been enslaved by John Jumper. Doran. Mary Ann's father was Ginford Thompson and  her mother's name was Minerva. Both of her parents were once enslaved by Judge Thompson.

Son Parah's name was placed on Seminole New Born Freedman card #7. Both parents' names appear on the card. The "new born" category appears in most of the tribes, but in many cases some names were simply added on the front of the original family enrollment cards, and in other cases they were placed on new born cards such as this case.

Seminole New Born Freedman Card #7

The National Archives at Ft. Worth, Ft. Worth Texas 1868-1914,  NAI Number: 251747
Record Group Title: Records of the Bureau of Indian Affairs, Record Group 75

Thankfully, a small interview does exist for this family. There was most likely additional data, because the only focus of this one interview pertains to the death of one of the children. Clearly questions, about the history and parentage of the father and mother would have been taken at the time, but in this case the only document to remain in the file pertains to proving the death of one of the children.

Like many of the Seminole Freedmen a spokesman was called to testify on their behalf. In this case, the band chief Caesar Bruner himself came to testify to verify that one of the children had died. Caesar confirmed that Georgeann had died, and that he was at the family home after the funeral. Also note that Ben Bruner also came to testify for the family. Ben Bruner was also an officer for the Bruner band of Seminoles.

Application for Enrollment NARA Publication M1301 Seminole Freedman #33

(Also accessed from Fold3.com, Native American Collection)

Thankfully there were no complications in the enrollment of this Bruner family. They were allowed to enroll without any challenges made by the Dawes commissioners. Their enrollment however, was that of Seminole "freedmen" although the father was born a free man. Nevertheless, having been approved, they were eligible for the allotment of land they which they accepted. 

Land Allotment Records

The names of the family are shown on this first image as they applied for their land allotment.

Ancestry.com. Oklahoma and Indian Territory, Land Allotment Jackets for Five Civilized Tribes, 

1884-1934[database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations, Inc, 2014.

Much of the data found in the allotment records contain legal description 

(Source: Same as above)

(Source: Same as above)

Most importantly the end of this story is summed up in the final question asked, "Will you accept these lands for yourself, your wife and children as final allotments to the Seminole Nation?" His response was clear, "Yes sir."

(Source: Same as above)

Like the story of many, the family was now a land-owning family, and were able to face their future moving ahead. Statehood came and like all families they now faced a new future in a new state of Oklahoma, and new country--The United States to call their own. Their legacy however, as Seminoles, like those of all of the Five Tribes was one well documented through complicated years of war, peace and challenge. This Bruner family, like others of their band, like others of the same nation, and like others from Indian Territory, have a richly documented history, reflecting legacy, endurance and continuity. May they always tell their story.

 This is the 50th article in a 52-article series devoted to sharing histories of families once held as enslaved people in Indian Territory, now known as Oklahoma. The focus is on the Freedmen of the Five Civilized Tribes, and these posts are part of an ongoing project to document 52 families in 52 weeks.

Dosar Barkus, Seminole Leader

Though little is known of his early life, Dosar Barkus emerged as one of the leaders in the Black Seminole community of Indian Territory in the late 1890s. Living in the town of Sasakwa at the time, Dosar Barkus appeared in front of the Dawes Commission. The purpose was to enroll himself, wife Sookie, sons Daniel and Sango, daughters Amy and Dolly, and youngest son Jackson, all to be enrolled as Freedmen. He at at one time been enslaved by John Jumper. 

Seminole Freedman Card #660 Field Card #53

The National Archives at Ft. Worth, Ft. Worth Texas 1868-1914

NAI Number: 251747, Record Group Title: Records of the Bureau of Indian Affairs, Record Group 75

His father was Joseph Barkus and his mother was Nancy Barkus, and both had been enslaved also by John Jumper. Sookie's father was Nicholas Patterson, and her mother was Katie Payne. All had been members of the same band.

(Source: Same as above

Sookie's mother was Katie Payne and she was still alive at the time of the Dawes Commission and she also had an enrollment card. On Seminole Freedman card #55 her name is recorded along with the name of her granddaughter Bessie Dosar. She was at that time 70 years old. She like many other Seminoles had come to the Territory after the Seminole wars, and was originally from Florida.

Seminole Freedman Card #662 Field Card #55

The National Archives at Ft. Worth, Ft. Worth Texas 1868-1914

NAI Number: 251747, Record Group Title: Records of the Bureau of Indian Affairs, Record Group 75

Bessie was the child of Dosar Barkus and another mother known simply as "Tena" who was by that time, deceased. 

 (same as above)

They both lived in Sasakawa and Katie, the elder, had also been enslaved by John Jumper. Many of the Barkus band who had been enslaved and who lived in Sasakwa were at one time enslaved by Jumper. She named her father, as Dick, but sadly as was with many who were once enslaved--the name of her mother was unknown.

