Abiaka
Abiaka | |
|---|---|
The only depiction of Abiaka during his lifetime in 1839 | |
| Seminole-Miccosukee leader | |
| In office 1837–1866 | |
| Preceded by | Micanopy |
| Principal Chief of the Florida Seminoles | |
| Personal details | |
| Born | c. 1781 Near Flint River, Georgia, U.S. |
| Died | c. 1866 (aged 84-85) Big Cypress Swamp, Florida, U.S. |
| Children | At least 4 |
| Known for | Fought in the Seminole Wars, resulting in the continued existence of the Seminole tribe in Florida. |
| Mother tongue | Mikasuki |
| Nickname | Sam Jones |
| Military service | |
| Battles/wars | |
Abiaka, also known as Sam Jones, (c. 1781 – c. 1866) was a Seminole-Miccosukee chief, warrior, and shaman who fought against the United States during the Seminole Wars. He was born among the Miccosukee people of Georgia, who would migrate south into Florida and become part of the Seminole tribe. He initially rose to prominence among the Seminoles as a powerful shaman. Abiaka became the principal chief of the Seminoles in 1837 during the Seminole Wars. He was a guerrilla warfare tactician and he led the Seminoles at the Battle of Lake Okeechobee, the largest battle of the conflict. Abiaka successfully resisted the United States and its policy of Indian Removal, and his leadership resulted in the continued presence of the Seminole people in Florida.