Massacre at Indian Key

Doctor Perrine and his family lived on a small island known as Indian Key, which was part of Florida. The Perrine lived on Indian Key during the period of the Seminole war. The Spanish Indians were beginning to become angry with some many people stealing their territory. Unfortunately, Dr. Perrine was attacked by a group of Spanish Indians and was killed. His family was able to escape from the Spanish Indians but suffered greatly from his death. Living on Indian Key Perrine had dedicated his life to the study of botany. He moved to Indian Key to continue his study of botany, his studies would have been very beneficial for Florida but all of his notes were destroyed from the Spanish Indians attack.

It was August 7 1840 when the Spanish Indians attacked the people living in Indian Key. Perrine family was startled by the sound of glass breaking and gunshots. Mrs. Perrine immediately realized that her family was in danger and quickly rushed the children down to their cellar for protection. Instead of retreating down to the cellar, Doctor Perrine stayed upstairs to see if he could try and stop the Indians from attacking his family. The Perrine's heard the Indians attacking the houses of their neighbors and the Indians eventually broke into their home. Doctor Perrine was upstairs and instead of hiding he bravely informed the Indians that he was a physician and they left. Although they retreated from the Perrine home they did not stay away for long. The Indians returned to the home and rather than going back to the cellar Doctor Perrine went upstairs to his cupola which had a heavy trapped door. Assuming he was safe he hid there while the Indians destroyed his home. Despite his efforts to save himself and his family, the Indians discovered him and murdered him. His family heard every moment of his massacre yet they were still safe in the cellar. The family had been hiding in the turtle crawl of the basement and when the Indians lit the house of fire smoke began to fill the air. Doctor Perrine's son, Henry, refused to burn to death and he said, "He would be killed by the savages than be burned to death." Without his Mother to force him back, he quickly forced his way out of the turtle crawl. The rest of his family feared he would be discovered by the Indians but could not let him go out alone. They followed him and escaped from the burning home. Because of Henry they rest of the Perrine family survived the tragic attack. But they were not clear from danger. With great motivation to survive, they found a boat and paddled away from the Island. They paddled their way to vessel where they found other families that had survived the attack. Even though they had reached the vessel everyone stilled feared the Indians would find them and kill them. Eventually of schooner arrived at the vessel and took them to Cape Florida. There they boarded a steamer and headed for St. Augustine.

This incident of the Seminole War was a tragic for the Perrine because they lost a beloved father/husband. But it clearly illustrates the Spanish Indians hatred for white settlers and how they were unable to tolerate the white settlers on their territory. These people might not have deserved the brutal attack but the Indians were proving their point that they were the first to live in the territory therefore it should not be taken over by people who were not willing to respect their land.

Women in America struggled to live lives equal to that of men in 1800s. Women, in no way, neglected issues that they felt strongly about. It seems that every instance that women were given the chance to stand out and make a change they did everything in their power to do so. The Women's Temperance society was created around this time period and existed for many years after. The society for the longest time fought for many women's rights and influential leaders like Susan B. Anthony were evolved. Over time this faded and they fought strictly for control over alcoholic beverages and in some instances the deletion of the substance altogether from American society (Ideas and Movements The Temperance Movement).

Thursday, June 2 1853 the Temperance Society met to discuss the issue regarding the addition to the constitution banning men from joining this committee. Men and women both attended this meeting, which was later postponed until the next meeting by Fredrick Douglas. There was much excitement in regards to this dilemma because an over all fear was present. Men and women in both circumstances feared that the society might become divided. In the end the name of the society was changed to The Peoples' New-York State Temperance League, but many of the leaders that were newly elected were indeed women. Susan B. Anthony resigned from her position of president because she no longer had interest in committee that did not focus for the most part on women's rights.

Native Americans were an ancestry that was brutally mistreated by our first settlers. They were considered to be barbarians but truly America's first settlers were the barbarians. The selfish acts of the "Indian removal act" are a disgrace to what our country now stands for. It was put into effect May 26, 1830 and was an agreement that all Native American tribes would be removed from their territory. The reasoning behind this as stated, "That a mixed occupancy of the same territory, the white and red man, is incompatible with the safety or happiness of either, is a position in respect to each there has long since ceased to be room for a difference of opinion" (Republican Complier, 1).

