John Stedham facts for kids

Eolo, also known as John Steadham, was an important leader of the Muscogee (Creek) Native American tribe. He was born around 1768 in Union County, South Carolina. His father, Benjamin Stidham, was a white trader. In 1810, John Steadham lived in Edgefield, South Carolina. He later became a respected chief among his people.

A Key Muscogee Leader

John Steadham, or Eolo, was a significant leader among the Lower Creeks. He was the headman, or chief, of his own village called Sowokeelan Town. This village was likely located in what is now Barbour County, Alabama.

The "Colonel" Title

Government agents gave John Steadham the title "Colonel." These agents often ranked Native American chiefs using military titles. They did this even though these titles did not fit the traditional Native American political system. Since Eolo was second in command of the Lower Creeks, he was called "Colonel."

The Treaty of Indian Springs

In 1825, a very important event happened. Chief William McIntosh was the head chief of the Lower Creeks. On February 12, 1825, he signed a document called the Treaty of Indian Springs. This treaty aimed to sell a lot of Muscogee land.

However, Chief McIntosh signed the treaty without permission from the rest of the Muscogee tribe. This caused a big problem.

Eolo's Wise Decision

Eolo and Chief McIntosh were good friends. But Eolo and most of the other Muscogee chiefs refused to support McIntosh's decision to sign the treaty. This turned out to be a very smart choice.

Because he signed the treaty without permission, Chief McIntosh was later punished by his own people. Eolo's decision not to support the unauthorized treaty showed his loyalty to his tribe.