Dosar Barkus's Mother Nancy

Upon closer inspection, Dosar's mother Nancy was also still living. They were among some of the oldest Seminole Freedmen still living. Nancy Barkus also lived in Sasakwa. She had been enslaved by Seminole Mos-ca-diet-chee. Her father and mother were Dick and Tena. Living with her was an adult daughter Mary, the daughter of both Nancy and Joseph Barkus. With Mary having the same parents, as Dosar, clearly they were siblings. 

Seminole Freedman Card #804 Field Card #197

The National Archives at Ft. Worth, Ft. Worth Texas 1868-1914

NAI Number: 251747, Record Group Title: Records of the Bureau of Indian Affairs, Record Group 75

(same as above)

During the Dawes commission era, and after taking leadership of the Noble Freedman band, Dosar Barkus became a spokesperson for many of the African Seminoles going through the Dawes admissions process. By the time of the Dawes hearings he was a man of 50 years, and one who had a strong constituency in the Seminole nation.  This constituency would later depend upon him to get them through the Dawes Commission hearings. He witnessed more than 50 interviews for the Dawes Commission and he was part of their final interview process, vouching for the character and reliability of the data provided, for the Commission.  It is clear by this respect accorded him at the hearings that his word was to be listened to and followed.  

Dosar Barkus, alongside the other African Seminole band leader Caesar Bruner, both became leaders with a very strong level of influence with lasting legacy. The two African bands in the Seminole nation today carry have their names after 100 years. Barkus resided in a largely black settlement in Sasakwa, Indian Territory with his wife, Sookie, and their children Daniel, Sango, Amey, Dolley , and Jackson. 

Land Allotment RecordsBarkus went through the land allotment process without difficulty and nothing was contested by anyone regarding his land. Thankfully the one interview with Dosar Barkus is found with the allotment jackets.

Ancestry.com. Oklahoma and Indian Territory, Land Allotment Jackets for Five Civilized Tribes, 1884-1934[database on-line].
Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations, Inc, 2014.

(Source: same as above)

The Dosar Barkus band is active to this day and there is even a presence of the band that is found on social media with small descriptions of their history, whose origins begin with William Noble who led the band from 1870 to 1898. At that time Dosar Barkus took over the leadership and the band flourishes well into the 21st century.

The Seminole Freedmen in recent years have had their challenges and had to take legal actions to insure their continued status in the nation. They won partially, although still struggle for equal treatment by the nation that is their birthright. Clearly through men like Caesar Bruner and Dosar Barkus the legacy of the Seminole Maroons, live through members of both bands. Their history is one to study, honor and celebrate. The Barkus descendants are numerous and the history of their band leader, will forever be a part of Seminole history.

**********

This is the 45^th  article in a 52-article series devoted to sharing histories of families once held as enslaved people in Indian Territory, now known as Oklahoma. The focus is on the Freedmen of the Five Civilized Tribes, and these posts are part of an ongoing project to document 52 families in 52 weeks.

Caesar Bruner - Seminole Band Leader

(Photo courtesy of Susie Moore, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma)

One cannot present a profile of Seminole families without mention of the name, Caesar Bruner. He was the leader of the Bruner band--the band chief in fact. And, in addition, his legacy is one that continues to this day. Bruner is also one of the few leaders from Indian Territory for whom there is also a photo image of him that survives.

At the time of the Dawes Commission, Ceasar was already an old man, who had arrived with the contingent of Seminoles from Florida. He like Abraham and others lived among the maroons, and later with the Indians who later arrived in the Territory after the Seminole wars. Bruner, like another compatriot, Dosar Barkus ended up being not only a band leader, but also spoke on behalf of many Freedmen who appeared in front of the Dawes Commission in the 1890s and early 1900s. His word was accepted when he spoke on their behalf.

Little is written however, about Bruner's own family history and it is seldom mentioned. in particular his own parents and siblings if they are known. As a result I decided to give a brief overview about his life.


From The Dawes Card

Caesar Bruner lived his life before the Civil War as a free man. He was the son of parents from Alabama and Florida, who came to the Territory during the years of removal. Having been born and having lived among Seminoles as well as Creeks Bruner spoke the language of both the native people as well as English.

 His parents at one time were said to have been enslaved, although that can be disputed to a great degree as well. However, the status given to him on the Dawes Card is interesting. This man, a leader in the tribe, a free man, never enslaved, was still put recorded as a "Freedman". So his placement as a "freedman" is seemingly incorrect, because he was not "freed" from bondage, having not been enslaved. His name was recorded on Seminole Freedman card, #740, Field #133.On his card in fact in the column reflecting the name of the slave holder, it is clearly written that he was a free man.

