200 BUREAU OF AMERICAN ETHNOLOGY [Bull. 196 



The success gained by means of this perilous journey, won for 

 Lowrey, Washington's warmest approval and esteem; and the greatest 

 confidence and regard of his people. 



In 1791, George Lowrey was chosen one of a Delegation sent to 

 Washington City, to solicit payment of the Annuity which had 

 been promised in the Treaty of 1785, and had not been paid. This 

 expidition met with a favorable issue, and the payment was made 

 in the following year. 



When about twenty years old, George Lowrey was married to 

 Lucy Benge, a Cherokee girl, also of Scottish descent, she, too, owned 

 quite a considerable amount of property, as, slaves, horses, cattle &c. 

 It was customary, in those times, for a young Indian man, con- 

 templating marriage, first to prepare a dwelling place, making it 

 as comfortable as he knew how; then the consent of the girl must 

 be obtained, as also that of her mother, after which, at a time pre- 

 viously agreed upon, the girl accompanied him to his home and 

 became his wife. 



Thus it was that Mr. and Mrs. Lowrey began their wedded Ufe. 



They were truly devoted to each other, and up to old age treated 

 each other with the greatest respect and kindness Theh children, 

 in after years, in speaking of their parents, were heard to remark, 

 "Never a hard word passed between them, and they never had a 

 misunderstanding. 



Mrs. Lowrey was very industrious, and kept every thing around 

 her in beautiful order. 



She also learned to spin and weave, and took great delight in 

 making clothing for her family, in making quilts, in embroidery 

 and other fancy work. 



She was very skilful in making the beaded belts, so highly prized 

 by Cherokee braves and warriors. 



She and "Wuttie," p*] the wife of John Lowrey, George's younger 

 brother, so improved and embelished these belts, that they generally 

 sold for twenty five dollars apiece. 



In sickness, being unwilling to trust the members of her famUy to 

 native doctors and conjurers, Mrs. Lowrey attained great skill La the 

 use of medicinal roots and herbs, especially in cases of the bite or 

 sting of reptiles or poisonous insects. 



The years brought increasing prosperity to Mr. Lowrey, and he 

 became the owner of a large number of slaves, over whom, as a reward 

 for his faithful services, Billy was advanced to the position of overseer, 

 which station he occupied as long as he lived. 



«* I have encountered this name several times among those of Wahenauhi's social class. We 

 suggest that originally it may have been Awo:di, a fairly common feminine name probably derived from 

 wo:di ('paint'). 



