John Ross, Principal Cherokee Chief, 1843 John Ross was elected Principal Chief of the Cherokees from 1828 to 1866. Just one-eighth Cherokee from his maternal line, Ross was raised Cherokee. His mission schooling, bilingual skills, and sharp legal mind provided strong credentials to advance Cherokee interests. Despite a decade of lobbying trips to Washington, Ross could not stop the Cherokee expulsion. His wife, Quatie, died on the Trail of Tears.

Library of Congress, LC-DIG-pga-07513.