Seminole Freedman #740 Field Card #133

The National Archives at Ft. Worth, Ft. Worth Texas 1868-1914

NAI Number: 251747

Record Group Title: Records of the Bureau of Indian Affairs, Record Group 75

His parents were said to have been William Bruner and Affie Bruner. According to the information on the Dawes card, they had once been enslaved by Tom Bruner a Seminole. 

Siblings of Caesar Bruner
Of course many of the interviews are missing and not available for examination. Thankfully from an interview of a nephew of Caesar Bruner a bit more is learned about the family. From the 1937 interview with Benjamin F. Bruner, the names of some of the siblings of Caesar were learned. Ben F. Bruner was interviewed as part of the Indian Pioneer project. He spoke about his life, and his own family.

Ben Bruner was part of the Bruner clan and like Caesar, was he too born free. And at the time of the Dawes enrollment, he lived in the same community as Caesar.

In the interview with the Pioneer project, he spoke of his own father John, and when they came to Indian Territory. His interview also reflects a more intimate relationship between Seminoles enslaved and free, and of the contact between those who were enslaved and those who were identified as full Seminoles. In addition, the relationship between Seminoles and Creeks is also noted in this excerpt from his interview. And in that interview he mentions his father John's siblings by name.

From this excerpt we learn that Ben's father John, and had siblings who were Perry, Caesar and Will. Clearly Caesar is among them. It also has to be pointed out that the brother "Perry" he mentions is actually Paro Bruner, often called Perry even some by Bruner descendants today.

But note---Paro Bruner was actually enrolled as a Creek and he was the very first Creek Freedmen to enroll on Census Card #1. Also he is another Freedman leader for whom a rare photo image actually exists as well. When examining the card for Paro Bruner---it is clear that he and Caesar Bruner were siblings--same father and the same mother. His parents were William Bruner and Affie Bruner--the same two people who were the parents of Caesar Bruner.

(Courtesy of Oklahoma Historical Society)

Enrollment Card for Paro Bruner front and back

Creek Freedman Card #1

(Source: Same as for  census card images above)

The interview with Ben Bruner also left another significant clue about Caesar Bruner. He mentioned that Caesar along with Perry and Will left Indian Territory,and went north (meaning into Kansas) during the Civil War. I checked to see if Caesar served in the military in the Union Army. What a surprise that to see that he did not serve in the military as a soldier, but worked for the military as an official interpreter.

National Archives and Records Administration. U.S., Civil War Pension Index:
General Index to Pension Files, 1861-1934 [database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations Inc, 2000.
General Index to Pension Files, 1861-1934. Washington, D.C.:
National Archives and Records Administration. T288, 546 rolls.

He filed for a pension later in life, but was not awarded the pension, however, the record shows that he applied for his service having been an interpreter. After his death his wife Nancy also applied, but she too was later denied a widow's pension. And a second card reflects the brother William, who was a soldier. He enlisted in the 1st Kansas Colored Infantry. That unit was later re-designated as the 79th US Colored Infantry. In his own case, he applied for a pension and received it.

(Source: Same as above image)

Application Jacket

Usually the Dawes Commission records contain an application jacket that corresponds with the enrollment card. However, similar to that of the Creeks many of the Seminole files are empty. The jackets exist, but they are clearly marked empty and unfortunately in the case of this band leader, his file was also empty. Although he was interviewed many times when other Freedmen members of his band applied, his file was an empty one years later.

National Archives Publication M1301

Applications for Enrollment

(Also accessed from Fold3.com, Native American Collection, Choctaw Freedmen)

It is difficult to imagine how the words of a tribal leader would be lost, but some of his words were preserved in the interview when he appeared to select his land allotment.

Ancestry.com. Oklahoma and Indian Territory, Land Allotment Jackets for Five Civilized Tribes, 

1884-1934[database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations, Inc, 2014.

Original data: Department of the Interior. Office of Indian Affairs. Five Civilized Tribes Agency. 

Applications for Allotment, compiled 1899–1907. Textual records. Records of the Bureau of Indian Affairs, Record Group 75. 

The National Archives at Fort Worth, Texas.

(Source: same a above)

And sure enough each member of his immediate family was able to select their small 40 acre parcels of land, each. On this particular document one can see Caesar's name along with wife Nancy, and granddaughter Effie on this land record. Although they received only 40 acres each, it should also be pointed out that Bruner had other adult children as well. However, it does appear that in some other cases from other bands that Seminoles identified as "by blood" their acreage was larger. How extensive that pattern was is not known. But the large Bruner clan did occupy much land after the process ended.

(Source: Same as above)

It is well known that the large extended family of Bruners settled in the lands around Turkey Creek. An older settlement area known as Brunertown was the area where this large clan of Seminoles lived for many years and then after the allotment process ended they lived around Turkey Creek. He died in 1923 and is buried at Mt. Zion Cemetery in Seminole County Oklahoma. His descendants live around the country.

