and to the day of his death
clung to the moccasin and turban, together with the rattle, his badge
of authority. He died in March, 1S99, aged about sixty-five, and was
moomvj STORY-TELLERS 237
buried like a true Cherokee on the slope of a forest-clad mountain.
Peace to his ashes and sorrow for his going, for with him perished half
the tradition of a people.
Next in order comes the name <>f Itagu'nahi. better known a^ John
A\. born about L800 and now consequently just touching the centurj
mark, being the oldest man of the band. He has a distinct recollec-
tion of tin' Creek war, at which time he was about twelve years of age,
and was already married and a father when the lands east of Xantahala
were sold by the treaty of L819. Although not a professionalpriest
or doctor, he was recognized, before age had dulled his faculties, as
an authority upon all relating to tribal custom, and was an expert in
the making of rattles, wands, and other ceremonial paraphernalia. ( >f
a poetic and imaginative temperament, he cared most for the wonder
stories, of the giant Tsul'kalu', of the great Uktena or of the invisible
spirit people, but he had also a keen appreciation of the humorous
animal stories. He speaks no English, and with his erect spare figure
and piercing eye is a tine specimen of the old-time Indian. Notwith-
standing his great age he walked without other assistance than his
stick to the last ball game, where he watched every run with the closest
interest, and would have attended the dance the night before but for
the interposition of friends.
Suyeta, "The Chosen