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Redbird Smith's Home
Budd Gritts, who was a Baptist Minister, was
prevailed upon to draft a Constitution and
Laws of government for the use of the people
in their group, which was compatible with
the changing conditions religiously and
Politically. The constitution and Laws of
Government was formally adopted and the
Keetoowah prospered and lived in peace under
it for many years.
During the period from 1859
to 1889, the Keetoowah flourished and
were strongly united. Almost without
exception the Keetoowah went with the North
in the Civil War. In all this period the
Keetoowah were either Baptists, Methodists,
Presbyterians, a few Quakers, and a part of
them worshipped according to the rituals of
the ancient Keetoowah, but all got along
harmoniously. Dissentions came only after
the white Missionaries objected to and
condemned what they termed “the Pagan Form
of worship” of the ancient Keetoowah, and
designated as “The work of the Devil.”
Influenced by these white teachers, who
were conscientious and sincere in their
efforts of Christian work, the members of
the different denominations became strictly
sectarian in their practice, but there was
still no enmity existing.
The Keetoowah Constitution and Laws of
Government was amended in 1889, making it
rather a political organization in
character. From this period the differences
between the Christian Keetoowah and the
Ancient Keetoowah became more marked, and
there was lack of harmony even in their
policies of political effort.
On the porch are Redbird Smith, his
Councilmen and his 5th son, George.
On the ground are his wife, 2 daughters, 8
sons, their wives and grandchildren.
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Red Bird Smith
Notes About the Book:
Source: History of the Cherokee Indians and Their Legends and Folk Lore,
Emmet Starr, 1921, The Warden Company, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
Online Publication: The manuscript was scanned and
then ocr'd. Minimal editing has been done, and readers can and should expect
some errors in the textual output.
This site includes some historical materials that may imply negative
stereotypes reflecting the culture or language of a particular period or place.
These items are presented as part of the historical record and should not be
interpreted to mean that the WebMasters in any way endorse the stereotypes
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