There were apparently numerous Cherokee living around Mena before and during the war. My ancestors lived in Dallas Township. My gg grandparents were married in Mena in 1863. In the Dawes hearings, Chief Buffington testified that he witnessed their marriage as a boy while in Mena with other Cherokee refugees. Families in Polk Co. that were Cherokee by blood or marriage include: Crittenden, Quinton, Woods, Howell, Whisenhunt. These families were mixed bloods that migrated from Georgia in the early to mid 1830s.

This is the first I've heard of an "Indian raid" at Mena. I'm anxious to hear more details.