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Immigration for Cherokee Tribe Was a Disaster

By Capper's Staff
Published on March 6, 2013

The Native American part of me knows that the immigration to the “Land of Opportunity” was a disaster for my Cherokee ancestors. My great-great-grandmother was uprooted with her family. While it was unfortunate for the larger part of the family, it benefited her in another way. She was young, and married into my paternal ancestors’ family. I wonder what she’d think of my sister, Morning Sun; my brother, Hunts The Deer; and me, Night Star. Would she be happy that I am now part of the TSALAGIYI NVDAGI, the Texas Cherokee? I think she’d be glad that I, too, have a happy married life with someone whose family also came to the Land of Opportunity. But let’s never forget the price Native Americans paid so that everyone could come to this country.

Jo Ann Miller
Huffman, Texas


Back in 1955 a call went out from the editors of the then Capper’s Weekly asking for readers to send in articles on true pioneers. Hundreds of letters came pouring in from early settlers and their children, many now in their 80s and 90s, and from grandchildren of settlers, all with tales to tell. So many articles were received that a decision was made to create a book, and in 1956, the first My Folks title – My Folks Came in a Covered Wagon – hit the shelves. Nine other books have since been published in the My Folks series, all filled to the brim with true tales from Capper’s readers, and we are proud to make those stories available to our growing online community.