SEQUOYAH. Honor to Whom Honor is Due

Abstract

In the early part of the eighteenth century there was quite an imigration of German people from Bavaria to that part of our country which is now included in the state of Georgia. Like the Mayflower emigration from Holland this one was also a religious movement. An effort was made to exclude unworthy people from these companies. However, in one such company, in 1739, a family managed to be included who belonged to this latter class. Instead of being religious in profession, as were the others, they were indolent, ignorant and superstitious. Their name, which is variously given as Gist, Guest, Guess or Gisb, was destined to be perpetuated by a singular combination of circumstances. Soon after their arrival there was born to them a son to whom the name of George was given. He grew up the black sheep of the community. Their home was within the limits of the great Cherokee nation. Trading privileges with the Indians was closely guarded by the whites. George Guest, as was called, sought such a peddler's license, but being held in low repute, was refused. This did not seem to worry him in the least and became a contraband trader. In 1768 started on a trading trip through the Cherokee nation. While on this trip, married an Indian maiden, after the loose manner of the times. They lived together for a number of months, but tiring of his bargain, the German peddler quietly stole away one night and was never afterwards heard from. In 1770 there was born to this deserted wife a boy baby. In the soft language of the Cherokee people she named him Sequo-yah, which means he guessed it. This Indian woman was possessed of more than ordinary intelligence and energy. Her family were among the leading spirits of the nation. The love which would have been given to the husband, was now bestowed upon the child. As grew up