She was an agent of change in Cherokee society, strove for peace with the white people, and was a supporter of women's rights in the earliest days of the American experiment.
Birth of a Beloved Woman
Nanye-hi, or "One who goes about," was born in 1738 in the Cherokee village of Chota. The smallpox outbreak apparently did not directly affect Ward. Her mother, Tame Doe, belonged to the Wolf Clan. Little is known about her or Ward's father. According to one biography, Nanye-hi was well respected and had two children by the time she was 17.
Brave Wife and Mother
Her first husband, a Cherokee called Kingfisher, was killed in battle. They had two children, however, and named them Catherine and Fivekiller. Nanye-hi and Kingfisher were involved in a raid on the Creeks in 1755 at the battle of Taliwa. When he was killed, she seized his rifle, sprang into action, and led the Cherokees to victory. Her valor led to the clans naming her "Beloved Woman."
She was also known as Agi-ga-u-e, or "War Woman." During the Revolutionary War, she alerted the white people of an impending attack, an act for which she is considered a Patriot by the Daughters of the American Revolution and the Sons of the American Revolution.
Leadership in the Cherokee Nation
Nanye-hi demonstrated strength and judgment in Cherokee society. Another source discusses Ward's vital role in the negotiation of the first treaty with the white government. It is known as the Treaty of Hopewell and Ward was present when it was signed. Ward was also known for her generosity: In 1776, expressing her authority as a Ghigau, she spared the life of a woman after a battle at Fort Watauga. She took the woman into her care and nursed her back to health.
As time passed, Nanye-hi became frustrated with the white government and their habit of repeatedly breaking treaties. She did not like the idea of surrendering so much land to the white people. Interestingly, she was one of the first Cherokees to own black slaves! In time, she proved quite the diplomat; she was appreciated for her ability to negotiate with the white man. She is remembered as a leader and visionary.
Nanye-hi was buried, according to Fivekiller, in her home territory of Chota. The date of her death is listed as 1822 or 1824.
Sources:
The Tennessee Encyclopedia of History & Culture
White, Julia. Innerspace, "Woman Spirit." World Wide Web source, 1999.
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