Native American Folk Figure. He was a blacksmith, gunsmith, and in 1885, was elected a representative of National Council from the Going Snake District of Cherokee Nation. Two years later, he became embroiled in what would become the fight of his life. It began on May 4, 1887 with the murder of Deputy Daniel Maples in the Cherokee Nation. His companion John Parris, was arrested for the murder, but Parris told the authorities that Ned had fired the gun that killed the Deputy. He was now a wanted man, with a reward for his capture, dead or alive, for a crime he swore he did not commit. For the next five years he was searched out as a Cherokee rouge, killer outlaw. Scores of posse-men were unable to apprehend him although he never left his home. He continued to stand up for the sovereignty of the Cherokee Nation and vowed to never speak English again. In November 1892, a posse attempted to bring in a cannon to blow him out of his house. Being unsuccessful as the home was high above a creek, the deputies resorted to dynamiting the house. The dynamite prompted him to run from the house in front of the officers, only to be shot to death. In the early 1900's, a witness came forward and Ned Christie was cleared of any alleged involvement in the shooting. Even though Cherokee People regard him as a martyr and patriot, history continues to refer him as a notorious criminal, gang leader and murderer.
Native American Folk Figure. He was a blacksmith, gunsmith, and in 1885, was elected a representative of National Council from the Going Snake District of Cherokee Nation. Two years later, he became embroiled in what would become the fight of his life. It began on May 4, 1887 with the murder of Deputy Daniel Maples in the Cherokee Nation. His companion John Parris, was arrested for the murder, but Parris told the authorities that Ned had fired the gun that killed the Deputy. He was now a wanted man, with a reward for his capture, dead or alive, for a crime he swore he did not commit. For the next five years he was searched out as a Cherokee rouge, killer outlaw. Scores of posse-men were unable to apprehend him although he never left his home. He continued to stand up for the sovereignty of the Cherokee Nation and vowed to never speak English again. In November 1892, a posse attempted to bring in a cannon to blow him out of his house. Being unsuccessful as the home was high above a creek, the deputies resorted to dynamiting the house. The dynamite prompted him to run from the house in front of the officers, only to be shot to death. In the early 1900's, a witness came forward and Ned Christie was cleared of any alleged involvement in the shooting. Even though Cherokee People regard him as a martyr and patriot, history continues to refer him as a notorious criminal, gang leader and murderer.
Bio by: John "J-Cat" Griffith
Gravesite Details
July 21, 2023 Ned's tombstone was broken in half laying on the ground.
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