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Indian Pioneer Papers - Index
Indian Pioneer History Project for Oklahoma
Date: July 12, 1937
Name: Susie Blackwood
Post Office: Greasy Creek, Oklahoma
Date of Birth: March 10, 1872
Place of Birth: Flint District, Cherokee Nation
Father: Waterjug Bigfeather
Place of Birth:
Information on father:
Mother: Jessie Sanders
Place of birth:
Information on mother:
Field Worker: Gus Hummingbird
Susie Blackwood, a fullblood Cherokee, was born in Flint District, Cherokee Nation, March 10, 1872. Her father was Waterjug BIGFEATHER and her mother was Jessie SANDERS. Mr. Bigfeather was an emigrant from Georgia. He came to the Indian Territory about 1837, settling on what is now known as Greasy Creek, in southern Adair County.
"Early Life"
Most all of the early life of this lady was spent on a farm that her father operated on Greasy Creek.
The principal crops among the Cherokees were corn, and beans. Every family tried to raise plenty. These two crops could be used as food in so many ways.
Susie did not receive much of an education. The only school that she attended was a small school in the neighborhood, called Greasy School. Mont ADAIR was the only teacher she ever went to. She completed the second grade. Not many books were to be found at that time. No black boards, tablets and pencils. The pupils used slates to write on then.
Church Activities
There were no churches on Greasy when she was a child. The nearest church was Salem Indian Baptist Church, located on Little Lee's Creek, about eight miles east. This church had branched off from its mother church, Big Shed. The Bigfeather family belonged to this Baptist Church. They were active church workers. John ACORN, Shake MANUS, Wolfe COON, and Johnson SPADE were early day preachers. She was baptized by Shake Manus. Among the old timers that were active workers at this place were Zeke Acorn, George DEERINWATER, Mike and Columbus SAWNEY and George COCHRAN.
Clothing
All of the clothing was home spun. Almost every home had a loom. The wealthier class bought what was called Jeans Cloth to make their trousers and other clothing.
Trading and Milling Points
The nearest trading point for the people on Greasy Creek was a small store at Flint Court House, operated by Littlejohn. Where was another store operated by Ben FLETCHER. Poley HANNAH was the blacksmith at this place. The nearest mill was a small grist mill located about a mile below the Flint Court house on Sallisaw Creek. This mill was operated by a white man whose name she does not remember. The nearest town was Ft. Smith. Stilwell was not in existance yet.
Submitted to OKGenWeb by
Gwen Nolte 02-2000.
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