Moytoy I
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Amatoya Moytoy of Chota was a Cherokee town chief of the early eighteenth century. Moytoy I is also called Amatoya Moytoy, Moytoy of Chota, and Moytoy the Elder. Although he held a prominent position among the Cherokee, it is unclear if he ever held the title "Principal Chief" (Ukuwiyu'i Yunwiya). He ruled the town of Chota sometime between the beginning of the eighteenth century and 1730.
He was born around 1660, and died in 1730. In 1680, he married Quatsie of Tellico. Many of their descendants went on to become prominent leaders, founding a family that effectively ruled the Cherokee for more than fifty years. One of their sons became Moytoy II (Pigeon of Tellico), the Principal Chief and Emperor of the Cherokee. Another son was Old Hop (Stalking Turkey), who briefly succeeded his brother as Principal Chief and Emperor from 1760-1761. Through his eldest daughter, Nancy Moytoy, Amatoya Moytoy was the grandfather of Attacullaculla (who was called "Prince of Chote-Tenase" by the British because of this). He was also a great-grandfather of Nancy Ward. Descendants of Moytoy I include the families of Major Ridge, Elias Boudinot, Stand Watie, and Chief Nimrod Jarrett Smith.
| Preceded by unknown, no prior contact |
Leading chief of the Cherokee tribe ?–1730 |
Succeeded by Moytoy II |
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