(Courtesy of Charles Gibson)

The legacy of Caesar Bruner is an interesting one, going back to his own family in the Seminole Nation, in Florida, and also part of Alabama. By following the footprints that he left in the records, his journey was massive. His parents and siblings all survived the Seminole wars, and began a new life with family in Indian Territory. He was a leader to his community and was a major patriarch to his family and clan.

As one who spoke the Muscogee language of the area, and served the Union army as an interpreter, and was able to move comfortably among both Seminole and Creek communities. His brother Paro Bruner was a leader among Creek Freedmen while Caesar himself became band chief of the Bruner band. His life spanned a good portion of the 19th century during a period of disenfranchisement and hardship, and extended into the early years of the 20th century. He lived to see the world change, to make a difference, and because of him an amazing legacy remains. 

This is the 40th article in a 52-article series devoted to sharing histories of families once held as enslaved people in Indian Territory, now known as Oklahoma. The focus is on the Freedmen of the Five Civilized Tribes, and these posts are part of an ongoing project to document 52 families in 52 weeks.

Family of Hazen Dosar, Parents & Children

The Dosar family of Mekasuka, Indian Territory was a Seminole family that lived closely with other extended family for many years. Finding records reflecting their whole story was a challenge due to missing records. There are enrollment cards, but the accompanying records found in application jackets are simply missing and were never microfilmed by the National Archives.

Hazan Dosar was a young man who appeared in front of the Dawes Commission to enroll his wife Sarah and  his step sons Amos and Levi Warrior.

Seminole Freedman Card #652

The National Archives at Ft. Worth, Ft. Worth Texas 1868-1914, NAI Number: 251747

Record Group Title: Records of the Bureau of Indian Affairs, Record Group 75

His father was a man simply called Dosar, but who also was known as Sam Robert. His mother was Dotty Lotty, who was a member of the Bruner band of Seminole Freedmen. The entire family was part of the Bruner band.

Reverse side of card

Source: same as above

Daughter Dollie's Card

A note from Hazan's enrollment card, indicated that another child was listed on the Seminole New Born Freedmen card #92. Her mother was Viola Dosar, and her father was Hazan. It is not clear whether Hazan had a previous marriage or whether this was another wife with whom Hazan had a relationship. 

Seminole Freedman Newborn Card #92

The National Archives at Ft. Worth, Ft. Worth Texas 1868-1914, NAI Number: 251747

Record Group Title: Records of the Bureau of Indian Affairs, Record Group 75

Daughter Leathia Ann's Card

Coming from Wewoka, another daughter Leathia Ann Doser. She is only 1 year old and her mother was Lucy Sancho. Lucy, her mother is enrolled on her own card #813

Mother Dolly's Card

Not far away in Sasakwa, Hazan Dosar's mother Dollie was found. She appeared in front of the Dawes Commission enrolling only herself. Both of her parents were deceased and she had been enslaved by John Jumper the Seminole leader who was twice elected principal chief.

Application Jacket

There is no application jacket that survives for Hazan Dosar, but a jacket was found for daughter Dollie. 

Ancestry.com. U.S., Native American Applications for Enrollment in Five Civilized Tribes, 1898-1914[database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations, Inc., 2013.

Since no interviews of  Hazan Doser are to be found, only a small glimpse into the family history was found in the file of daughter Dollie. Statements were taken from Hazan, and Viola, mother of Dollie. It is not clear whether Hazan and wife Sarah had separated, but clearly they were both speaking to confirm the birth of daughter Dollie.

Although there was no interview in the file, the enrollment of daughter Dollie as a Seminole New Born was ruled in her favor and she was added to the roll as a New Born Seminole citizen.

The only concern was actually over the spelling of the last name. The issue was whether to spell the surname with an "a" or with an "e". It was decided to keep the spelling with the "e" because the mother's name had been written that way, and Dollie's name was to be placed on the roll to coincide with the mother's name.

Application Jacket for Daughter Leathia Ann

Source: same as above

Although the original card with wife Sarah and step children revealed that Hazan lived in Mekasuka, Indian Territory, Hazen Dosar died in 1911 in Wewoka, and a small document pertaining to his estate was found reflecting his wife and children as heirs. By this time the widow is noted to be Viola, the mother of daughter Dollie.

Oklahoma County, District and Probate Courts

Details about Hazen's life are scant.  Presumably he lived a simple life within the Seminole Nation. His daughters Dollie and Leathia Ann will be the ones through his legacy will be continued, and will live through his descendants and hopefully the memory of this quiet simple man will not be forgotten.

This is the 35th article in a 52-article series devoted to sharing histories of families once held as enslaved people in Indian Territory, now known as Oklahoma. The focus is on the Freedmen of the Five Civilized Tribes, and these posts are part of an ongoing project to document 52 families in 52 weeks.