David Vann (Cherokee leader) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
David Vann
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David Vann, by Charles Bird King, 1825
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| Cherokee Nation leader | |
| Personal details | |
| Born | January 1, 1800 Georgia |
| Died | December 23, 1863 (aged 63) |
| Cause of death | Killed in battle, Civil War |
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| Children | 9 |
| Parent | Avery Vann & Margaret McSwain |
David Vann (born January 1, 1800, in Georgia – died December 23, 1863) was an important leader of the Cherokee people. He was known for being a skilled negotiator. He worked with the United States government on behalf of both the Cherokee and Creek nations. David Vann was elected as the treasurer for the Cherokee Nation several times, in 1839, 1843, 1847, and 1851.
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Early Life and Family
David Vann was the second son of Avery Vann and Margaret McSwain Vann. He had a brother named Joseph "Teaultlo" Vann and a sister named Sallie Vann Rogers. Sallie was the grandmother of the famous entertainer Will Rogers. David Vann was also the nephew of a well-known Cherokee chief, James Vann. His first cousin was another important Cherokee leader and businessman, Joseph Vann.
Working as a Negotiator
David Vann played a big role in helping Native American nations deal with the United States government.
Helping the Creek People
In 1825, the Creek people needed help. They were trying to stop the United States government from forcing them to leave their lands in the Southeast. They asked the Cherokees for assistance.
Major Ridge, a Cherokee leader, suggested that the Creeks ask David Vann and John Ridge for help. Both Vann and Ridge were well-educated and spoke English very well. They helped the Creek chief, Opothleyahola, prepare a speech for a meeting with General Edmund Pendleton Gaines.
General Gaines was impressed by the speech. However, the Creek leaders wanted to meet directly with higher-ranking officials in Washington, D.C. Since no one from the Creek group spoke English fluently, they wanted Vann and Ridge to join them. General Gaines said that the President would not discuss Creek matters with Cherokees. So, as a compromise, Vann and Ridge went along as "secretaries" instead of negotiators. After the agreements were made, a famous artist named Charles Bird King painted portraits of Ridge and Vann.
Helping the Cherokee People
David Vann was part of a group called the Cherokee Treaty Party. This group believed that the best way for the Cherokee people to protect their rights was to negotiate with the United States government. They thought it would be better for the Cherokees to agree to move west voluntarily.
The leaders of the Treaty Party signed the Treaty of New Echota in 1835. This treaty eventually led to the forced removal of the Cherokee people, known as the Cherokee removal, in 1838-1839.
After the Cherokees were forced to move to what is now Indian Territory (Oklahoma), David Vann became the assistant principal chief of the Cherokee Nation.
Personal Life and Death
David Vann had two children with his first wife, Jennie Chambers. He later married Martha McNair, and they had seven children together. One of his daughters, Mary Delilah Vann, married Joel B. Mayes in 1869. Joel Mayes later became a Principal Chief of the Cherokee Nation.
David Vann died during the American Civil War in 1863. He was killed by a group of Cherokees known as 'Pin Indians,' who supported the Union side in the war.
Legacy
A place called Vanns Branch in Alabama is named after David Vann.
