Charles Thompson (Cherokee chief) facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Charles Thompson
Born	Utselata, ᎤᏤᎳᏔ, in Cherokee Unknown Southeastern United States
Died	June 22, 1891 Delaware District, Cherokee Nation, Oklahoma
Nationality	Cherokee
Other names	Charles Thompson
Occupation	Farmer, Lawyer,
Known for	Principal Chief of the Cherokee Nation

Charles Thompson (also known as Utselata or Oochelata in Cherokee) was an important leader of the Cherokee Nation. He was born in the southeastern United States. His father was a full-blood Cherokee, and his mother was of European-American background. His family moved west to Indian Territory (which is now Oklahoma) during the difficult journey known as the Trail of Tears. They settled near what is now Lake Spavinaw.

Becoming a Leader: Charles Thompson's Life

Early Life and Learning

Utselata, as he was called when he was young, went to the Baptist Mission School. There, he learned a lot from Reverend Evan Jones and John B. Jones. He joined the Baptist church during this time. In 1859, Utselata also became a member of the Keetoowah Society. This group believed that slavery should be ended.

Serving in the Civil War

During the American Civil War, Utselata first joined a Confederate unit. However, he soon changed his mind. On July 11, 1862, he joined the Union Army as a corporal in the Third Indian Home Guards. This unit was led by Lieutenant Colonel Lewis Downing. Utselata served with the Union Army for the rest of the war.

Life After the War

After the Civil War ended, Utselata moved to a farm near the town of Eucha, Oklahoma. He sometimes worked as a lawyer in the tribal courts.

In 1867, he was elected to the Senate of the Cherokee Nation. He represented the Delaware District until 1873. Later, from 1875 to 1879, he served as the Principal Chief of the Cherokee Nation. During this time, he started using the English name Charles Thompson. He chose the name Thompson to honor Dr. Jeter Lynch Thompson, who had been a senator before him. He used this name for the rest of his life.

Charles Thompson was also a Baptist deacon. He preached in the Cherokee language every Sunday at the church in Eucha. The church did not allow lawyers to become ordained ministers. However, this rule was set aside when he became Principal Chief.

His Final Years

Charles Thompson passed away on June 22, 1891. He was first buried in the Indian cemetery in Eucha. In 1952, the town of Eucha and its cemetery were moved because Lake Eucha was being built. He was reburied in the new cemetery. A special military stone at his grave honors his service to the Union during the Civil War.