A daring account of Black Seminole warrior, chief, and diplomat John
Horse and the route he forged on the Underground Railroad to gain
freedom for his people
John Horse (c. 1812-1882, also known as Juan Caballo) was a famed chief,
warrior, tactician, and diplomat who played a dominant role in Black
Seminole affairs for half a century. His story is central to that of the
Black Seminoles--descendants of Seminole Indians, free Blacks, and
escaped slaves who formed an alliance in Spanish Florida. A political
and military leader of mixed Seminole and African heritage, Horse
defended his people from the US government, other tribes, and slave
hunters.
A Man Called Horse focuses on the little-known life of Horse while
also putting into historical perspective the larger story of Native
Americans and especially Black Seminoles, helping to connect the missing
"dots" in this period. After fighting during the Second Seminole War
(1835-1842), one of the longest and most costly Native American
conflicts in US history, Horse negotiated terms with the federal
government and later became a guide and interpreter. Forced to relocate,
he led a group of Black Seminoles to find a new home, first heading
westward to Texas and later to Mexico.
Turner worked with descendants of Horse, who provided oral histories as
well as many photographs and other artifacts. Her expertly researched
and vetted biography depicts Horse as a complex, fascinating figure who
served in many varied roles, including as a counselor of fellow Seminole
leaders, an agent of the US government, and a captain in the Mexican
army. But no matter the part he played, one thing remained constant:
whether in battle or at the negotiating table, Horse fought tirelessly
to help his people survive. The story of John Horse is a tale of daring,
intrigue, and the lifelong quest for freedom.
The book includes black-and-white archival photos throughout (though the
book is designed in full color), as well as a map, timeline, author's
note, endnotes, and select bibliography.
