Chief John Ross

Chief John Ross (Wikipedia)

John Ross was born on Oct. 3, 1790 near Lookout Mountain in Chattanooga, Tennessee. John Ross was a trader among the Cherokee John Ross went to school in Kingston. John was an excellent student. The Ross’ Landing on the Tennessee River in Chattanooga is named for him. John helped the Cherokee people. John Ross married when he was 19. John Ross became a leader of the Cherokees. His Cherokee name was Tsan-usdi – a Cherokee term meaning "Little John". He worked hard for his people and helped them learn different trades. He knew Sequoyah and adopted his syllabary which was the only written Native American language.

John Ross was involved in the Trail of Tears and led his people to Oklahoma. We think John Ross was a great leader of the Cherokee because he helped them very much. He also fought for his people. John Ross was admired by the Cherokee People. Sometimes we go down to Ross’s Landing and think about the Cherokee People and what their life must have been like.

Chief John Ross demonstrated the characteristics of a hero by his dedication to his people. He worked hard to help the Cherokee Nation. He was an honest man and helped many people to learn how to read and write. He helped fight for his nation too.