What We Have Endured: A Novel of the Seminole Wars

by John Missall, Mary Lou Missall, Willie Johns

What We Have Endured tells the story of the Seminole Wars through the eyes of Aheedja, a Seminole woman who suffers through nearly a half-century of brutal warfare, forced displacement, and painful deprivation. Determined to remain in the land of their birth, she and her people struggle against the unforgiving Florida climate and the overwhelming military might of the United States government. Written by noted Seminole War historians and a senior tribal member, What We Have Endured faithfully follows the history of America s longest and costliest war against a Native American nation. Although Aheedja is a fictional character, the sufferings depicted are typical of what many Seminole people experienced at the hands of a nation determined to drive them from their homes and destroy their way of life. More than a tale of warfare, What We Have Endured also examines the culture Aheedja was striving to preserve. Ancient customs, strength of family, and meaningful ceremonies all help Aheedja and the Seminole people face the loss of home, loved ones, possessions, and even hope, as they continue the struggle to remain unconquered.

284 pages, Paperback

Published October 21, 2020

Reviews

[Sean Don · Rating 4 out of 5]

a gripping an informative narrative about the various stages of the seminal war. entertaining with very valuable information for anyone interested on the period and the subjects surrounding it

[Susan Stans · Rating 5 out of 5]

What we have endured.
Book should have been shown to be authored by WILLIE JOHNS and John and Mary Missal. See below review.

Review:
I knew Willie Johns when I stayed at the Brighton Seminole Reservation near Okeechobee, Florida , conducting my dissertation research. We were both writing at the time. We talked many times about the importance of having Native authors speak of their own history rather than white outsiders or other scholars. I was excited for him. I don’t know the details of the Missall’s final agreement with Willie nor the timing. I thought that they should have let Willie have the first author position.

I loved the book and I could feel Willie speaking in the Seminole parts. I loved how he distinguished the gender roles, so important to understanding today’s tribal roles. Strong women today as well. They had a woman political leader long before the US got ready.

The Missal’s contribution of dates and present day locations, of editing, of writings of the US government and soldiers is valuable especially of the books completion. But Willie’s words make the story which can not be reduplicated today. Many of the things he revealed are still considered secret. Had he lived to see the books completion he would have been proud but perhaps criticized by tribal people for the sacred parts.
From my present day research and Alice Snow’s information in our collaboration in “Healing Plants: Medicine of the Florida Seminole Indians” by Alice Micco Snow and Susan Enns Stans, Alice was critiqued for giving away secrets. She felt it was worth the judgement because the Tribal members were not learning the medicine nor language because it was not being passed on to children and other Seminoles.
Excellent book. Highly recommended.