A Man Called Horse: John Horse and the Black Seminole Underground Railroad

Summary

A daring account of Black Seminole warrior, chief, and diplomat John Horse and the route he forged on the
Underground Railroad to gain freedom for his people
John Horse (c. 1812–1882, also known as Juan Caballo) was a famed chief, warrior, tactician, and diplomat
who played a dominant role in Black Seminole affairs for half a century. His story is central to that of the Black
Seminoles—descendants of Seminole Indians, free Blacks, and escaped slaves who formed an alliance in
Spanish Florida. A political and military leader of mixed Seminole and African heritage, Horse defended his
people from the US government, other tribes, and slave hunters.
A Man Called Horse focuses on the little-known life of Horse while also putting into historical perspective the
larger story of Native Americans and especially Black Seminoles, helping to connect the missing “dots” in this
period. After fighting during the Second Seminole War (1835–1842), one of the longest and most costly Native
American conflicts in US history, Horse negotiated terms with the federal government and later became a
guide and interpreter. Forced to relocate, he led a group of Black Seminoles to find a new home, first heading
westward to Texas and later to Mexico.
Turner worked with descendants of Horse, who provided oral histories as well as many photographs and
other artifacts. Her expertly researched and vetted biography depicts Horse as a complex, fascinating figure
who served in many varied roles, including as a counselor of fellow Seminole leaders, an agent of the US
government, and a captain in the Mexican army. But no matter the part he played, one thing remained constant:
whether in battle or at the negotiating table, Horse fought tirelessly to help his people survive. The story of John
Horse is a tale of daring, intrigue, and the lifelong quest for freedom.
The book includes black-and-white archival photos throughout (though the book is designed in full color), as
well as a map, timeline, author's note, endnotes, and select bibliography.