Indian name
Koo Wes Koo we,
Cherokee chief; born in
Georgia in 1790; was a quarter-breed Indian, and was well educated.
In 1828 he became principal chief of the
Cherokee nation, and from the beginning was an efficient champion of their rights against the encroachments and cupidity of the white race.
About 600 of the nation, led by
John Ridge, concluded a treaty with the
United States, agreeing to surrender the lands of the Cherokees and go west of the
Mississippi River.
Against this treaty
Ross and about 15,000 Cherokees protested, but the United States government,
having a preponderance of force, sent
General Scott with troops to compel the Indians to abide by a treaty made by a small minority.
They went sadly to their new home, with
Ross at their head, a moderate allowance being made them for their losses.
When the
Civil War broke out the Cherokees joined the
Confederacy.
Ross, who was a loyal man, protested, but was compelled to yield, and made a treaty with the Confederate government.
At the time of his death, in
Washington, D. C., Aug. 1, 1866,
Ross was urging the claims of his nation to remuneration for losses incurred during the war.
