My Early Life

At the start of the American Revolution (1775-83), McGillivray returned to Little Tallassee and Creek society. During the war, he was a colonel in the British army, and he worked for British Superintendent of Indian Affair. He helped form alliances between Creek and British forces. McGillivray participated in the deerskin trade, and he owned African slaves. He herded cattle, loved to read, and ran a plantation. He also followed Native American rituals and had multiple wives.