Milly Hayo Francis
Milly Hayo Francis was the daughter of Josiah Francis, a notable Seminole prophet involved in efforts to rally support for Tecumseh's pantribal rebellion in the early 19th century. She is remembered for her courageous intervention during the First Seminole War when her father ordered the execution of Georgia militiaman George McKinnon. Milly pleaded for McKinnon's release, claiming she would perish alongside him if he was burned, leading to her father's decision to spare his life. After Josiah Francis's death, Milly, along with other vulnerable individuals, sought refuge at an army post, where McKinnon, who had since escaped captivity, spared her once again. Although he offered marriage out of a sense of gratitude, Milly declined, believing his intentions were based on obligation rather than affection. In recognition of her bravery, the U.S. government granted her a pension in 1844, but she died four years later without receiving the funds. Milly Hayo Francis's story reflects themes of resilience and the complexities of human relationships during a tumultuous period in American history.
Milly Hayo Francis
- Born: c. 1802
- Birthplace: Florida
- Died: c. 1848
- Place of death: Indian Territory (now near Muskogee, Oklahoma)
Category: Peacemaker
Tribal affiliation: Creek, Seminole
Significance: In an incident reminiscent of the legend of Pocahontas and John Smith, Milly Francis is known for having intervened to save the life of a white soldier
Milly Hayo Francis was the daughter of the Seminole prophet Josiah Francis, who traveled throughout the Mississippi Valley seeking allies for Tecumseh and his pantribal rebellion. According to legend, Josiah Francis, during the First Seminole War (1817), ordered the death of Georgia militiaman George McKinnon. After he was tied to a stake in preparation for burning, Milly Francis intervened, begging for McKinnon’s release, claiming she would also die if he burned. After Josiah Francis relented, McKinnon lived with the tribe. He was eventually sold to the Spanish as a slave.
When a band of starving women and children, including Milly Francis, appeared at an army post after Josiah Francis’ death, newly escaped McKinnon spared her life. Legend holds he offered her marriage, which she refused, believing he only asked out of a sense of obligation.
After relocating to Indian Territory, in 1844 Milly Francis was granted a pension by the U.S. government in gratitude for her actions during the First Seminole War. She died fours years later without having received any of the funds.