|Died||February 17, 1881
Seminole Nation of Oklahoma
|Nationality||Seminole Nation of Oklahoma|
|Occupation||chief, sergeant, farmer, rancher|
|Height||2.0066 m (6 ft 7 in)|
|Denomination||Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)|
John Chupco (ca. 1821–1881) was a leader of the Hvteyievike, or Newcomer, Band of the Seminole during the time of their forced relocation to Indian Territory. From 1861 to 1866, he served as chief of the Seminole who supported the Union; the tribe divided over their loyalties during the war, with many supporting the Confederacy.
Early life and education
John Chupco was born in Florida. He grew up in traditional ways.
In 1861 when the American Civil War began, Chupco served as town chief. He refused to sign a treaty between the Seminole and the Confederate States of America. The Seminole leadership and members split, as did the Cherokee.
Chupco's tribal town followed Opothleyahola, the Muscogee Creek leader loyal to the Union and relocated to Kansas. There Chupco enlisted in the Union Army and ultimately became a first sergeant in Company F, First Regiment, Indian Home Guard.
From 1861-1866, Chupco served as chief of the Seminole who supported the Union, and after the war was a Southern Treaty Commission Deligate. John Jumper led the Seminoles allied with the Confederacy. The split between Seminoles lasted until 1872.
During Reconstruction, Chupco encouraged his tribe to rebuild their nation. In 1869, he joined the Presbyterian Church congregation in Wewoka, Oklahoma. He became a farmer and rancher and resisted the creation of Oklahoma Territory.
John Chupco died on February 17, 1881 in the Seminole Nation.
- May, Jon D. "Chupco, John (ca. 1821–1881)." Oklahoma Historical Society's Encyclopedia of Oklahoma History and Culture. Retrieved 29 Jan 2012.