Introduction
Takatoka, ("Degadoga", "Tatoka") (c.1755 – 1824), was the second Principal Chief of the Cherokee Nation—West (from 1813 until 1817) established in the old Arkansaw Territory,
Life
Takatoka was an 1810 Cherokee emigrant to the Arkansaw area of the Louisiana Territory. Takatoka rose to the office of principal chief after the departure of his predecessor, The Bowl. The Bowl had been a past Chickamauga leader who had led Takatoka and several hundred followers into 'the west' to escape the influence and constant expansion of the United States.
Takatoka served as war chief of the western Cherokee during the Cherokee-Osage War (1817-1823), having been replaced as principal chief by Tahlonteeskee. He became ill and quickly died in an Illinois farmhouse while en route to Washington D.C. during a diplomatic mission.