Nancy Ward or Nan'yehi was born at Chota around 1783 in the Overhill region of the Cherokee nation to Fivekiller and Tame Deer. While she was young, missionaries were trying to persuade others to accept their region. When Nan'yehi was in her teens, she married a Cherokee man named Kingfisher. Once, the Cherokees fought the Creeks at the Battle of Taliwa. During the battle, Kingfisher was killed. She took up his gun and led her people. Nan'yehi won the battle and the title ''Beloved Woman." The title 'Beloved Woman" was given to women of great influence. After her great loss, she got married to an Irishman, Bryant Ward. She became a peace negotiator later on. When she became old, she returned to Chota. Her son, Fivekiller, cared for her and reported on seeing a white light leave her body as she died in 1824. The light was said to have entered the most sacred mound in Chota.

1999, by Bhavya, fourth grade

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