This tag was created by Hai In Jo.
Jesse Rowe
Jesse Rowe (Freedmen applicant) was born enslaved to Dick/Dave Rowe (Cherokee), and later enslaved to George Starr (Cherokee).
Jesse recalled that "my master Dave Rowe was a very wild and reckless man and owed a great deal of money. We got sold off, and George Starr acquired us, taking us to Texas" when the war started. He married Parmelia Rowe in 1862, recollecting, "that is how I remember my age; my master made fun of me and told me I wasn’t but 14 years old and too young to marry."
Jesse first visited the Cherokee Nation in winter 1867, before Christmas, staying approximately two months. It was during this time that he began his preaching endeavors, at around twenty years of age. He had previously served as a missionary in Texas, and later became a minister for thirty-two years. Belonging to the Missionary Baptist church, he held the position of a moderator of the churches in the district of Delaware at the time of his application to the Dawes Roll. His position as moderator was elected by the members of the churches.
Jesse brought his children to the Cherokee Nation in 1879 or 1880, and the children resided there continuously after this time. His daughter, Lizzie, married Joshua Seals. Together they had four children: Ademiah, Alverta, Pearle, and Clifford Seals, all born in Texas. Following Lizzie’s passing, and unaware of Joshua’s whereabouts, Jesse brought Parmelia and their four grandchildren to the Cherokee Nation in 1890.
Jesse Rowe applied unsuccessfully for enrollment on the Dawes Roll for himself and his grandchildren; the decision following the interview stated, “At the present time the Commission cannot see any ground for placing the applicant and his four grandchildren on a doubtful card even, but it will be done at the request of the attorney for the applicants.”