The history of the American West is a tapestry woven with diverse threads, often overlooking the significant contributions of African Americans who sought refuge and opportunity beyond the reach of slavery. Among these individuals were many who escaped bondage and found acceptance, even prominence, within various Native American tribes. The Muskogee Creek Nation, in particular, integrated many Afro-Americans into their society, granting them citizenship and affording them opportunities to participate fully in tribal life. One such figure who rose to prominence was Harry Island, a man whose life and legacy illuminate the complex relationship between the Creek Nation, the United States government, and the African Americans who became an integral part of their community. This article will delve into the life and contributions of Harry Island, exploring his role as an official U.S. Interpreter and his tireless advocacy for the rights of Freedmen within the Muskogee Creek Nation.
The post-Civil War era was a time of immense change and upheaval, particularly for Native American tribes who had been caught in the crossfire of the conflict. The United States government, eager to solidify its control over the West, engaged in numerous negotiations with these tribes, often with the goal of acquiring land and resources. In this complex landscape, interpreters played a crucial role, bridging the linguistic and cultural divides between the government and the tribal nations. Harry Island served as one of the official U.S. Interpreters with the Muskogee Creek Nation during this critical period, participating in many official hearings throughout the 1860s and 70s. His fluency in both English and Muskogee, the language of the Creek people, made him an invaluable asset in these negotiations. Alongside Island, other African Creek individuals, such as Silas Jefferson, James Johnson, and John Meyers, also served as interpreters, highlighting the significant presence and contributions of African Americans within the Creek Nation.
However, the historical narrative surrounding Harry Island is not without its complexities. Some historical accounts portray him as a figure who "tricked" the Creeks into including benefits for Freedmen in treaty negotiations. This perspective suggests that Island manipulated the process to secure advantages for African Americans at the expense of the Creek Nation’s interests. Yet, such a portrayal fails to acknowledge the reality of Island’s life and his deep connection to the Creek community.
Harry Island was himself a citizen of the Muskogee Creek Nation, born and raised within its territory. He lived according to Creek customs, spoke the language fluently, and was deeply embedded in the social fabric of the nation. To suggest that he would have intentionally excluded his own people, the African Creek citizens who were an integral part of the nation, from benefits accorded to the tribe seems highly improbable. It is difficult to imagine that a man so deeply rooted in his community would have acted against its collective interests.
The late Angie Debo, a renowned Oklahoma historian, offered a more nuanced perspective on Harry Island in her book, "The Road to Disappearance: A History of the Creek Indians." Debo described Island as a "shrewd Creek Negro who served as interpreter and apparently looked after the interest of his race." This description acknowledges Island’s astute understanding of the political landscape and his commitment to advocating for the rights of African Creek citizens. Debo’s assessment suggests that Island was not acting out of malice or deception, but rather out of a sense of responsibility to his community.
The inclusion of Freedmen in treaty negotiations was a contentious issue, as the Creek Nation, like many other tribes, grappled with the aftermath of the Civil War and the changing dynamics of race and citizenship. Initially, some factions within the Creek Nation sought to exclude their African citizens from receiving benefits extended to the nation. This attitude was a reflection of the broader racial prejudices that existed in the United States at the time. However, Island and other African Creek leaders fought tirelessly to ensure that Freedmen were recognized as full citizens of the nation and entitled to the same rights and privileges as other members of the tribe.
In March of 1867, payments began to be distributed to Creek citizens who had remained loyal to the Union during the Civil War. However, Sam Checote, a prominent Creek leader, attempted to exclude African Creeks from receiving these payments. In response, Harry Island, accompanied by Cow Tom and Ketch Barnett, traveled to Washington, D.C., to protest this discriminatory action. Their efforts were successful in ensuring that African Creeks were included in the distribution of funds, demonstrating Island’s effectiveness as a negotiator and his unwavering commitment to his community.
Island’s advocacy extended beyond financial matters. He also played a key role in ensuring that Freedmen were included among the Loyal Creeks, those who had remained loyal to the Union during the Civil War. This designation was important because it entitled them to certain rights and benefits under the treaties negotiated with the United States government. During the hearings for the Loyal Creek Claims, Island served as the government interpreter for Louisa Tiger and others who had been refugees from the war. Ketch Barnett and Cow Tom joined Island as part of the official delegation of African Creeks making claims. Island is said to have been among the strongest voices to insure that the Freedmen were included among the Loyal Creeks.
Harry Island is remembered for his skills as a negotiator and is revered by the Freedmen and descendants of Freedmen. During his lifetime, he was able to secure the placement of the African Creeks in the nation, ensuring their rights and privileges as citizens. His efforts helped to create a more inclusive and equitable society within the Muskogee Creek Nation.
Harry Island died on August 15, 1872, at the age of 60. He is buried at Agency Cemetery, located outside of Muskogee, Oklahoma. His granite stone slab bears the inscription: "Harry ISLAND, died August 15, 1872, aged 60 yrs." Sadly, the cemetery where he rests is now abandoned, with limited access. Harry Island and other African Creek leaders are buried there, their contributions largely forgotten by the broader community.
The story of Harry Island serves as a reminder of the complex and often overlooked history of African Americans in the West. His life exemplifies the resilience, adaptability, and contributions of those who sought refuge and opportunity within Native American communities. While some historical accounts may portray him in a negative light, a closer examination of his life reveals a man deeply committed to his community and dedicated to ensuring the rights and privileges of African Creek citizens. His legacy deserves to be remembered and celebrated as an integral part of the rich and diverse history of the American West.