As a result, Natives were promised not only 13 million acres east of the Mississippi, but also 5 million dollars to the advancement of their society. After trickery and bribery performed on the Natives, eight tribes woefully journeyed to their new land on what is now referred to the trail of tears. The relocation was not easy for natives and resulted in changes in society. Naturally over time Natives lost respect and trust for the settlers discovering a distinguished hate for them. The Seminals, the only tribe remaining on Native territory razed a ruckus in Florida, murdering settlers with no regards to age or sex.

The first occupiers of our country, the first true citizens, continually were mistreated over the years. They are the first Americans, but continue to be forgotten. The American culture over powered the natives. Settlers felt that the land was theirs, that they were doing everything in their power to help Native society. The fact of the matter is that the settlers took advantage of these remarkable groups of people; they used the trust and power they had against them changing native society and culture for the worst.

Maintaining order on a plantation that was dependent on slavery was very important. To achieve this slaves required positive aspects in their life to look forward to. These privileges drove them to work. The creation of task systems and gang systems were frequent practices and established content lives among workers. Task systems were designed so that each slave had one engagement he or she was required to complete for the day. This instilled a compelling attitude that drove the slaves to finish their work in order to live out there lives. Gang Systems also worked in a similar way but a supervisor, also a slave, drove them. Gang systems also were prone to be more violent. These systems created a desire to achieve this higher status driving salves to work harder. For the most part, with the completion of their tasks slaves could live a customary life. These slaves lived in communities on the plantations, like that of Zephaniah Kingsley. Kinsley's plantation consisted of twenty-three cabins for slaves arranged in a semi circle. Here slaves engaged in cultural activities like dancing, music and religion. They were driven to: go home and tend to their gardens, perform these cultural activities, be with families, and even work to create a profit of their own. Task and gang systems did compel slaves to work hard, and in result were successful in achieving order on plantations.

The increasing immigration of America by Europeans forced the nation to begin expanding the land it needed. The idea of Manifest Destiny was prevalent throughout the citizens of the US, and each wanted his/her piece of land so they could start living out their lives. Florida was one the most lush and fertile areas in the country, and was prime location for more settlers who wanted to acquire property so that they could make some money. However, there was a large Native American population that had been living there for centuries. So, something had to give, and it ended up being the Native Americans.

For the Seminole Indians of Florida, this was a serious issue. Formed during the 18th century by Indians from Georgia, Alabama and Mississippi and former members of the Creek nation. When they were told to relocate, thousands did so, but several hundred stayed behind to stay and fight the settling whites as well as the government forces. During what is known as the Seminole Wars, the tribe fought, and killed, over 1500 American soldiers. This group can still be considered unconquered, because they were never truly defeated.

In 1853, the Governor of Florida passed a bill stating that any Indian captured in Florida would be sent west of the Mississippi. This was a major moment for Anglo-Indian relations in Florida, because it was the first document forced relocation in Florida history. It caused thousands of Seminoles to leave, and for those who stayed, they were forced to accept land that was a pittance compared to the land they had previously overseen.

William T. Stockton was a confederate soldier serving in the Florida Militia during the Civil War, acting as the Major and Lieutenant Colonel for the 1st Florida Calvary Regiment. Before this, he had been elected mayor of Quincy, Florida several times, as well as being married and having 9 children with his wife Julia. He served honorably during the Civil War, even returning from a nasty facial wound received while fighting against the Chickamunga tribe. In November of 1863, Stockton and several other regiments were overrun by Union forces and he was taken captive. He was taken to a Union Prison Camp in Sandusky, Ohio where he was released at Wars end.

While imprisoned at this camp, Stockton and his fellow captives were treated well, and given things that they needed in order to survive. This was a far cry from what a normal Civil War prison camp, where the conditions were horrendous, and a scarcity of food led to rampant disease and death. These soldiers were not prepared to care for all of these soldiers, and either couldn't or wouldn't help the soldiers that needed care. In the end, close to 56,000 soldiers died during the Civil War in prison camps. This proves how lucky Stockton was to be stationed where he and his fellow captives were. They were clothed, fed, and watered, even dining on turkey with some of the other captives. This was There was also lots of changeover in the military ranks, as it has been reported that General Bragg had died and General Hardee has assumed command of the Confederacy. Stockton was eventually released at the end of the Civil War, and returned to Quincy, where he died in 1869.

Edward P. Hooker is the chairman of the State Congregational Association in Florida. He organises the churches help towards the Seminoles. He helps provide for the Seminole Indians educationally and religiously. Edward P. Hooker is a Christian but unlike many white southerners he is open to many other religions and does not force Christianity upon the Indians who get help from his missionaries. Edwards's success in setting up these missionaries has allowed him to be recognised by other chairmen of churches. This recognition leads to financial benefits for his missions and a higher status in the south. Much of the recognition has got him set up with missionaries in Philadelphia as well as Florida and other parts of the south.

