The saga of the American West is often painted with broad strokes, focusing on cowboys, pioneers, and conflicts between settlers and Native American tribes. However, a crucial and often overlooked thread in this tapestry is the story of the Freedmen, formerly enslaved African Americans who sought refuge and opportunity in the West. Many of these individuals found acceptance and even integration within various Native American communities, blurring the lines of race and culture in profound ways. Among these remarkable figures stands Dosar Barkus, a leader in a Black Seminole community who navigated the complex landscape of the late 19th century Indian Territory.
The history of Black Seminoles is a testament to resilience and adaptation. It begins with the escape of enslaved Africans from the Southern colonies to Spanish Florida, where they found refuge among the Seminole Indians. The Seminoles, themselves a diverse group formed from various Native American tribes, offered protection and a shared life to these fugitives. Over time, a unique Afro-Seminole culture developed, characterized by a blend of African, Native American, and European traditions. This community flourished, often living in separate but allied villages, and playing a significant role in Seminole society.
Dosar Barkus‘s life story is interwoven with this larger narrative of the Black Seminoles. While the precise details of his early years remain somewhat obscured, historical accounts suggest that he may have been enslaved by a man named John Jumpers. Regardless of his specific origins, Dosar Barkus emerged as a prominent figure within the Black Seminole community of Indian Territory in the late 1800s. Indian Territory, present-day Oklahoma, became a destination for many Native American tribes, including the Seminoles, who were forcibly removed from their ancestral lands in the Southeast. This new environment presented both challenges and opportunities for the Black Seminoles, who sought to maintain their cultural identity and secure their rights within the larger Seminole Nation.
According to records documented by the Dawes Commission, the names of his parents were Charley and Tema, lacking any recorded surnames. This absence of surnames highlights the challenges faced by formerly enslaved people in establishing their identities and documenting their lineage. Despite these obstacles, Dosar Barkus rose to a position of influence within his community, demonstrating his leadership qualities and his commitment to the well-being of his people.
Family played a vital role in Seminole society, and Dosar Barkus‘s marriage to a woman named Sooky or Sookie further cemented his place within the community. Sooky was possibly a member of the Sango family, who had returned to Indian Territory from Mexico in the late 19th century. The return of families like the Sangos underscores the complex migratory patterns of the Black Seminoles, who often sought refuge in Mexico to escape slavery or persecution in the United States.
As a leader, Dosar Barkus became a vital bridge between the Black Seminole community and the larger Seminole Nation. He emerged as a reliable spokesperson for many African Seminoles during the tumultuous admissions process overseen by the Dawes Commission. The Dawes Commission, established in 1893, was tasked with allotting communal tribal lands to individual members of the Five Civilized Tribes, including the Seminoles. This process had profound consequences for Native American communities, as it dissolved tribal governments and opened up vast tracts of land to white settlement.
For the Black Seminoles, the Dawes Commission posed a particular set of challenges. They had to prove their membership in the Seminole Nation and navigate a complex bureaucracy that often discriminated against people of African descent. Dosar Barkus stepped forward as a trusted advocate, guiding his people through the daunting process and ensuring that their voices were heard.
By the time of the Dawes hearings, Dosar Barkus was a man of approximately 50 years, possessing a deep understanding of Seminole culture and a strong connection to his constituency. His people relied on him to represent their interests and protect their rights during these critical proceedings. His role involved not only advocating for individual claims but also vouching for the character and reliability of the information provided to the Commission.
A testament to his influence and respect within the community is the fact that a series of interviews with Dosar Barkus were published in the Spring 2000 issue of the Frontier Freedman’s Journal. These interviews provide valuable insights into the lives and experiences of the Black Seminoles during this pivotal period in their history.
Dosar Barkus participated in more than 50 interviews for the Dawes Commission, attesting to his dedication and commitment to his community. His presence in the final interview process highlights the trust and respect that he commanded. It was clear that his word held significant weight and was carefully considered by the Commission.
The legacy of Dosar Barkus extends beyond his role in the Dawes Commission hearings. He, along with another band leader named Caesar Bruner, became such influential figures that bands within the Seminole Nation were named in their honor. These two African bands continue to carry their names, a lasting tribute to their leadership and their contributions to Seminole society. This enduring recognition underscores the deep integration of the Black Seminoles into the larger Seminole community and the respect accorded to their leaders.
Dosar Barkus resided in Sasakwa, Indian Territory, a predominantly Black settlement. There he lived with his wife, Sookey, and their children: Daniel, Sango, Amey, Dolley, and Jackson. Sasakwa served as a vital center for the Black Seminoles, providing a sense of community and a space to preserve their cultural traditions.
The story of Dosar Barkus is a microcosm of the larger experience of the Freedmen in the American West. It is a story of resilience, adaptation, and the struggle for recognition and equality. By understanding the lives and contributions of figures like Dosar Barkus, we can gain a more nuanced and complete understanding of the history of the American West and the diverse communities that shaped it. His leadership during a period of immense change and uncertainty ensured the survival and continued cultural identity of the Black Seminoles within the Seminole Nation. His story stands as a powerful reminder of the importance of preserving the stories of those whose voices are often marginalized in mainstream historical narratives.