Connell, Tamaya

The following data is extracted from The Indian Territory, Its Chiefs, Legislators and Leading Men.

Born at Opocheaholo, Alabama, in 1829, the son of Naboktche, a full blood, who died about 1835, Tamaya and his mother emigrated to this country with the last of the Creeks, settling down close to Fort Gibson. His mother being without help, Tamaya was obliged to devote his time to her support, and was therefore deprived of the chances of education. At the age of twenty-four he was made chief of the Little River Tulsie Town, which office he held four years, during the old constitution. At the outbreak of the war he moved to Osage Mission, and in twelve months joined the Federal army, under General Talsifixico, holding the rank of corporal in Company I. He fought in five battles, Kane Hill, Salt Creek, White Water, Fort Gibson and Bird Creek, where he was wounded in two places, escaping death in an almost miraculous manner, the buckle of his belt and his cartridge-box breaking the force of the bullets and turning them aside in both instances. Tamaya was married to a half-breed Spanish and Indian woman named Hattie, by whom he had six children, named Martha, Mary, Moses, Peter (dead), Ellie and Susan. His family are all married and doing for themselves. Tamaya Connell has been a member of the House of Kings for the past eight years, and has been just re-elected for the coming term. He was prosecuting attorney, since the new constitution was adopted, for a period of two years. He has also been a captain of Light Horse for the same period, and is now captain of the Creek police during council term. He is a man of good standing among his people, a lawyer by profession and a fine speaker in the native language. He is five feet nine inches high, and has a kindly and benevolent countenance, which is a true reflection of his character.

Source: The Indian Territory, Its Chiefs, Legislators and Leading Men

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