Treasure Preserved – Choctaw Moccasin in the Family

Thumbing through the Choctaw Nation Trail of Tears booklet, we were elated to find the photo of our great-pokni’s moccasin displayed in an article by Judy Allen, Historic Projects Officer, Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma.

Documentation and family folklore tells us that our great-grandmother, Alchookmahimma (Mary Ann Homa Robuck), crossed the Trail of Tears as a young woman with her father, mother, and siblings. It is said that her mother drowned during the journey.

After settling in Indian Territory, Annie—the name she was more commonly known as—married her childhood schoolmate, William Robuck, sometimes spelled Roebuck. She and William had 8 children and established the Robuck Ranch (located in modern day Grant, Oklahoma). She became lovingly known as “Granny” to many in her community.

I hope to duplicate her design on a pair of moccasins I’ve started. Our cousin, Ronnie Benedict, has the treasured moccasin in his care. So grateful for the opportunity to photograph it.

(Pokni ~ Grandmother)