The history of the American West is a tapestry woven with diverse threads, often overlooking the contributions of African Americans who sought refuge and opportunity beyond the confines of slavery. Among these individuals were those who found acceptance and integration within Native American tribes, becoming known as "Black Indians." These unique communities arose from a confluence of factors: enslaved people escaping bondage, those sold or fleeing from their enslavers, and the pre-existing relationships, both voluntary and involuntary, between some tribes and people of African descent. This article explores the life of one such individual, Sugar T. George, also known as George Sugar, a man who rose from slavery within the Muskogee Nation to become a prominent leader and respected figure in the Indian Territory. He embodies the resilience, adaptability, and leadership qualities of the Freedmen who shaped the landscape of the West.
Early Life and Enslavement:
Born around 1827 within the Muskogee Nation, Sugar T. George entered the world as a slave. His father, Sorrow Pigeon, was enslaved by David Pigeon, while George himself was the property of Mariah McIntosh. The Muskogee Nation, also known as the Creek Nation, was one of the "Five Civilized Tribes," who had adopted some aspects of European-American culture, including the institution of slavery. George’s early life was undoubtedly marked by the hardships and injustices inherent in this system. Later, when the Dawes Rolls were created to document tribal membership, he was enrolled as Sugar T. Hared, residing in the North Fork town. This initial enrollment provides a glimpse into the bureaucratic processes that sought to define and categorize individuals within the complex social and political landscape of the time.
Escape to Freedom and Military Service:
The tumultuous period leading up to the Civil War presented Sugar T. George with an opportunity to escape the bonds of slavery. When Opothleyahola, a prominent Creek leader, led a faction of his people into Kansas to avoid the escalating conflict, George seized the chance to join them. This act of defiance and self-liberation marked a turning point in his life. He further solidified his commitment to freedom by enlisting in the Union Army, serving in Company "H" of the 1st Indian Home Guards.
His ability to read and write, coupled with his inherent leadership qualities, quickly propelled him through the ranks. He was soon promoted to First Sergeant, a testament to his competence and the respect he garnered from his fellow soldiers. Historian Gary Zellar of the University of Arkansas has noted that Sugar George often acted as the de facto leader of his unit, stepping up to take charge when the white and Indian officers were dismissed for misconduct. Despite the prevailing racial prejudices that prevented Black soldiers from holding officer positions, George’s leadership was undeniable, and he effectively commanded his unit despite the limitations imposed upon him. His service in the Union Army not only contributed to the cause of abolition but also provided him with valuable experience and a platform to demonstrate his abilities. The Freedmen serving in the Union Army contributed significantly to the Union victory.
Claiming Loyalty and Building a Legacy:
Following the Civil War, Sugar T. George, along with many other formerly enslaved people who had allied with the Union, sought compensation for their loyalty and sacrifices. In 1867, he filed a claim as part of the Loyal Creeks, a process documented in Record Group 75 at the National Archives. His claim was one of over 300 submitted by Freedmen and among 60 from Black soldiers who had served in the Indian Home Guards. This act of claiming his due highlights the Freedmen’s determination to assert their rights and seek redress for the injustices they had endured.
In the years that followed, Sugar T. George rose to prominence within the Muskogee Nation. He amassed wealth and influence, becoming a respected figure in his community. He resided in North Fork, Colored Town, a settlement within the Creek Nation, and eventually became a Town King, a position of leadership within the local government. He also served on the Muskogee Creek Nation Tribal Council, further demonstrating his commitment to public service and his ability to navigate the complex political landscape of the time.
Family and Community Involvement:
Sugar T. George married twice, first to Mariah McIntosh, with whom he remained until her death in 1867. In 1876, he married Betty Rentie, with Monday Durant, another prominent Freedman, officiating the ceremony. Although Sugar and Betty had no biological children, they adopted and raised James Sugar as their own son. His step-grandchildren, Rena and Julia Sugar, also lived with him at the time of the Dawes Enrollment, further illustrating his commitment to family and community.
Sugar T. George’s reputation extended beyond his political and economic achievements. He was known for his integrity and his willingness to assist others. His name appeared on numerous important documents, and he often served as a witness for people in his community. As a literate man, he also provided invaluable assistance to illiterate individuals by preparing letters and documents on their behalf. This service highlights the importance of literacy and education in empowering individuals and communities during this era.
Advocate for Education:
Beyond his military service and political involvement, Sugar T. George was deeply committed to the education of Freedmen in the Indian Territory. He recognized the transformative power of education and actively supported educational initiatives. He served on the board of the Tullahassee Mission School, an institution dedicated to providing education to Creek and Seminole Freedmen. Because of his recognized financial acumen, he was also entrusted with maintaining the school’s financial records. His involvement with the Tullahassee Mission School underscores his belief in the importance of education as a means of empowerment and social mobility for the Freedmen community. The Freedmen believed in the power of education.
Legacy and Remembrance:
Sugar T. George died on June 30, 1900, and was buried in the Agency Cemetery in Muskogee. His grave is marked by a beautiful gray granite tomb with a large marble monument, approximately five feet high, bearing the inscription: "In memory of Rev. SUGAR GEORGE. Died July 31, 1900. Aged 82 years. The day is past and gone the evening shadows appear. O may we all remember well the night of death draws near."
Despite his significant contributions to the Muskogee Nation, a visit to the Creek Council House in Okmulgee may yield little information about Sugar T. George, with authorities sometimes claiming a lack of knowledge about his history. This historical amnesia underscores the challenges in preserving and acknowledging the contributions of marginalized communities. The Agency Cemetery, where Sugar George is buried, is now abandoned and overgrown, located off Highway 69 in Muskogee, behind a truck repair shop. The neglect of this burial ground serves as a poignant reminder of the historical erasure that often affects the legacies of African American leaders.
Sugar George’s story is one of resilience, leadership, and commitment to community. Despite facing the immense challenges of slavery and racial prejudice, he rose to prominence within the Muskogee Nation, leaving a lasting impact on the lives of those around him. His story serves as a vital reminder of the contributions of the Freedmen to the history of the West and the importance of preserving their stories for future generations. Sugar T. George, a.k.a. George Sugar, is an example of a great leader among the freedmen.
Sources:
1 – Document found in Civil War Pension File of Sugar T. George
2 – Claims of the Loyal Creeks, RG 75 National Archives
3 – Indian Pioneer History Project for Oklahoma LDS Microfiche #6016976 Volume 111 – Cemeteries