John Jolly | |
|---|---|
| Ahuludegi, Oolooteka | |
_Smithsonian.jpg) Ahuludegi, also known as John Jolly; oil on canvas by George Catlin, 1834 | |
| Cherokee Nation–West leader | |
| Preceded by | Tahlonteeskee |
| Succeeded by | John Looney |
| Personal details | |
| Born | c. 1769 |
| Died | 1838 Webbers Falls, Oklahoma |
| Relations | Brother, Tahlonteeskee; Sister, Jenny Due; Nephews, John Rogers, John Rogers Jr.; Niece, Tiana Rogers, (wife of Sam Houston) |
| Known for | Cherokee Leadership; first leader of the Old Settlers |
John Jolly (Cherokee: Ahuludegi; also known as Oolooteka) was a leader of the Cherokee in Tennessee, the Arkansaw district of the Missouri Territory, and Indian Territory (now Oklahoma). After a reorganization of the tribal government around 1818, he was made Principal Chief of the Cherokee Nation–West. Jolly was a wealthy slave-owning planter, cow rancher, and merchant. In many ways, he lived the life of a Southern planter.