Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1839-08-02
From the Journal Of Commerce.
JOHN RIDGE, THE CHEROKEE IN
DIAN

DIAN.
| The newspapers announce the assasslna
ton of John Ridge, and his father, MAJOR
Ridge. Both these individuals were exten'
siveIy known. Ridge senior, called IN his
own nation and elsewhere Major Ridge.
was distinguished chief in the Cherokee
nation, has frequently visited Washington,
and was man of uncommon ability and
influence. His son John was educated at
the Cornwall School, in Connecticut, where
he married a respectable white lady. She
accompanied him back to his tribe, and is
now, with her children. west Of the Missis-
sppi, at the late residence of her husband,
Honey Creek, near the corner Of Arkansas
and Missouri. John Ridge was about thir-
ty-eight years of age was formerly prac,,
Using attorney among the Cherokees, and
one time president ofthe senate OF that ma.
ton. In the year 1882, John Ridge and
Elias Boudinot, both Cherokees visited
this city, Boston, &c. and addressed several
meetings on behalf OF their nation. Those
who heard Mr.. Ridge will remember his
gentlemanly bearing and stirring eloquence
AT subsequent period the Messrs Ridge,
father and son, were induced to cenSe their
opposition to the removal Of the CherokeeS
west ofthe Mississippi, and to become the
warm advocate Of that measure. Mr.. Ross,
and the party among the nation who oppos.
ed the removal, accused Major Ridge and
his son having been bribed to forsake what
they considered the true interests OF their
people.
Since the emigration ofthe Cherokces 20
the west of the father waters" John Ridge
has been engaged in trade, and has visited
this city two or three times where he has
pure ased goods largely. His last visit
was in May, when he paid for the principal
part of his purchases in post notes Of the
United States Bank. He was accompanied
by two young gentlemen, of the Cherokee
nation, who were also engaged in trade.
He was found OF distinction, wealth and
power pleased with rich apparel and orna-
ments, jealous OF his supposed rights, en-
terprising, and seemed 10 be an aiiectionate
husband and father
During his visit here in 1882. Mr.. Ridge
was invited to attend a Monthly Concert
and to make an address lie would be hap.
py, he said, 10 attend the meeting, but wished
10 be excused from speaking. as II seemed
10 him inconsistent in one who did not pro-
Tess religion. 10 address religious meeting
He was however urged TO make some re-
marks, and complied. He began by saying
that he stood before them, he was ashamed
to say, as one who had not embraced Chris.
ianity himself and yet he could relate many
facts showing the beneficial influence OF
religion upon those who had been converted
in his nation. He related several striking
facts. Among them was one respecting an
eminent Cherokee who had been reclaimed
from deep degradation by the power Of the
Gospel He had sunk so low, by his tenn
porate habits, tina, he was generally called
wicked Richard" but BY the grace OF God
he had been restored to his right mind, was
judge OF the Supreme Court, and during
vacations often went about addressing his
countrymen powerfully on the subject of
religion.
Mr. Ridge spoke with exultation of his in.
tenton OF having his two sons educated at
New England College, and appeared 10
be engrossed with literary pursuits, and a
desire 10 promote the intellectual and moral
good of his nation.