Choctaw Chief. Born Apushamatahahubi, probably around 1764 on the Noxubee River in present-day Mississippi. He was noted for his oratory skills and his military prowess. He first earned a reputation as a warrior and war leader in fighting against the Caddo and Osage west of the Mississippi River. Sometime around 1800, he became a leading chief among the Choctaw, and began a major role in treaty negotiations. When Tecumseh visited the Choctaw in 1811 in an effort to persuade them to join in his uprising, Pushmataha strongly opposed the movement, and it was largely through his influence that Tecumseh's mission among the Choctaw failed. In the War of 1812, he fought against the British and their Creek and Seminole allies. He took part in over twenty battles, and served under Andrew Jackson in his Pensacola campaign. For his services, Pushmataha attained the rank of brigadier general. In 1824, he was a member of a deputation sent to Washington to treat with the President. He took ill during his stay in Washington and died, possibly of diphtheria, on Christmas Eve. His funeral saw thousands lining the procession route. The casket was borne in a mile-long procession that included bands, cavalry, infantry, and numerous carriages filled with celebrities. President Jackson sent a medal to Pushmataha's oldest surviving son as a testimony of respect for a warrior. He was buried in the Congressional Cemetery in Washington, D.C. His grave marker was inscribed: "Pushmataha a Choctaw chief lies here. This monument to his memory is erected by his brother chiefs who were associated with him in a delegation from their nation, in the year 1824, to the General Government of the United States."
Choctaw Chief. Born Apushamatahahubi, probably around 1764 on the Noxubee River in present-day Mississippi. He was noted for his oratory skills and his military prowess. He first earned a reputation as a warrior and war leader in fighting against the Caddo and Osage west of the Mississippi River. Sometime around 1800, he became a leading chief among the Choctaw, and began a major role in treaty negotiations. When Tecumseh visited the Choctaw in 1811 in an effort to persuade them to join in his uprising, Pushmataha strongly opposed the movement, and it was largely through his influence that Tecumseh's mission among the Choctaw failed. In the War of 1812, he fought against the British and their Creek and Seminole allies. He took part in over twenty battles, and served under Andrew Jackson in his Pensacola campaign. For his services, Pushmataha attained the rank of brigadier general. In 1824, he was a member of a deputation sent to Washington to treat with the President. He took ill during his stay in Washington and died, possibly of diphtheria, on Christmas Eve. His funeral saw thousands lining the procession route. The casket was borne in a mile-long procession that included bands, cavalry, infantry, and numerous carriages filled with celebrities. President Jackson sent a medal to Pushmataha's oldest surviving son as a testimony of respect for a warrior. He was buried in the Congressional Cemetery in Washington, D.C. His grave marker was inscribed: "Pushmataha a Choctaw chief lies here. This monument to his memory is erected by his brother chiefs who were associated with him in a delegation from their nation, in the year 1824, to the General Government of the United States."
Bio by: Iola
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