Marshall McClung
An article in the Nov. 19, 1879 issue of The Charlotte Observer tells of a meeting between Cheesequire – a Cherokee who lived in the Ground Squirrel community of Graham County – and Dr. A.W. Miller, a Presbyterian minister. Miller was on an evangelical tour of the western North Carolina mountains.
Miller was able to meet with Cheesequire and converse with him through interpreters John Sneed and John Ross, the Cherokee Chief that Cheesequire lived with. Miller found Cheesequire to be very friendly, as he held out his hand and said, “See you, howdy.”
Even though he was said to be 140 years of age at the time, Miller found him to be very sharp mentally – but physically “showing his age.” Small wonder.
Cheesequire could only walk a short distance before having to stop and rest. He still had all his natural teeth, but only had a little hair left on the sides of his head. He could only talk in a whisper and required listening intently to understand him. Cheesequire used a lot of motions with his hands, which helped.
Cheesequire spoke of fighting against Andrew Jackson, the man responsible for the Cherokee removal when he was the U.S. President.
There were a few copies of the New Testament portion of the Bible to be found among the Cherokee at this time. The Cherokees were aware of different religious denominations among the white settlers, such as Methodists and Baptists. This led to Cheesequire asking Miller if he was “little water” or “much water” –referring to baptisms.
Miller asked Cheesequire if he believed in God and our Savior Jesus Christ. He replied that he did and he hoped he would be saved, as he was about to die.
A few days after returning from the tour, Miller received a photograph of Cheesequire in the mail. In the photograph, he is sitting cross-legged – his body bent forward – and leaning on a staff. He is barefooted and wrapped in a blanket. Miller had bought the staff for 25 cents, which was made by Chief John Ross.
Marshall McClung is the historical columnist for The Graham Star. He can be reached via email, mcclungs828@gmail.com.