The Missouri in the Civil War Message Board

Pin Indians

In the late 1850s, the traditionalist Cherokee formally organized the Keetoowah Society (variously spelled), named after an ancient 'mother town' of the Cherokee. The Keetoowah were full bloods or accepted as such and were influenced by their Northern Baptist missionaries, Evan and son John B. Jones -- the latter became chaplain of the 3rd Indian Home Guard (US). They were generally members or allies of the Ross Party, i.e. the party of Principal Chief John Ross. They were particularly anti-slavery and hostile to the Watie Party (led by Stand Watie) which included nearly all the mixed blood and white citizens and nearly all the slave-owners.

As a symbol of their Keetoowah affiliation, they wore a pin on their lapel, usually on the underside so only visible when they turned up their lapel to show someone. Hence the name "Pins". Eventually, the term became applied to any Indian who was "traditional" as to their culture and/or dress or was hostile to Southerners, slave-owners, or those allied with the Confederacy. The traditionalist Cherokee were closely tied to the traditionalists of other tribes (and still are) and considered them friends and allies.

After the Confederate victories at 1st Bull Run/Manassas and more importantly Wilsons Creek/Oak Hills, Chief Ross lost hope in remaining neutral in the conflict and recommended an alliance with the Confederacy which was approved by the National Council. A regiment of home guard was raised under the command of Col. John Drew and offered to the Confederacy. In July 1862, the so-called First Indian Expedition under Col. Weer invaded the Cherokee Nation. All but about 80 of Drew's 1st Cherokee Mtd Rifles (CS) defected and, along with many more Pins, filled the ranks of the 2nd Indian Home Guard under Ritchie and creating the 3rd Indian Home Guard under Wm. A. Phillips. Phillips' regiment was commonly called "the Pin Regiment".

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Info on Elliott's attack on Pins near Carthage
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Pin Indians
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Re: Info on Elliott's attack on Pins near Carthage