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CLASS OF 1822
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Although often called West Point’s first Indian graduate, Moniac’s heritage, like that of many Americans, was mixed—not only Creek,
but also Dutch, Scottish, and English. He resigned his commission soon after graduation, returning to his Alabama home and marrying Mary
Powell, cousin to Osceola (Billy Powell), later a Florida Seminole leader. The couple had a son and a daughter.
Little is known of Moniac during the years before his return to military service. Apparently he was a cotton planter, slave holder, and
breeder of race horses. In 1836, Moniac was appointed captain of Creek mounted volunteers in the Second Seminole War (1835–1842), the last
major war pitting the U.S. Army against Indians east of the Mississippi. On 21 November 1836, less than a week after his promotion to major,
he died leading a charge at the Battle of Wahoo Swamp.
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