David Brown (translator) facts for kids

David Brown (Cherokee: A-wish) was an important Cherokee leader, preacher, and translator. He was born around 1806 and lived until September 14, 1829. David worked hard to help his people, especially by translating important texts and sharing Christian teachings.

David Brown's Early Life and Education

David Brown was born in a place called Wills Valley, Alabama, around the year 1806. His father was part white and part Cherokee. David, whose Cherokee name was A-wish, went to school with his sister, Catharine Brown.

Their school was set up by Moravian missionaries in Tennessee. It was about 100 miles from their home. After finishing school, David and Catharine worked together. They helped educate their Cherokee tribe and shared Christian beliefs with them.

His Work for the Cherokee Nation

David Brown was a very busy and important person for the Cherokee people. He worked as a preacher, sharing religious messages. He was also an interpreter, helping people understand different languages.

Besides these roles, David served as the secretary for the Cherokee national government. This meant he helped with important paperwork and decisions for his tribe.

Helping Create a Spelling Book

In November 1819, David Brown helped another Cherokee leader, John Arch. Together, they worked on creating and printing a Cherokee spelling book. This book was a big step in helping more Cherokee people learn to read and write in their own language.

Starting a Mission

In 1820, David Brown started a special mission in Creek Path, Mississippi. Missions like this often served as centers for education and community gathering.

Further Studies and Missionary Work

In the spring of 1820, David Brown traveled to Cornwall, Connecticut, to continue his education. He studied there for two years. After that, he spent another year at Andover Theological Seminary in Massachusetts. This training helped him prepare even more for his work as a preacher.

After his studies, David returned to his home area. He began his missionary work, helping to share Christian ideas with the Cherokee people. In 1825, he wrote a letter saying that many people in the tribe had started to follow the Christian religion.

David Brown passed away on September 14, 1829, in Creek Path. He died before a difficult time for the Cherokee people. This was when the United States government took away much of their land, even though there were treaties that said they wouldn't.