Ho-po-eth-le-yo-ho-lo, A Creek Chief The Creek Nation was divided into the upper and lower towns, over which the Big Warrior was chief, under whom Ho-po-eth-le-yo-ho-lo held the rank of principal councilor, or speaker of the councils. His influence was so great, that the questions submitted to the council were generally decided | |
according to his will. The great council-house of the upper towns was at Tuckabatchee, where the Big Warrior resided, and near which was the residence of Ho-po-eth-le-yo-ho-lo. Of the youth of Ho-po-eth-le-yo-ho-lo little is known, except that he was regarded as a Youth of promise. The first public service which he rendered was at the council at the Indian Springs, to which he was sent to counteract the influence of McIntosh. It is said he executed his mission with great fidelity. During the contest between the United States and the Seminoles, in 1836, Saugahatchee, one of the towns of Ho-po-eth-le-yo-ho-lo district, was the first to revolt. The warriors rushed out and murdered all the travellers who fell in their way. Upon hearing this intelligence, Ho-po-eth-le-yo-ho-lo immediately placed himself at the head of the warriors of his own town, marched upon the insurgents, burned their village, and having captured some of their men, delivered them over to the military, by whom they were imprisoned; at the request of Governor Clay, of Alabama, he called a council of his warriors, and proposed to Lead them against the hostile Creeks. Within five days they were encamped at Tallahassee, the then head-quarters of Major General Jesup, to whom a formal tender of their services was made, which were accepted, and Ho-po-eth-le-yo-ho-lo appointed commander of the whole Indian force, with the rank of colonel. The army was marched to Hatcheehubbee, but the hostiles surrendered. He continued to be opposed to the last to emigration. In 1834 or '35 he went to Texas, and purchased a large tract of land for $80,000; but the Mexicans being jealous of him, and some doubts as to the validity of the title existing, his intention was abandoned, with the loss of $20,000. It is believed that he had but one wife. Two of his daughters are said to have been beautiful. | |
