John Ross (Cherokee Chief) - Early Life and Education

Early Life and Education

Ross (also known by his Cherokee name, Guwisguwi) was born in Turkeytown (in modern day Alabama), along the Coosa River, to Mollie McDonald, and Daniel Ross, an immigrant Scottish trader. Because he was born to a Cherokee mother, Ross was considered to be a member of her Bird Clan by birth.

Ross' mother and grandmother were of mixed Scots-Cherokee ancestry. His great-grandmother Ghigooie, a "full-blood" Cherokee, married William Shorey, a Scottish interpreter. Their daughter, Anna, married John McDonald, a Scots trader. In 1786 Anna and John's daughter, Mollie McDonald, married Daniel Ross, a Scots trader who had begun to live among the Cherokee during the American Revolution.

Ross spent his childhood with his parents in the area of Lookout Mountain. He saw much of Cherokee society as he encountered the full-blood Cherokee who frequented his father's trading company. As a child, Ross participated in tribal events, such as the Green Corn Festival. The elder Ross was determined that John also receive a rigorous classical education. After being educated at home, Ross pursued higher studies with the Reverend Gideon Blackburn, who established two schools in southeast Tennessee for Cherokee children. Classes were in English and students were mostly of mixed race, like Ross. The young Ross finished his education at an academy in South West Point, Tennessee.