preview

Osceola Essay

Decent Essays

Osceola was a influential leader of the Seminole in Florida. He was born in 1804. The date is unknown. He died on the thirtieth of January 1838. He was around 34 when he passed. In the rest of Osceola's life, he would have, seven different names, five children, and two wives.

Osceola's original name was, Billy Powell. He was born in a small village now known as, Tallassee, Alabama. When he was a child, him and his family moved and settled to Florida with other members of their tribe after the Creek War in 1814. The big reason they left was because, their cheif told them, they would be paid each year for the next 20 years for the land. The Americans said if the Indians did not move, there would be bloodshed. Most of Billy's early life is unknown. However, they do know that, his father was an English Trader. Billy's maternal grandfather, James McQueen, was also an English trader. He is one of the first dated European to trade with the Creek tribe. Most of Billy's life, he considered Powell to be his stepfather and asserted that he was full blooded. Hence he didint like the name Billy Powell. He thought it didint go with his Indian …show more content…

Under the universal sign of truce, which is a white flag, Osceola proceeded to the meeting. Then, at the general’s orders, soldiers surrounded Osceola, threw the white flag to the ground, and seized him. Osceola was considered to be such a dangerous foe, that within weeks he was transported to a prison at Fort Moultrie in South Carolina. Lead by Osceola's capture, the Seminole continued to fight. During Osceolas time in jail, he caught Malaria. He was placed under the care of Dr. Fredrick Weedon. When told that there was no way to prevent Osceolas death, he requested to be with his two wives and children. He died in his prison cell on January 30, 1838. Dr. Fredrick, who wanted to make easy money, decapicated Osceolas body and made a death mask of

Get Access