Peggy Chahwahyookah, probable wife of Path Killer

Notes

Although no definitive evidence remains about Chief Pathkiller's marriage(s) and family, a full-blood Cherokee woman named Peggy was probably his last wife. The "Records of St. Clair County, Alabama" (page 18) include an entry stating that "Peggy Pathkiller's settlement of estate, Oct. 31, 1833 was paid to her heirs: $455 to daughter Nancy, $375 to Nelly, $450 to Crying Snake. To Quata and George Cammell, $1,200; to Eustace $300, to Jenny $1188.60; to Qualocoo and Beaver Tail $100 and to Charqahyooca and Richard Ratliff $300." Peggy's will names five daughters (and some of their husbands) but no sons. Grandson Daniel Ratliff lived long enough to file an Eastern Cherokee app, but he stated that he did not know who his mother's parents were, only that they were full-blood Cherokee. [NARA M1104. Eastern Cherokee Applications of the U.S. Court of Claims, 1906-1909. Application #1078, Daniel Ratliff image at [https://www.fold3.com/image/1/221156373]

Pathkiller apparently had a son, also called Pathkiller. Both men signed the Treaty of 1817, making it clear that they were two different people. There is extensive correspondence between the senior Pathkiller and Andrew Jackson between 1811 and 1818 which mentions, but does not name, a son. [transcriptions of correspondence at [https://www.geni.com/documents/view?doc_id=6000000080901306062& letters]

Daughter Chowayuka was born about 1803/1804. She is listed as "Chiuke," wife of Richard Ratliff in Starr in the Ratliff family. Her parents are not listed.

Will

From https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/53506838/peggy-pathkiller

Her will was published years ago in The Coosa News Journal in an article by the late Hugh Cardon. Pathkiller, the last King of the Cherokee Indians, owned and operated Garrentt's Ferry. The old road from Creek Path Town connected with the parts of the Cherokee Nation in Georgia.

Last Will And Testament Of Peggy Pathkiller
Path Killers Ferry on the Coosa River Cherokee Nation

• 13th January 1829
• In the name of God Amen
• I Peggy Pathkiller of TurkeyTown by the blessing of Providence being Sound in health but now far advanced in the Journey of life having a prospect now Soon to Sleep with my ancestors as it is ordained by the great Spirit that we are all approaching the ground I hereby leave my last will and Testament & dispose of my property in the following manner: to my discendents to wit
• to my oldest daughter Nancy one negro woman named Lucy
• to my daughter Milly one negro girl named Kate
• to my Grand Son Crying Snake one negro young man named whipperwill or waucoolee -
• To my Grand Son Eyoostee one negro boy named Stephen -
• To my Sisters daughter Queelecoo one negro girl named Ester or Ahcooyah
• To my daughter Quatee four negroes - that is to say Hannah wauttatooka her son Betsy & Ulstawahtee the son of Hannah
• To Charwahyooca my daughter one negro girl named Ahyahsta –my yongest daughter Janny Mariah and her Two Children Cheyohosia and Gaddohyoha I also Shall leave the balance two boys (negro) House its furniture and plantation also the old negro woman named Phebe
• to my yongest daughter Janny who lives with me in the Same house this property as I have willed it Shall take effect after my death
• Given under my hand the day and date above written
• Signed Peggy Pathkiller her X mark
• Witness John Ridge State of Alabama St. Clair County Personally appeared before me, John H Garrett, Judge of the County Court for the Court aforesaid, John Ridge, who after being duly sworn,deposes and says , that he was present and saw the within last will and testament of Peggy Pathkiller, deceased, executed at the time and place therein mentioned, and that he then and there subscribed his name as a witness to the execution of the same. Signed John Ridge Sworn to before me this the 13 day of March, 1833, Signed John H. Garrett, J.C.C.

According to old court records, the estate of Dragging Canoe sued Peggy Pathkiller to recover slaves names Simon and Pheby, some horses, hogs, cattle and a set of blacksmith tools. The court returned to the estate Simon, four head of cattle and the tools.