Chief Bowl – Cherokee Leader in Texas
Chief Bowl, a prominent figure in Cherokee history, stands as a testament to the complex interactions between Native American tribes and the burgeoning settlements of the United States and later, the Republic of Texas. Known by various names, including Colonel Bowles, Bold Hunter, and simply the Bowl, he was revered by his people, the Cherokee, as Diwalî’. Born in North Carolina around 1756, his lineage reflected the blending of cultures that characterized the era, being the son of a Scottish father and a Cherokee mother. His life journey, marked by negotiation, displacement, and ultimately, tragic conflict, encapsulates the struggles faced by Native Americans during a period of immense societal change.
The early life of Chief Bowl coincided with a period of increasing pressure on Cherokee lands. The westward expansion of European settlers forced the tribe to confront the challenges of maintaining their ancestral territories and way of life. Bowl emerged as a leader during this turbulent time, navigating the treacherous waters of diplomacy and conflict with a mixture of pragmatism and unwavering dedication to his people.
Bowl’s involvement in treaty negotiations began in 1791 when he signed the Treaty of Holston. This agreement, like many others of the time, aimed to define the boundaries between Cherokee lands and those claimed by the United States government. However, the ink was barely dry on these documents before they were challenged by the relentless push of settlers seeking new opportunities in the West. In 1805, Chief Bowl signed an unauthorized cession treaty, a decision that proved highly unpopular among the Cherokee, highlighting the internal divisions and the complexities of negotiating with external powers.
The early 19th century saw the Cherokee forced to make difficult decisions about their future. Faced with dwindling resources and increasing encroachment on their lands, many chose to relocate in search of more sustainable hunting grounds. In 1810, Bowl led his band westward to the vicinity of New Madrid, Missouri. This move was followed by another relocation two years later to northwestern Arkansas. These migrations reflect the constant state of flux and uncertainty that defined the lives of the Cherokee during this period.
In 1819, Bowl and his followers embarked on what they hoped would be their final journey, settling near Nacogdoches in northeastern Texas. At that time, Texas was under Mexican rule, and the Mexican government welcomed the Cherokee, viewing them as a buffer against further Anglo-American expansion. Here, Chief Bowl became the "peace chief" of a council that united several Cherokee villages, a testament to his leadership and ability to foster unity among diverse groups.
Bowl recognized the importance of securing the Cherokee’s right to the land they now occupied. He initiated negotiations with the Mexican authorities, seeking official recognition and permanent title to their territory. However, these negotiations proved to be protracted and ultimately unsuccessful. The political landscape in Texas was rapidly changing, and the Cherokee found themselves caught in the crosscurrents of competing interests.
The Texas Revolution of 1836 marked a turning point in the Cherokee’s relationship with the region. Following Texas’s independence from Mexico, Chief Bowl once again sought to secure the tribe’s land rights. He entered into negotiations with Sam Houston, the president of the newly formed Republic of Texas, who recognized the importance of maintaining peaceful relations with the Native American tribes.
On February 23, 1836, a treaty was signed by Houston and Bowl, granting the Cherokee permanent title to a reduced portion of their land. While the treaty represented a significant compromise, it offered a glimmer of hope for the future. However, the treaty faced opposition in the Texas Senate and was ultimately not ratified. The failure of the treaty underscored the deep-seated prejudices and expansionist ambitions that threatened the Cherokee’s very existence.
The election of Mirabeau B. Lamar as president of Texas in 1838 signaled a dramatic shift in policy toward Native Americans. Lamar held a staunchly anti-Indian stance, viewing them as an obstacle to the progress and development of the republic. He ordered Bowl and his people to leave Texas, setting the stage for the Cherokee War.
The Cherokee, unwilling to abandon their homes and way of life, refused to comply with Lamar’s ultimatum. Tensions escalated, and in July 1839, Lamar sent troops to enforce his orders. The Cherokee fled northward into present-day Van Zandt County, seeking refuge in the dense forests and rugged terrain.
On July 15, the Cherokee halted their retreat and prepared to defend themselves at the confluence of Warrior Creek and Kickapoo Creek on the Neches River. The following morning, July 16, the Battle of the Neches took place. Despite being severely outnumbered, Chief Bowl rallied his warriors, inspiring them to fight with courage and determination.
The battle raged throughout the day, with both sides suffering heavy casualties. As ammunition dwindled, Bowl recognized the futility of further resistance and ordered a retreat. However, he himself remained behind, a symbol of defiance and unwavering commitment to his people.
Sitting on his horse, adorned with a military hat and sword given to him by Sam Houston, Bowl faced the advancing Texans. He was soon struck by bullets, first in the thigh and then in the back. Unable to stand, he raised himself to a sitting position and began to sing a war song, a final act of defiance in the face of overwhelming odds.
Captain Robert W. Smith, a Texas soldier, approached the fallen chief and shot him in the head. In a further act of desecration, Smith took the sword from Bowl’s body and took swaths of skin from his arm as a souvenir. This act of barbarity underscores the brutality and dehumanization that characterized the treatment of Native Americans during this period.
The Battle of the Neches marked the end of organized Cherokee resistance in Texas. The survivors were forced to flee, scattering across the region and seeking refuge in other Native American communities. The battle site is now commemorated by a marker at a roadside park on Highway 20, five miles east of Colfax, Texas, serving as a reminder of the tragic events that unfolded there.
The legacy of Chief Bowl extends far beyond the battlefield. He is remembered as a skilled negotiator, a courageous leader, and a symbol of Cherokee resilience in the face of adversity. His life story serves as a poignant reminder of the complex and often tragic interactions between Native American tribes and the forces of westward expansion in the United States. He struggled to find peace for his people in a land that was becoming increasingly hostile to their way of life. His efforts, though ultimately unsuccessful, highlight the enduring spirit of the Cherokee people and their determination to preserve their cultural identity in the face of immense challenges. His story is a crucial part of Texas history and a testament to the struggles of Native Americans during the 19th century.