Not me personally, but my maternal great grandmother survived the Cherokee Agency route (thru Illinois) of the Trail of Tears.

Sixty-two years, after the Signing of the Declaration of Independence, the United States began the removal of Cherokees, (residing primarily in Georgia) to Oklahoma.

4000 Men, Women and Children died walking from Georgia to Oklahoma during that "relocation." There were 3 different routes, with the "Cherokee" route being the longest of them all.

Though, i am proud. And am grateful. Cuz my great grand mother did marry a white man, and did birth my grandpa Harry.
Who, in turn received an 80 acre homestead in Arkansas. Then Momma was born, and now here i am to tell you all about it.. *smile*