John Chupco facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
John Chupco
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| Born | 1821 |
| Died | February 17, 1881 |
| Nationality | Seminole Nation of Oklahoma |
| Occupation | chief, sergeant, farmer, rancher |
| Organization | Hvteyievlke Band |
| Height | 2.0066 m (6 ft 7 in) |
John Chupco (born around 1821, died 1881) was an important leader of the Hvteyievlke (pronounced Hoot-ee-YIE-vul-kee) Band of the Seminole people. This group was also known as the Newcomer Band. He led his people during a difficult time when they were forced to move from their homes in Florida to a new place called Indian Territory (which is now Oklahoma). His band was the very last group of Seminoles to make this long journey.
From 1861 to 1866, John Chupco served as the chief for the Seminole people who supported the Union during the American Civil War. To stay safe, they moved to Kansas. The war caused a lot of sadness and anger because the Seminole tribe split, with many supporting the Confederacy. After the war, Chupco and his band returned to Indian Territory and worked hard to rebuild their tribe.
Contents
John Chupco's Early Life
John Chupco was born into a Seminole family in Florida around 1821. He grew up learning the traditional ways of his people.
John Chupco's Leadership and Service
By the time the Seminole people were forced to move from their lands, John Chupco was already the chief of the Hvteyievlke Band. He bravely led his people from Florida to Indian Territory as part of the Indian Removal policy. This was a very challenging journey for everyone.
In 1861, when the American Civil War began, John Chupco was serving as a town chief. He made a strong decision not to sign a treaty (an official agreement) between the Seminole people and the Confederate States of America. Because of the war, the Seminole leaders and their people became divided over which side to support, much like the Cherokee Nation also split.
Chupco's tribal town decided to follow Opothleyahola, a leader of the Muscogee (Creek) people who was loyal to the Union. For their safety, they moved to Kansas. While in Kansas, John Chupco joined the Union Army. He eventually became a first sergeant in Company F, First Regiment, of the Indian Home Guard. From 1861 to 1866, Chupco was the chief of the Seminole people who supported the Union.
Rebuilding the Seminole Nation
After the Civil War ended, John Chupco became a delegate (a representative) for the Seminole people at the Southern Treaty Commission. Another Seminole chief, John Jumper, led the Seminoles who had supported the Confederacy. Because Jumper's group had sided with the Confederacy, the United States government insisted that the Seminole tribe sign a new treaty after the war. The split between these two Seminole groups lasted until 1872. At that time, most of the tribe voted for John Jumper to be their chief.
During the period known as Reconstruction (when the United States was rebuilding after the Civil War), John Chupco encouraged his tribe to rebuild their nation. In 1869, he joined the Presbyterian Church in Wewoka, Oklahoma. He became a farmer and a rancher. He was concerned about the creation of Oklahoma Territory because he believed that opening the area to European-American settlers would harm the future of the Seminole people.
John Chupco's Death
John Chupco passed away on February 17, 1881, in the Seminole Nation.
See also
- In Spanish: John Chupco para niños
