The Pins

The Pins - Synopsis

This story attempts to dramatize the collaborations among Cherokee men and women, Freedmen and White/Melungeon who executed sabotage and espionage missions together during the Civil War in Cherokee Territory in Oklahoma and the Arkansas/Missouri border. They were derogatorily called "Pins" or "Pin Indians," wearing a cross of pins under their coat lapels for identification within this secret group. Historically, their activities have not been well-documented, thus making a historical fiction the best way to communicate the types of activities and interactions they may have had. As much historical material will be woven into this story as possible, while also being sensitive to the needs of making a good story with complex and relatable characters.

The story is framed in the context of a doctoral student who is making a living as a substitute teacher at the Santa Fe Indian School. He has vague notions about his family history, based on family lore and extensive research done by his older sister. However, some of the stories describe some things that seem very likely to be untrue. The sub reaches out for help with his genealogy on an electronic bulletin board, describing what he knows about an ancestor who was murdered during the Civil War and he is answered by an African American Baptist preacher who says he is pretty sure he has documents that explain the details of the sub's ancestor's life and why he was killed.

The sub agrees to meet with the preacher at Blackjack Church that is located adjacent to the property that was owned by the sub's ancestor in Berryville, AR. The preacher also invites a Cherokee woman who is a lawyer, specializing in Native law. The preacher presents a large document, explaining that it is a compilation and translation of the stories, written by their ancestors before and during the Civil War, which were originally written in Cherokee. The three people at the meeting agree to meet every day and read aloud the text that was written by their respective ancestor.

The story details their lives growing up by the Dwight Mission at the Illinois Bayou and the Goingsnake District in Cherokee Territory.  It also gives details about each of the ancestors' family histories, details about the cultural influences and training, as well as their multiple adventures working for the Pins. Other prominent characters include Moses "Wohsi" Price, who was a prominent leader who brought many Cherokee people and their friends to Arkansas long before the Trail of Tears. Also, other famous historical figures like Evan Jones and his son John, Albert Pike, the families of each of the three main characters, etc.

The stories primarily focus on three ancestors who are the ancestors of the three readers. Each one has a special expertise which serves the Pins in unique and entertaining ways. The Cherokee name for the sub's ancestor is Huhu, which means "mockingbird." His Melungeon/White background and interest in books and people's accents gives him some expertise at mimicking others, thus allowing him to fit into any social situation. Although he is technically Melungeon, by his mother, he can pass for White; or not. He appears to others as they want to see him. The lawyer's ancestor is a Ghigau (Warrior Woman or Beautiful Woman) with feminine authority who has amazing hunting, scouting and fighting skills. Her Cherokee name is Totsuwa which means "cardinal." The preacher's ancestor is an African American/Freedman who has learned from Evan Jones how to speak to others in ways that can change their minds.  His Cherokee name is Koga which means "crow." The three friends form a team that helps the causes of the Keetoowah in the context of the Cherokee Civil War within the American Civil War.