Stone Gardens: Old Creek “Itshas Harjo” Beaver came to Oklahoma in 1837 on the Trail of Tears

Old Creek Beaver, known as Itshas Harjo ("Crazy Bear" in Muscogee), lived a remarkable life that wove together the histories of the Creek and Cherokee Nations.

Born in 1821 in Eufaula, Alabama, he passed away on November 2, 1916, at his home near Lyons in Adair County, likely in his mid-90s, though his obituary claimed an extraordinary 119 years.

As a teenager, Beaver faced the Creek Nation’s forced removal. Sent to Georgia to consult with Cherokee leaders about the looming displacement, he married a Cherokee woman and lived with her family.

In 1837, he joined the Cherokee on the Trail of Tears, enduring the harrowing journey west. Tragically, his wife died soon after their arrival. Beaver then settled in the Creek Nation in Oklahoma, married a Creek woman, Anna Yahola, and fathered five children: Jim, Susie, Lamb, Lydia, and Anna. Only two survived him.

During the Civil War, Beaver and his son Jim served in the Union Army at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas. While Jim saw no combat, Beaver fought in two battles, names lost to history, reflecting the divided loyalties of Native nations.

Later, as a respected elder in Adair County, he upheld Creek traditions while speaking only Cherokee, a skill gained from his first marriage. His fluency made him a vital translator during the allotment process, aiding Creek individuals within the Cherokee Nation.

Beaver’s large farmhouse near Lyons became a cultural hub, hosting annual stomp dances to celebrate a favorite grandchild’s birthday.

These gatherings drew hundreds of full-blood Indians, showcasing his role as a community leader. Welcoming all visitors, he preserved traditions amid profound change.

Pieced together from interviews, the Oklahoma Indian Pioneer Papers, and family accounts via his grandson Clem (born 1871 to Jim and Nellie Beaver), Old Creek Beaver’s life illuminates the interconnectedness of the Creek and Cherokee experiences.

Buried in Beaver Cemetery, his story was partly captured by Creek poet Alexander Posey, who founded the Eufaula Indian Journal and gained national recognition for developing the first Indian-published daily. His resting place is approximately six miles south of Stilwell in Adair County.

From forced removal to cultural preservation, his journey stands as a testament to endurance and leadership in a turbulent American West.