Stand Watie was the only American Indian to attain the rank of brigadier general during the Civil War and the last Confederate general to surrender. Born in Georgia on December 12, 1806, he spoke only the Cherokee language until he was twelve years old. When the federal government began urging Cherokees to move from Georgia, Tennessee, and North Carolina to a home west of the Mississippi, he believed it was best for the Cherokees to make the move. As a signer of the Treaty of New Echota in 1836, which provided for Cherokee removal to the west, he gained the enmity of those who opposed the treaty. After removal to the west, he married Sarah C. Bell, and they had three sons and two daughters. At the outbreak of the Civil War, he espoused the southern cause and soon received a commission as colonel in the Confederate army. He participated in the battles of Wilson Creek, Bird Creek, Pea Ridge, Honey Springs, and Cabin Creek. He attained the rank of brigadier general on May 10, 1864, and served as joint commander with General R.M. Gano at the Battle of Cabin Creek on September 18, 1864. In that battle the Confederates routed the Federals and captured about 300 wagons loaded with supplies, enabling the destitute Indian Confederates for a time to continue in the war. He surrendered his command at Doaksville, near Fort Towson, on June 23, 1865, and died on September 9, 1871.