Samuel Taylor Blue facts for kids

Samuel Taylor Blue (1871 or 1872–1959) was a very important Native American leader. He served as the Chief of the Catawba Nation for several terms. These terms were from 1931 to 1938, 1941 to 1943, and 1956 to 1958.

Even when he was not the Chief, Samuel Blue was a respected figure. He worked hard to keep the Catawba culture alive. He and his mother, Margaret George Brown, were the last people known to speak the Catawba language as their first language.

Samuel Blue's Early Life and Family

Samuel Blue was born to Samuel Blue, who was Anglo-American, and Margaret George Brown. His mother was Catawba and was one of the last people to speak the Catawba language.

In 1887, Samuel Blue married Minnie Hester George. After she passed away, he married Louisa Hester Jean Canty. Samuel Blue had children with both of his wives.

Leading the Catawba Nation

Samuel Blue started his work in tribal politics in 1905. He became part of the tribe's temporary governing council. He helped elect David Adam Harris as the Catawba Chief.

In 1909, Samuel Blue signed a request for Catawba people to become United States citizens. He signed another request in 1937. Even though most Native Americans became U.S. citizens in 1924, South Carolina did not recognize their citizenship until 1944. This meant that Catawba people like Blue were not treated as citizens in South Carolina during the 1930s.

Chief of the Catawba

Samuel Blue was first elected Chief of the Catawba in 1928. He often traveled to Columbia, South Carolina. There, he spoke to the state government about the needs of the Catawba people.

In 1929, Blue began working on land claims for the Catawba. This was a long process that finished in 1993. He also played a key role in helping the Catawba Nation gain official recognition from the U.S. government. This recognition happened in 1941. He was also a strong supporter of the Catawba ending their federal wardship. He finished his term as chief in 1939 but remained a respected leader. He was elected Chief again in 1956.

Samuel Blue's Religious Beliefs

Samuel Blue grew up with the traditional beliefs of the Catawba people. Later, in 1897, he was baptized into the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He became a leader in his church community on the Catawba Reservation. He served as the branch president for 40 years until he passed away in 1959.

In 1950, Samuel Blue traveled to Salt Lake City. He gave a speech at a large church meeting called General Conference. During this trip, he and his wife Louisa were sealed in the Salt Lake Temple. In 1952, Blue spoke at the opening of the Catawba Branch Meetinghouse. This building was dedicated by David O. McKay, a church leader.

Protecting Catawba Culture

Samuel Blue strongly believed in keeping Catawba culture alive. He was inspired by Catawba Elder Tom Stevens, who encouraged traditional stomp dances. Blue worked hard to preserve dances like the Bear Dance and the Wild Goose Dance.

He shared his knowledge of the Catawba language with Frank G. Speck. Speck was a language expert who used Blue's help in his books about the Catawba language. Blue, like earlier leaders such as King Hagler, worked to protect the traditions of his people.

After Samuel Blue passed away, a play called Kah-who Catawba was created. This play, which means "The Story of the Catawba," had a narrator who represented Samuel Blue.