Sonuk Mikko facts for kids

Sonuk Mikko (who lived until about 1864) was a brave Seminole leader. He was also known as Billy Bowlegs and So-Nuk-Mek-Ko. He became a captain in the Union Army during the American Civil War. Mikko took the name Billy Bowlegs after an older, famous Seminole chief, Holato Micco, passed away in 1859. That chief had fought in earlier Seminole Wars.

A Leader in the Civil War

When the American Civil War began in 1861, the United States split into two sides: the Union (the North) and the Confederacy (the South). Both sides wanted control of the Indian Territory, which is now part of Oklahoma.

Choosing a Side

Native American tribes in the Indian Territory had their own disagreements. Some tribes chose to support the Union, while others sided with the Confederacy. Sonuk Mikko decided to fight with the Union.

Fighting for the Union

A Confederate army, led by Colonel Douglas H. Cooper, attacked tribes who supported the Union. Sonuk Mikko and his followers joined forces with Opothleyahola's Upper Creeks. Together, they bravely fought against the Confederates.

They had a series of difficult battles in the winter of 1861 and 1862. These battles forced the Union supporters to travel a long, hard journey to Kansas. This journey was so tough and cold that it became known as the "Trail of Blood on Ice." Mikko's group protected the rear of the column after a battle called Battle of Chustenahlah. Many of his Seminole people sadly died from the cold and hunger during that winter near Fort Belmont.

Joining the Army

In May 1862, Mikko officially joined the Union Army. He became a captain and was put in charge of Company A of the First Indian Home Guards.

He fought in many battles that year. Colonel William Cloud, a commander in the Army of the Frontier, praised Mikko for his actions at the Battle of Cane Hill in December. During this battle, the First Indian Home Guards fought alongside soldiers from Kansas and Iowa. When the Iowa soldiers had to fall back, the whole Union line was in trouble. But the Native American soldiers and the Kansans bravely pushed forward and won the position.

Colonel Cloud wrote that Captain Billy Bowlegs, along with other Native American officers, deserved "the highest praise."

Later Battles

Billy Bowlegs was later put in charge of Company F. He continued to be an important leader in battles in Kansas and the Indian Territory. In one fight at Rhea Mills, he lost his horse and weapons but was not hurt himself.

His Legacy

Sonuk Mikko died in 1864 from smallpox, a serious illness. He was buried at the Fort Gibson National Cemetery. An Indian Agent named G.C. Snow said that Mikko's death was "very much regretted." He explained that Mikko was an important and respected leader among the Seminoles and was loved by many.