You have made my day!

I'm glad I challenged your statement by trying to explain the statement the present Choctaw Nation made. Both you and the Choctaw Nation are correct. And, you provided the exact document that I needed to figure this mess out....ha ha. I didn't mean to be argumentative but the I. T. records are very difficult to research with many discrepancies to deal with. My gggfa, Lt. George W. Risner, was a German who lived among the Choctaws in the Choctaw Nation with many of his children married to Choctaws. He would not, however, have been allowed payment from the Choctaws because he was white and therefore must have accompanied Pike to the Battle as the Choctaw Nation stated George fought at the Battle of Pea Ridge. This was the rub! I couldn't figure out how he fought at that Battle if most of the Mounted Choctaw Rifles did not fight there. His son, Jack Risner, was with George and also fought at Pea Ridge. The Choctaw Nation did, however, allude to the fact that Cooper fought there or maybe I misinterpreted their statement. I haven't gone to the site you mentioned but I will.

By the way, I am familiar with Dwight Mission. George Risner's neice married a Dwight and their son, Ben Dwight, became the Chief of the Choctaw Nation. Small world! So, you have furnished me with an avenue and the documents to pursue other family members, as well. I have a feeling I'll be getting back to you after I read the rest. And, thank you!

Clydene