Edward P. Hooker develops plans that will better help the Seminole Indians socially and economically. By helping the Seminoles set up churches he is also providing a space for school education and work for Native American children. In the late 19th century he wrote to many other churches requesting they share ideas and plans for the Seminole Indians in Florida.

Edward P. Hooker is the chairman of a church based in Winter Park Florida, which gave him the advantage over other because of his close proximity to the Seminole Indians who lived in southern Florida. Edward is a very motivated white man and he is recognised because of his determination to help the Seminoles in their trouble after the Seminole wars.

The Seminoles in Florida needed the help of the missionaries to help restructure their society after both the Seminole wars. Without the missions in Florida the Seminole Indians may have not been able to reconstruct their society and they may have been abolished from Florida.

Venture Smith, given black's social status in America, knew that his freedom was a privilege and not a right. Venture Smith was always trying to help the African American population, especially buy purchasing other slave's freedom. The first slaves venture smith purchased were his two sons, Solomon and Cuff, which cost him four hundred dollars. Venture Smith made his money by working on the land he had purchased in Long Island, And by selling watermelon. Since Venture Smith was free and owned property, he was able to accomplish more than the average free black person.

Once Venture Smith was able to purchase his whole family, he began to buy as many African Americans as possible. Although he had a kind heart by purchasing slaves, he still expected the African Americans to work for him. Many of the slaves that were purchased did not seem to respect venture Smith because usually within a year they would run away. Venture Smith had an extraordinary life, first being born in Guinea, then becoming a slave, then becoming free, and finally owning other black people. One of the reasons's why people view venture smith as a kind hearted man is because he would still take African Americans word, especially when they told him they would not run away. One African American who worked for venture was named Mingo. Mingo was paid and allowed to stay at Venture smith's house, so that Mingo knew Venture Smith on a personal level. Yet, when Mingo was lent eight dollars from him, Mingo tried took advantage of his boss, by running away with the money. It seemed as if every time that hospitality was given by venture smith to an African American, Venture Smith was taken advantage of. The hardships of plantations created scenarios where slaves had little trust for their masters, and as a result Venture Smith was taken advantage of.

George N. Linns, a plantation owner in Jefferson County, Colorado who owned many of his slaves at a time of war was forced to release them (Thomas, as he was named by his slave master George was one of these slaves). At age 22 Thomas was a young black man and he was forced to serve as a soldier for the European American army in 1865. He was not well educated in reading or writing and neither well fed by his master or master's wife at his time on the plantation. He was a hard working slave, as he had no records of escaping from the plantation or rebelling against his master, Thomas was committed to what he had to do and a request from the Government was just what he needed. Thomas would be given his liberty after war if he was not to die, and would be someone who deserves their freedom.

Thomas's master was made to sign a receipt for the selling of his slave to the government, many of Thomas's details were on this note, his height, his weight and his newly given name, Thomas. George N. Linns was able to sell Thomas for forty five hundred dollars which was a considerable amount of money for a slave of Thomas's status. Thomas like many other slave had no experience of going to war, therefore offered no skill to the soldiers. All Thomas was once he was sold was another man who would stand with fellow slaves and fight for a country he was forced to live on.

George N. Linns may have lost a slave through war, but Thomas has gained his liberty from the hidden opportunity of freedom through war.

The day was March 3, 1913 in Washington D.C., many women at the time have wanted equal rights, that they were not receiving, so many important women icons decided to act upon their beliefs. The women gathered 5,000 supporters, such as Mrs. Taft. She and other supporters walked down Pennsylvania Avenue in hopes of rallying the crowd and getting as many supporters as possible. The women used decorated floats in order to persuade the public to sympathize with there cause. The women were pleading that they should be able to vote, and they their current situation in society was unfair. They marched down the boardwalk while cars where honking for there cause and bands where playing religious music. The women started a movement that day, and the movement was known as the greatest appeal for women's support in America. The women were also walking towards the memorial continental hall in order to give many speeches by icons, so their voice would be heard. There were many famous women speakers, such as Carrie Chapman Catt who was the president of international suffrage alliance. The women who marched for women's rights used music, newspapers, magazines, and pamphlets to demonstrate there lifetime work on women's right.