Col. Casey & the Cherokees

 I came across this small article from an old newspaper in Tennessee which talks about a founding father of Baxter County, Arkansas, Col. Randolph DePriest "Ran" Casey. His historic house still sits on its original foundation by the Baxter County Fair Grounds. 

Mr. Casey was a lieutenant in a Battalion of Tennessee Volunteers commanded by Major Julian & Capt. Rufus P. Neely in the War with or Removal of the Cherokee Indians from the states of Georgia and Tennessee in the year 1838.

This article offers a brief glimpse at our Ozarks' History.

May 22, 1883

The Cherokees

Col. Casey, of Baxter County, Going to Reunion

At Bolivar, of the Fourteen Survivors of

the Company to Remove Them.

Hon. R. D. Casey, of Mountain Home, Baxter County, accompanied by his nephew, Judge J. F. Russell, his daughter, Mrs. Paul and Mrs. Hicks, and granddaughter Miss Katie Hicks, arrived Sunday and left last evening for Bolivar, Tenn. Mr. Casey is one of Arkansas’ best citizens, and was an honored member of the of the legislature soon after reconstruction.

Mr. Casey stated to a reporter of THE GAZETTE that a reunion of his company, organized for the removal of the Cherokee the 8^th of May, 1838, to their present quarters in the Indian Territory, would be held this week at Bolivar, “their removal, “ he continued, “took place forty-five years ago this month.

Who commanded your Company?”

“Our battalion was commanded by Major Julian, and Capt. R. P. Neely of Bolivar was in charge of the company. I was the first lieutenant, but I cannot remember the other officers.

“Do you remember how many men in your company?”

“Yes, 104, and all but fourteen are dead. The fourteen, however, will all answer at roll call this week. Ninety are dead.”

“Where were you mustered into service?”

“At Calhoun, on the Tennessee river, by Gen. Winfield Scott. I remember we marched down to Ross’ Landing, now a flourishing city of Chattanooga.”

“Did you have any fighting with the Cherokees?”

“None at all. They at first refused to go, but they saw we were in earnest they went peaceably enough.”

 End of Article 

May 17, 1889

"On Monday May 13th the annual reunion of Gen. Rufus P. Neely command was held at his office in Bolivar. The following present: Gen. R.P. Neely, age 80; William Porter, age 71; William F. Roberts, 77; James Mills, 75; Joseph Teague, age 73; Honorary members Capt. Thomas Jones and Wylie Fort were also present. The following members were absent on account of health: Col. Jesse Harris, Washington, DC; Col. R.D. Casey, Mountain Home, AR; Dr. R.A. Westbrook, Moseley, TX; William R. Pipkin, Waco, TX; and Isaiah Macon of TX."

End of Article

 
  May 15, 1896

"Gen. Neely reunion of Old Cherokee Soldiers was held here Monday last week. Only three members were present: Gen. R.P. Neely, William Porter and James Mills. Col. R.D. Casey, William Roberts and Joe Thompson have died since the last meeting. There are only five old soldiers living: Jesse Harris, Washington, D.C.; Mr. Shaw of Middleton and the three present."

End of Article 

Works Cited:

“Annual Reunion.”  The Bolivar Bulletin (15 May 1896). Chronicling America. Library of Congress, Washington D. C. (23 Oct., 2012).

“Gen. Neely reunion of Old Cherokee Soldiers.” The Bolivar Bulletin (17 May, 1889). Chronicling America. Library of Congress, Washington D. C. (23 Oct., 2012).

  

“The Cherokees.” The Daily Gazette (22 May, 1883) 04. Memphis, Tennessee. Chronicling America. Library of Congress, Washington D. C. (23 Oct., 2012).