Ernest Neal
Ernest Neal was the 2nd Poet Laureate of Georgia. He was born in Sparta, Georgia (U.S.) in 1858. He lived in Dahlonega for some time, but Calhoun, GA was his home. Biography. Neal became Georgia's 2nd Poet Laureate on August 20, 1927. He held the position until his death on January 7, 1943. One of Neal's best known poems,"The Indian's Heart," was recited at the dedication of the New Echota Monument near Calhoun. New Echota was the last standing capital of the Cherokee Indians before they were relocated to Oklahoma (i.e. "The Trail of Tears")from  1838–1839; President Andrew Jackson had much to do with this. Neal wrote many poems about Calhoun and New Echota. Poems. "The Land of the Cherokee" Ernest Neal, Poet Laureate of Georgia, Calhoun, Georgia "Poem read at dedication of the New Echota Monument, 1931" Bibliography. "A second book of verse". Macon: J.W. Burke, 1928. "Yonah, and other poems." Atlanta: Unknown Publisher, 1920.